Oxford Cambridge and RSA
Examinations Foundation
GCSECombined Science Biology A
Gateway ScienceJ250/08: Paper 8
(Higher Tier) General Certificate of
Secondary Education with marking
scheme
, Oxford Cambridge and RSA
Friday 9 June 2023 – Afternoon
GCSE (9–1) Combined Science (Biology) A
(Gateway Science)
J250/08 Paper 8 (Higher Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 10 minutes
H
* 9 1 3 3 4 0 9 6 3 1 *
You must have:
• a ruler (cm/mm)
You can use:
• a scientific or graphical calculator
• an HB pencil
* J 2 5 0 0 8 *
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 24 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
© OCR 2023 [601/8687/2] OCR is an exempt Charity
DC (ST/CGW) 301052/9 Turn over
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this section.
Write your answers to each question in the box provided.
1 Which is a true statement about artificial classification?
A It is based on the observation of only one or a few characteristics.
B It involves the use of DNA sequencing.
C It relies on the use of phylogenetics.
D It uses the fossil record to link common ancestors.
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2023
, 3
2 The graph shows the changing population of one species in a habitat.
Number of
organisms in
population
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
Year
Predict the years when this species had the highest availability of their food source.
A Between 1980 and 1990
B Between 1990 and 2000
C Between 2000 and 2010
D Between 2010 and 2020
Your answer [1]
3 Which process in the water cycle returns water to the land from the atmosphere?
A Condensation
B Evaporation
C Precipitation
D Transpiration
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2023 Turn over
Examinations Foundation
GCSECombined Science Biology A
Gateway ScienceJ250/08: Paper 8
(Higher Tier) General Certificate of
Secondary Education with marking
scheme
, Oxford Cambridge and RSA
Friday 9 June 2023 – Afternoon
GCSE (9–1) Combined Science (Biology) A
(Gateway Science)
J250/08 Paper 8 (Higher Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 10 minutes
H
* 9 1 3 3 4 0 9 6 3 1 *
You must have:
• a ruler (cm/mm)
You can use:
• a scientific or graphical calculator
• an HB pencil
* J 2 5 0 0 8 *
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 24 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
© OCR 2023 [601/8687/2] OCR is an exempt Charity
DC (ST/CGW) 301052/9 Turn over
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this section.
Write your answers to each question in the box provided.
1 Which is a true statement about artificial classification?
A It is based on the observation of only one or a few characteristics.
B It involves the use of DNA sequencing.
C It relies on the use of phylogenetics.
D It uses the fossil record to link common ancestors.
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2023
, 3
2 The graph shows the changing population of one species in a habitat.
Number of
organisms in
population
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
Year
Predict the years when this species had the highest availability of their food source.
A Between 1980 and 1990
B Between 1990 and 2000
C Between 2000 and 2010
D Between 2010 and 2020
Your answer [1]
3 Which process in the water cycle returns water to the land from the atmosphere?
A Condensation
B Evaporation
C Precipitation
D Transpiration
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2023 Turn over
