Characteristics of living organisms — Paper 1 · IGCSE Sciences - Co-ordinated (Double) 0654

1 An animal is observed swimming in a river. It has legs, but no fins. Its skin is scaly. To which class of vertebrates does this animal belong? A amphibians B fish C mammals D reptiles

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2005

1 The diagram shows a bone from the human arm. Use the key to identify the bone. i Has a distinct socket at one end…………………. go to ii Has no distinct socket at one end..………………. go to iii ii Broad and flat in shape……………………………. A Rod-like in shape…………………………………… B iii Has a rounded structure that fits into a socket….. C Has no rounded structure…………………………. D

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2006

8 Which bones form a joint at the shoulder? A humerus and radius B humerus and scapula C ulna and radius D ulna and scapula

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2006

1 A fossil shows evidence of an organism with scaly skin, a tail and four legs. In which group would the organism be classified? A amphibians B fish C mammals D reptiles

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2006

1 Which system is used for naming and classifying living organisms? A binomial B biological C scientific D specific

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2007

1 Which feature is characteristic only of birds? A feathers and scales B fins and hard-shelled eggs C hair and scales D skin and soft-shelled eggs

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2007

1 The diagram shows an animal whose scientific name is Falco tinniculus. To which species does it belong? A bird B Falco C tinniculus D vertebrate

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2008

1 The diagram shows four vertebrate animals. P Q R S Which two animals belong to the same class? A P and Q B P and S C Q and R D Q and S

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2008

1 Which characteristic is shown by members of the same species? A They all live in the same place. B They are all identical in appearance. C They breed with each other to produce fertile offspring. D They cannot form clones.

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2009

1 An animal is observed swimming in a river. It has legs, but no fins. Its skin is scaly. To which class of vertebrates does this animal belong? A amphibians B fish C mammals D reptiles

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2009

1 Which features are found in mammals but not in other vertebrates? A claws and hair B claws and lungs C hair and milk D lungs and milk

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2010

6 Which features are found in mammals but not in other vertebrates? A claws and hair B claws and lungs C hair and milk D lungs and milk

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/12 Oct/Nov 2010

6 Which features are found in mammals but not in other vertebrates? A claws and hair B claws and lungs C hair and milk D lungs and milk

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/13 Oct/Nov 2010

1 The diagram shows four vertebrate animals. P Q R S Which animals have lungs? A P, Q and R B Q, R and S C R, S and P D S, P and Q

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2011

1 The binomial name for a tiger is Panthera tigris and for a lion, Panthera leo. What do the scientific names show? Lions and tigers A are both in the same species. B are genetically identical. C can interbreed. D have many features in common.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2011

2 The binomial name for a tiger is Panthera tigris and for a lion, Panthera leo. What do the scientific names show? Lions and tigers A are both in the same species. B are genetically identical. C can interbreed. D have many features in common.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/12 Oct/Nov 2011

3 The binomial name for a tiger is Panthera tigris and for a lion, Panthera leo. What do the scientific names show? Lions and tigers A are both in the same species. B are genetically identical. C can interbreed. D have many features in common.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/13 Oct/Nov 2011

1 Which characteristic of living organisms is represented in plants by photosynthesis? A excretion B nutrition C respiration D sensitivity

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/12 May/June 2013

1 A student was walking through some grass when he saw an object with a hole in its outer covering. When touched, a jet of fluid came out of the hole and the object moved away. Which characteristics of living organisms has the object shown? A excretion, nutrition B movement, respiration C movement, sensitivity D nutrition, sensitivity

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/13 Oct/Nov 2013

10 Seeds were placed on cotton wool in each of the tubes shown in the diagrams. In which tube would germination start first? A B C D bung cotton wool moist seeds moist dry cotton cotton cotton alkaline wool wool wool pyragallol (absorbs water water oxygen) 25 °C 25 °C 25 °C 5 °C

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/13 Oct/Nov 2013

1 Which rows correctly match characteristics of living things with their descriptions? characteristic description 1 excretion removing the waste products of metabolism 2 growth making more living things of the same type 3 nutrition taking in or producing food 4 respiration obtaining energy from food A 1, 2 and 4 B 1, 3 and 4 C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 4 only

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2014

1 The Venus fly trap is a plant that catches insects. Which characteristic is shown in the diagram? A excretion B growth C reproduction D sensitivity

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/12 May/June 2014

2 Which rows correctly match characteristics of living things with their descriptions? characteristic description 1 excretion removing the waste products of metabolism 2 growth making more living things of the same type 3 nutrition taking in or producing food 4 respiration obtaining energy from food A 1, 2 and 4 B 1, 3 and 4 C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 4 only

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/13 May/June 2014

1 Which is a characteristic of all living things? A a heart B breathing C excretion D sexual reproduction

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2015

1 What are all living things capable of? A excretion B digestion C photosynthesis D sexual reproduction

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/13 May/June 2015

2 What is correct for all living organisms? A They are sensitive to changes in their environment. B They excrete solid waste from their bodies. C They feed on other living organisms. D They grow larger by increasing their cell number.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2015

1 Which statement about the characteristics of living organisms is correct? A Excretion is the breakdown of molecules to release energy. B Nutrition is the removal of excess substances, toxic materials and waste products. C Respiration is the taking in of organic substances and mineral ions. D Sensitivity is the ability to detect and respond to changes in the environment.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/12 Oct/Nov 2015

1 An organism has the ability to break down nutrient molecules to release energy. What is this process? A excretion B growth C nutrition D respiration

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2016

1 All living organisms are capable of A asexual reproduction. B excretion. C photosynthesis. D phototropism.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/12 May/June 2016

1 What is not a characteristic of all living organisms? A breathing B excretion C movement D reproduction

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/13 May/June 2016

1 The plant Mimosa pudica grows in Central and South America. Its leaves close up rapidly when touched. Which two characteristics are shown by this action? A growth and movement B growth and sensitivity C movement and sensitivity D respiration and growth

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2016

5 The ribs are lowered as we breathe out. Which characteristic of living organisms does this illustrate? A growth B movement C respiration D sensitivity

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2017

2 Which characteristic of living organisms involves chemical reactions that break down nutrient molecules to release energy? A excretion B nutrition C reproduction D respiration

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/12 May/June 2017

10 Which processes occur in both animals and plants? excretion movement respiration 0 0O WwW > ~ KS KK \ << x

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/13 May/June 2017

2 A seedling is placed with its root horizontal to the ground. Three days later, the root is longer and curves towards the earth. Which characteristics of living things does this show? A growth, nutrition and movement B growth, sensitivity and movement C movement, nutrition and respiration D nutrition, sensitivity and respiration

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2017

13 Plants release oxygen as a waste product of photosynthesis. Which characteristic of living organisms does this demonstrate? A excretion B growth C nutrition D reproduction

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/12 Oct/Nov 2017

1 Which is a characteristic of all living things? A a heart B breathing C excretion D sexual reproduction

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2018

1 One way to test for microscopic life in soil is to see if carbon dioxide is released. Which characteristic of living things is being tested? A growth B nutrition C reproduction D respiration

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/13 Oct/Nov 2018

1 What is correct for all living organisms? A They are sensitive to changes in their environment. B They excrete solid waste from their bodies. C They feed on other living organisms. D They grow larger by increasing their cell number.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2019

1 What is correct for all living organisms? A They are sensitive to changes in their environment. B They excrete solid waste from their bodies. C They feed on other living organisms. D They grow larger by increasing their cell number.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/12 May/June 2019

1 What is correct for all living organisms? A They are sensitive to changes in their environment. B They excrete solid waste from their bodies. C They feed on other living organisms. D They grow larger by increasing their cell number.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/13 May/June 2019

1 Which process do all living organisms carry out? A asexual reproduction B excretion C ingestion D photosynthesis

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2019

1 Which term is used to describe the removal of toxic materials from living organisms? A excretion B nutrition C respiration D secretion

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/12 Oct/Nov 2019

1 The diagram shows a germinating seed in the soil. a Which characteristics of living organisms is the seed demonstrating? characteristic growth sensitivity v v 0 0O WwW > v x x v x x

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/13 Oct/Nov 2019

1 Which characteristic of living organisms is described as the chemical reactions in cells that break down nutrient molecules and release energy? A excretion B nutrition C photosynthesis D respiration

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2020

1 Which characteristic of living things is described as the removal of toxic materials and substances in excess of requirements? A excretion B homeostasis C nutrition D respiration

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/12 May/June 2020

1 The diagram shows some apparatus that can be used to test for one of the characteristics of life. limewater woodlice Which characteristic is being tested? A excretion B nutrition C reproduction D sensitivity

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/13 May/June 2020

1 Lions are carnivores that chase, catch and eat zebra. While still chasing zebra, which characteristic of living organisms is not exhibited by the lion? A movement B nutrition C respiration D sensitivity

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2020

1 Which would be considered movement by an organism? 1 a tree’s leaves being blown by the wind 2 migration of zebra in Africa 3 a student changing their seating position in a classroom A 1 and 2 only B 1 and 3 only C 2 and 3 only D 1, 2 and 3

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/12 Oct/Nov 2020

1 What is not a characteristic of all living organisms? A excretion B growth C photosynthesis D sensitivity

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/13 Oct/Nov 2020

1 Which row about characteristics of living things is correct? name of process definition of process A excretion the ability to detect and respond to changes in the environment B nutrition the removal of excess substances and toxic materials C respiration the breaking down of substances to release energy D reproduction the taking in of materials for energy, growth and development

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/12 Feb/March 2021

1 All living organisms can break down nutrient molecules to release energy. What is this process? A excretion B growth C nutrition D respiration

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/13 Oct/Nov 2021

1. Which processes occur in both animals and plants? excretion movement respiration v v v 0 0O WwW > v v x v x v x v v

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/12 Feb/March 2022

1 Which statement about one of the characteristics of living organisms is correct? A Excretion is the removal of excess substances and toxic materials. B Movement is the ability to detect and respond to changes in the environment. C Nutrition is the maintenance of a constant internal environment. D Respiration is the manufacture of nutrients from raw materials.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2022

1 Which statement about the characteristics of living organisms is correct? A Excretion is the chemical reactions in cells that release energy. B Nutrition is the taking in of materials for energy, growth and development. C Respiration is the process that makes more of the same kind. D Sensitivity is the removal of toxic materials and excess substances.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/12 May/June 2022

1 Which statement about the characteristics of living organisms is correct? A Excretion is the chemical reactions in cells that release energy. B Nutrition is the taking in of materials for energy, growth and development. C Respiration is the process that makes more of the same kind. D Sensitivity is the removal of toxic materials and excess substances.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/13 May/June 2022

1 Which characteristic of living organisms involves chemical reactions that break down nutrient molecules to release energy? A excretion B nutrition C reproduction D respiration

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2022

1 Which characteristic of living organisms involves chemical reactions that break down nutrient molecules to release energy? A excretion B nutrition C reproduction D respiration

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/12 Oct/Nov 2022

1 Which characteristic of living organisms involves chemical reactions that break down nutrient molecules to release energy? A excretion B nutrition C reproduction D respiration

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/13 Oct/Nov 2022

1 The diagram shows how an aquatic carnivorous bladderwort plant reacts to tiny aquatic organisms that swim by. animal is digested aquatic carnivorous by juices produced bladderwort plant contains air animal swims in by the plant plant stalk Which characteristics of living organisms are shown by this plant? A excretion and growth B growth and sensitivity C nutrition and excretion D nutrition and sensitivity

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/12 Feb/March 2023

1 Which is not a characteristic of all living organisms? A excretion B growth C photosynthesis D sensitivity

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/12 May/June 2023

1 Which is not a characteristic of all living organisms? A excretion B growth C photosynthesis D sensitivity

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/13 May/June 2023

1 Which characteristic of a living organism releases energy for growth? A excretion B reproduction C respiration D sensitivity

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2023

1 Which statement about the characteristics of living organisms is correct? A Excretion is the removal of excess substances and toxic materials. B Movement is the ability to detect and respond to environmental changes. C Nutrition is the breaking down of molecules to release energy. D Respiration is the manufacture of carbohydrates from raw materials.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/12 Oct/Nov 2023

1 A person throws a ball which their dog runs after and brings back to them. Which characteristics of living things is the dog showing by this action? A growth and nutrition B movement and nutrition C movement and sensitivity D sensitivity and growth

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/13 Oct/Nov 2023

1 The diagram shows a germinating seed below the soil surface. soil surface Which characteristic of living organisms ensures that the shoot grows upwards and the root grows downwards? A excretion B nutrition C reproduction D sensitivity

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/12 Feb/March 2024

1 What is a characteristic of all living organisms? A excretion B digestion C photosynthesis D sexual reproduction

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2024

1 Which two characteristics of living organisms are demonstrated by gravitropism? A growth and nutrition B growth and sensitivity C respiration and nutrition D respiration and sensitivity

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/12 May/June 2024

1 Which two characteristics of living organisms are demonstrated by gravitropism? A growth and nutrition B growth and sensitivity C respiration and nutrition D respiration and sensitivity

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/13 May/June 2024

1 Which characteristic of living things is described as the removal of toxic materials and substances in excess of requirements? A excretion B homeostasis C nutrition D respiration

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2024

1 What are two of the characteristics of all living organisms? A breathing and respiration B egestion and excretion C movement and sensitivity D nutrition and photosynthesis

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/12 Oct/Nov 2024

1 What are two of the characteristics of all living organisms? A breathing and respiration B egestion and excretion C movement and sensitivity D nutrition and photosynthesis

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/13 Oct/Nov 2024

1 A scientist studies a living organism. The organism has the ability to remove the waste products of metabolism. Which characteristic of living organisms does this show? A excretion B nutrition C respiration D reproduction

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/12 Feb/March 2025

1 Which characteristic of living organisms involves a permanent increase in size? A excretion B growth C respiration D sensitivity

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2025

1 The Venus fly trap is a plant that catches insects. Which characteristic of living organisms is shown in the diagram? A excretion B growth C reproduction D sensitivity

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/12 May/June 2025

1 The Venus fly trap is a plant that catches insects. Which characteristic of living organisms is shown in the diagram? A excretion B growth C reproduction D sensitivity

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/13 May/June 2025

1 Which characteristic of living organisms is described as the chemical reactions in cells that break down nutrient molecules and release energy? A excretion B nutrition C photosynthesis D respiration

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2025