20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx 20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_
2025 OCR GCSE Biology A (Gateway Science)
J247/02 (Foundation Tier)
Complete Question paper with Marking Scheme Combined
Monday 9 June 2025 – Morning
GCSE (9–1) Biology A (Gateway Science)
J247/02 (Foundation Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
You must have:
• a ruler (cm/mm)
You can use:
• a scientific or graphical calculator
F
• an HB pencil
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 90.
• 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 32 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
© OCR 2025 [601/8589/2] OCR is an exempt Charity
DC (PQ/SG) 347683/4 Turn over
20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx 5/29/2026 20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx
,20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx 20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_
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
20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx 5/29/2026 20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx
,20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx 20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_
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
20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx 5/29/2026 20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx
, 20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx 20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_
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
20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx 5/29/2026 20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx
2025 OCR GCSE Biology A (Gateway Science)
J247/02 (Foundation Tier)
Complete Question paper with Marking Scheme Combined
Monday 9 June 2025 – Morning
GCSE (9–1) Biology A (Gateway Science)
J247/02 (Foundation Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
You must have:
• a ruler (cm/mm)
You can use:
• a scientific or graphical calculator
F
• an HB pencil
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 90.
• 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 32 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
© OCR 2025 [601/8589/2] OCR is an exempt Charity
DC (PQ/SG) 347683/4 Turn over
20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx 5/29/2026 20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx
,20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx 20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_
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
20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx 5/29/2026 20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx
,20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx 20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_
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
20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx 5/29/2026 20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx
, 20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx 20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_
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
20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx 5/29/2026 20251202204256_692f4f50f1090_ngcr__62_.docx
