JAMB UTME - Biology - 2019
Question 1 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 2 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 examines the interactions and relationships between different species in a given ecosystem or community. It considers the biotic and abiotic factors that affect the survival and growth of populations and how they interact with one another. This study helps us to understand the complex network of relationships between different species and how they are dependent on one another for their survival. It is important for understanding the dynamics of ecosystems and how they may change over time due to human or natural factors.
Question 3 Report
The attachment of the embryo to the wall of the uterus is called
Answer Details
The attachment of the embryo to the wall of the uterus is called implantation. After a sperm fertilizes an egg, the resulting single cell, called a zygote, begins to divide and form a ball of cells known as a blastocyst. The blastocyst then travels down the fallopian tube and into the uterus, where it must implant, or attach itself, to the wall of the uterus in order to continue developing. Implantation is a complex process that involves the blastocyst breaking through the uterine lining and burrowing into the tissue of the uterus. Once implanted, the blastocyst continues to divide and differentiate into the different cell types that will form the embryo and the surrounding tissues needed for development. Implantation is a critical step in the early stages of pregnancy and must occur successfully for a pregnancy to continue. If implantation fails or is disrupted, the blastocyst will not develop properly and will be expelled from the uterus, resulting in a failed pregnancy. It is important to note that implantation is not the same as placentation, which is the formation and development of the placenta, the organ that allows for the exchange of nutrients and waste between the mother and the developing embryo/fetus.
Question 4 Report
In the theory of use and disuse Lamarck proposed that evolution occurred because of the following except
Answer Details
The theory of use and disuse proposed by Lamarck stated that evolution occurs because of changes in an organism's environment, which causes an organism to develop specialised characters. These characters are then passed down to offspring, who will have a greater chance of survival because of their increased adaptation to the environment. However, Lamarck's theory was incorrect in one key aspect: he believed that these changes were acquired during an organism's lifetime and then passed down to offspring through inheritance. We now know that traits are not acquired during an organism's lifetime and passed down to offspring, but are instead inherited through genes. This is known as the theory of natural selection, which states that evolution occurs through the survival and reproduction of the fittest individuals with beneficial traits, rather than through the inheritance of acquired characteristics.
Question 5 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.
Question 6 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 7 Report
Which of the following is a nitrifying bacterium?
Answer Details
A nitrifying bacterium is a type of bacterium that is capable of converting nitrogen compounds from one form to another. Out of the options you provided, the correct nitrifying bacterium is Nitrobacter. Nitrobacter is a genus of bacteria that oxidizes nitrite (NO2-) to nitrate (NO3-). This process is called nitrification and is an important part of the nitrogen cycle in the environment.
Question 8 Report
Which of the following is considered to be the first product of Photosynthesis?
Answer Details
Starch is the main and first product formed during photosynthesis because the simple sugar formed is partly used by the plant and excess of it is converted into starch immediately for storage and the starch is transported to other parts of the plant through the phloem vessels for storage.
Question 9 Report
Thunderstorm can be beneficial to plants because it
Answer Details
Thunderstorms can be beneficial to plants because they add nitrogen to the soil. Lightning is an electrical discharge that can break apart nitrogen molecules in the air, and the resulting nitrogen compounds can fall to the ground in rainwater. Plants need nitrogen to grow, and thunderstorms can provide a natural source of this essential nutrient. However, it's important to note that while thunderstorms can bring benefits, they can also bring harm in the form of lightning strikes and flooding, so it's important to take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your property during severe weather.
Question 10 Report
Which of the following statement describes an autonomic nervous system
Answer Details
The statement that describes the autonomic nervous system is "It affects glands, cardiac muscles, and smooth muscles." The autonomic nervous system is a branch of the nervous system that regulates involuntary body functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing. It is composed of two subdivisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for regulating the activity of glands, such as sweat and salivary glands, as well as the contraction of cardiac and smooth muscles, which are found in the walls of organs and blood vessels. These activities are not under conscious control and are regulated by the autonomic nervous system in response to changes in the environment, such as stress or changes in temperature. In contrast, voluntary activities, such as moving our limbs or speaking, are controlled by the somatic nervous system, which is another branch of the nervous system.
Question 11 Report
Which of the following juices contains the enzyme ptyalin?
Answer Details
The juice that contains the enzyme ptyalin is saliva. Ptyalin, also known as salivary amylase, is an enzyme that breaks down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars. It is produced by the salivary glands and released into the mouth when we eat. Ptyalin begins the process of digestion in the mouth, breaking down starchy foods such as bread and potatoes into smaller, more easily digestible molecules. Gastric juice is produced by the stomach and contains hydrochloric acid and enzymes that help break down proteins. Succus is not a specific type of juice. It can refer to any juice that is extracted from a plant or fruit. Pancreatic juice is produced by the pancreas and contains enzymes that help break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats in the small intestine. So, the correct answer is saliva.
Question 12 Report
Which of the following statement about the similarities in plant and animal transport is correct?
Answer Details
The statement that is correct about the similarities in plant and animal transport is that materials and hormones are transported in fluid form. In both plants and animals, the transport of materials and hormones occurs through the use of fluids. In animals, blood serves as the transport medium, carrying oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to various tissues and organs. In plants, the transport medium is called sap, and it contains water, minerals, and sugars that are transported through specialized tissues called xylem and phloem. However, the other options provided in the question are incorrect. In animals, blood is made up of a variety of different tissues, not just one. And in plants and animals, materials are not transported in the same vessels. In animals, materials are transported through veins and arteries, while in plants, they are transported through xylem and phloem. Finally, while diffusion is important in both plant and animal transport, it is not the only mechanism by which materials are moved.
Question 13 Report
Which of the following describes the function of lymph
Answer Details
Lymph is a fluid that circulates through the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. Its main function is to help defend the body against harmful substances, such as viruses and bacteria, by removing waste and debris from tissues and transporting it to the bloodstream for elimination. This makes option "Body defense" the correct answer.
Question 14 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 15 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 16 Report
Which of the following will have the least effect on the rate of change of the numbers in a population
Answer Details
The food supply will have the least effect on the rate of change of the numbers in a population. While food supply can impact the growth and survival of a population, it is less likely to cause rapid changes in population size compared to other factors such as disease, predation, and mutation. Disease, predation, and mutation can all have significant impacts on a population by affecting the survival and reproductive success of individuals, leading to changes in the overall population size. For example, a disease outbreak can reduce the number of individuals in a population, while predation can limit the growth of a population by preying on individuals. Mutations can also impact the population by changing the genetic makeup of the population and altering its ability to survive and reproduce. In conclusion, while food supply is important for maintaining a stable population, it is less likely to cause rapid changes in population size compared to other factors such as disease, predation, and mutation.
Question 17 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 18 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 19 Report
In plants, respiration occurs in
Answer Details
In plants, respiration occurs in all living cells. Respiration is the process by which cells break down glucose to release energy that is necessary for the plant to carry out its life processes, such as growth, maintenance, and reproduction. While the stomata and lenticels are structures involved in gas exchange, they do not carry out the process of respiration. Similarly, while mesophyll cells are specialized cells involved in photosynthesis, they are not the only cells involved in respiration. All living cells, including those in the roots, stems, leaves, and reproductive organs, carry out respiration to produce energy. The oxygen needed for respiration enters the cells through the stomata and is transported to the cells by the circulatory system of the plant. The carbon dioxide produced by respiration is released from the cells and can be used by nearby cells for photosynthesis. In summary, respiration occurs in all living cells in plants and is a crucial process for plant survival and growth.
Question 20 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 21 Report
Which of the following type of soil has the highest water retaining capacity?
Answer Details
Among the options listed, clay has the highest water retaining capacity. This is because clay particles are very small and have a large surface area, allowing them to attract and hold onto water molecules tightly through a process called adsorption. Additionally, the spaces between the clay particles are very small, which creates a high capillary action that further helps the clay to retain water. In contrast, sand particles are much larger and have a lower surface area, which means that water molecules are less likely to adhere to them. Sand also has larger spaces between its particles, which results in a lower capillary action and less water retention. Loam and laterite fall somewhere in between clay and sand in terms of their water retention capabilities, depending on their specific composition.
Question 22 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 23 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 24 Report
The type of nutrition shown by spirogyra is
Answer Details
The type of nutrition shown by Spirogyra is holophytic. Holophytic nutrition, also known as autotrophic nutrition, is a type of nutrition where an organism synthesizes its own food from inorganic substances, such as carbon dioxide and water, using energy from the sun through the process of photosynthesis. Spirogyra is a type of filamentous green algae that belongs to the group of plants that can carry out photosynthesis to produce their own food. These plants contain chloroplasts, which are specialized organelles that contain chlorophyll, the pigment that absorbs light energy from the sun. During photosynthesis, Spirogyra takes in carbon dioxide and water and uses energy from sunlight to produce glucose and oxygen. This process is essential for the growth and survival of Spirogyra and other autotrophic organisms.
Question 25 Report
Which of the following statement is correct about Southern Guinea Savanna in Nigeria
Answer Details
Southern Guinea Savanna is the largest of all biotic community in Nigeria found in Oyo, Osun, Ekiti Status etc.
Question 26 Report
Rabbits cannot survive in an aquatic habitat because they have
Answer Details
Rabbits cannot survive in an aquatic habitat because they have no gills. Gills are specialized organs that allow fish and other aquatic animals to extract oxygen from water. Without gills, rabbits would be unable to breathe underwater and would quickly suffocate. Additionally, rabbits are not built for an aquatic lifestyle. They have short legs and are not adapted for swimming or propelling themselves through water. While they may be able to paddle around for a short period of time, they would eventually tire and be unable to keep themselves afloat. This is why rabbits are best suited to a terrestrial habitat where they can easily breathe and move around.
Question 27 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 28 Report
A virus can sometimes be regarded as a living organism because it
Answer Details
A virus is often considered a living organism because it can reproduce inside living cells. This means that it uses the machinery of the host cell to make copies of itself. However, viruses do not have the ability to carry out all the processes of life, such as producing energy and growing on their own. They rely on the host cell to perform these functions for them. So, whether a virus is considered living or not is still a matter of debate among scientists.
Question 29 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 30 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 31 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 32 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 33 Report
Trees in Savanna habitats usually have thick bark which mainly.
Answer Details
Rate of transpiration is reduced in savannah forest due to thick barks of the trees in savannah forest.
Question 34 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 35 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 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
A population is best described as
Answer Details
A population is best described as a group of individuals of the same species that live together in the same area and can potentially interact with each other. For example, a population of deer living in a forest would consist of all the individual deer of the same species that live in that forest and are able to mate with each other. This definition excludes which includes plants and animals of different species living together, and which includes different species of wild animals. includes only a specific subset of organisms, and is not a comprehensive definition of a population.
Question 38 Report
Which of the following is an example of discontinous variatio?
Answer Details
Discontinuous variation is the differences of variations in behaviour by which organisms can be grouped into 2 or more classes within a population without any intermediates among them e.g Behaviour, ability to roll tongue.
Question 39 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 40 Report
The type of nutrition in which two organisms of different species live together and derive nutrients from each other is
Answer Details
The type of nutrition in which two organisms of different species live together and derive nutrients from each other is called symbiotic nutrition. In symbiotic nutrition, the two different species of organisms live together in a close relationship and mutually benefit from each other. One organism provides nutrients, such as food or shelter, to the other organism, and in return, the other organism provides nutrients or some other benefit to the first organism. This type of nutrition is also known as mutualism. Symbiotic nutrition can be found in various forms in nature. For example, the rhizobia bacteria live in the root nodules of leguminous plants and fix atmospheric nitrogen into a form that the plants can use. In return, the plants provide the bacteria with sugars and other nutrients. Another example is lichens, which are made up of a fungus and an alga living together. The fungus provides a protected environment for the alga, while the alga provides the fungus with sugars and other nutrients through photosynthesis. So, the correct answer is "symbiotic nutrition".
