Co-ordination and response: Edexcel International GCSE Biology questions

Every Edexcel International GCSE Biology exam question on Co-ordination and response (specification points 2.80–2.95), 2019–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

All 135 questions on Co-ordination and response, as a list

June 2025, Paper 2, Q1(a) (1 mark): Read the passage below. Use the information in the passage and your own knowledge to answer the questions that follow. Rivers – the arteries of the world Rivers
June 2025, Paper 2, Q1(b) (1 mark): Read the passage below. Use the information in the passage and your own knowledge to answer the questions that follow. Rivers – the arteries of the world Rivers
June 2025, Paper 2, Q3(a) (1 mark): Which structure is the retina? (1) A P B Q C R D S
June 2025, Paper 2, Q3(b)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the mean pupil diameter for the light intensity of 1 arbitrary unit. Give your answer to two significant figures. (2) mean pupil diameter mm
June 2025, Paper 2, Q3(b)(ii) (2 marks): With reference to data in the table, describe the effect of increasing light intensity on the diameter of the pupil. (2)
June 2025, Paper 2, Q3(b)(iii) (3 marks): Explain the effect of increasing light intensity on the diameter of the pupil. (3)
June 2025, Paper 2, Q3(b)(iv) (1 mark): State one variable that the teacher should control. (1)
June 2025, Paper 2, Q3(b)(v) (2 marks): Explain how the teacher’s method ensures that the measurement of the pupil diameters are accurate. (2)
June 2025, Paper 2, Q5(c) (4 marks): A scientist investigates how ABA, an auxin-like substance, affects plant growth. The scientist does not water a plant for 4 days. They then water the plant on d
June 2025 (R), Paper 1, Q10 (6 marks): Fly larvae will continuously move around the edge of a Petri dish when placed under a lamp. The diagram shows a fly larva in a Petri dish. larva direction of la
June 2025 (R), Paper 2, Q2(a) (3 marks): Name parts W, X and Y. (3) W X Y
June 2025 (R), Paper 2, Q2(b) (3 marks): Describe how structure Z changes when a person moves into a dark room. (3)
November 2024, Paper 1, Q4(a)(i) (1 mark): Which structures refract light onto the retina? (1) A E and J B F and H C G and K D I and J
November 2024, Paper 1, Q4(a)(ii) (1 mark): Which structure controls the amount of light reaching the retina? (1) A E B F C G D H
November 2024, Paper 1, Q4(a)(iii) (1 mark): Which structure contains light sensitive cells? (1) A H B I C J D K
November 2024, Paper 1, Q4(b) (4 marks): The eye can focus on near objects and distant objects. Describe the changes that take place in the eye when it focuses on a near object. (4)
November 2024, Paper 1, Q4(c)(i) (2 marks): Explain how cataracts affect a person’s vision. (2)
November 2024, Paper 1, Q4(c)(ii) (1 mark): The treatment for a person with cataracts is to remove the affected lenses. Suggest what additional treatment is needed for the person. (1)
November 2024, Paper 1, Q8(a) (4 marks): The table shows the effects of some of the hormones and the gland that produces each hormone. Complete the table by giving the missing information. (4) Effect N
November 2024, Paper 1, Q8(b)(i) (4 marks): Explain how plants benefit from the responses of their roots and stems to the direction of light they receive. (4)
November 2024, Paper 1, Q8(b)(ii) (2 marks): In many plants, flowering is stimulated by the number of hours of daylight. Suggest why flowering in many plants is stimulated by the number of hours of dayligh
November 2024, Paper 2, Q4(a)(i) (1 mark): Which structure is the sweat gland? (1) A P B Q C S D T
November 2024, Paper 2, Q4(a)(ii) (1 mark): Which structure is a capillary? (1) A Q B R C S D T
November 2024, Paper 2, Q4(a)(iii) (3 marks): Describe the changes that take place in the blood vessels in the skin if a person moves to a hot environment. (3)
November 2024, Paper 2, Q4(b)(i) (1 mark): Give the dependent variable in this investigation. (1)
November 2024, Paper 2, Q4(b)(ii) (3 marks): A person runs at a speed of 220 metres per minute in hot and humid conditions. Calculate the volume of sweat the person releases in 15 minutes. (3) volume = lit
November 2024, Paper 2, Q4(b)(iii) (4 marks): Using information from the graph, discuss the effect of increased running speed on sweating in the two environments. (4)
June 2024, Paper 2, Q3(a) (2 marks): Explain why athletes lose water during exercise. (2)
June 2024 (R), Paper 1, Q6(a) (4 marks): The withdrawal of a hand when a finger touches a hot object is an example of a reflex. Describe the pathway of a nerve impulse in the reflex arc involved in thi
June 2024 (R), Paper 1, Q6(b)(i) (5 marks): Plot a graph to show the effect of stimulus number on the time the snail remains in its shell. Join your points with ruled, straight lines. (5)
June 2024 (R), Paper 1, Q6(b)(ii) (2 marks): Describe the effect of increasing stimulus number on the time the snail remains in its shell. (2)
June 2024 (R), Paper 1, Q6(b)(iii) (2 marks): Suggest a benefit to the snail of the difference in response to the repeated stimulus. (2)
June 2024 (R), Paper 2, Q2(a) (1 mark): What is the process that maintains a constant internal environment? (1) A absorption B diffusion C egestion D homeostasis
June 2024 (R), Paper 2, Q2(b)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the percentage of the water loss that is classified as insensible. (2) percentage = %
June 2024 (R), Paper 2, Q2(b)(ii) (2 marks): This data comes from a person who has a mass of 70 kg. Assuming the same proportions, calculate the water input from food for a person who has a mass of 110 kg.
June 2024 (R), Paper 2, Q2(b)(iii) (4 marks): Water loss in faeces is usually relatively low. Illness such as food poisoning can produce symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea and a high temperature. These
June 2024 (R), Paper 2, Q2(c) (4 marks): The photograph shows a mammal called a degu. (Source: © R. Maximiliane / Shutterstock) A degu is a rodent that lives in a very dry environment in South America.
June 2024 (R), Paper 2, Q3(a)(i) (1 mark): Which structure is a pore of a sweat gland? (1) A Q B R C S D T
June 2024 (R), Paper 2, Q3(a)(ii) (1 mark): Which structure carries blood? (1) A P B R C S D T
June 2024 (R), Paper 2, Q3(a)(iii) (4 marks): The skin responds to changes in temperature. Describe how the skin responds when a person enters a cold environment. (4)
June 2024 (R), Paper 2, Q3(b) (5 marks): Scientists investigate the effect of heat strain on two groups of men. Heat strain is caused by increasing the external temperature. The scientists measure the
November 2023, Paper 1, Q6(a)(i) (1 mark): Which structure is the sensory receptor? (1) A L B P C Q D S
November 2023, Paper 1, Q6(a)(ii) (1 mark): Which structure is the cell body of the relay neurone? (1) A L B N C M D P
November 2023, Paper 1, Q6(a)(iii) (1 mark): Which structure is the motor neurone? (1) A L B M C R D S
November 2023, Paper 1, Q6(a)(iv) (1 mark): Which structure is the effector? (1) A L B M C Q D S
November 2023, Paper 1, Q6(b)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the time taken for an impulse to travel 180 cm. (2) time = seconds
November 2023, Paper 1, Q6(b)(ii) (4 marks): The length of the nerve pathway in the withdrawal reflex arc is 180 cm. The time a person takes to remove their hand away from a hot object is called the respon
November 2023, Paper 1, Q9(c)(ii) (4 marks): Cattle behaviour is also affected by the hormone adrenaline. When cattle are more stressed, they have higher levels of adrenaline. The effect of adrenaline on t
June 2023, Paper 1, Q4(a)(i) (1 mark): Give the name of this reflex response. (1)
June 2023, Paper 1, Q4(a)(ii) (1 mark): Draw an arrow on the diagram to show the direction of the nerve impulse at point X. (1)
June 2023, Paper 1, Q4(a)(iii) (1 mark): Which structure detects the stimulus? (1) A E B F C H D K
June 2023, Paper 1, Q4(a)(iv) (1 mark): Which structure is the motor neurone? (1) A F B G C I D K
June 2023, Paper 1, Q4(b)(i) (2 marks): A neurone is 1.10 m in length. The speed of the nerve impulse in this neurone is 120 metres per second. Calculate the time, in seconds, for the impulse to pass
June 2023, Paper 1, Q4(b)(ii) (2 marks): Describe how the impulse passes from neurone to neurone in the reflex arc. (2)
June 2023, Paper 1, Q4(c)(i) (2 marks): Explain how sensing pain benefits an organism. (2)
June 2023, Paper 1, Q4(c)(ii) (4 marks): Some medicines are used to reduce pain. These medicines work by preventing communication between the injured ankle and the brain. Explain which components of th
June 2023, Paper 1, Q9(b) (2 marks): Explain the role of insulin in the human body. (2)
June 2023, Paper 1, Q9(c)(ii) (1 mark): State why people with diabetes mellitus need to monitor how much they exercise. (1)
June 2023, Paper 1, Q9(c)(iii) (1 mark): State how people with diabetes mellitus may need to modify their diet compared with people who do not have diabetes mellitus. (1)
June 2023 (R), Paper 1, Q10(a)(i) (1 mark): Give the name of structure Z. (1)
June 2023 (R), Paper 1, Q10(a)(ii) (3 marks): Describe how structures X and Y control the shape of a lens when focusing on a near object. (3)
June 2023 (R), Paper 1, Q10(b)(i) (2 marks): Explain why people with cataracts are unable to see clearly. (2)
June 2023 (R), Paper 1, Q10(b)(ii) (4 marks): Exposure to ultraviolet light is thought to be a risk factor for the development of cataracts. The table shows the results of a 25-year investigation into the e
June 2023 (R), Paper 2, Q1(e) (3 marks): Read the passage below. Use the information in the passage and your own knowledge to answer the questions that follow. Tissue culture and plants In micropropaga
January 2023, Paper 2, Q2(a)(i) (1 mark): Which labelled structure is the cornea? (1) A B C D
January 2023, Paper 2, Q2(a)(ii) (2 marks): Explain the changes in structure X as a person moves from a room where the light is dim to a room where the light is bright. (2)
January 2023, Paper 2, Q2(b)(i) (1 mark): Give the independent variable for the student’s investigation. (1)
January 2023, Paper 2, Q2(b)(ii) (1 mark): Give one variable that the student should control. (1)
January 2023, Paper 2, Q2(b)(iii) (2 marks): Table 1 shows the student’s results. Complete Table 2 by determining the mode and the median for the data shown in Table 1. (2) Number of correctly identified p
January 2023, Paper 2, Q2(b)(iv) (3 marks): The field of view is the area that an animal can see with their eyes. The diagram shows the field of view for a cat. seen by both eyes seen only seen only by le
January 2023 (R), Paper 1, Q6 (7 marks): The following passage is about chemical coordination in animals and plants. Complete the passage by writing a suitable word in the blank space. Animals and plan
January 2023 (R), Paper 1, Q8(a)(i) (1 mark): Give the name of one part of the CNS. (1)
January 2023 (R), Paper 1, Q8(a)(ii) (4 marks): If an animal steps on a sharp object, a reflex arc occurs so that it picks up its foot to prevent further damage. Describe how named neurones bring about a with
June 2022, Paper 1, Q1(a)(i) (1 mark): Which gland produces insulin? (1) A B C D
June 2022, Paper 1, Q1(b)(i) (3 marks): Students research the speed of nervous and hormonal communication. They find this data • hormones travel at a speed of 420 centimetres per minute • nerve impuls
June 2022, Paper 1, Q1(b)(ii) (3 marks): Describe three other differences between the nervous system and the hormonal system. (3)
June 2022, Paper 1, Q8(b)(ii) (3 marks): Explain why the size of the adrenal glands and the production of neurotransmitters would affect rat behaviour. (3)
June 2022, Paper 1, Q8(c) (3 marks): Some rats with white fur also have pink eyes. These rats have pink eyes because they do not have pigment in their irises. This means that their irises let light
June 2022 (R), Paper 1, Q7(b)(i) (3 marks): Explain how the skin capillaries regulate body temperature when the body temperature increases. (3)
June 2022 (R), Paper 1, Q7(b)(ii) (6 marks): Some people have suggested that drinking warm drinks may cool the body because it increases the rate of sweat production. Design an investigation to determine w
June 2022 (R), Paper 2, Q5(b) (3 marks): Give three differences between hormones and neurotransmitters. (3) 1 2 3
January 2022, Paper 1, Q7(c)(i) (1 mark): State what is meant by a reflex response. (1)
January 2022, Paper 1, Q7(c)(ii) (1 mark): Give a reason why this reflex response benefits the woodlouse. (1)
January 2022 (R), Paper 1, Q2(a)(i) (1 mark): Which of these is the structure labelled X? (1) A conjunctiva B cornea C lens D retina
January 2022 (R), Paper 1, Q2(a)(ii) (1 mark): When looking at a close object, which row of the table shows the state of the ciliary muscles and suspensory ligaments? (1) Ciliary muscles Suspensory ligaments
January 2022 (R), Paper 1, Q2(a)(iii) (2 marks): Explain how structure Y controls the light entering the eye when someone walks into a dark room. (2)
January 2022 (R), Paper 1, Q2(b)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the difference between the speed of impulse for the person with multiple sclerosis and for the person without multiple sclerosis, in metres per second
January 2022 (R), Paper 1, Q2(b)(ii) (2 marks): The speed of an impulse along the axon of the motor neurone for someone without multiple sclerosis is 120 metres per second. Suggest why the speed of the impuls
January 2022 (R), Paper 1, Q11 (6 marks): The photograph shows a small animal called a woodlouse. 1 cm (Source: paulrommer. Shutterstock/PAL) Woodlice often live under pieces of dead wood in dark, humid
November 2021, Paper 1, Q11(a)(i) (4 marks): Describe the role of structures A, C and D in focusing light from a near object onto the retina. (4)
November 2021, Paper 1, Q11(a)(ii) (3 marks): Bright light can damage the retina. Explain how a reflex involving structure B protects the retina from this damage. (3)
June 2021, Paper 1, Q10(a) (1 mark): State the term used to describe the control of an organism’s internal environment. (1)
June 2021, Paper 1, Q10(b) (4 marks): Coordination uses hormones and nerves. Some responses are simple reflex arcs. Describe the structure and functioning of the withdrawal reflex of a finger from a
June 2021, Paper 1, Q10(c)(i) (2 marks): Explain the changes that take place in structure A as a person enters a cold environment. (2)
June 2021, Paper 1, Q10(c)(ii) (3 marks): Explain the changes that take place in structure B as the person enters a cold environment. (3)
January 2021, Paper 1, Q6(a)(i) (1 mark): Draw a circle on the diagram to show the part of the neurone where the impulses are transferred to the effector. (1)
January 2021, Paper 1, Q6(a)(ii) (1 mark): What is the name of this type of neurone? (1) A association B motor C relay D sensory
January 2021, Paper 1, Q6(a)(iii) (2 marks): Explain the advantage of a withdrawal reflex when a finger touches a hot object. (2)
January 2021, Paper 1, Q6(b)(i) (1 mark): Which conclusion is supported by the graph? (1) A impulses are always faster in neurones with a myelin sheath B neurones always have a myelin sheath C wider neu
January 2021, Paper 1, Q6(b)(ii) (1 mark): A neurone with a myelin sheath has a diameter of 1.0 µm. Use the graph to determine the speed of an impulse in this neurone. (1) speed = m per s
January 2021, Paper 1, Q6(b)(iii) (3 marks): The neurone is 90 cm long. Calculate the time taken for an impulse to travel along this neurone. Give your answer in standard form. (3) time = s
January 2021, Paper 1, Q7(c)(i) (2 marks): Compare the responses of roots and stems to gravity. (2)
January 2021, Paper 1, Q7(c)(ii) (2 marks): Compare the responses of roots and stems to light. (2)
January 2021 (R), Paper 1, Q1(b) (1 mark): Which of these is an example of positive phototropism? (1) A a plant root growing away from light B a plant root growing downwards due to gravity C a plant stem
January 2021 (R), Paper 1, Q1(c) (3 marks): The table lists the roles of some substances found in living organisms. Complete the table by naming each substance. The first one has been done for you. (3) Ro
January 2021 (R), Paper 1, Q2(a) (1 mark): Which of these structures is the adrenal gland? (1) A W B X C Y D Z
January 2021 (R), Paper 1, Q2(c) (5 marks): Adrenaline is released into the blood when there is danger. The list gives the effects of adrenaline on different parts of the body. • dilates the pupil in the
November 2020, Paper 1, Q10(a)(i) (3 marks): Give the names of these neurones. (3) A B C
November 2020, Paper 1, Q10(a)(ii) (3 marks): Explain the role of these neurones in the withdrawal reflex of a finger from a hot object. (3)
November 2020, Paper 1, Q10(b)(i) (2 marks): Explain what other measurements the teacher would need to make in order to calculate the speed of a nerve impulse. (2)
November 2020, Paper 1, Q10(b)(ii) (2 marks): Describe whether the teacher’s method is likely to give an accurate estimate of the speed of a nerve impulse. (2)
November 2020, Paper 2, Q3(a) (1 mark): Name the other part of the central nervous system. (1)
November 2020 (R), Paper 2, Q4(a) (1 mark): Suggest how the control solution differs from the GH solution. (1)
November 2020 (R), Paper 2, Q4(b) (2 marks): Calculate the average rate of growth of the rat given GH solution from 100 days to 500 days. Give your answer in g per day. (2) rate of growth = g per day
November 2020 (R), Paper 2, Q4(c) (2 marks): The scientist controlled all the variables in his investigation. Suggest two abiotic variables he controls. (2) 1 2
November 2020 (R), Paper 2, Q4(d) (2 marks): The scientist repeats his investigation using more rats. Explain why using more rats improves his investigation. (2)
January 2020, Paper 1, Q1(b)(i) (1 mark): Name the sense that uses receptor cells in the retina. (1)
January 2020, Paper 1, Q6(c)(i) (3 marks): After one hour, the concentration of glucose in the hepatic portal vein is higher than the concentration of glucose in the hepatic vein. Explain this difference
January 2020, Paper 1, Q6(c)(ii) (2 marks): After five hours, the concentration of glucose in the hepatic vein is higher than the concentration of glucose in the hepatic portal vein. Explain this differen
January 2020, Paper 1, Q7(c) (6 marks): Fruit flies feed on decomposing fruit. The smell of the fruit attracts the fruit flies. Design an investigation to find out if the smell of decomposing apples a
January 2020 (R), Paper 1, Q8(a) (4 marks): Name the structures labelled A, B, C and D. (4) A B C D
January 2020 (R), Paper 1, Q8(b)(i) (4 marks): A person is reading a book and then looks at a distant object. Explain the changes that occur in the structures of the eye that allow light from the distant obj
January 2020 (R), Paper 1, Q8(b)(ii) (2 marks): Some people develop a condition called age‑related macular degeneration (AMD). This occurs when cells in the fovea of the retina are damaged. Suggest how AMD af
January 2020 (R), Paper 1, Q8(b)(iii) (2 marks): Scientists are developing a new treatment for AMD. The treatment involves an operation to replace the damaged cells in the fovea with new cells. Early results s
January 2020 (R), Paper 2, Q2(a) (1 mark): Which organ produces insulin? (1) A brain B liver C ovary D pancreas
January 2020 (R), Paper 2, Q2(b) (2 marks): Describe the role of insulin. (2)
January 2020 (R), Paper 2, Q6(b) (1 mark): Which structure produces adrenaline? (1) A organ P B organ Q C organ R D organ S
June 2019, Paper 1, Q10(a)(ii) (1 mark): Which hormone causes an increased blood flow to the muscles during exercise? (1) A adrenaline B insulin C progesterone D testosterone
June 2019, Paper 1, Q10(a)(iii) (1 mark): Which of these is a correct statement about hormones? (1) A they always produce short-term changes B they are carried by neurones C they are transported in the
June 2019, Paper 1, Q10(b) (2 marks): Plants produce plant growth substances such as auxin. Suggest why some biologists do not consider auxin to be a hormone. (2)
June 2019, Paper 1, Q10(c) (6 marks): Plant growth substances stimulate root growth from a cut stem. Describe an investigation to find the best concentration of plant growth substance to stimulate r
June 2019, Paper 2, Q4(b)(ii) (2 marks): Kangaroo rats stay underground during the day and only come out to feed at night. Explain how this behaviour enables kangaroo rats to survive in the desert. (2)
June 2019 (R), Paper 1, Q3 (6 marks): The passage describes how plants respond to stimuli. Complete the passage by writing a suitable word in each blank space. (6) Plant responses to directional sti
June 2019 (R), Paper 1, Q5(d) (4 marks): Small arteries in the skin have a role in homeostasis. In an investigation, the diameter of a small artery in the skin is measured in a cold environment and the
June 2019 (R), Paper 1, Q11 (6 marks): The diagram shows an insect called a wasp. Wasps kill their prey by injecting a poison called venom through a small tube called a stinger. stinger Some scientis

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