WAEC SSCE - Biology - 2002
Question 1 Report
The oxygen released during photosynthesis is obtained
Answer Details
During photosynthesis, oxygen is released as a byproduct when water molecules are split into hydrogen ions and oxygen atoms through a process called photolysis. This occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where chlorophyll traps light energy from the sun and converts it into chemical energy used to power the process of photosynthesis. Thus, the correct answer is: "During the photolysis of water using energy trapped in chlorophyll".
Question 3 Report
Which of the following measures is most likely to cause a damage to the ecosystem in the control of pests
and weeds?
Answer Details
Spraying insecticides to destroy cotton-stainers in a cotton-field is most likely to cause damage to the ecosystem in the control of pests and weeds. In an ecosystem, every organism plays a crucial role, and any interference or disruption can have significant effects on the environment. Pest and weed control measures are essential to maintain the balance of an ecosystem and ensure a sustainable agricultural system. However, some methods can have negative impacts on the environment and lead to unintended consequences. Spraying insecticides to destroy cotton-stainers in a cotton-field can lead to the unintended killing of other beneficial insects, such as bees and ladybirds, which are crucial for pollination and pest control. Additionally, the use of insecticides can harm other wildlife and contaminate soil and water resources, leading to long-term damage to the ecosystem. In contrast, the use of ladybird insects to feed on aphids, introduction of bacterium to kill butterfly larvae, and the introduction of Tilapia fish in ponds to feed on mosquito larvae are all natural and eco-friendly methods of pest and weed control that have a lower impact on the environment. These methods do not harm other organisms in the ecosystem, and they can promote the growth of beneficial organisms, leading to a more sustainable and healthy ecosystem. Therefore, spraying insecticides to destroy cotton-stainers in a cotton-field is most likely to cause damage to the ecosystem in the control of pests and weeds.
Question 4 Report
Which of the following organs in humans is responsible for the removal of excess water?
Answer Details
The organ in humans responsible for the removal of excess water is the kidney. The kidney is a pair of bean-shaped organs located at the back of the abdomen. They are responsible for filtering waste products and excess water from the blood, which is then excreted from the body in the form of urine. The kidneys regulate the body's fluid balance by adjusting the amount of water excreted in the urine.
Question 6 Report
Adrenalin is considered as a hormone for “fright and flight” because it
Answer Details
Adrenalin is considered as a hormone for "fight or flight" because it prepares the body for action. Adrenalin is produced by the adrenal glands and is released into the bloodstream in response to stress or danger. When the body senses danger or a stressful situation, adrenalin triggers a series of physiological responses that help the body cope with the situation. These responses include increasing heart rate, increasing blood pressure, and releasing glucose into the bloodstream for energy. This allows the body to respond quickly and effectively to the situation, either by fighting or by running away (flight). So, adrenalin plays a key role in the "fight or flight" response to stress or danger.
Question 7 Report
The numbers in a population would rise, if there was an increase in the
Answer Details
The numbers in a population would rise if there was an increase in the amount of food available. The population of any organism is influenced by various factors, including the availability of resources such as food. When there is an increase in the amount of food available, the individuals in a population have a better chance of survival and are more likely to reproduce. As a result, the population will grow over time. Conversely, a decrease in the availability of food can lead to a decrease in population size due to increased competition for resources and reduced reproductive success. On the other hand, the spread of disease and the number of predators can reduce the population size by increasing mortality rates. In the case of disease, individuals may become ill or die, reducing the number of individuals in the population. Predators can also reduce the population size by consuming individuals, which can lead to a decrease in reproductive success and population growth. The number of deaths also reduces the population size, as there are fewer individuals in the population. In summary, an increase in the amount of food available can contribute to the growth of a population, while factors such as disease, predators, and the number of deaths can reduce the population size.
Question 8 Report
Which of these statements is true about fingerprint patterns?
Answer Details
The statement that is true about fingerprint patterns is that they are consistent for a lifetime. Fingerprints are unique patterns of ridges and furrows on the skin of the fingers and palms that form during fetal development and remain unchanged throughout a person's life, except in the case of injury or disease. The patterns of ridges and furrows on each individual's fingerprints are unique, and no two people have the same fingerprints. This is why fingerprints are often used for identification purposes, such as in forensic investigations or for security clearance. It is important to note that while fingerprint patterns are consistent for a lifetime, they can be altered by injury, disease, or intentional modification, such as through surgery or intentional scarring.
Question 9 Report
Which of the following organism has both plant and animal-like features
Answer Details
Euglena is the organism that has both plant and animal-like features. Euglena is a unicellular organism that has a flagellum, which it uses for movement. It is usually classified as a type of protist, which is a diverse group of eukaryotic organisms that do not fit into any other kingdom. Like plants, Euglena contains chloroplasts, which are organelles that allow it to perform photosynthesis and produce its food from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. This means that Euglena is able to make its own food, just like plants. However, unlike plants, Euglena is also capable of ingesting other small organisms, such as bacteria or other protists, in order to obtain nutrients. This feature is more commonly associated with animal-like behavior, where the organism ingests other organisms for nutrition. In summary, Euglena has both plant and animal-like features because it can perform photosynthesis and make its own food like plants, but it is also capable of ingesting other organisms for nutrients, similar to animals.
Question 10 Report
Animal cells are different from plant cells because animal cells have
Answer Details
Animal cells are different from plant cells because animal cells have centrioles. Centrioles are organelles that play a role in cell division. They are involved in the formation of spindle fibers that help separate chromosomes during cell division. Plant cells, on the other hand, do not have centrioles but have a cell wall that provides structural support and protection to the cell. Additionally, plant cells have large central vacuoles that help maintain turgor pressure and chloroplasts that are responsible for photosynthesis.
Question 11 Report
Ecology simply means the study of
Answer Details
Ecology is the study of the interrelationship between living organisms and their environment. It includes the study of the interactions between different species of plants and animals, as well as the relationships between organisms and their physical surroundings, such as the properties of a habitat. Ecology helps us to understand how organisms adapt to their environment, how they affect and are affected by other organisms, and how human activities can impact the natural world.
The structures labelled II are associated withQuestion 13 Report
The genes affecting the same trait and are located at the same position on the homologous chromosomes
are called
Answer Details
Question 14 Report
Which of the following terms ensures the survival of an organism in its environment?
Answer Details
The term that ensures the survival of an organism in its environment is "adaptation." Adaptation refers to the process by which an organism changes over time to better suit its environment and increase its chances of survival. For example, a species of bird with a long beak might adapt to its environment by using the beak to reach food that other birds can't. Over time, this adaptation can lead to the survival and proliferation of that species, as it is better equipped to thrive in its environment. Hibernation, succession, and competition are also important concepts in ecology and biology, but they do not necessarily ensure the survival of an organism in the same way that adaptation does. Hibernation, for example, is a survival strategy used by some animals to conserve energy during harsh environmental conditions, but it does not necessarily lead to long-term survival or adaptation. Succession refers to the gradual process of ecological change in a given area, while competition refers to the struggle for resources between different organisms in an ecosystem. While both of these concepts can impact an organism's chances of survival, they are not the primary mechanism by which organisms ensure their survival in an environment.
Question 15 Report
Which part of part of plant cell contains cellulose?
Answer Details
Cellulose is a structural carbohydrate that provides rigidity and support to plant cells. The part of a plant cell that contains cellulose is the cell wall. The cell wall is located outside the cell membrane and is composed mainly of cellulose. It is responsible for maintaining the shape and structural integrity of the cell, as well as protecting it from external stressors. The vacuole is a membrane-bound organelle that stores water and other materials, the cytoplasm is the fluid-like substance that fills the cell, and the chloroplast is the organelle responsible for photosynthesis.
Question 16 Report
Which of the following is not an example of entomophilous flower?
Answer Details
Guinea grass is not an example of entomophilous flower. Entomophilous flowers are those that are pollinated by insects, such as bees, butterflies, and flies. These flowers are usually brightly colored, have a pleasant fragrance, and produce nectar as a reward for the pollinators. Hibiscus, Flamboyant, and Allamanda are all examples of entomophilous flowers. Guinea grass, on the other hand, is wind-pollinated and does not rely on insects for pollination. Wind-pollinated flowers tend to be small and inconspicuous, with no need for showy petals or fragrant odors. Therefore, Guinea grass is not an example of an entomophilous flower, as it is pollinated by wind rather than insects.
Question 17 Report
In any food chain, the first member must be a
Answer Details
The first member in any food chain must be an autotroph. Autotrophs are organisms that produce their food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, meaning they can synthesize organic compounds from inorganic materials like carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight or chemical energy. They are also known as producers since they produce the base of the food chain that other organisms rely on for survival. For example, plants are autotrophs because they use sunlight to produce their food through photosynthesis. Herbivores, which are animals that eat only plants, rely on these plants for their energy needs. Carnivores, which are animals that eat other animals, rely on herbivores for their energy needs. Zooplankton, which are tiny aquatic animals, can either be herbivores or carnivores and also rely on autotrophs for their energy needs. Therefore, autotrophs are the starting point of any food chain because they provide the energy source that sustains all other living organisms in the ecosystem.
Question 18 Report
The total amount of energy entering a food chain is that which is present in the
Answer Details
The total amount of energy entering a food chain is that which is present in the producer. Producers are the organisms that convert energy from the sun, through the process of photosynthesis, into organic molecules that can be used as food by other organisms. As a result, they are the source of all energy in an ecosystem. When a herbivore eats a producer, it obtains some of the energy that was stored in the producer's organic molecules. When a carnivore eats an herbivore, it obtains some of the energy that was stored in the herbivore's body. The amount of energy that is passed from one organism to another in a food chain is always less than the amount that was present in the previous organism, as some of the energy is lost as heat or used for metabolic processes. Therefore, the total amount of energy available to all organisms in a food chain is that which was originally present in the producer. Without producers, there would be no energy available for other organisms to survive and thrive.
Question 19 Report
Which of the following is not a morphological variation in human beings?
Answer Details
The morphological variations refer to the differences in physical characteristics or traits among individuals of a species. Among the options given, "blood groups" are not a morphological variation. Blood groups are determined by the presence or absence of certain molecules on the surface of red blood cells. This variation is determined by genetics, and it does not involve physical traits that can be seen externally. On the other hand, size, color, and fingerprints are morphological variations that can be observed externally. Size refers to the variation in body height, weight, and overall body structure. Color refers to the differences in skin, hair, and eye color among individuals. Fingerprints refer to the unique patterns on the fingertips, which are used as a means of identification. In summary, while blood groups are a variation among humans, they are not a morphological variation as they are not externally visible.
Question 20 Report
The importance of practising crop-rotation in agriculture is to
Answer Details
The importance of practicing crop rotation in agriculture is to maintain the fertility of the soil. Crop rotation is the practice of growing different crops in the same area in a planned sequence over time. This can help to maintain the health and fertility of the soil by preventing the depletion of nutrients that can occur when the same crop is grown repeatedly in the same area. Different crops have different nutrient needs, and by rotating crops, farmers can help to replenish the nutrients in the soil. For example, legumes like peas and beans can fix nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that plants can use. By planting legumes in a field after a crop that has depleted the soil of nitrogen, the legumes can help to restore nitrogen to the soil for the next crop. In addition to maintaining soil fertility, crop rotation can also help to control pests and diseases, reduce weed growth, and improve soil structure and water retention. Therefore, the importance of practicing crop rotation in agriculture is to maintain the fertility of the soil, which can lead to healthier crops and more sustainable farming practices.
Question 21 Report
Wildlife conservation is enhanced by
Answer Details
Wildlife conservation is the practice of protecting and preserving wild animals and their habitats. It is enhanced by discouraging the elimination of endangered species. This can be achieved through the creation of protected areas and national parks, education on the importance of conservation, and strict enforcement of laws against poaching and illegal trade of wildlife. Enacting laws to encourage poaching, encouraging the creation of satellite hunting units, and suppressing the activities of wildlife conservation agencies are counterproductive and can undermine the efforts to conserve wildlife.
Question 22 Report
Study the information below. Use it to answer question below
In an experiment to study the rate of water loss in plants, leaves of a potted plant were treated as follows:
I. Upper surface covered with Vaseline ll. Lower surface covered with Vaseline
III. Both surfaces covered with Vaseline IV. None of the leaf surfaces covered
Indicate in a descending order, the rate of water loss from the leaves
Answer Details
Question 23 Report
Micro-organisms are important in recycling nutrients because
Answer Details
Micro-organisms are important in recycling nutrients because they break down dead organic materials. Micro-organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, play a vital role in the process of decomposition. They break down dead plants and animals into simpler compounds that can be reused by other living organisms. Through this process, nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus are released into the soil, where they can be taken up by plant roots and incorporated into new plant growth. This helps to maintain a balance in nutrient levels and keeps ecosystems functioning properly.
Question 24 Report
Which of the following represents the correct sequence, from the most complex of organisations?
Answer Details
The correct sequence, from the most complex of organizations, is: Mitochondrion, Neuron, Muscle, Heart, Alimentary canal, Rabbit. The sequence starts with the mitochondrion, which is the smallest and simplest of the structures listed. Neurons are more complex than mitochondria, as they are specialized cells that transmit information throughout the body. Muscles are made up of many specialized cells and are more complex than neurons. The heart is even more complex than muscles, as it is a specialized organ that pumps blood throughout the body. The alimentary canal, which includes the digestive system, is more complex than the heart, as it is a system of organs that break down and absorb nutrients from food. Finally, the rabbit is the most complex organism listed, as it has all of the structures listed above, plus many other systems and structures that make it a fully functioning organism. Therefore, the correct sequence, from the most simple to the most complex structure, is based on the idea that each structure is built upon the previous one, with each new structure adding more complexity and specialization to the organism.
Question 25 Report
The possession of breathing roots is a characteristic of plants growing in
Answer Details
The possession of breathing roots is a characteristic of plants growing in mangrove swamps. Mangrove swamps are coastal ecosystems where there is a mixture of saltwater and freshwater, and the soil is often saturated with water. The plants that grow in these environments have adapted to the challenging conditions by developing specialized roots, known as breathing roots or pneumatophores. Breathing roots grow upward from the waterlogged soil to allow the exchange of gases between the atmosphere and the submerged roots. They are able to take in oxygen, which is necessary for respiration, and release carbon dioxide, which is a waste product of the plant's metabolism. In addition to breathing roots, mangrove plants also have other adaptations to help them survive in this environment, such as thick waxy leaves to reduce water loss, and salt-excreting glands to remove excess salt from the plant's tissues. Therefore, the possession of breathing roots is a characteristic of plants growing in mangrove swamps, which are specialized coastal ecosystems where plants have adapted to survive in the challenging conditions of waterlogged soil and fluctuating saltwater levels.
Question 26 Report
In flowering plants, fertilization would occur when
Answer Details
In flowering plants, fertilization would occur when one of the nuclei inside the pollen tube fuses with the ovum. Flowering plants reproduce sexually, and they need to undergo fertilization to produce seeds. The process of fertilization starts with the transfer of pollen from the male part of the plant (anther) to the female part (stigma) in a process called pollination. Once the pollen grain lands on the stigma, it produces a tube (pollen tube) that grows down through the style until it reaches the ovary, where the ovules are located. Inside the pollen tube, there are two nuclei - one generative nucleus and one tube nucleus. The generative nucleus divides into two sperm nuclei, while the tube nucleus helps the pollen tube to grow down through the style. When the pollen tube reaches the ovary, one of the sperm nuclei fuses with the egg or ovum, while the other fuses with the two polar nuclei to form the endosperm. This process is called double fertilization and results in the formation of a zygote, which will eventually develop into a seed, and the endosperm, which provides nutrients for the developing embryo. So, in summary, fertilization in flowering plants occurs when one of the nuclei inside the pollen tube fuses with the ovum.
Question 27 Report
Diffusion is most effective in living organisms, when the surface area is
Answer Details
Diffusion is the process by which substances move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. In living organisms, diffusion occurs through the exchange of gases and nutrients between cells and their environment. The efficiency of diffusion is directly related to the surface area available for exchange and the thickness of the exchange surface. Therefore, diffusion is most effective in living organisms when the surface area available for exchange is large and the thickness of the exchange surface is small. A larger surface area allows for more exchange to occur, while a smaller thickness of the exchange surface reduces the distance that substances must travel. Conversely, if the surface area is small and the thickness is large, diffusion will be less effective, as there is less area available for exchange and the distance that substances must travel is greater.
Question 28 Report
A man with heterozygous genotype for blood group B marries a woman with heterozygous A, what percentage
(%) of their children would be universal donor?
Answer Details
Neither the man nor the woman has the genotype for the O blood group, which is the universal donor. However, their children can inherit an O blood group allele from both parents and have the O blood group.
To determine the percentage of their children that would be universal donors (O blood group), we need to use a Punnett square.
The man has the genotype Bb, and the woman has the genotype Aa. When we combine these genotypes in a Punnett square, we get the following:
| A a --|-------- B | AB aB b | Ab ab
From this Punnett square, we see that there is a 25% chance that the child will inherit an O blood group allele from both parents and have the O blood group (shown as "ab" in the Punnett square). Therefore, the answer is 25%.
Note that while the child with the O blood group can donate to anyone, they can only receive blood from another O blood group donor.
Question 29 Report
When Mendel crossed round seeds with wrinkled seeds of Pea Plant, what was the ratio of wrinkled seeds
to round seeds in the F2 plants?
Question 30 Report
Some species of animals and plants are considered as endangered, because
Answer Details
Species of animals and plants are considered endangered when their populations have become so small that they may soon die out. This can happen for various reasons, such as habitat loss, pollution, climate change, or overhunting. Endangered species are important to protect because they play important roles in their ecosystems, and their loss can have negative effects on the environment and other species. It is important to take action to conserve these species and their habitats to ensure their survival for future generations.
Question 31 Report
Using iodine solution, Biuret test, Benedict reagents and ethanol, respectively in testing for reducing
sugars, which of the following trends of colour changes would be observed?
Answer Details
The trend of colour changes observed in testing for reducing sugars using iodine solution, Biuret test, Benedict reagents, and ethanol are: - Iodine solution: Blue → black (presence of starch) - Biuret test: Blue → violet (presence of proteins) - Benedict reagents: Blue → brick red (presence of reducing sugars) - Ethanol: Milky (presence of fats) Therefore, the trend of colour changes that would be observed when testing for reducing sugars is brown → blue → brick red → clear, corresponding to the colour changes in the Benedict reagent test.
Question 32 Report
Which of the following is used to measure the rate of water uptake in plants?
Answer Details
The instrument used to measure the rate of water uptake in plants is a Potometer. A potometer is a device used to measure the rate at which a plant absorbs water. It consists of a glass tube attached to a plant stem, with a graduated scale for measuring the movement of water in the tube. When the plant transpires, it pulls water up from the roots, and this movement of water can be measured with the potometer.
Question 33 Report
After fertilization in the flowering plants, the zygote develops into the
Answer Details
After fertilization in flowering plants, the zygote develops into the embryo. The embryo is the earliest stage of the plant's development and contains the embryonic root, or radicle, which will develop into the plant's root system, and the embryonic shoot, or plumule, which will develop into the plant's stem, leaves, and flowers. The embryo is also typically composed of one or two cotyledons, which are the first leaves to emerge from the seed upon germination and serve as the plant's primary nutrient source until it can photosynthesize on its own. Overall, the embryo is a crucial stage in the development of flowering plants, as it determines the future growth and structure of the plant.
Question 34 Report
Which of the following depicts the external features of a rat as mammal?
Answer Details
The option that depicts the external features of a rat as a mammal is "fur and whisker." Rats are a type of mammal, which means that they share certain features with other mammals such as humans, dogs, and cats. One of the most noticeable features of rats is their fur, which is made up of dense, soft hairs that cover their entire body. This fur helps to keep them warm and provides protection from the elements. Another distinguishing feature of rats as a mammal is their whiskers. Rats have long, sensitive whiskers on their face that they use to navigate their surroundings and sense potential predators. These whiskers are very important for rats, as they allow them to detect changes in their environment, even in the dark. Other features that are characteristic of mammals, such as the diaphragm and lungs, milk production, and a long intestine and tail, are not unique to rats and are shared by many other mammal species. In summary, the external features that best depict a rat as a mammal are their fur and whiskers, which are unique to this group of animals and help to distinguish them from other types of animals.
Question 35 Report
A vegetable farmer will benefit from a cattle rearer if
Answer Details
A vegetable farmer will benefit from a cattle rearer if the faecal remains of the cattle are made available to the farmer. The faecal remains of the cattle are a rich source of nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth. When these nutrients are added to the soil, they improve soil fertility, increase crop yield, and enhance the quality of the produce. Cattle manure is an organic fertilizer that is beneficial to the vegetable farmer, as it is a low-cost, eco-friendly, and sustainable way to improve soil fertility. It helps to maintain the soil's nutrient balance, increases its water-holding capacity, and promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the soil. In addition, the cattle rearer can also help the farmer by providing additional labour, such as ploughing, weeding, and harvesting, which can help to reduce the farmer's workload and increase efficiency. Therefore, the vegetable farmer will benefit from a cattle rearer if the faecal remains of the cattle are made available to the farmer, as they can be used as a valuable source of organic fertilizer that can improve soil fertility and increase crop yield.
Question 36 Report
Which of the following characteristics differentiates a palisade cell from a liver cell? The possession of
Answer Details
The characteristic that differentiates a palisade cell from a liver cell is "a cell wall and chloroplast." Palisade cells are plant cells that are found in the leaves and are responsible for photosynthesis, while liver cells are animal cells that are found in the liver and have various functions related to metabolism, detoxification, and storage. The cell wall is a rigid structure that surrounds plant cells, providing support and protection, and it is not found in animal cells. Chloroplasts are organelles found in plant cells that are responsible for photosynthesis, which converts sunlight into energy. Chloroplasts contain the pigment chlorophyll, which gives plants their green color. Liver cells do not have chloroplasts, as they are not involved in photosynthesis. Therefore, the possession of a cell wall and chloroplasts differentiates palisade cells from liver cells.
Question 37 Report
In humans, which of the following pairs of hormones correspond to male and female respectively?
Answer Details
Testosterone and oestrogen are the pairs of hormones that correspond to male and female respectively in humans. Testosterone is a male sex hormone responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics such as deeper voice, facial hair, and muscle growth. On the other hand, oestrogen is a female sex hormone responsible for the development of female sexual characteristics such as breast growth, menstrual cycle regulation, and bone density. While both hormones are present in both males and females, males have higher levels of testosterone and lower levels of oestrogen, while females have higher levels of oestrogen and lower levels of testosterone.
Question 39 Report
The function of the red blood cells is to
Answer Details
Red blood cells (RBCs) or erythrocytes are specialized cells in the body that have a main function of transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body tissues. RBCs contain a protein called hemoglobin that binds to oxygen in the lungs and carries it through the bloodstream to the body's tissues. Once the oxygen is delivered, RBCs pick up carbon dioxide, which is a waste product produced by the body's cells, and transport it back to the lungs to be exhaled. Therefore, the function of the red blood cells is to transport oxygen to the cells and remove carbon dioxide from them.
Question 40 Report