Free Variation questions for IGCSE Biology (0610), part of Inheritance & variation. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.
Generate a full Variation worksheet →All Inheritance & variation questionsVariation can be continuous or discontinuous.
1 ABO blood group shows discontinuous variation.
2 Mutation is a source of genetic variation.
3 Human height shows continuous variation.
Which statements are correct?
Answer: A
Which statement describes variation?
Answer: D
Variation can be continuous or discontinuous.
1 Mutation is a source of genetic variation.
2 Body mass shows discontinuous variation.
3 ABO blood group shows discontinuous variation.
Which statements are correct?
Answer: B
Mutation is a change in a gene or chromosome.
Name two factors that increase the rate of mutation.
Explain how a mutation can lead to sickle-cell anaemia.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | ionising radiation; chemicals ionising radiation B1 some chemicals (e.g. tar in tobacco) B1 | 2 |
| (b) | change in base sequence → abnormal haemoglobin a change in the base sequence of the gene B1 produces abnormal haemoglobin, so red blood cells become sickle-shaped B1 | 2 |
A student measures the heights of pupils in a class.
State the type of variation shown by height.
Explain why height is affected by both genes and environment.
Describe how the results could be displayed.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | continuous continuous variation B1 | 1 |
| (b) | genes set potential; diet affects genes determine the potential height B1 diet/health affect how much growth occurs B1 | 2 |
| (c) | histogram histogram (frequency of height ranges) B1 | 1 |
Variation can be continuous or discontinuous.
Distinguish between continuous and discontinuous variation, with an example of each.
State two causes of genetic variation.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | range vs categories; height; blood group continuous: a range of values, e.g. height/mass B1 discontinuous: distinct categories, e.g. blood group/tongue rolling B3 | 4 |
| (b) | mutation; meiosis; fertilisation Any 2 of: mutation; meiosis; random fertilisation B2 | 2 |
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