Cambridge IGCSE Biology (9-1) 0970 — 2019 May/June Paper 1 · Variant 1
0970/11/M/J/19 · 40 questions · 40 marks · ≈45 min
The question paper and its mark scheme, free to read here and free to download. This is Cambridge’s own paper, exactly as it was sat.
Question paper16 pages
Mark scheme3 pages
Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.
Questions as text
Q1 · The diagram shows a leaf on a plant
1 The diagram shows a leaf on a plant. Sun simple sugars made in the leaf water from carbon dioxide the soil from the air Which characteristic of life is represented by this diagram? A excretion B nutrition C respiration D sensitivity
Mark scheme: B
Q2 · The diagram shows how Homo sapiens (modern people) could have evolved from earlier…
2 The diagram shows how Homo sapiens (modern people) could have evolved from earlier ancestors. Homo sapiens (modern people) Homo heidelbergensis Homo erectus Homo habilis Which statement about modern people and their ancestors is correct? A They are in the same species and the same genus. B They are in the same species but not the same genus. C They are in the same genus but not the same species. D They are neither the same species nor the same genus.
Mark scheme: C
More questions on Concept and uses of classification systems
Q3 · The diagram shows an insect
3 The diagram shows an insect. What is the insect? 1 insect has no wings ........................................... go to 2 insect has wings ................................................ go to 3 2 legs longer than, or as long as the body ........... A legs shorter than the body ................................. B 3 abdomen long and thin ...................................... C abdomen shorter and wider ............................... D
Mark scheme: B
More questions on Concept and uses of classification systems
Q4 · Which features are possessed by all plant cells?
4 Which features are possessed by all plant cells? 0 0O WwW D> a cell wall ~ Kw & chloroplasts x < x key J/ = present X = absent
Mark scheme: B
Q5 · Which organ is part of the digestive system?
5 Which organ is part of the digestive system? A colon B larynx C trachea D ureter
Mark scheme: A
Q6 · The diagram shows a test-tube containing clear jelly
6 The diagram shows a test-tube containing clear jelly. A drop of blue ink is injected into the middle of the jelly. clear jelly drop of blue ink The blue colour of the ink spreads throughout the jelly. By which process does the blue ink spread through the jelly? A active transport B catalysis C diffusion D osmosis
Mark scheme: C
Q7 · The apparatus shown was set up
7 The apparatus shown was set up. glass tube sugar solution pure water and blue ink partially permeable membrane Some hours later, the water in the beaker had turned blue, and the liquid in the glass tube had moved upwards. Which processes caused these changes? liquid in glass water turned tube moved blue upwards A osmosis diffusion B active transport osmosis C diffusion active transport D diffusion osmosis
Mark scheme: D
Q8 · Four solutions were tested to see whether they contained protein, starch or glucose
8 Four solutions were tested to see whether they contained protein, starch or glucose. The colours of the solutions after the tests are recorded in the table. Which solution contained protein and glucose but not starch? biuret test iodine test Benedict’s test A blue brown orange B blue blue-black blue C purple brown orange D purple blue-black blue
Mark scheme: C
Q9 · Small molecules are used as the basic units in the synthesis of large food molecules
9 Small molecules are used as the basic units in the synthesis of large food molecules. Which statement is correct? A Amino acids are basic units of carbohydrates. B Fatty acids are basic units of glycogen. C Glycerol is a basic unit of oils. D Simple sugar is a basic unit of protein.
Mark scheme: C
Q10 · Which graph shows the effect of pH on enzyme activity?
10 Which graph shows the effect of pH on enzyme activity? A B enzyme enzyme activity activity 1 7 14 1 7 14 pH pH C D enzyme enzyme activity activity 1 7 14 1 7 14 pH pH
Mark scheme: C
Q11 · The diagram shows an experiment to investigate the balance between respiration and…
11 The diagram shows an experiment to investigate the balance between respiration and photosynthesis. In which tube are photosynthesis and respiration taking place at the same time? A B C D black water polythene to keep snail out light light light light pond weed
Mark scheme: C
Q12 · The diagram shows a cross-section of a leaf as seen under a microscope
12 The diagram shows a cross-section of a leaf as seen under a microscope. Which structure is a palisade mesophyll cell? A B C D
Mark scheme: B
Q13 · The chart is used to find a person’s recommended mass
13 The chart is used to find a person’s recommended mass. 1.85 low low low ideal ideal ideal slightly slightly slightly moderately moderately moderately mass mass mass mass mass mass obese obese obese obese obese obese 1.80 1.75 1.70 height / m 1.65 1.60 1.55 1.50 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 mass / kg For the data provided about body mass and height, which person would benefit most from the introduction of a calorie-controlled diet and regular exercise? body mass height / kg / m A 40 1.55 B 50 1.75 C 70 1.80 D 90 1.75
Mark scheme: D
Q14 · The following statements are about enzymes
14 The following statements are about enzymes. 1 enzymes are catalysts 2 enzyme are proteins 3 enzymes are used up during chemical reactions Which statements are correct? A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only
Mark scheme: B
Q15 · The diagram shows a human tooth with an area of decay
15 The diagram shows a human tooth with an area of decay. area of decay What is likely to have caused the decay? A acids released by bacteria B digestion of the tooth by bacteria C excess of fat in the food D lack of fibre in the food
Mark scheme: A
Q16 · A celery stalk was placed into a beaker of blue dye
16 A celery stalk was placed into a beaker of blue dye. When the dye reached the leaves, the stalk was taken out and a section was cut, as shown in the diagram. celery stalk cut blue dye Which diagram shows the appearance of the cut end of the stalk? A B C D blue dye blue dye blue dye
Mark scheme: B
Q17 · The table shows the rate of water flow through a tree over a 12 hour period
17 The table shows the rate of water flow through a tree over a 12 hour period. rate of flow time of day / cm per hour 17:00 100 19:00 120 11:00 140 13:00 250 15:00 300 17:00 260 19:00 180 What conclusion can be drawn from the table? A Between 7:00 and 17:00 hours the rate of flow continuously increases. B The greatest increase in rate of flow in a two-hour period is between 11:00 and 13:00 hours. C Water does not flow up through a tree at night. D Water flow is affected by humidity.
Mark scheme: B
Q18 · The diagram shows a section of a human vein
18 The diagram shows a section of a human vein. X What is the function of the part labelled X? A to make sure the blood flows to the heart B to make sure the blood flows to the kidneys C to make sure the blood flows to the brain D to make sure the blood flows to the lungs
Mark scheme: A
Q19 · The diagram shows cross-sections through three types of blood vessel, not drawn to the…
19 The diagram shows cross-sections through three types of blood vessel, not drawn to the same scale. V W X Which section is from a vein and which is from a capillary? vein capillary A V W B W V C W X D X W
Mark scheme: C
Q20 · The diagram shows one way the body defends itself against pathogens
20 The diagram shows one way the body defends itself against pathogens. bacteria white blood cell What is the name of this defence mechanism? A antibody production B egestion C phagocytosis D vaccination
Mark scheme: C
Q21 · What is the approximate percentage of oxygen in expired air?
21 What is the approximate percentage of oxygen in expired air? A 0.04% B 4% C 16% D 21%
Mark scheme: C
Q22 · Potted plants are left for a week in a tank of water as shown
22 Potted plants are left for a week in a tank of water as shown. tank water soil permeable plant pot Why do the plants die? A The roots do not have enough oxygen. B The roots do not have enough water. C The roots have too much oxygen. D The roots have too much carbon dioxide.
Mark scheme: A
Q23 · The diagram shows two experiments investigating gas exchange in small aerobic crustaceans
23 The diagram shows two experiments investigating gas exchange in small aerobic crustaceans. Soda lime absorbs carbon dioxide. P Q coloured coloured liquid marker liquid marker small aerobic crustaceans wire gauze soda lime glass beads instead of soda lime Which way does the liquid marker move? P Q A left right B left stays still C right left D right stays still
Mark scheme: B
Q24 · Yeast is placed inside a container full of a glucose solution with no air
24 Yeast is placed inside a container full of a glucose solution with no air. Which word equation summarises the process that takes place inside the container? A glucose → ethanol + carbon dioxide B glucose → lactic acid C glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water D glucose + oxygen → ethanol
Mark scheme: A
Q25 · Which substances are excreted by humans?
25 Which substances are excreted by humans? caer urea urine A Jv J J B Jv x J Cc Jv J x D x J J key JV = involved X = not involved
Mark scheme: A
Q26 · The diagram shows a simple reflex arc
26 The diagram shows a simple reflex arc. Which labelled part is the sensory neurone? C B A D
Mark scheme: B
Q27 · Some structures in the eye are listed
27 Some structures in the eye are listed. 1 cornea 2 iris 3 lens 4 retina Which structures contain light receptors? A 1, 2 and 3 B 2, 3 and 4 C 2 and 4 only D 4 only
Mark scheme: D
Q28 · Which type of drug is used to treat bacterial infection?
28 Which type of drug is used to treat bacterial infection? A antibody B antibiotic C depressant D vaccine
Mark scheme: B
Q29 · The diagram shows a section of an insect-pollinated flower
29 The diagram shows a section of an insect-pollinated flower. Which structure is the anther? C B D A
Mark scheme: C
Q30 · In humans, what is an example of a secondary sexual characteristic in both males and…
30 In humans, what is an example of a secondary sexual characteristic in both males and females? A hair grows on face B hips widen C fat is deposited on hips and thighs D sexual organs grow
Mark scheme: D
Q31 · Which contraceptive method could provide protection from sexually transmitted infections?
31 Which contraceptive method could provide protection from sexually transmitted infections? A condom B diaphragm C hormone implant D vasectomy
Mark scheme: A
Q32 · Which human characteristics are inherited?
32 Which human characteristics are inherited? earlobe eye skin anguage shape colour colour A J J x J B J J x x Cc v x x Jv D x J J J key J = inherited X = not inherited
Mark scheme: A
Q33 · A rabbit has 44 chromosomes in each of its body cells
33 A rabbit has 44 chromosomes in each of its body cells. Which row correctly describes the gamete cells? number of gametes compared chromosomes to body cells A 22 genetically identical B 22 genetically different C 44 genetically identical D 44 genetically different
Mark scheme: B
Q34 · Which definition of continuous variation is correct?
34 Which definition of continuous variation is correct? A variation that results in a limited number of phenotypes between two extremes B variation that results in a limited number of phenotypes with no intermediates C variation that results in a range of phenotypes between two extremes D variation that results in a range of phenotypes with no intermediates
Mark scheme: C
Q35 · When is evolution by natural selection most likely to occur?
35 When is evolution by natural selection most likely to occur? A when there is a stable population of predators B when there is a stable environment C when there is less variation in the population D when there is more variation in the population
Mark scheme: D
Q36 · What process uses the principal source of energy input to biological systems?
36 What process uses the principal source of energy input to biological systems? A ingestion B decomposition C photosynthesis D respiration
Mark scheme: C
Q37 · The diagram shows an aquatic food web
37 The diagram shows an aquatic food web. blue whale killer whale seagull seal fish squid zooplankton krill crab phytoplankton seaweed Which statement is correct? A There are two producers and three herbivores. B There are two primary consumers and two secondary consumers. C There are three producers and two primary consumers. D There are two herbivores and two tertiary consumers.
Mark scheme: A
Q38 · Why are bacteria useful in biotechnology and genetic engineering?
38 Why are bacteria useful in biotechnology and genetic engineering? A They can reproduce rapidly. B They live in soil. C They may be pathogens. D They need complex nutrients.
Mark scheme: A
Q39 · What is a description of genetic engineering?
39 What is a description of genetic engineering? A cross breeding individuals with different important characteristics B cross breeding individuals with recessive alleles C inserting a gene from one organism into another D selecting random mutations to produce new varieties
Mark scheme: C
Q40 · Large areas of tropical forests have been cleared to grow monocultures of palm oil plants
40 Large areas of tropical forests have been cleared to grow monocultures of palm oil plants. Which effect will this have on the ecosystem? A The use of fossil fuels in the area will decrease. B The use of pesticides in the area will decrease. C The variety of species in the area will decrease. D The variety of species in the area will increase.
Mark scheme: C
What was in this paper
The subtopics covered by these 40 questions, and how many questions each got. Open one in a new tab to see every Cambridge question on it.
2Blood vessels2Concept and uses of classification systems2Enzymes2Gas exchange in humans2Aerobic respiration1Anaerobic respiration1Biotechnology1Cell structure1Characteristics of living organisms1Chemical digestion1Chromosomes, genes and proteins1Coordination and response1Diet1Diffusion1Digestive system1Diseases and immunity1Drugs1Energy flow1Excretion in humans1Food chains and food webs1Genetic modification1Habitat destruction1Leaf structure1Meiosis1Osmosis1Photosynthesis1Selection1Sense organs1Sex hormones in humans1Sexual reproduction in plants1Sexually transmitted infections1Transpiration1Variation1Xylem and phloem1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2019 May/June, Paper 1 · Variant 1. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.