Question 1Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge
Which evidence is used most in modern classification?
- A habitat
- B behaviour
- C DNA base sequences
- D diet
Show answer
Answer: C
Free Classification questions for IGCSE Biology (0610), part of Characteristics & classification. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.
Generate a full Classification worksheet →All Characteristics & classification questionsWhich evidence is used most in modern classification?
Answer: C
What is the correct order of classification groups, largest first?
Answer: A
Organisms are classified into groups using shared features.
State the sequence of classification groups from kingdom to species.
Explain the binomial system of naming species.
Explain why DNA sequences are used in modern classification.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species kingdom → phylum → class → order → family → genus → species (correct order) B2 | 2 |
| (b) | genus then species each organism has a two-part name B1 the genus followed by the species B1 | 2 |
| (c) | show evolutionary relationships more similar DNA base sequences show organisms are more closely related B1 reflects evolutionary relationships B1 | 2 |
This question is about classification and DNA.
Organisms are classified using features and the sequence of bases in their DNA. Explain why organisms with very similar base sequences are likely to be closely related.
State the binomial name of a species and explain what each part refers to.
State two features that are found in all mammals but not in birds.
Describe the structure of a DNA molecule.
Outline how the sequence of bases in a gene controls the function of a cell.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | share a recent common ancestor; less time for mutations to accumulate they share a more recent common ancestor B1 so there has been less time for differences (mutations) to build up B1 | 2 |
| (b) | genus then species first part is the genus B1 second part is the species B1 | 2 |
| (c) | fur / hair; external ears (pinna); mammary glands; give birth to live young Any 2 of: fur / hair; mammary glands; external ears (pinnae); live young (most); different types of teeth B2 | 2 |
| (d) | two strands; double helix; bases; complementary pairs A–T, C–G; sequence forms genes two strands B1 coiled into a double helix B1 each strand has a sequence of bases B1 bases pair A with T and C with G (complementary) B1 | 4 |
| (e) | base sequence codes for amino acid sequence; mRNA copied in nucleus; ribosome; protein (enzyme) shape determines function the gene is copied as mRNA in the nucleus B1 mRNA moves to a ribosome in the cytoplasm B1 the base sequence determines the sequence of amino acids B1 this determines the protein (e.g. enzyme) made, which controls the cell’s activity B1 | 4 |
This question is about classifying organisms.
List the seven characteristics of living organisms.
The lion is Panthera leo and the tiger is Panthera tigris. Explain what this binomial naming shows about the two species.
State two features that distinguish mammals from other vertebrates.
Explain why viruses are not classified in any of the five kingdoms.
Construct a dichotomous key to separate: a spider, a beetle, a crab and a centipede.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | movement, respiration, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, excretion, nutrition all seven~B3 (five or six B2, three or four B1) B3 | 3 |
| (b) | same genus, different species; closely related both are in the genus Panthera B1 they are different species but closely related B1 | 2 |
| (c) | fur/hair; mammary glands; external ears (pinna) Any 2 of: fur / hair; mammary glands / feed young on milk; external ears; diaphragm B2 | 2 |
| (d) | not made of cells; cannot carry out life processes on their own viruses are not cells / have no cytoplasm or cell membrane B1 they can only reproduce inside host cells and do not show all the characteristics of life B1 | 2 |
| (e) | key based on legs: 8 legs spider; 6 legs beetle; 10 legs crab; many legs centipede each question has two contrasting answers B1 correct features, e.g. number of legs / body sections B1 all four organisms correctly separated B1 | 3 |
Lions (Panthera leo) and tigers (Panthera tigris) are classified in the same genus.
State the genus and the species of the lion.
Explain how the scientific names show the lion and tiger are closely related.
Define a species.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | Panthera; leo genus Panthera B1 species leo B1 | 2 |
| (b) | same genus they share the same genus name B1 | 1 |
| (c) | group that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring a group of organisms that can reproduce B1 to produce fertile offspring B1 | 2 |
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