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CAIE IGCSE Biology 18.2 Adaptive Features Question Bank

Practise adaptive-feature questions by defining inherited survival traits and interpreting hydrophyte or xerophyte leaf structures in images and tables.

Syllabus
2026–2028
Course
Biology 0610

Exam points

  • define adaptive features as inherited traits that increase survival, reproduction or fitness
  • interpret hydrophyte and xerophyte tables, leaf sections and plant photographs
  • link stomata, cuticle thickness, hairs, air spaces and rolled leaves to water balance

Covered syllabus points

18.2.1—Adaptive feature as an inherited18.2.2—Interpret images or other information18.2.3—Adaptive features of hydrophytes

18.2 Adaptive features question 1

[Maximum number: 3]

The Hawaiian happy-face spider, Theridion grallator, is found on several of the Hawaiian islands. Some of the spiders have a very distinctive pattern on their bodies as shown in Fig. 1.3.

Fig. 1.3

Fig. 1.3

Scientists think that the pattern on the bodies of the spiders is an adaptive feature. Explain the term adaptive feature with reference to this pattern.

18.2 Adaptive features question 2

[Maximum number: 2]

Cheetahs, Acinonyx jubatus, are carnivores found in the dry grasslands and woodlands of southern Africa. Cheetahs hunt for food during the day. They eat deer and antelope.

The cheetah is the fastest mammal on land but can only run at high speed (sprint) over a short distance. Its hunting strategy is to creep up on prey and then sprint to catch them.

Fig. 3.1 is a photograph of a cheetah in its natural habitat.

Fig. 3.1

Fig. 3.1

Suggest how these adaptive features enable cheetahs to survive in their natural environment. fur colouring
streamlined body shape

18.2 Adaptive features question 3

[Maximum number: 2]

Question (a)

(a)

Fig. 3.3 is a photomicrograph of a cross-section of part of a xerophyte leaf.

Fig. 3.3

Fig. 3.3

[ 2 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Describe one way the leaves of xerophytes are adapted to their environment.

[ 1 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

Describe one way the roots of xerophytes are adapted to their environment.

[ 1 ]
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