# 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

## 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

- [characteristics of living organisms](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/characteristics-of-living-organisms)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-venus-flytrap-is-a-plant-6d56e9f8) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.