IGCSE Biology Questions: Characteristics of Living Organisms Quiz and Flashcards

What is the process that makes more of the same kind of organism?

Which characteristic refers to the ability to detect and respond to changes in the internal or external environment?

What are the chemical reactions in cells that break down nutrient molecules and release energy for metabolism called?

Which process involves the removal of the waste products of metabolism and substances in excess of requirements?

What is the internationally agreed system for naming organisms comprising two parts showing the genus and species?

What kind of group are species, in terms of their ability to reproduce and produce fertile offspring?

What is the correct format for writing the scientific name of an organism?

How do scientists use DNA base sequence to classify organisms?

What do dichotomous keys use to classify organisms?

Which kingdom includes multicellular photosynthetic autotrophic organisms with a cellulose cell wall and chloroplasts?

What is a common feature of vertebrate mammals?

Which group of organisms are not part of any classification system?

What do arthropods have in common?

What is the defining characteristic of birds among vertebrates?

What is a common feature of reptiles among vertebrates?

What is a feature common to all animals?

Biological Processes

Reproduction is the process that makes more of the same kind of organism.

Characteristics of Life

Irritability refers to the ability to detect and respond to changes in the internal or external environment.

Cellular Metabolism

Cellular respiration is the set of chemical reactions in cells that break down nutrient molecules and release energy for metabolism.

Excretion

Excretion is the process that involves the removal of the waste products of metabolism and substances in excess of requirements.

Taxonomy

Binomial nomenclature is the internationally agreed system for naming organisms, comprising two parts showing the genus and species.
Species are a group of organisms that can reproduce and produce fertile offspring.
The scientific name of an organism should be written in italic font, with the genus name capitalized and the species name not capitalized.

Classification of Organisms

Scientists use DNA base sequence to classify organisms by comparing their genetic similarity.
Dichotomous keys use a series of characteristics to classify organisms into different groups.

Kingdoms of Life

Plantae includes multicellular photosynthetic autotrophic organisms with a cellulose cell wall and chloroplasts.

Characteristics of Vertebrates

Vertebrate mammals have mammary glands, which is a common feature among them.
Prions are not part of any classification system.
Arthropods have jointed limbs, a hard outer shell, and segmented bodies, which are common features among them.
Birds are characterized by the presence of feathers among vertebrates.
Reptiles are characterized by scaly skin among vertebrates.
Responsiveness to stimuli is a feature common to all animals.

Test your knowledge on the characteristics and classification of living organisms in the CAIE IGCSE Biology syllabus. This quiz covers topics such as movement, respiration, sensitivity, and more.