Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Biology 0970
Practice Examination
Time allowed: 1 hour 30 minutes
SECTION A: Structured Questions (40 marks)
Answer all questions in this section.
1. (a) State what is meant by eutrophication. [2]
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(b) Explain how applying excess fertiliser to farmland can lead to a decrease in oxygen
levels in a river. [4]
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(c) State two consequences of low oxygen levels for aquatic animals. [2]
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(d) Explain how non-biodegradable plastic waste in water bodies can affect aquatic
ecosystems. [2]
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2. (a) Describe what is meant by the greenhouse effect. [2]
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(b) Name two greenhouse gases and explain their effect on the Earth's temperature. [4]
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(c) Explain how deforestation contributes to higher levels of carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere. [2]
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(d) State one effect of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide on the environment. [2]
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3. (a) Name one waste substance excreted by the kidneys. [1]
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(b) Outline the structure of a nephron, including the glomerulus and tubule. [2]
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(c) Explain how filtration and reabsorption occur in the kidney. [3]
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(d) Explain how useful substances are reabsorbed back into the blood in the nephron. [3]
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(e) State what substances are found in urine. [1]
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4. (a) Define homeostasis. [1]
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(b) Name the part of the brain that regulates body temperature. [1]
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(c) Describe two ways in which the body responds when it is too hot. [3]
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(d) Describe two ways in which the body responds when it is too cold. [3]
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(e) Explain how insulin and glucagon interact to regulate blood glucose levels. [2]
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SECTION B: Multiple Choice (10 marks)
For each question, write the correct letter (A, B, C or D) next to the question number.
1. Which chemical is used to kill weeds (undesirable plants) in agriculture?
A. Insecticide B. Fungicide C. Herbicide D. Pesticide
2. Eutrophication is caused by an increase in the levels of:
A. Oxygen and nitrogen B. Carbon dioxide in air C. Nitrogen and phosphorus in water D.
Ozone in the atmosphere
3. Which of the following is a consequence of deforestation?
A. Increased soil erosion B. Decreased carbon dioxide levels C. Increased habitat
biodiversity D. More stable climate
4. Which gas is a major greenhouse gas released from cattle farms?
A. Oxygen B. Methane C. Nitrogen D. Argon
5. The kidneys excrete:
A. Glucose B. Red blood cells C. Urea D. Platelets
6. Which substance is not normally found in urine?
A. Water B. Urea C. Glucose D. Ammonia
7. Insulin is produced by the:
A. Liver B. Kidneys C. Pancreas D. Pituitary gland
8. When blood glucose level is low, the hormone released to raise it is:
A. Insulin B. Glucagon C. Adrenaline D. Thyroxine
9. Which skin component does NOT play a direct role in body temperature regulation?
A. Sweat gland B. Blood vessels in skin C. Hair erector muscle D. Sebaceous (oil) gland
10. In negative feedback control, if a deviation from the set point is detected, the body will:
A. Amplify the deviation B. Reduce the deviation to restore balance C. Maintain the new
level of deviation D. Ignore the deviation
Mark Scheme
Answers:
Section A: Answers may vary; use standard IGCSE Biology mark scheme.
Section B:
1. C
2. C
3. A
4. B
5. C
6. C
7. C
8. B
9. D
10. B
