Characteristics of living organisms: past paper questions
Real questions on characteristics of living organisms
The newest 20 of 96 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0610/31 · May/June 2026 · Q1a(i)[1]
State the genus name of the amphibian shown in Figure 1.1.
See it on the paper → - 0610/31 · May/June 2026 · Q1a(ii)[1]
State the name of the kingdom the amphibian in Figure 1.1 belongs to.
See it on the paper → - 0610/31 · May/June 2026 · Q1b[3]
Table 1.1 shows some features of amphibians and reptiles. Complete Table 1.1 by placing ticks (3) in the boxes to show whether each feature is typical of amphibians or reptiles or both. feature amphibians Table 1.1 reptiles scales lungs laying eggs
See it on the paper → - 0610/31 · May/June 2026 · Q1c[1]
State the feature used to identify amphibians and reptiles as vertebrates.
See it on the paper → - 0610/32 · May/June 2026 · Q2c[1]
Rickets can affect teeth. State the name of the white outer layer of a tooth.
See it on the paper → - 0610/32 · May/June 2026 · Q4c[1]
State the name of the junction between two neurones.
See it on the paper → - 0610/41 · May/June 2026 · Q5a(i)[2]
Describe what is meant by the term species.
See it on the paper → - 0610/42 · May/June 2026 · Q2a[2]
Describe what is meant by a sustainable resource.
See it on the paper → - 0610/42 · May/June 2026 · Q6a(iv)[1]
State the name of the organ that the oxygenator replaces in Figure 6.1.
See it on the paper → - 0610/43 · May/June 2026 · Q1a(i)[2]
Complete Figure 1.1 by naming the missing kingdoms. protoctist plant all organisms animal
See it on the paper → - 0610/62 · May/June 2026 · Q2b(i)[1]
Identify the independent variable in this investigation.
See it on the paper → - 0610/62 · May/June 2026 · Q2b(ii)[1]
Identify one variable that was kept constant in this investigation.
See it on the paper → - 0610/62 · May/June 2026 · Q2b(iii)[1]
Suggest why the student planted so many beans.
See it on the paper → - 0610/32 · February/March 2026 · Q6a(ii)[1]
One of the parent pea plants has the genotype Rr. State the term used to describe an individual with two different alleles for a gene.
See it on the paper → - 0610/42 · February/March 2026 · Q1a(ii)[4]
Tick (3) the statements that describe all organisms in the animal kingdom. Their cells have a cell wall. They have lungs. They are multicellular. They are vertebrates. They obtain their energy by consuming other organisms. They respire.
See it on the paper → - 0610/42 · February/March 2026 · Q1b(i)[1]
On Figure 1.1, draw an X to identify a base.
See it on the paper → - 0610/42 · February/March 2026 · Q1b(ii)[2]
DNA is made from four different bases. Base G is one of these bases. State the letters of the three other bases and state which bases pair together.
See it on the paper → - 0610/32 · October/November 2025 · Q1a(i)[1]
State the name of the kingdom to which the organisms in Fig. 1.1 belong. (i)
See it on the paper → - 0610/32 · October/November 2025 · Q1a(ii)[1]
The organisms in Fig. 1.1 can be classified into a group because they have a common feature which is visible in the diagram. State the name of this group.
See it on the paper → - 0610/32 · October/November 2025 · Q1a(iii)[1]
State one feature, visible in Fig. 1.1, that identifies organism D as a fish.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Some candidates identified the term used to describe an individual with two different alleles for a gene. Limited responses • The majority of candidates would benefit from a more precise knowledge of the terminology associated with a study of genetics.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0610/32 Q6(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Many candidates identified the statements that described all organisms. Limited responses • Some candidates identified additional statements, including that all animals have lungs and are vertebrates.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0610/42 Q1(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Most candidates identified one of the bases in the diagram. Limited responses • Some candidates identified the bonds between the bases or part of the sugar-phosphate backbone.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0610/42 Q1(b)(i) (Cambridge)
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