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IGCSEBiology
Trial Class

Original practice · 5 questions · 14 marks · about 16 minutes

Vertebrate Groups 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 ability to distinguish between the five vertebrate groups using their key features such as body covering, reproduction method, and thermoregulation.

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 2 Both 3 marks Difficulty 2/5

    State three features that distinguish mammals from reptiles.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Mammals have hair/fur; reptiles have dry scales.
    2. Mammals produce milk / have mammary glands; reptiles do not.
    3. Mammals give birth to live young (most); reptiles lay eggs with leathery shells (most).

  2. Question 2

    Paper 2 Core 2 marks Difficulty 1/5

    Name the vertebrate group that has moist, permeable skin and lays eggs in water.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Amphibians.
    2. Example: frog / toad / newt.

  3. Question 3

    Paper 4 Extended 4 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Explain why amphibians must live near water for at least part of their life cycle.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Eggs have no shell / are not waterproof: they would dry out on land.
    2. Larvae (tadpoles) have gills and live in water.
    3. Moist/permeable skin is used for gas exchange: this requires a moist environment.
    4. Fertilisation is external and occurs in water.

    Watch for: Saying amphibians "breathe through their skin" without linking to the need for moisture.

  4. Question 4

    Paper 2 Core 2 marks Difficulty 2/5

    A student classifies a penguin as a mammal because it cannot fly. Explain the error in this reasoning.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Penguins have feathers (not hair/fur): feathers define birds.
    2. Flight ability is not a defining feature of any vertebrate group.

  5. Question 5

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Fish are described as ectothermic. Define ectothermic and explain one advantage of being ectothermic.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Ectothermic means body temperature depends on / varies with the external environment temperature.
    2. Advantage: less food/energy needed for maintaining body temperature.
    3. So can survive longer without food / more energy available for growth.

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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