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IGCSEBiology
Trial Class

Original practice · 5 questions · 16 marks · about 18 minutes

Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change 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 human activities are enhancing the greenhouse effect and the biological impacts of climate change.

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 Extended 4 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Explain the enhanced greenhouse effect and state two human activities that contribute to it.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Greenhouse gases (CO₂, methane) in the atmosphere trap heat that would otherwise escape into space.
    2. The natural greenhouse effect keeps Earth warm enough for life.
    3. Human activities have increased greenhouse gas levels: enhancing the effect and causing global warming.
    4. Activities: burning fossil fuels (increases CO₂); cattle farming and rice paddies (increase methane).

  2. Question 2

    Paper 4 Both 4 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Describe four possible consequences of global warming on living organisms.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Rising sea levels (from melting ice caps): flooding of coastal habitats.
    2. Changes in distribution of species: organisms move to cooler regions.
    3. Coral bleaching: warmer ocean temperatures damage coral reefs.
    4. Changes in migration patterns and breeding seasons: disrupting food chains.

  3. Question 3

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Explain how deforestation contributes to the enhanced greenhouse effect.

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    1. Fewer trees means less CO₂ is removed from the atmosphere by photosynthesis.
    2. Burning felled trees releases stored carbon as CO₂.
    3. Decomposition of dead wood by microorganisms also releases CO₂.

  4. Question 4

    Paper 2 Core 2 marks Difficulty 1/5

    Name two greenhouse gases.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Carbon dioxide.
    2. Methane (or water vapour).

  5. Question 5

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 4/5

    Suggest three actions that could reduce the rate of global warming.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Reduce burning of fossil fuels: use renewable energy sources (solar, wind).
    2. Plant more trees (reforestation/afforestation): trees absorb CO₂ by photosynthesis.
    3. Reduce methane emissions: improve livestock farming practices, manage landfill waste.

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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