IGCSE · Biology 0610 · Characteristics & classification

Characteristics of living organisms: IGCSE Biology questions with answers

Free Characteristics of living organisms questions for IGCSE Biology (0610), part of Characteristics & classification. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.

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Characteristics of living organisms practice questions

Question 1Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

Which are characteristics of all living organisms?
1    sensitivity
2    excretion
3    growth by adding crystals to the outside

  1. A 1, 2 and 3
  2. B 1 and 2 only
  3. C 1 only
  4. D 2 only
Show answer

Answer: B

Question 2Multiple choice · 1 mark

Which statement describes sensitivity?

  1. A An enzyme used to increase the yield of fruit juice
  2. B A fast, automatic response to a stimulus
  3. C The removal of waste products of metabolism and substances in excess of requirements
  4. D The ability to detect and respond to changes in the internal or external environment
Show answer

Answer: D

Question 3Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

Which are characteristics of all living organisms?
1    breathing through lungs
2    movement
3    excretion

  1. A 1, 2 and 3
  2. B 2 and 3 only
  3. C 2 only
  4. D 3 only
Show answer

Answer: B

Question 4Structured · 4 marksA* challenge

A car moves, uses fuel and gives out waste gases, but it is not alive.

(a)

Explain why a car is not a living organism, using two characteristics of life.

[2]
(b)

Define excretion.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)cannot grow or reproduce; no sensitivity
it cannot reproduce B1
it cannot grow (or respond to stimuli by itself / no cells) B1
2
(b)removal of waste products of metabolism and excess substances
removal of the waste products of metabolism (toxic materials) B1
and substances in excess of requirements B1
2
Question 5Structured · 2 marks

Define the characteristics of life.

(a)

Define growth.

[1]
(b)

Define nutrition.

[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)permanent increase in size and dry mass
a permanent increase in size and dry mass B1
1
(b)taking in materials for energy, growth and development
taking in of materials for energy, growth and development B1
1
Question 6Structured · 6 marks

All living organisms share seven characteristics.

(a)

Name four characteristics of living organisms.

[4]
(b)

Define respiration.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)movement, respiration, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, excretion, nutrition
Any 4 of: any four of: movement; respiration; sensitivity; growth; reproduction; excretion; nutrition B4
4
(b)chemical reactions in cells that break down nutrient molecules and release energy
the chemical reactions in cells B1
that break down nutrient molecules and release energy for metabolism B1
2

More Characteristics & classification questions

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Original Cambridge-style practice questions written for mentorriyaz.in. These are not Cambridge past paper questions, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Updated 2026-11-04. Paper generator · mentorriyaz.in