A Venus flytrap is a plant that can snap its leaves shut to trap insects. It uses the digested insects as a source of nutrients. Explain how the Venus flytrap shows four characteristics of living organisms.

Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 1.1 Characteristics of living organisms · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

1. Movement – the trap’s leaves snap shut when triggered.
2. Sensitivity – the plant senses the insect’s touch via trigger hairs and responds.
3. Nutrition – it digests the insect to absorb nitrogen and other nutrients.
4. Respiration – the plant carries out cellular respiration to produce energy for growth.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact words ‘movement’, ‘sensitivity’, ‘nutrition’, ‘respiration’ as in the mark scheme.
  • Show the link between the stimulus and the response for sensitivity.
  • Mention the source of nutrients (insects) for nutrition.
  • Keep each point short and to the point to fit the 4‑mark limit.

Common mistakes

  • Using vague terms like ‘growth’ instead of a specific characteristic.
  • Failing to link the stimulus (touch) to the response (snap).
  • Omitting the source of nutrients (insects) in the nutrition point.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Movement — the plant moves part of itself (its leaves snap shut)
  2. Sensitivity — the plant detects a stimulus (the insect / touch) and responds to it
  3. Nutrition — the plant takes in materials (from digested insects / photosynthesis) needed for growth and development
  4. Respiration / Growth / Reproduction — any one other valid characteristic correctly linked to the organism

Key terms in this question

characteristics of living organisms

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