OCR SUMMER 2026
PREDICTED PAPER
GCSE (9–1) Combined Science A
(Gateway Science) WORKED SOLUTIONS
J250/08 Biology ( Higher Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 10 minutes
You must have:
• a ruler (cm/mm)
You can use:
a scientific or graphical calculator
• an HB pencil
H
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
First name(s)
Last name
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink. You can use an HB pencil, but only for graphs and diagrams.
• Write your answer to each question in the space provided. If you need extra space use
the lined pages at the end of this booklet. The question numbers must be clearly shown.
• Answer all the questions.
• Where appropriate, your answer should be supported with working. Marks might be
given for using a correct method, even if your answer is wrong.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 60.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 17 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
Turn over
for more: tyrionpapers.com
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this section.
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
1. A plant has the genotype Tt for height, where T (tall) is dominant and t (short) is recessive.
Which statement correctly describes the plant's phenotype and its potential offspring when
crossed with a tt plant?
A The plant is short, and all offspring will be short.
B The plant is tall, and there is a 50% chance the offspring will be tall.
C The plant is short, and there is a 50% chance the offspring will be tall.
D The plant is tall, and all offspring will be tall.
Your answer [1]
2. The process of meiosis is essential for sexual reproduction because it:
A Doubles the chromosome number to create a diploid zygote.
B Produces genetically identical haploid gametes.
C Halves the chromosome number to create haploid gametes.
D Allows for rapid population growth without a mate.
Your answer [1]
3. A gardener notices that a plant in the shade of a large tree is much shorter than the same
species of plant in an open area. The difference in height is most likely due to:
A Genetic variation only.
B Environmental variation only.
C Discontinuous variation.
D A mutation in the plant's genome.
Your answer [1]
for more: tyrionpapers.com
, 3
4. The development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria is an example of evolution.
Which statement best explains why this occurs?
A Bacteria become stronger by exercising their genes in response to the antibiotic.
B Antibiotics cause bacteria to produce new, resistant alleles when they are exposed to
them.
C A random mutation can provide resistance; these bacteria survive and reproduce while
others die.
D Bacteria learn to avoid the antibiotic and pass this knowledge to their offspring.
Your answer [1]
Q5. The binomial system of naming organisms, such as Homo sapiens, is part of which
type of classification system?
A Artificial classification based on observable features.
B Natural classification based on evolutionary relationships.
C A system developed by Alfred Russel Wallace.
D A method based solely on anatomy and morphology.
Your answer [1]
6.A scientist studying grasshoppers in a meadow captures 40 individuals on Day 1, marks them
with non-toxic paint, and releases them. The following day she captures 35 grasshoppers, 7 of
which are marked. Using the capture-recapture formula, what is the estimated population size?
A 175
B 200
C 280
D 245
Your answer [1]
for more: tyrionpapers.com
PREDICTED PAPER
GCSE (9–1) Combined Science A
(Gateway Science) WORKED SOLUTIONS
J250/08 Biology ( Higher Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 10 minutes
You must have:
• a ruler (cm/mm)
You can use:
a scientific or graphical calculator
• an HB pencil
H
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
First name(s)
Last name
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink. You can use an HB pencil, but only for graphs and diagrams.
• Write your answer to each question in the space provided. If you need extra space use
the lined pages at the end of this booklet. The question numbers must be clearly shown.
• Answer all the questions.
• Where appropriate, your answer should be supported with working. Marks might be
given for using a correct method, even if your answer is wrong.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 60.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 17 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
Turn over
for more: tyrionpapers.com
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this section.
Write your answer to each question in the box provided.
1. A plant has the genotype Tt for height, where T (tall) is dominant and t (short) is recessive.
Which statement correctly describes the plant's phenotype and its potential offspring when
crossed with a tt plant?
A The plant is short, and all offspring will be short.
B The plant is tall, and there is a 50% chance the offspring will be tall.
C The plant is short, and there is a 50% chance the offspring will be tall.
D The plant is tall, and all offspring will be tall.
Your answer [1]
2. The process of meiosis is essential for sexual reproduction because it:
A Doubles the chromosome number to create a diploid zygote.
B Produces genetically identical haploid gametes.
C Halves the chromosome number to create haploid gametes.
D Allows for rapid population growth without a mate.
Your answer [1]
3. A gardener notices that a plant in the shade of a large tree is much shorter than the same
species of plant in an open area. The difference in height is most likely due to:
A Genetic variation only.
B Environmental variation only.
C Discontinuous variation.
D A mutation in the plant's genome.
Your answer [1]
for more: tyrionpapers.com
, 3
4. The development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria is an example of evolution.
Which statement best explains why this occurs?
A Bacteria become stronger by exercising their genes in response to the antibiotic.
B Antibiotics cause bacteria to produce new, resistant alleles when they are exposed to
them.
C A random mutation can provide resistance; these bacteria survive and reproduce while
others die.
D Bacteria learn to avoid the antibiotic and pass this knowledge to their offspring.
Your answer [1]
Q5. The binomial system of naming organisms, such as Homo sapiens, is part of which
type of classification system?
A Artificial classification based on observable features.
B Natural classification based on evolutionary relationships.
C A system developed by Alfred Russel Wallace.
D A method based solely on anatomy and morphology.
Your answer [1]
6.A scientist studying grasshoppers in a meadow captures 40 individuals on Day 1, marks them
with non-toxic paint, and releases them. The following day she captures 35 grasshoppers, 7 of
which are marked. Using the capture-recapture formula, what is the estimated population size?
A 175
B 200
C 280
D 245
Your answer [1]
for more: tyrionpapers.com
