Cambridge IGCSE · Biology (0610)

Characteristics of living organisms: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Characteristics of living organisms.

10 questions24 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

According to the syllabus, which characteristic is described as a permanent increase in size and dry mass?

Question 2

1 mark

Which row correctly matches the characteristic of life with its biological purpose?

\(\begin{array}{|c|c|c|} \hline & \text{Characteristic} & \text{Biological Purpose} \\ \hline \text{A} & \text{Excretion} & \text{Removal of toxic metabolic waste} \\ \hline \text{B} & \text{Nutrition} & \text{Release of energy from glucose} \\ \hline \text{C} & \text{Respiration} & \text{Taking in of raw materials} \\ \hline \text{D} & \text{Growth} & \text{Making more of the same kind} \\ \hline \end{array}\)

Question 3

1 mark

Which of the following describes a process involving metabolism as defined in the description of respiration?

Question 4

1 mark

A botanist identifies a process in a plant where materials are taken in for energy, growth, and development. What is the name of this characteristic?

Question 5

1 mark

A plant is observed over a period of several days. Which of the following observations provides the most direct evidence of the characteristic of sensitivity?

Question 6

2 marks

Define movement as it applies to all living organisms according to the syllabus.

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Question 7

4 marks

Distinguish between growth and reproduction as characteristics of living things.

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Question 8

5 marks

Using the example of a plant shoot growing towards a light source, distinguish between sensitivity and movement, and explain why respiration is necessary to facilitate this specific growth response.

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Question 9

3 marks

Living organisms are defined by several key characteristics.

(a) Identify the characteristic that is defined as an action by an organism or part of an organism causing a change of position or place.
(b) State the definition of growth as provided in the syllabus.

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Question 10

5 marks

The characteristics of life allow organisms to maintain their internal state and react to their surroundings.

(a) Growth is defined as a permanent increase in size and dry mass. Explain why biological growth must be permanent and why an increase in size alone (such as when a seed absorbs water) is not always considered growth.
(b) Sensitivity involves the ability to detect and respond to changes. Describe the difference between an internal stimulus and an external stimulus, providing one specific biological example for each type.

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