5090_s26_qp_12 2026 May-June Biology 5090 Question Paper 1 Variant 2 · Cambridge CAIE O Level

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5090_s26_qp_122026 May-June Biology 5090 Question Paper 1 Variant 2

This is the official Cambridge O Level Biology (5090) Question Paper 1 (Variant 2) from the 2026 May-June examination session. This question paper was sat by Cambridge students worldwide in 2026 and is published by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE). Use it for timed practice under exam conditions to build familiarity with the question format, mark allocation, and time pressure.

Also referenced as: 5090_s26_qp_12 · 5090/12/m/j/26 qp · 5090/12 May/June 2026 qp

Paper 1: Multiple Choice This is Paper 1: Multiple Choice, worth 40 marks with a duration of 1h. 40 multiple-choice questions covering the full syllabus. No penalty for wrong answers — always attempt every question.

To self-assess your performance, use this question paper alongside the corresponding mark scheme (5090_s26_ms_12). Attempt the entire paper under timed conditions before opening the mark scheme — this trains both your subject knowledge and exam technique. Mark each question and record whether marks were lost due to knowledge gaps, method errors, or careless mistakes.

The most effective way to use this Biology question paper is to simulate real exam conditions: set a timer for the full duration, work without notes, and write your answers on separate paper. After finishing, mark yourself using the official mark scheme — do not check answers during the paper. This builds exam stamina and reveals your genuine readiness. Repeat this process across 3–5 sessions to identify recurring weak topics in Biology (5090).

Studying Biology?

Every past paper on this site stays free. These are the worked answers and notes our specialists write on top of them.

Same paper, other years

Biology (5090) Question Paper 1 (Variant 2) from other exam sessions — practise the same paper across the years, then check each one against its mark scheme.

Examiner Insights — Paper 1: Multiple Choice

Based on analysis of 4 official Cambridge documents (2023, 2024, 2025)

2

Confusing global warming with ozone depletion — attributing wrong causes and effects

There is still some confusion between global warming and the destruction of the ozone layer. Very few appreciated that removing trees would remove minerals from the system.5090 Paper 2/21, May/June 2023

How to fix: Global warming: burning fossil fuels releases CO2 and methane which trap infrared radiation (greenhouse effect) causing temperature rise. Ozone depletion: CFCs break down ozone (O3) in the stratosphere allowing more UV radiation to reach Earth. These are two separate environmental problems with different causes, different gases, and different consequences. Never mix them.

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Biology Exam Guide: How to Score Higher

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