1 - Characteristics & classification of living organisms

Question 1

Define movement

Answer 1

An action by an organism or part of an organism causing a change of position or place (5)

Question 2

Define respiration

Answer 2

The chemical reactions in cells that break down nutrient molecules and release energy for metabolism (5)

Question 3

Define sensitivity

Answer 3

The ability to detect and respond to changes in the internal or external environment (5)

Question 4

Define growth

Answer 4

A permanent increase in size and dry mass (5)

Question 5

Define reproduction

Answer 5

The processes that make more of the same kind of organism (5)

Question 6

Define excretion

Answer 6

The removal of the waste products of metabolism and substances in excess of requirements (5)

Question 7

Define nutrition

Answer 7

The taking in of materials for energy, growth, and development (5)

Question 8

Define species

Answer 8

A group of organisms that can reproduce to produce fertile offspring (5)

Question 9

Describe the binomial naming system

Answer 9

An internationally agreed system (1)
in which the scientific name of an organism is made up of two parts showing the genus and species (3)
Understand that the genus name is capitalized and the species name is lowercase (1)

Question 10

Describe the similarities and differences in features between animals and plants, in terms of cells

Answer 10

Both animals and plants are multicellular (1)
Both animal cells and plant cells contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (1)
Plant cells have chloroplasts and a cellulose cell wall whereas animal cells do not (3)

Question 11

Describe the differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells

Answer 11

Prokaryotic cells lack:
a (true) nucleus/nuclear membrane (1)
membrane bound organelles i.e. mitochondria (1)
rough endoplasmic reticulum (1)

Eukaryotic cells:
lack a (peptidoglycan) cell wall (1)
do not reproduce by binary fission (1)
lack plasmids (1)

Question 12

Describe the features of mammals

Answer 12

Four limbs (1)
Fur/hair (on skin) (1)
Eyes and ears, nipples (1)

Presence of mammary glands (& sweat glands) (1)
Give birth to live young (1)
Presence of external ears/pinnae (1)
Endothermic (1)
Lungs for gas exchange (1)

Question 13

Describe the features of birds

Answer 13

Feathers, scales on legs (1)
Two wings, two legs (1)
Eyes and ears (1)

Hard-shelled eggs (1)
Internal fertilization (1)
Endothermic (1)
Lungs for gas exchange (1)

Question 14

Describe the features of fish

Answer 14

Scales (1)
Fins (1)
Eyes & a lateral line (1)

Jelly-covered eggs (1)
External fertilization (1)
Ectothermic (1)
Gills for gas exchange (1)

Question 15

Describe the features of reptiles

Answer 15

Dry, scaly skin (1)
Eyes and ears (1)

Soft-shelled eggs (1)
Internal fertilization (1)
Ectothermic (1)
Lungs for gas exchange (1)

Question 16

Describe the features of amphibians

Answer 16

Moist skin (1)
Four limbs (1)
Eyes and ears (1)

Jelly-covered eggs (1)
External fertilization (1)
Ectothermic (1)
Lungs/skin for gas exchange (1)