GCSE BIOLOGY A (GATEWAY SCIENCE) — Actual June 2025 PAST PAPER: Biology A
(Foundation Tier). All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR J247/02]
Exam Resource Summary
The GCSE (9–1) Biology A (Gateway Science) June 2025 Foundation Tier Paper (OCR J247/02)
combines the full official examination paper with its detailed mark scheme to provide a clear, structured,
and accessible revision resource. This paper assesses foundational biological knowledge and skills,
including cell biology, body systems, reproduction, ecology, health and disease, and genetics, focusing on
the key principles necessary for the Foundation Tier. Students are required to apply knowledge to familiar
and practical scenarios, interpret data, evaluate information, and provide clear explanations using accurate
scientific terminology. By presenting each question alongside its marking criteria, this merged resource
clarifies examiner expectations, highlights the level of detail and reasoning required for higher marks, and
guides students in constructing accurate, well-organised responses. This format supports effective
revision, strengthens exam technique, and equips learners for success in the 2026 OCR GCSE Biology A
(Gateway Science) Foundation Tier examination.
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 30 minutes on this section. Write
your answer to each question in the box provided.
1 Which row gives the features of a white blood cell?
Contains haemoglobin Has a nucleus
A ✓ ✓
B ✓ ✗
C ✗ ✓
D ✗ ✗
Your answer [1]
2 A farmer wants to grow strawberry plants that produce strawberries early in the summer.
The farmer chooses the plants that make strawberries the earliest and reproduces only these plants. What is the
name of the process that the farmer is using?
A Gene modification
B Genetic engineering
C Natural selection
D Selective breeding
Your answer [1]
3 Which type of microorganism causes AIDS?
A Bacterium
B Fungus
C Protist
D Virus
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
4 What is the function of platelets in blood?
A Carrying oxygen
B Clotting
C Maintaining body temperature
D Producing antibodies
Your answer [1]
5 Who developed a theory about how characteristics are inherited in pea plants?
A Darwin
B Darwin and Wallace
C Mendel
D Mendel and Wallace
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
6 Some students want to identify an insect that they found.
They use this key to identify the insect.
1. Does it have wings? Yes – go to 2
No – go to 3
2. Does it have two pairs of wings? Yes – shield bug
No – lacewing
3. Does it have three projections from the end of its body? Yes – silverfish
No – springtail
What is the name of the insect that the students found?
A Lacewing
B Shield bug
C Silverfish
D Springtail
Your answer [1]
7 Ecotourism can be useful in helping to protect ecosystems.
What is a possible disadvantage of ecotourism?
A More money is made available for conservation projects.
B More people visiting the area will produce more rubbish.
C More people will be made aware of the importance of conservation.
D There will be more jobs for local people.
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
(Foundation Tier). All Assessment Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR J247/02]
Exam Resource Summary
The GCSE (9–1) Biology A (Gateway Science) June 2025 Foundation Tier Paper (OCR J247/02)
combines the full official examination paper with its detailed mark scheme to provide a clear, structured,
and accessible revision resource. This paper assesses foundational biological knowledge and skills,
including cell biology, body systems, reproduction, ecology, health and disease, and genetics, focusing on
the key principles necessary for the Foundation Tier. Students are required to apply knowledge to familiar
and practical scenarios, interpret data, evaluate information, and provide clear explanations using accurate
scientific terminology. By presenting each question alongside its marking criteria, this merged resource
clarifies examiner expectations, highlights the level of detail and reasoning required for higher marks, and
guides students in constructing accurate, well-organised responses. This format supports effective
revision, strengthens exam technique, and equips learners for success in the 2026 OCR GCSE Biology A
(Gateway Science) Foundation Tier examination.
, 2
Section A
You should spend a maximum of 30 minutes on this section. Write
your answer to each question in the box provided.
1 Which row gives the features of a white blood cell?
Contains haemoglobin Has a nucleus
A ✓ ✓
B ✓ ✗
C ✗ ✓
D ✗ ✗
Your answer [1]
2 A farmer wants to grow strawberry plants that produce strawberries early in the summer.
The farmer chooses the plants that make strawberries the earliest and reproduces only these plants. What is the
name of the process that the farmer is using?
A Gene modification
B Genetic engineering
C Natural selection
D Selective breeding
Your answer [1]
3 Which type of microorganism causes AIDS?
A Bacterium
B Fungus
C Protist
D Virus
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
4 What is the function of platelets in blood?
A Carrying oxygen
B Clotting
C Maintaining body temperature
D Producing antibodies
Your answer [1]
5 Who developed a theory about how characteristics are inherited in pea plants?
A Darwin
B Darwin and Wallace
C Mendel
D Mendel and Wallace
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
6 Some students want to identify an insect that they found.
They use this key to identify the insect.
1. Does it have wings? Yes – go to 2
No – go to 3
2. Does it have two pairs of wings? Yes – shield bug
No – lacewing
3. Does it have three projections from the end of its body? Yes – silverfish
No – springtail
What is the name of the insect that the students found?
A Lacewing
B Shield bug
C Silverfish
D Springtail
Your answer [1]
7 Ecotourism can be useful in helping to protect ecosystems.
What is a possible disadvantage of ecotourism?
A More money is made available for conservation projects.
B More people visiting the area will produce more rubbish.
C More people will be made aware of the importance of conservation.
D There will be more jobs for local people.
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
