AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Biology Paper 2 (Foundation), 2024: Question 6

✅ Correct answer

Domain

💡 Key knowledge

• Eukaryota is a domain.
• Remember the order: domain → kingdom → phylum → class ...
• This is a recall question: you just need the correct term.

🧠 Exam technique

• Read the word carefully: eukaryota refers to a very broad group.
• If unsure, think of the biggest classification level listed.
• Only one box should be ticked.

❌ Common errors

• Choosing kingdom because plants are kingdoms too.
• Mixing up domain and kingdom.
• Ticking more than one box.

✅ Correct answer

Offspring are genetically identical.

💡 Key knowledge

• Asexual reproduction involves one parent.
• No fusion of gametes happens.
• Offspring are clones, so they are genetically identical.

🧠 Exam technique

• Look for the statement that matches the definition of asexual reproduction.
• “Genetically identical” is the best clue.
• Discard answers linked to sexual reproduction, like gametes.

❌ Common errors

• Choosing meiosis occurs — this is associated with sexual reproduction.
• Choosing pollen and egg cells are produced — also sexual reproduction.
• Thinking asexual reproduction creates variation. It does not, unless there is mutation.

✅ Correct answer

A gamete contains half of the number of chromosomes.

💡 Key knowledge

• Body cells are diploid: they have two sets of chromosomes.
• Gametes are haploid: they have one set, so half the chromosomes.
• In plants, gametes are involved in sexual reproduction.

🧠 Exam technique

• “Half” is the key comparison word.
• Always link gametes to sexual reproduction.
• For 1-mark multiple choice, you only need the exact correct statement.

❌ Common errors

• Picking one-quarter — this is wrong.
• Picking double — gametes do not have extra chromosomes.
• Confusing gametes with spores or other plant structures.

✅ Correct answers

• Similar DNA / genes
• Similar structure / characteristics / phenotype
• Similar biochemistry
• Same first part of the binomial name

💡 Key knowledge

• Scientists classify organisms using evidence such as DNA, structure and biochemistry.
• Species in the same genus are closely related.
• A scientific name has two parts: the genus name and the species name.

🧠 Exam technique

• State one clear method, not a vague idea.
• Good example: “It has similar DNA to potatoes.”
• If using scientific names, mention the first part of the name.

❌ Common errors

• Saying “it looks the same” without a scientific detail may be too vague.
• Writing “same DNA” exactly can be risky if the mark scheme expects similar DNA; similarity is the safer GCSE wording.
• Giving multiple unrelated facts instead of one precise comparison.

✅ What a top answer should include

• Climate change will cause changing weather patterns.
• It may cause drought, flooding, or temperature change.
• Some current crops may not survive these conditions.
• GM crops can be made resistant to drought, pests or disease.
• GM crops may grow in a wider range of conditions.
• GM crops may give higher yield so more people can be fed.

💡 Key knowledge

• Climate change can reduce the amount of land suitable for farming.
• Flooding, sea level rise and desertification can mean less usable farmland.
• GM crops can be designed for:
  • better survival in dry or hot conditions
  • resistance to pests and disease
  • faster growth or higher yield
  • longer storage life
• More reliable food production helps support the growing human population.

🧠 Exam technique

• For 6 marks, do not just list facts — link them together.
• A strong structure is:
  climate change effect → crop problem → GM solution → benefit for humans
• Use words like therefore, this means, and so to show cause and effect.
• Write in full sentences.

❌ Common errors

• Only describing climate change, with no mention of GM crops.
• Only listing GM benefits, with no link to climate change.
• Saying “GM is good” without explaining why.
• Not mentioning food supply, yield, or survival of crops.
• Ignoring the word explain and just giving one-line statements.

💡 Must-know facts

• Eukaryota = domain
• Asexual reproduction gives genetically identical offspring
• Gametes have half the chromosomes
• Same genus can be shown by similar DNA, structure, biochemistry or binomial name

🧠 Final exam tip

In short-answer questions, exact wording matters. In the 6-marker, the highest marks go to answers that are clear, linked and focused on the question.