Home / iGCSE Biology (0610)-18.2 Adaptive features – iGCSE Style Questions Paper 1

iGCSE Biology (0610)-18.2 Adaptive features – iGCSE Style Questions Paper 1

IGCSE Biology (0610) Practice Questions Paper 1 - All Chapters

Question

The photograph shows the butterfly Caligo martia.

Which feature is an adaptation to prevent predation?

(A) large wings to fly slowly
(B) long antennae to detect flower nectar
(C) spots on the wings that look like large eyes
(D) the pattern on the wings that makes the butterfly easier to see
▶️ Answer/Explanation
The correct feature is the presence of large eye-like spots on the wings, a biological phenomenon known as mimicry. These “eyespots” serve as a startle defense mechanism by imitating the appearance of a much larger animal, such as an owl. When a predator approaches, the sudden flash of these spots can cause the predator to hesitate or flee out of fear of being attacked themselves. This morphological adaptation significantly increases the butterfly’s chances of survival. Other options, like flying slowly or being easier to see, would actually increase the risk of predation rather than prevent it.
✅ Answer: (C)

Question

Alpine plants grow on mountains at high altitude. Alpine plants can only grow for a few months because they are covered in snow for most of the year.

What are most likely to be adaptive features of alpine plants?

(A) They flower quickly and produce seeds quickly.
(B) They flower quickly and produce seeds slowly.
(C) They flower slowly and produce seeds quickly.
(D) They flower slowly and produce seeds slowly.
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Alpine environments are characterized by an extremely short growing season due to prolonged snow cover and freezing temperatures. To ensure the survival of the species, plants must complete their reproductive cycle—from flowering to seed maturation—within the brief window of favorable weather. If a plant flowers or produces seeds slowly, it risks being overtaken by the returning snow before its offspring are viable. Therefore, rapid development is a critical evolutionary adaptation for life at high altitudes.
✅ Answer: (A)
Question

The images show four animals.

Which two animals show adaptive features for being secondary consumers?
A) 1 and 3

B) 1 and 4

C) 2 and 3

D) 2 and 4

▶️ Answer/Explanation
Solution

Ans: D

Secondary consumers are carnivores that feed on primary consumers (herbivores). Their adaptive features typically include:

  • Sharp claws/teeth for capturing prey
  • Forward-facing eyes for depth perception
  • Predatory body structure

In the image:

  • Animal 2 (likely a bird of prey) shows hooked beak and talons
  • Animal 4 (predatory mammal) displays sharp teeth and forward-facing eyes
  • Animals 1 and 3 show herbivorous features (flat teeth, side-facing eyes)

Thus, the correct pair is D (2 and 4), as these exhibit clear adaptations for carnivory.

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