JAMB UTME - Biology - 2019
Question 1 Report
The change in the genetic make up of an organism resulting in an inheritable characteristics which is new is
Answer Details
Mutation is the change in the genetic make up of an organism, which results in a new inheritable characteristic. Simply put, a mutation is a change in an organism's DNA that can be passed down to future generations. Mutations can happen naturally or can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to radiation or chemicals. These changes can result in a variety of effects, from a simple alteration in an organism's appearance to a serious medical condition.
Question 2 Report
In natural selection, Darwin proposed that evolution occurred because of the following conditions except
Answer Details
The exception to Darwin's proposed conditions for natural selection is "food and other needs are abundant." In Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection, he proposed that nature selects those organisms that are best adapted to their environment, and those that are not well-adapted will not survive and reproduce. This selection process occurs because resources such as food and other necessities are limited, and only those that are able to obtain these resources will survive and reproduce. If resources were abundant, there would be no need for competition, and selection would not occur.
Question 3 Report
Ecology is best defined as the study of
Answer Details
Ecology is best defined as the study of the inter-relationship between living organisms and the environment. It is the study of how organisms interact with each other and their surroundings, including both living and non-living components of the environment. Ecology is a broad field that encompasses many different areas of study, including the study of populations, communities, ecosystems, and biomes. Ecologists examine the ways in which living organisms interact with each other and with their physical and chemical environment, as well as the ways in which human activities can impact these interactions. By understanding the relationships between organisms and their environment, ecologists can develop strategies for conservation, management, and restoration of ecosystems. For example, ecologists can study the impacts of climate change on ecosystems, and develop plans to mitigate these impacts and help protect the biodiversity of our planet. So, the correct answer is "the inter-relationship between living organisms and the environment."
Question 4 Report
Which of the following factors is not considered in a terrestial habitat?
Answer Details
Turbidity is not typically considered a factor in a terrestrial habitat. A terrestrial habitat is a place where land-dwelling organisms, such as plants and animals, live and interact with their environment. Temperature, sunlight, and humidity are all important factors in determining the characteristics of a terrestrial habitat and the organisms that live there. Temperature affects the rate of biochemical reactions in organisms, while sunlight provides energy for photosynthesis in plants and affects the behavior of many animals. Humidity, or the amount of moisture in the air, can affect the water balance of plants and animals. On the other hand, turbidity refers to the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid, such as water, due to the presence of suspended particles. Turbidity is typically associated with aquatic habitats, where it can affect the penetration of light and the availability of nutrients for aquatic plants and animals. In a terrestrial habitat, there is generally no water for particles to be suspended in, so turbidity is not usually a significant factor.
Question 5 Report
The specific portion of a habitat which is occupied by a particular species is referred to as
Answer Details
The specific portion of a habitat that is occupied by a particular species is referred to as its "Ecological Niche". An ecological niche refers to the role and position a species has in its environment, including its relationships with other species, the way it obtains food and resources, and the physical conditions it requires to survive. Essentially, it's the species' unique way of life and how it fits into its habitat. For example, a bird species might have a specific ecological niche as a seed-eater, and it might occupy a certain area of a forest where seeds are abundant. Another species might occupy a different niche as a predator, hunting for insects in a different part of the forest. These two species have their own unique ecological niches and do not overlap in the way they interact with their environment.
Question 6 Report
In an ecosystem, the organism which changes light energy into stored chemical energy is the
Answer Details
The organism that changes light energy into stored chemical energy in an ecosystem is the producer. Producers are typically plants and algae that use photosynthesis to convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy stored in the form of glucose (sugar). This stored energy is then used as a source of food and energy for other organisms in the ecosystem. Consumers, on the other hand, are organisms that consume producers or other consumers to obtain energy. Decomposers are organisms that break down dead organic matter and return nutrients to the soil. Carnivores are consumers that eat other consumers. So, in summary, the producer is the organism that converts light energy into stored chemical energy, while consumers, decomposers, and carnivores obtain energy by eating other organisms.
Question 7 Report
Which organ removes the largest quantity of water from the blood?
Answer Details
The organ that removes the largest quantity of water from the blood is the kidney. The kidney is a vital organ in the body that helps filter waste products and excess water from the blood, which are then eliminated from the body as urine. When blood enters the kidney, it passes through tiny blood vessels called capillaries. These capillaries are surrounded by small structures called nephrons, which are responsible for filtering the blood. As blood flows through the nephrons, excess water and waste products are filtered out and collected as urine. The kidneys play an important role in maintaining the body's water balance. They can adjust the amount of water that is excreted from the body depending on how much water is consumed, how much is lost through sweating, and other factors. This helps to maintain the body's fluid levels within a narrow range, which is important for proper bodily function. While the skin and lungs also play a role in removing water from the body, they are not as efficient as the kidneys. The skin eliminates water through sweat, but this process is limited by factors such as humidity and temperature. The lungs eliminate water through exhalation, but this is a small amount compared to the amount eliminated by the kidneys. Overall, the kidneys are the most important organ for removing excess water from the body, and play a critical role in maintaining proper bodily function.
Question 8 Report
The insect trapping movements of the leaves of the venus fly trap is a behavioural adaptation for
Answer Details
The insect trapping movements of the leaves of the Venus flytrap is a behavioral adaptation for obtaining food. The Venus flytrap is a carnivorous plant that is native to the southeastern United States. Its leaves are modified in a unique way to trap and digest insects. The leaves of the Venus flytrap are divided into two lobes that are hinged together. The leaves also have tiny trigger hairs on their inner surfaces. When an insect touches these trigger hairs, the lobes of the leaf snap shut, trapping the insect inside. The leaf then secretes digestive enzymes that break down the insect's body, providing the plant with nutrients it needs to survive. This behavior is an adaptation that allows the Venus flytrap to live in nutrient-poor soil environments. By being able to capture and digest insects, the Venus flytrap is able to supplement its diet with the nutrients it needs to survive. So, the correct answer is "obtaining food."
Question 9 Report
The presence of ______ for swimming in a tad-pole enables it to adapt in an aquatic habitat.
Answer Details
Tadpole's ability to swim and adapt to an aquatic habitat is due to the presence of its tail.
Question 10 Report
Competition among individuals of a population increases the
Answer Details
Competition among individuals of a population increases the "Survival of the fittest". This means that individuals that are better adapted to their environment and can compete more effectively for resources are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to their offspring. Over time, this process can lead to the evolution of a population and can result in the survival of the strongest, most fit individuals. In a simple way, it's like a race where the fastest runner wins and gets to advance to the next round. Similarly, in a population, the individuals who are best equipped to survive and thrive will be more likely to do so, while those who are not as well adapted may struggle and eventually die off.
Question 11 Report
Which of the reproductive system in mammals secretes a part of the seminal fluid which raises the pH of the fluid in the female reproductive system?
Answer Details
The Cowper's gland, also known as the bulbourethral gland, secretes a part of the seminal fluid in mammals. This gland is located near the base of the penis and its secretion is added to the semen just before ejaculation. The fluid produced by the Cowper's gland is alkaline and helps to neutralize the acidity of the female reproductive tract. This is important because it helps to create a more favorable environment for the sperm, increasing the chances of successful fertilization. The alkaline fluid also helps to protect the sperm from the corrosive effects of the acidic environment in the female reproductive tract. So, the Cowper's gland plays a crucial role in the reproductive process of mammals.
Question 12 Report
The study of an individual organism or a single species of organism and its environment is
Answer Details
Artecology is the study of an individual organism or a single specie of organism and no environment
Question 13 Report
The above organism can be classified under which phylum in the animal kingdom
Answer Details
The tilapia fish can be classified under chordata phylum in the animal kingdom.
Question 14 Report
The part labelled a in the above diagram is used for
Answer Details
Operculum or gill cover helps the tilapia fish in gaseous exchange.
Question 15 Report
Which of the following essential substance is contained in vegetable?
Answer Details
Vegetable contains mineral salts like magnesium, copper etc which is very essential for body growth.
Question 16 Report
Which of the following is not a transmitable character in plants
Answer Details
Haemophilia is not a transmittable character in plants. Haemophilia is a genetic disorder that affects blood clotting in humans and other animals, and it has no relevance to plants. On the other hand, the habit of growth, resistance to environmental factors, and lifespan are all heritable traits that can be transmitted from parent plants to their offspring through genetic material such as DNA. The habit of growth refers to the overall shape and size of the plant, including whether it is a tree, shrub, or herb. Resistance to environmental factors refers to a plant's ability to survive in adverse conditions such as drought, high salinity, or extreme temperatures. Lifespan refers to the length of time that a plant can live and reproduce. All of these traits are important for plant survival and are determined by genetic factors that can be passed down from one generation to the next.
Question 17 Report
The possession of chloroplast in Euglena virids enables it to
Answer Details
The possession of chloroplast in Euglena viridis enables it to carry out photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and algae use sunlight to synthesize food (glucose) from carbon dioxide and water. Chloroplasts are organelles found in the cells of green plants and algae that contain the pigment chlorophyll, which absorbs sunlight and is essential for photosynthesis. Euglena viridis is a unicellular organism that possesses chloroplasts, which enables it to harness sunlight to produce its own food through photosynthesis. Therefore, the answer is that the possession of chloroplast in Euglena viridis enables it to carry out photosynthesis.
Question 18 Report
Plants which can survive in extremely dry places are called
Answer Details
The plants which can survive in extremely dry places are called xerophytes. Xerophytes have special adaptations that allow them to conserve water and survive in arid or desert environments where water is scarce. These adaptations include things like thick, waxy leaves to reduce water loss through evaporation, deep root systems to reach water deep underground, and small, spiky leaves to reduce surface area and water loss. Examples of xerophytes include cacti, succulents, and some types of grasses.
Question 19 Report
Raw materials required by green plants to manufacture their food are
Answer Details
The raw materials required by green plants to manufacture their food are mainly inorganic substances. During photosynthesis, green plants use energy from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil into glucose, a type of sugar that they use as food. The inorganic substances required for this process include carbon dioxide, water, and a few mineral nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which the plants absorb from the soil through their roots. Although green plants do require fluids, such as water, and gases, such as carbon dioxide, for photosynthesis, these materials are considered inorganic because they do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds, which are characteristic of organic molecules. Thus, the main raw materials required by green plants for photosynthesis are inorganic substances.
Question 20 Report
The study which involves the inter-relationship between groups of organisms or species of organisms living together in an area is
Answer Details
The study which involves the inter-relationship between groups of organisms or species of organisms living together in an area is called synecology. Synecology is a branch of ecology that focuses on the interactions between different species in a community and how they affect each other and the environment. This includes studying how species compete for resources, how they coexist and adapt to changing conditions, and how they play different roles in the ecosystem. Synecology is essential for understanding the functioning and dynamics of ecosystems, and for developing strategies to conserve and manage biodiversity.
Question 21 Report
Which of the following substances pass through the root cell membrane by osmosis?
Answer Details
Water passes through the root cell membrane by osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration across a semi-permeable membrane. In plants, water is absorbed through the root hairs of the plant and moves into the root cells. The root cell membrane is selectively permeable, meaning that it allows certain molecules to pass through while blocking others. Water molecules are small enough to pass through the membrane, but larger molecules like cell sap, carbon dioxide, and oxygen cannot pass through by osmosis. Therefore, the correct answer is water.
Question 22 Report
One of the following is an effect of clay soil on vegetation
Answer Details
Clay soil's effect on vegetation is that it supports light vegetation such as forest and luxuriant vegetation.
Question 23 Report
Inheritable character/features possessed by an organism can be referred to as
Answer Details
Genes are the inheritable character/features possessed by an organism. They are the basic unit of heredity and carry information from one generation to the next. A gene is a segment of DNA that contains the instructions for making a specific protein. The proteins made by genes control the growth, development, and function of our bodies. Each of us has many thousands of genes, which together determine our traits and characteristics. So, genes are the underlying cause of the traits and characteristics that are passed down from parent to offspring.
Question 24 Report
The following processes are involved during expiration in man except
Answer Details
The process involved during expiration in humans that is not accurate is "The thoracic cavity first increases in volume." During expiration, the diaphragm, which is a muscle located at the bottom of the thoracic cavity, relaxes and moves upwards, decreasing the volume of the thoracic cavity. At the same time, the intercostal muscles, located between the ribs, also relax, and the ribs move downward and inward, causing the chest to decrease in size. Additionally, the sternum moves outward, not inward, during expiration. These combined actions increase the pressure within the thoracic cavity, forcing air out of the lungs. Overall, expiration is a passive process that does not require the use of energy, and it is the opposite of inspiration, which is the process of taking air into the lungs.
Question 25 Report
One important characteristics of green plant is that they
Answer Details
Green plants are autotropic. This means that they are able to produce their own food through a process called photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants use energy from sunlight, carbon dioxide from the air, and water from the soil to produce glucose, which is their source of energy. This characteristic sets plants apart from animals and other organisms that are heterotrophic and rely on other organisms for their food.
Question 26 Report
Which of the following is the effect of using artificial pollination in plant breeding?
Answer Details
The effect of using artificial pollination in plant breeding is "Improvement of the variety of crops". Artificial pollination is the process of manually transferring pollen from one flower to another to fertilize it, with the goal of producing hybrid plants with desirable traits. This allows plant breeders to combine traits from two different plants to create a new variety with improved qualities such as increased yield, disease resistance, and improved flavor. By using artificial pollination, plant breeders can control the genetics of the resulting offspring, leading to the creation of new crop varieties with improved traits. This can help to increase food production and improve the quality of crops, making them more resilient and better suited for different growing conditions.
Question 27 Report
Good quality food will perform the following functions in human except
Answer Details
Good quality food is essential for the proper functioning of the human body. It provides us with the nutrients that we need to stay healthy and strong. However, it is important to note that good quality food cannot provide resistance against malaria. Malaria is a disease that is caused by a parasite that is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. While good nutrition can help support a healthy immune system, it cannot provide specific resistance against malaria. The other functions listed are all important roles that good quality food can perform in the human body. 1. Supplying energy: Food provides us with the energy we need to carry out daily activities, from walking and talking to more strenuous activities like exercising or playing sports. 2. Maintaining health: Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods helps to maintain good health. Nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are important for proper bodily function and can help prevent chronic diseases. 3. Sustaining growth: Children and teenagers require a balanced diet to support their growth and development. A diet rich in nutrients like protein, calcium, and iron is essential for building strong bones, muscles, and other tissues. In summary, good quality food is important for supplying energy, maintaining health, and sustaining growth. However, it cannot provide specific resistance against malaria or other infectious diseases.
Question 28 Report
Which of the following organs can be considered vestigial in humans but functional in other mammals
Answer Details
The appendix is considered to be vestigial in humans but functional in other mammals. In humans, the appendix serves no known purpose and can become inflamed and cause pain (appendicitis), which often requires surgical removal. However, in other mammals such as cows and horses, the appendix serves as a fermentation chamber where beneficial bacteria can break down tough plant fibers into simpler sugars that can be easily absorbed. This process is important for their digestion and survival.
Question 29 Report
The part labeled III in the above diagram is
Answer Details
The part labeled III in the diagram is Hyphae. Hyphae are thread-like structures that form the main body of a fungus. They grow in a network called mycelium, which is made up of many hyphae. Hyphae are responsible for absorbing nutrients and water from the environment and transporting them to the rest of the fungus. They also play a role in the reproduction of the fungus by producing spores. Hyphae can vary in size and shape, but they are typically very thin and can grow very long, allowing the fungus to spread over a large area.
Question 30 Report
Animals are said to gregarious when
Answer Details
Animals are said to be gregarious when they are of the same species and move together in a group. This behavior can be seen in various animals, such as wildebeests, zebras, and birds. There are different reasons why animals may exhibit gregarious behavior. One reason is for protection from predators. Being in a group makes it more difficult for a predator to target one individual. Animals in a group can also help defend against predators by displaying protective behaviors, such as giving an alarm to alert others when danger threatens. Another reason for gregarious behavior is for mating purposes. Some animals may form groups during breeding season, where males compete for females and display their dominance. So, the correct answer is "they are of the same species moving together in a group."
Question 31 Report
Which of the following controls all voluntary actions
Answer Details
The cerebrum controls all voluntary actions. The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and is responsible for controlling movement, sensation, thought, and emotion. It is divided into two hemispheres, the left and the right, each of which controls different functions. The cerebrum is responsible for conscious decision making and voluntary movements, such as moving your arm or leg. The other options you listed, the olfactory lobes, hypothalamus, and pons varolii, have different functions in the brain. The olfactory lobes are responsible for the sense of smell, the hypothalamus controls basic functions like hunger and thirst, and the pons varolii is involved in breathing and other autonomic functions.
Question 32 Report
Which of the following is an example of continous variation?
Answer Details
Height in humans is an example of continuous variation. This means that there is a wide range of possible heights within a population and that there is no clear division into separate categories. People can be tall, short, or anywhere in between, and there is a smooth distribution of heights rather than distinct groups. This type of variation is called continuous because the traits can take on any value within a range, rather than being limited to specific categories.
Question 33 Report
Viruses are pathogens of the following diseases except
Answer Details
Viruses are not the pathogens of Tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While viruses can weaken the immune system, making it more susceptible to other infections, including tuberculosis, the actual cause of tuberculosis is the bacterium, not a virus.
Question 34 Report
The period of inactivity seen in some animals during long period of heat or drought is
Answer Details
The period of inactivity seen in some animals during long periods of heat or drought is called aestivation. Aestivation is a type of dormancy, similar to hibernation, but it occurs in response to hot or dry conditions, while hibernation occurs in response to cold or food scarcity. During aestivation, animals reduce their metabolic activity and enter a state of deep sleep to conserve energy and water until more favorable conditions return. This strategy helps them survive harsh environmental conditions and avoid dehydration, which can be deadly in hot and dry environments. Some animals that undergo aestivation include certain snails, frogs, and turtles, as well as some mammals like the marsupial mouse and the fat-tailed dwarf lemur.
Question 35 Report
Which of the following is a behavioural adaptation that protects prey from predators?
Answer Details
Secreting irritating fluid is a behavioural adaptation that keep/protects preys from predators.
Question 36 Report
Which of the following structures controls the activities of the living cell?
Answer Details
The structure that controls the activities of the living cell is the nucleus. The nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle that contains the genetic material (DNA) of the cell. It serves as the control center for the cell, directing all of its activities by regulating the expression of genes. The DNA in the nucleus provides the instructions for making proteins, which are the building blocks of the cell and carry out various functions in the body. The nucleus also plays a critical role in cell division, which is the process by which new cells are formed. During cell division, the DNA in the nucleus is replicated and then distributed to the daughter cells, ensuring that they each receive a complete set of genetic material. In summary, the nucleus is responsible for regulating gene expression and directing all of the activities of the cell. It is the structure that controls the fundamental processes of life, making it a vital organelle in all living organisms.
Question 37 Report
The movement of blood between the heart and all other parts of the body beside the lungs is
Answer Details
The movement of blood between the heart and all other parts of the body beside the lungs is called systemic circulation. In the systemic circulation, oxygenated blood flows from the heart to the body's organs and tissues, providing them with the oxygen and nutrients they need to function properly. After the oxygen has been used up by the cells, the blood carrying carbon dioxide and other waste products is then transported back to the heart to be pumped to the lungs, where it will be oxygenated again in the pulmonary circulation. The systemic circulation is a critical part of the body's overall circulatory system, which also includes the pulmonary circulation. Together, these two systems help to ensure that every part of the body has a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients and that waste products are efficiently removed from the body.
Question 38 Report
Which of the following substances has the highest amount of energy in joules per unit weight?
Answer Details
Fats have the highest amount of energy in joules per unit weight compared to carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins. This is because fats contain more carbon and hydrogen atoms than carbohydrates and proteins, and these atoms have a higher potential to release energy when they are broken down and burned during cellular respiration. One gram of fat provides about 9 calories (37.7 kJ) of energy, while one gram of carbohydrates or proteins provides only about 4 calories (16.7 kJ) of energy. Vitamins, on the other hand, are not significant sources of energy and play important roles in supporting various metabolic processes in the body. To put it simply, fats contain more energy per unit weight than other substances because they are made up of more energy-rich carbon and hydrogen atoms.
Question 39 Report
Albinism is an expression of trait controlled by
Answer Details
Albinism is an expression of a trait controlled by recessive genes. Albinism is a genetic condition that results in a lack of melanin, a pigment that provides color to the skin, hair, and eyes. The condition is caused by mutations in genes that produce or distribute melanin. In order for an individual to have albinism, they must inherit two copies of the mutated gene, one from each parent. If an individual inherits one normal gene and one mutated gene, they will not have albinism, but they will be a carrier of the condition and can pass it on to their offspring. This is why albinism is considered a recessive trait, meaning it is only expressed when two copies of the mutated gene are present. So, in summary, albinism is an expression of a trait controlled by recessive genes, meaning that it is caused by mutations in genes that produce or distribute melanin, and it is only expressed when two copies of the mutated gene are present.
Question 40 Report
Which of the following describes an example of fertilization in higher organisms?
Answer Details
The correct answer is: "Fusion of sperm and egg nuclei" Fertilization is the process in which a male gamete (sperm) combines with a female gamete (egg or ovum) to form a zygote, which is the first cell of the new organism. In higher organisms, including humans, fertilization occurs when a sperm cell penetrates the outer membrane of the egg cell and fuses with the egg's nucleus, resulting in the fusion of genetic material from both the sperm and the egg. The other options listed are not examples of fertilization. - Pollen grain landing on a sticky stigma is a process called pollination, which occurs in plants. Pollen grains contain male gametes, but pollination is not the same as fertilization, as the male and female gametes do not actually combine until after the pollen tube grows down into the ovule and the sperm cells are released to fuse with the egg. - Ejaculation of the egg and pollen grain is not a biological process that occurs in any known organism. - Ejaculation of sperm into the female body is the first step in the process of fertilization, but it is not fertilization itself. The sperm must still reach and penetrate the egg to complete the process of fertilization.
