Characteristics and classification of living organisms — IGCSE Science - Combined (0653) questions by topic
Defining the characteristics shared by all living organisms is the focus here: identifying which pairs of characteristics, such as nutrition and respiration, provide energy for movement, and defining terms like nutrition in a single precise sentence. Define, state and identify are the leading command words, and define specifically wants a textbook-precise statement rather than an example.
Only 6 real questions currently sit in this set, taken from 2023 to 2025 papers and worth 1 to 11 marks, so each question tests a distinct characteristic rather than repeating the same one. Submitting short definitions for instant marking is a fast way to check whether wording such as 'nutrition' has been defined precisely enough to match the mark scheme.
May–June 2025, Paper 11
What are characteristics of all living organisms? A excretion, breathing and sensitivity B gas exchange and muscle contraction C movement, excretion and respiration D muscle…
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2025, Paper 12
Which word describes the removal of waste products and substances in excess of requirements from an organism? A absorption B egestion C excretion D ingestion
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2025, Paper 22
Movement is a characteristic of all living organisms. Which two other characteristics of living organisms provide the energy for movement? A excretion and nutrition B growth and…
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2025, Paper 31
Nutrition is one of the characteristics of living organisms. Define nutrition.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2025, Paper 32
Nutrition is one of the characteristics of living organisms. State two other characteristics of living organisms.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2023, Paper 33
The boxes on the left show characteristics of living organisms; the boxes on the right show descriptions. Draw one straight line from each characteristic (growth, movement,…
Answer this question and get it marked →Other IGCSE Science - Combined topics
- Practical skills (96)
- Motion, forces and energy (53)
- Electricity and magnetism (38)
- Waves (32)
- Human nutrition (23)
- Acids, bases and salts (22)
- Organisms and their environment (21)
- Organic chemistry (21)
- Reproduction (20)
- Thermal physics (20)
- Plant nutrition (19)
- The Periodic Table (18)