PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Mark Scheme (Results)
2025 Predicted Paper
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1)
In Biology 2025 Predicted Paper
PAPER 1 Higher Tier
1
, PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Edexcel GCSE Biology Marking Scheme 1H 2025 Predicted
General Marking Guidance
• All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners must mark the
first candidate in exactly the same way as they mark the last.
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be rewarded
for what they have shown they can do rather than penalised for omissions.
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not according to their
perception of where the grade boundaries may lie.
• There is no ceiling on achievement. All marks on the mark scheme should be
used appropriately.
• All the marks on the mark scheme are designed to be awarded. Examiners
should always award full marks if deserved, i.e. if the answer matches the
mark scheme. Examiners should also be prepared to award zero marks if the
candidate’s response is not worthy of credit according to the mark scheme.
• Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide the principles
by which marks will be awarded and exemplification may be limited.
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the mark scheme
to a candidate’s response, the team leader must be consulted.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has replaced it
with an alternative response.
2
, PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Edexcel GCSE Biology Marking Scheme 1H 2025 Predicted
3
, PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Edexcel GCSE Biology Marking Scheme 1H 2025 Predicted
Question 1
1. Context and Topics Covered (General Background):
This question primarily focuses on concepts related to evolution, selective
pressures, adaptive radiation, and the gene pool. These topics fall under
evolutionary biology and are frequently tested on in both high school and
undergraduate biology exams. Between 2015 and 2023, such questions typically
appear in sections relating to natural selection, adaptation, and speciation.
Key Themes:
• Adaptive radiation: This is a key concept in evolutionary biology that
describes the process by which a single ancestral species rapidly diversifies
into a wide variety of forms to exploit different ecological niches.
• Selective pressures: These are factors that influence the survival and
reproduction of organisms within a population, such as predators, climate,
competition, and disease.
• Invasive species: A common focus is how these species disrupt existing
ecosystems by introducing new selective pressures on native species.
• Gene pool: The collection of genetic material in a population, important for
genetic diversity and the mechanism of evolution.
Approach to Answering These Questions:
• Question (a)(i): This is a straightforward knowledge question about adaptive
radiation. It requires recognition of its definition.
• Question (a)(ii): This tests your understanding of selective pressures. You
must list two examples that affect organisms' survival and reproductive
success.
• Question (a)(iii): This tests your ability to apply knowledge. You need to
explain the impact of an invasive predator on a native prey population.
• Question (a)(iv): This tests your knowledge of gene pools and their
importance in evolution, especially regarding genetic diversity and
evolutionary change.
4
Mark Scheme (Results)
2025 Predicted Paper
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1)
In Biology 2025 Predicted Paper
PAPER 1 Higher Tier
1
, PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Edexcel GCSE Biology Marking Scheme 1H 2025 Predicted
General Marking Guidance
• All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners must mark the
first candidate in exactly the same way as they mark the last.
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be rewarded
for what they have shown they can do rather than penalised for omissions.
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not according to their
perception of where the grade boundaries may lie.
• There is no ceiling on achievement. All marks on the mark scheme should be
used appropriately.
• All the marks on the mark scheme are designed to be awarded. Examiners
should always award full marks if deserved, i.e. if the answer matches the
mark scheme. Examiners should also be prepared to award zero marks if the
candidate’s response is not worthy of credit according to the mark scheme.
• Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide the principles
by which marks will be awarded and exemplification may be limited.
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the mark scheme
to a candidate’s response, the team leader must be consulted.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has replaced it
with an alternative response.
2
, PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Edexcel GCSE Biology Marking Scheme 1H 2025 Predicted
3
, PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Edexcel GCSE Biology Marking Scheme 1H 2025 Predicted
Question 1
1. Context and Topics Covered (General Background):
This question primarily focuses on concepts related to evolution, selective
pressures, adaptive radiation, and the gene pool. These topics fall under
evolutionary biology and are frequently tested on in both high school and
undergraduate biology exams. Between 2015 and 2023, such questions typically
appear in sections relating to natural selection, adaptation, and speciation.
Key Themes:
• Adaptive radiation: This is a key concept in evolutionary biology that
describes the process by which a single ancestral species rapidly diversifies
into a wide variety of forms to exploit different ecological niches.
• Selective pressures: These are factors that influence the survival and
reproduction of organisms within a population, such as predators, climate,
competition, and disease.
• Invasive species: A common focus is how these species disrupt existing
ecosystems by introducing new selective pressures on native species.
• Gene pool: The collection of genetic material in a population, important for
genetic diversity and the mechanism of evolution.
Approach to Answering These Questions:
• Question (a)(i): This is a straightforward knowledge question about adaptive
radiation. It requires recognition of its definition.
• Question (a)(ii): This tests your understanding of selective pressures. You
must list two examples that affect organisms' survival and reproductive
success.
• Question (a)(iii): This tests your ability to apply knowledge. You need to
explain the impact of an invasive predator on a native prey population.
• Question (a)(iv): This tests your knowledge of gene pools and their
importance in evolution, especially regarding genetic diversity and
evolutionary change.
4
