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IGCSEBiology
Trial Class

Original practice · 5 questions · 15 marks · about 17 minutes

Adaptation and Evolution Practice Questions

Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.

These questions test your understanding of how organisms become adapted to their environments through natural selection over long periods.

Before you open the answers

  • Attempt every question without notes.
  • Show working for calculations and write complete biological statements.
  • Use the suggested time as a guide, not a strict limit on the first attempt.

These are original practice questions. They do not reproduce an official Cambridge paper or official mark scheme.

  1. Question 1

    Paper 4 Both 4 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Describe four adaptations of a cactus (xerophyte) for surviving in a hot, dry environment.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Thick, waxy cuticle: reduces water loss by evaporation.
    2. Leaves reduced to spines: reduces surface area for transpiration.
    3. Thick stem stores water: reserves for dry periods.
    4. Extensive shallow root system: absorbs rainwater quickly over a large area.

  2. Question 2

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 4/5

    Explain how evolution by natural selection can lead to the formation of a new species.

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    1. Two populations of the same species become geographically isolated.
    2. Different selection pressures in each environment favour different adaptations.
    3. Over many generations, the populations accumulate so many genetic differences that they can no longer interbreed: they are now separate species.

  3. Question 3

    Paper 4 Both 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Explain the difference between a structural adaptation and a behavioural adaptation. Give one example of each.

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    1. Structural: a physical feature of the body: e.g. The thick fur of a polar bear for insulation.
    2. Behavioural: an action an organism carries out: e.g. Migration of birds to warmer regions in winter.
    3. Both types increase the organism's chance of survival and reproduction.

  4. Question 4

    Paper 2 Core 2 marks Difficulty 2/5

    Define the term "adaptation".

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    1. A feature of an organism that makes it well suited to its environment.
    2. Adaptations increase the organism's chance of survival and reproduction.

  5. Question 5

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 4/5

    The peppered moth population in industrial England changed from mostly light-coloured to mostly dark-coloured during the Industrial Revolution. Explain this change using natural selection.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Before industrialisation, tree bark was light: light moths were camouflaged, dark moths were eaten by predators.
    2. Pollution darkened tree bark: dark moths were now better camouflaged and survived more often.
    3. Dark moths reproduced more, passing on the dark allele: the proportion of dark moths increased.

Mark the set consistently

Award a point only when the idea is clearly present in the written answer. Correct any missed point in a complete sentence, then test the same skill on a different question several days later.

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