Skip to content
IGCSEBiology
Trial Class

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

Sustainable Development 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 humans can use resources sustainably without depleting them for future generations.

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 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Define sustainable development and explain why it is important.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
    2. Important because Earth's resources are finite / limited.
    3. Without sustainability, resources will run out and ecosystems will be irreversibly damaged.

  2. Question 2

    Paper 4 Extended 4 marks Difficulty 4/5

    Explain how overfishing can lead to the collapse of fish stocks and describe two measures to prevent this.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Overfishing removes fish faster than they can reproduce: population declines.
    2. Eventually, the population becomes too small to sustain itself: collapse.
    3. Measure 1: fishing quotas: limit the number of fish that can be caught.
    4. Measure 2: mesh size regulations: nets must have large enough holes to allow young fish to escape and grow to reproductive age.

  3. Question 3

    Paper 4 Both 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    State three ways individuals can help promote sustainable living.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Reduce, reuse, and recycle waste: conserves raw materials and reduces landfill.
    2. Use less energy / switch to renewable energy sources.
    3. Buy sustainably sourced products (e.g. FSC-certified wood, MSC-certified fish).

  4. Question 4

    Paper 2 Core 2 marks Difficulty 1/5

    State one renewable and one non-renewable energy source.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Renewable: solar / wind / hydroelectric / biomass.
    2. Non-renewable: coal / oil / natural gas / nuclear fuel.

  5. Question 5

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 4/5

    Explain the biological importance of recycling organic waste through composting.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Composting uses decomposers (bacteria, fungi) to break down organic matter.
    2. Returns nutrients (nitrates, phosphates) to the soil: reduces need for chemical fertilisers.
    3. Reduces landfill waste: decreasing methane production from anaerobic decomposition.

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.

Review the related teaching