Excretion in humans: past paper questions
Real questions on excretion in humans
The newest 20 of 31 written questions, plus 41 multiple-choice. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0970/42 · October/November 2025 · Q6b(i)[1]
State the name of the organ that produces urea.
See it on the paper → - 0970/42 · October/November 2025 · Q6b(ii)[1]
State the name of the organ that excretes urea.
See it on the paper → - 0970/31 · May/June 2025 · Q6c[2]
State the names of two substances excreted by the kidneys.
See it on the paper → - 0970/41 · May/June 2025 · Q4a[2]
Describe what is meant by the term excretion.
See it on the paper → - 0970/41 · May/June 2025 · Q4b[1]
State the name of the substance excreted by the lungs.
See it on the paper → - 0970/41 · May/June 2025 · Q4c[3]
Fig. 4.1 shows a simplified diagram of a cross-section of a kidney. P R Q Fig. 4.1 State the names of the parts labelled P, Q and R in Fig. 4.1. P Q R
See it on the paper → - 0970/41 · May/June 2025 · Q4d[6]
Fig. 4.2 shows the structure of a kidney nephron. X Y Z direction of flow Fig. 4.2 Describe and explain the difference in the composition of the fluids in structures X, Y and Z in Fig. 4.2. to structure Q in Fig. 4.1
See it on the paper → - 0970/41 · May/June 2025 · Q4e[2]
The liver is also involved in excretion. Describe two ways that amino acids are processed in the liver.
See it on the paper → - 0970/32 · October/November 2024 · Q1f[2]
Circle the names of two waste substances that are transferred from cells to blood. amino acids glucose carbon dioxide oxygen fatty acids urea
See it on the paper → - 0970/42 · October/November 2024 · Q3a(i)[2]
State the names of fluid A and fluid C in Fig. 3.1. A (i)
See it on the paper → - 0970/42 · October/November 2024 · Q3a(ii)[5]
Using the information in Fig. 3.1 and Table 3.1, describe and explain the differences in the compositions of fluids A, B and C.
See it on the paper → - 0970/41 · May/June 2024 · Q6c[1]
State the name of the component of blood responsible for transporting blood cells.
See it on the paper → - 0970/42 · October/November 2023 · Q5d[4]
Describe the role of the liver in excretion.
See it on the paper → - 0970/31 · May/June 2023 · Q3c(i)[2]
Circle the names of two excretory products in humans. amino acids lipase cellulose carbon dioxide oxygen glucose urea
See it on the paper → - 0970/31 · May/June 2023 · Q7a[6]
Fig. 7.1 is a diagram showing some of the organs in the human body. A B C D E F not to scale Fig. 7.1 Table 7.1 shows the names of some of the organs in Fig. 7.1, the identifying letters of some of these organs and their functions. Complete Table 7.1. Table 7.1 name letter in Fig. 7.1 function excretes carbon dioxide f...
See it on the paper → - 0970/32 · October/November 2022 · Q5a[1]
Fig. 5.1 is a diagram of some of the organs involved in the production and release of urine. Fig. 5.1 Draw an X on Fig. 5.1 to identify the position of the bladder.
See it on the paper → - 0970/32 · October/November 2022 · Q5b(i)[1]
State the species of mammal that released the lowest volume of urine in Table 5.1.
See it on the paper → - 0970/32 · October/November 2022 · Q5b(ii)[1]
State the species of mammal that has the largest range shown in Table 5.1.
See it on the paper → - 0970/32 · October/November 2022 · Q5c[3]
Explain why the volume of urine produced in humans can vary throughout the day.
See it on the paper → - 0970/32 · October/November 2022 · Q5d(i)[1]
State the name of the organ from the list that produces urea.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Many candidates were awarded one mark for stating urea or water. Incorrect answers included urine, faeces and semen.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0970/31 Q6(c) (Cambridge)
Descriptions of key terms are included in the syllabus and candidates should use them as a guide to their learning. Some candidates referred vaguely to waste products rather than metabolic waste products. Some candidates referred to toxic products in excess, which is inaccurate as all toxic material is in excess by definition.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0970/41 Q4(a) (Cambridge)
The correct response of carbon dioxide was commonly seen. Water vapour was also an acceptable response.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0970/41 Q4(b) (Cambridge)
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