GCSE BIOLOGY B (TWENTY FIRST CENTURY SCIENCE) — Actual June 2025 PAST
PAPER: Depth in Biology (Higher Tier). All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR J257/04]
Exam Resource Summary
The GCSE (9–1) Biology B (Twenty First Century Science) June 2025 Higher Tier Paper (OCR J257/04)
merges the full official examination paper with its detailed mark scheme to provide a complete and
focused revision resource. This paper assesses students’ understanding of specific biological topics in
depth, including cell biology, physiology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and human health, with an
emphasis on applying knowledge to complex and unfamiliar scenarios. Candidates are expected to
analyse experimental data, interpret evidence, evaluate scientific concepts, and construct coherent,
evidence-based explanations using precise scientific terminology. By presenting each question alongside
its marking guidance, this merged resource clarifies examiner expectations, highlights the analytical and
evaluative skills required for high-band answers, and supports the development of structured, accurate,
and well-reasoned responses. The integrated format strengthens revision efficiency, enhances exam
technique, and prepares students thoroughly for the 2026 OCR GCSE Biology B (Twenty First Century
Science) Higher Tier Depth in Biology examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
1 The pupil is part of the human eye.
Pupil
Iris
A student investigates the effect of changing the light level on pupil diameter.
The student uses a lamp with adjustable brightness, measured in lumens.
The maximum brightness of the lamp is 1200 lumens (100%).
Table 1.1 shows the data the student records.
Table 1.1
Light level Light brightness Distance between Pupil diameter
(%) (lumens) lamp and eye (m) (mm)
80 1.5 4
40 480 1.5 6
20 240 1.5 8
(a) Complete Table 1.2 to identify the variables in the investigation.
Put one tick (✓) in each row to show whether the variable is the dependent variable, the
independent variable or neither.
Table 1.2
Dependent Independent Neither
variable variable
Distance between lamp and eye (m)
Light brightness (lumens)
Pupil diameter (mm)
[2]
© OCR 2025
, 3
(b) Suggest one other variable not included in Table 1.2 that should be controlled.
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [1]
(c) Calculate the number of lumens equivalent to a light level of 80%.
Use the data in Table 1.1.
Number of lumens equivalent to a light level of 80% = ............................................ lumens [2]
(d) The student measures the pupil diameter by holding a ruler against the person’s eye.
Suggest a safer way to measure the pupil diameter.
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [1]
(e) The student predicts that if a light brightness of 1200 lumens is tested, the pupil diameter will be
approximately 2 mm.
Explain why the student is correct.
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [3]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
2 The diagram shows a living plant growing in a bottle garden.
The bottle garden is a small but complete ecosystem.
Bung
Bottle Air
Condensation
Plant leaves
(drops of water)
Plant stem
Plant roots Moist soil
Stones
(a) Which part of the bottle garden ecosystem is biotic?
Tick (✓) one box.
Condensation
Plant
Soil water
Stones
[1]
(b) Explain why the air in the bottle is an abiotic part of the ecosystem.
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [1]
(c) The bottle allows light to pass through it.
Explain why this is essential for the plant to survive.
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [1]
© OCR 2025
PAPER: Depth in Biology (Higher Tier). All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR J257/04]
Exam Resource Summary
The GCSE (9–1) Biology B (Twenty First Century Science) June 2025 Higher Tier Paper (OCR J257/04)
merges the full official examination paper with its detailed mark scheme to provide a complete and
focused revision resource. This paper assesses students’ understanding of specific biological topics in
depth, including cell biology, physiology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and human health, with an
emphasis on applying knowledge to complex and unfamiliar scenarios. Candidates are expected to
analyse experimental data, interpret evidence, evaluate scientific concepts, and construct coherent,
evidence-based explanations using precise scientific terminology. By presenting each question alongside
its marking guidance, this merged resource clarifies examiner expectations, highlights the analytical and
evaluative skills required for high-band answers, and supports the development of structured, accurate,
and well-reasoned responses. The integrated format strengthens revision efficiency, enhances exam
technique, and prepares students thoroughly for the 2026 OCR GCSE Biology B (Twenty First Century
Science) Higher Tier Depth in Biology examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
1 The pupil is part of the human eye.
Pupil
Iris
A student investigates the effect of changing the light level on pupil diameter.
The student uses a lamp with adjustable brightness, measured in lumens.
The maximum brightness of the lamp is 1200 lumens (100%).
Table 1.1 shows the data the student records.
Table 1.1
Light level Light brightness Distance between Pupil diameter
(%) (lumens) lamp and eye (m) (mm)
80 1.5 4
40 480 1.5 6
20 240 1.5 8
(a) Complete Table 1.2 to identify the variables in the investigation.
Put one tick (✓) in each row to show whether the variable is the dependent variable, the
independent variable or neither.
Table 1.2
Dependent Independent Neither
variable variable
Distance between lamp and eye (m)
Light brightness (lumens)
Pupil diameter (mm)
[2]
© OCR 2025
, 3
(b) Suggest one other variable not included in Table 1.2 that should be controlled.
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [1]
(c) Calculate the number of lumens equivalent to a light level of 80%.
Use the data in Table 1.1.
Number of lumens equivalent to a light level of 80% = ............................................ lumens [2]
(d) The student measures the pupil diameter by holding a ruler against the person’s eye.
Suggest a safer way to measure the pupil diameter.
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [1]
(e) The student predicts that if a light brightness of 1200 lumens is tested, the pupil diameter will be
approximately 2 mm.
Explain why the student is correct.
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [3]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
2 The diagram shows a living plant growing in a bottle garden.
The bottle garden is a small but complete ecosystem.
Bung
Bottle Air
Condensation
Plant leaves
(drops of water)
Plant stem
Plant roots Moist soil
Stones
(a) Which part of the bottle garden ecosystem is biotic?
Tick (✓) one box.
Condensation
Plant
Soil water
Stones
[1]
(b) Explain why the air in the bottle is an abiotic part of the ecosystem.
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [1]
(c) The bottle allows light to pass through it.
Explain why this is essential for the plant to survive.
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [1]
© OCR 2025
