OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

What does 'sensitivity' refer to in the context of the seven life processes?

1. Ability to heal quickly

2. Ability to respond to stimuli

3. Ability to reproduce

4. Ability to move

The correct answer is: Ability to respond to stimuli

In the context of the seven life processes, 'sensitivity' refers to the ability to respond to stimuli in the environment. This characteristic is fundamental to living organisms as it allows them to detect changes around them, such as light, temperature, sound, and chemical signals. For example, when an organism feels heat, like a bird sensing the warmth of the sun, it can adjust its behavior accordingly, such as seeking shade or drinking water to prevent overheating. This responsiveness is crucial for survival, as it helps organisms react to their environment effectively, ensuring they can find food, avoid danger, and engage in appropriate social behaviors. The other options, while related to aspects of living organisms, do not encapsulate the specific meaning of 'sensitivity' within the seven life processes. The ability to heal quickly pertains to an organism’s repair mechanisms, reproduction relates to the capability to produce offspring, and movement, while crucial for many organisms, is more about physical action rather than sensory response.