JAMB UTME - Biology - 2018
Question 1 Report
What is the function of contractile vacuole in paramecium?
Answer Details
The contractile vacuole in paramecium functions to get rid of excess water. Paramecium is a single-celled organism that lives in freshwater environments. As water enters the cell by osmosis, the contractile vacuole collects and pumps out the excess water to prevent the cell from swelling and potentially bursting. The contractile vacuole acts like a pump, contracting and releasing to expel the excess water out of the cell. This process helps maintain the proper balance of water and ions inside the cell, which is necessary for the organism's survival. Therefore, the function of the contractile vacuole in paramecium is to regulate water balance and prevent the cell from bursting due to excess water intake.
Question 2 Report
Which is an animal without red blood cells?
Answer Details
While humans and many other species have red blood, due to the iron in their hemoglobin, other animals have different colored blood. Spiders (as well as horseshoe crabs and certain other arthropods) have blue blood due to the presence of copper-based hemocyanin in their blood. Some animals, such as the sea cucumbers, even have yellow blood. What could make blood yellow? The yellow coloration is due to a high concentration of the yellow vanadium-based pigment, vanabin. Unlike hemoglobin and hemocyanin, vanabin does not seem to be involved in oxygen transport.
Question 3 Report
A pollutant that is mostly associated with acid rain is
Answer Details
The pollutant that is mostly associated with acid rain is nitrogen (IV) oxide, also known as nitrogen dioxide (NO2). NO2 is produced when fuels such as coal, oil, and gas are burned at high temperatures, particularly in vehicles and power plants. It is a gas that can react with other chemicals in the atmosphere to form nitric acid (HNO3), which can then fall to the ground as acid rain. When acid rain falls on soil, it can lower the pH and make it more acidic. This can have negative effects on plants and animals that live in the soil, as well as on the quality of the water in lakes and streams. In addition, acid rain can corrode buildings and other structures made of stone, metal, or concrete. To reduce the production of nitrogen (IV) oxide and the formation of acid rain, it is important to reduce the use of fossil fuels and to use cleaner sources of energy, such as wind, solar, and hydropower. Additionally, regulations and policies can be put in place to limit the emissions of nitrogen (IV) oxide from vehicles and power plants.
Question 4 Report
The process in which plant uses sunlight to synthesize nutrients from carbon dioxide and water is called
Answer Details
The process in which plants use sunlight to synthesize nutrients from carbon dioxide and water is called photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a crucial process that enables plants to produce their own food and is responsible for releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. During photosynthesis, plants use chlorophyll, a pigment found in their leaves and other green parts, to capture energy from sunlight. This energy is used to combine carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose (a type of sugar) and oxygen. The glucose produced is then used by the plant as an energy source to fuel its growth and other metabolic processes. In summary, photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy, which they use to synthesize nutrients and sustain their growth and survival.
Question 5 Report
Swollen, bleeding gums are another common sign of which vitamin?
Answer Details
The vitamin that is commonly associated with swollen, bleeding gums is Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that helps in the formation of collagen, which is an important component of connective tissues like gums. Without enough Vitamin C, the collagen fibers in gums can weaken and break down, leading to inflammation, bleeding, and even tooth loss. In addition, Vitamin C has antioxidant properties that can help to protect the gums from damage caused by harmful free radicals. Therefore, a diet deficient in Vitamin C can cause gums to become swollen, inflamed, and bleed easily. Consuming sufficient amounts of Vitamin C can help to prevent and treat these symptoms, which is why it is important to include Vitamin C-rich foods in your diet, such as citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, broccoli, and peppers, among others.
Question 6 Report
Cytokinesis of mitosis is a process that ensures that
Answer Details
Cytokinesis is the final stage of mitosis, the process by which a cell divides to form two identical daughter cells. During cytokinesis, the cytoplasm of the original cell is divided into two parts, with each part containing a complete set of genetic material (chromosomes). The main purpose of cytokinesis is to ensure that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic material and the necessary organelles to function properly. This is important because if one daughter cell received more genetic material or more organelles than the other, it could lead to problems such as cell death or mutations. Therefore, "each daughter cell gets the necessary organelles" is the correct label to associate with the question above. While the other options may be important aspects of mitosis, they do not directly relate to the role of cytokinesis in ensuring that each daughter cell receives a complete and functional set of genetic material and organelles.
Question 7 Report
A group of closely related organisms capable of interbreeding to produce the fertile offspring are known as members of a
Answer Details
The correct answer is "species". Species are a group of living organisms that share common characteristics and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring. This means that members of the same species can mate and produce offspring that can themselves reproduce, while organisms from different species cannot produce fertile offspring together. For example, dogs can breed with other dogs to produce fertile puppies, but they cannot breed with cats to produce offspring that can reproduce. Therefore, dogs and cats belong to different species.
Question 8 Report
A plant tissue that carries water and mineral salt is
Answer Details
The plant tissue that carries water and mineral salts from the roots to other parts of the plant is called xylem. Xylem is like a pipeline that runs throughout the plant and is responsible for transporting water and dissolved nutrients from the roots to the leaves and other parts of the plant. This tissue is made up of specialized cells called tracheids and vessel elements that are arranged end to end to form long, hollow tubes. These tubes allow water to flow through them with minimal resistance, and the water is pulled up through the xylem by a process called transpiration. In summary, xylem is the tissue responsible for carrying water and mineral salts from the roots to the rest of the plant, and it does so through a network of specialized cells that form long, hollow tubes.
Question 9 Report
Which of the following instruments is used to estimate the number of plants in a habitat?
Answer Details
The instrument used to estimate the number of plants in a habitat is a quadrant. A quadrant is a square or rectangular frame that is used to isolate a specific area within a habitat for study. It is typically made of a lightweight and durable material, such as metal or plastic, and can be any size, depending on the needs of the study. To estimate the number of plants in a habitat using a quadrant, researchers randomly select several quadrants within the study area and place them on the ground. They then count the number of plants within the quadrant and use this information to estimate the number of plants in the entire study area. Quadrants are a commonly used tool in ecology and are particularly useful for estimating the density and distribution of plant populations. They are simple to use and can provide valuable information for researchers who are interested in understanding the dynamics of plant communities.
Question 10 Report
An animal which is active during the day is known as a
Answer Details
An animal that is active during the day is known as a diurnal animal. This means that it is awake and active during the daytime hours, when the sun is shining, and typically sleeps or rests during the night. Diurnal animals have evolved to take advantage of the sunlight and are often adapted to see well in bright light. Examples of diurnal animals include humans, birds, squirrels, and many species of primates.
Question 11 Report
Etiolation is causes by the influence of
Answer Details
Etiolation is caused by the influence of LIGHT. Etiolation refers to the physical changes that occur in a plant when it is grown in the absence of sufficient light. When a plant does not receive enough light, it elongates its stem and leaves to reach for the light source. This results in a spindly, pale appearance, as the plant allocates its resources towards vertical growth rather than producing chlorophyll and other pigments needed for photosynthesis. Therefore, the absence of light, or insufficient light, is the primary cause of etiolation. While mineral salts, water, and carbon dioxide are all necessary for plant growth, they do not directly cause etiolation.
Question 12 Report
Cold blooded animals are referred to as
Answer Details
Cold-blooded animals are referred to as "poikilothermic". Poikilothermic animals are also known as "ectothermic" animals, which means that their body temperature is regulated by the environment around them. This is in contrast to "homoeothermic" animals, also known as "endothermic" animals, which can regulate their own body temperature internally. Examples of poikilothermic animals include reptiles, amphibians, and most fish. These animals are often seen basking in the sun to warm up or seeking out cooler places in order to lower their body temperature. They are able to function at a range of different temperatures, but their bodily functions are often slower at cooler temperatures. On the other hand, homoeothermic animals, such as mammals and birds, are able to maintain a stable internal body temperature, even when the temperature of their environment fluctuates. This allows them to function effectively in a wider range of environmental conditions.
Question 13 Report
Total salt content in blood is about
Answer Details
The total salt content in blood is about 0.85 to 0.9%. Salt, which is also known as sodium chloride, is an essential mineral that is necessary for many bodily functions such as maintaining fluid balance, transmitting nerve impulses, and contracting muscles. However, too much salt in the blood can lead to health problems like high blood pressure, so it's important to maintain a proper balance. The normal range for salt content in the blood is typically around 0.9%, which is equivalent to 9 grams of salt per liter of blood.
Question 14 Report
Examples of micronutrients include the following except
Answer Details
The essential elements can be divided into macronutrients and micronutrients. Nutrients that plants require in larger amounts are called macronutrients. About half of the essential elements are considered macronutrients: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.
Question 15 Report
Which of the following organisms is a primary consumer?
Answer Details
A primary consumer is an organism that feeds on primary producers. Primary consumers are usually herbivores that feed on autotrophic plants, which produce their own food through photosynthesis.
Question 16 Report
Double fertilisation is a unique features of
Answer Details
Double fertilization is a unique feature of angiosperms, also known as flowering plants. During double fertilization, two sperm cells from the pollen grain fertilize two different cells in the female reproductive structure of the flower. One sperm cell fertilizes the egg cell to form the zygote, which will develop into the embryo of the seed. The other sperm cell fertilizes two nuclei in the central cell, which results in the formation of a triploid cell called the endosperm. The endosperm provides nourishment to the developing embryo. This process is unique to angiosperms and is not seen in bryophytes, pteridophytes, or algae. It is one of the key factors that has contributed to the success of angiosperms, as the endosperm provides a rich source of nutrients for the developing embryo, giving it a competitive advantage for survival and growth.
Question 17 Report
Which of the following processes removes carbon from the atmosphere?
Answer Details
The process that removes carbon from the atmosphere is "photosynthesis". Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of carbon dioxide and water. During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide (CO2) is taken in from the atmosphere and used to produce glucose, a type of sugar that serves as food for the plant. In this process, the carbon from CO2 is converted into organic carbon compounds, which are then used to build the plant's structure and stored in the plant's tissues. This means that photosynthesis helps to remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it in the biomass of plants. In contrast, processes such as putrefaction, volcanic eruption, and burning of fuels release carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to the increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and, in turn, to climate change.
Question 18 Report
The damage to ozone layer is caused by
Answer Details
Ozone sits in the upper atmosphere and absorbs ultraviolet radiaton, another type of solar energy that's harmful to humans, animals and plants. CFCs and halons cause chemical reactions that break down ozone molecules, reducing ozone's ultraviolet radiation-absorbing capacity. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other halogenated ozone depleting substances (ODS) are mainly responsible for man-made chemical ozone depletion.
Question 19 Report
The outer membrane that covers the brain is
Answer Details
The outer membrane that covers the brain is called the "dura mater". It is a thick, tough, and fibrous layer that provides protection and support to the brain. The dura mater is the outermost layer of the three meninges (the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord). It lies closest to the skull and forms a barrier that separates the brain from the bones of the skull. The dura mater contains blood vessels and nerves that supply the brain and is responsible for anchoring the brain in place.
Question 20 Report
At which stage in this cycle can a man be infected?
Answer Details
In the animal's intestine, the oncospheres hatch, invade the intestinal wall, and migrate to the striated muscles, where they develop into cysticerci. A cysticercus can survive for several years in the animal. Humans become infected by ingesting raw or undercooked infected meat.
Question 21 Report
A distinguishing feature of mammals is the possession of
Answer Details
One distinguishing feature of mammals is the possession of hair. Hair is a unique type of structure that grows from the skin of mammals and is made up of a protein called keratin. Hair serves many important functions in mammals, such as keeping the body warm, protecting the skin from damage, and providing sensory information. Hair can also be used for social communication, such as when a cat raises its fur to make itself look bigger and more intimidating. While other animals like reptiles may have scales, and birds may have feathers, only mammals have hair as a defining feature.
Question 22 Report
Study the diagram of a food chain shown and use it to answer the question.
P ---> Q ---> R ---> S ---> T
The organism designated P in the food chain above is normally sustained by energy from
Answer Details
The organism designated P in the food chain is normally sustained by energy from the sun. This is because P is likely at the bottom of the food chain, which means it is a primary producer. Primary producers, such as green plants, use energy from the sun to produce their own food through photosynthesis. This food is then consumed by the next organism in the food chain, which is Q. The energy then passes from one organism to the next, all the way up the food chain to the top predator. Therefore, in this food chain, P is likely a green plant or another type of primary producer that uses energy from the sun to produce its own food, making sunlight the source of energy for P.
Question 23 Report
How many days does it take for incubation of an egg to release chick?
Answer Details
The incubation period for chicken eggs is generally 21 days. This means that after a fertilized egg is laid by a hen and is kept at the appropriate temperature and humidity in an incubator, it will take approximately 21 days for the chick to develop and hatch out of the eggshell. During this period, the egg goes through several stages of development. In the first week, the embryo's circulatory system, nervous system, and digestive system start to form. In the second week, the chick's beak, wings, and claws begin to develop. And in the third week, the chick grows rapidly and prepares to break through the shell using its egg tooth, a small point on its beak. It's important to note that the incubation period can vary slightly depending on factors such as the breed of chicken and the temperature and humidity in the incubator. However, 21 days is the average incubation period for chicken eggs.
Question 24 Report
An example of a radially symmetrical organisms is
Answer Details
An example of a radially symmetrical organism is Hydra. Radial symmetry means that an organism has a circular shape and its body parts are arranged around a central axis, like the spokes on a wheel. Hydra is a small, freshwater animal that has a cylindrical body and tentacles that radiate out from its central axis. This type of symmetry allows Hydra to detect and capture prey from all directions. Planaria are also radially symmetrical flatworms, while tapeworms and roundworms are examples of organisms with bilateral symmetry, meaning that they have a distinct front and back and a left and right side.
Question 25 Report
What is the critical limiting factor for plants below the photic zone in an aquatic ecosystem?
Answer Details
Primary production in the photic zone is influenced by three major factors—nutrients and light, which are essential for photosynthesis, and grazing pressure, the rate at which the plants are eaten by herbivores.
Question 26 Report
The vitamin which is important in the formation of the retina pigment is
Answer Details
The vitamin that is important in the formation of the retina pigment is Vitamin A. The retina is a part of the eye that contains cells called rods and cones which help us to see. Vitamin A is important for the normal functioning of these cells, especially the rods, which are responsible for vision in low light conditions. The retina pigment, also known as rhodopsin, is a protein found in the rods of the retina. It helps to absorb light and convert it into electrical signals that the brain can interpret as vision. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in the formation of this pigment, and a deficiency of this vitamin can lead to a condition called night blindness, where a person has difficulty seeing in low light conditions. In summary, Vitamin A is essential for the normal functioning of the cells in the retina, especially the rods, and is important for the formation of the retina pigment, which is necessary for vision in low light conditions.
Question 27 Report
Name the blood cells in which nucleus is absent
Answer Details
Like red cells, platelets (thrombocytes) have no nucleus. However, unlike red cells that originate in the marrow as nucleated cells and lose their nucleus, platelets are produced by budding off from a giant multinucleated marrow cell called a megakaryocyte.
Question 28 Report
Evidence of evolution include the following except
Answer Details
Note: Evolution is a process of gradual change that takes place over many generations, during which species of animals, plants, or insects slowly change some of their physical characteristics.
Question 29 Report
The vessel carrying oxygenated blood to the tissues is
Answer Details
The vessel carrying oxygenated blood to the tissues is called an artery. Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart, and they have thick, muscular walls that can withstand the high pressure of blood being pumped by the heart. The oxygenated blood that is pumped out of the left ventricle of the heart into the aorta is then distributed throughout the body via the network of arteries. Arteries branch into smaller vessels called arterioles and then into even smaller vessels called capillaries, where oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the body's tissues. So, arteries play a crucial role in ensuring that oxygenated blood is delivered to the body's tissues to support their proper functioning.
Question 30 Report
An organism which exhibit extracellular digestion is
Answer Details
Extracellular digestion is a process in which saprobionts feed by secreting enzymes through the cell membrane onto the food. During extracellular digestion, food is broken down outside the cell either mechanically or with acid by special molecules called enzymes.
Question 31 Report
The longest bone in the body is the
Answer Details
The longest bone in the body is the femur. The femur is located in the thigh region and runs from the hip joint to the knee joint. It is also the strongest bone in the body, designed to support the weight of the body and withstand the forces produced by activities such as running and jumping. The femur's length can vary depending on a person's height, with taller people generally having longer femurs. Overall, the femur plays a critical role in allowing us to walk, run, and engage in other physical activities.
Question 32 Report
Examples of animals with mammary glands include the following except
Answer Details
A mammary gland is an exocrine gland in mammals that produces milk to feed young offspring. Mammals get their name from the Latin word mamma, "breast". Hens do not have mammary glands.
Question 33 Report
A beaker of pond water containing few specimens of Euglena was placed in a dark room for two weeks. At the end of this period, the specimens of Euglena were still alive because they were
Answer Details
Holozoic nutrition is a type of heterotrophic nutrition that is characterized by the internalization (ingestion) and internal processing of gaseous, liquid or solid food particles. Protozoa, such as amoebas, and most of the free living animals,such as animals, exhibit this type of nutrition.
In holozoic nutrition the energy and organic building blocks are obtained by ingesting and then digesting other organisms or pieces of other organisms, including blood and decaying organic matter. This contrasts with holophytic nutrition, in which energy and organic building blocks are obtained through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, and with saprozoic nutrition, in which digestive enzymes are released externally and the resulting monomers (small organic molecules) are absorbed directly from the environment.
Holophytic (plant-like), holozoic (animal- like), and saprophytic nutrition is found in Euglena. Euglena obtains its carbohydrate food by photosynthesis and nitrogenous food by absorption from the surroundings. Its holozoic nutrition is, however, doubtful.
Question 34 Report
Which of the following relationship involves only one organism?
Answer Details
Saprophytism is the ability of certain plants to live in dead or decaying organic matter. A saprophyte or saprotroph is an organism which gets its energy from dead and decaying organic matter. This may be decaying pieces of plants or animals. This means that saprophytes are heterotrophs. They are consumers in the food chain.
Question 35 Report
Use the diagram to answer the question. The diagram shows that the organisms are
Answer Details
Question 36 Report
The greatest amount of energy would be obtained by the Oxidation of 100kg of
Answer Details
To determine which of the given food items provides the greatest amount of energy upon oxidation, we need to compare their caloric content. Here's a general overview of the approximate caloric values per 100 grams for each type of food:
- Meat: Approximately 250 calories (varies depending on the type and cut of meat)
- Butter: Approximately 717 calories
- Sugar: Approximately 387 calories
- Biscuits: Approximately 450 calories (varies depending on ingredients and recipe)
Now, let's scale these values up to 100 kg (100,000 grams):
- Meat: 250 \, \text{calories/100g} \times 1000 = 250,000 \, \text{calories}250calories/100g×1000=250,000calories
- Butter: 717calories/100g×1000=717,000calories
- Sugar: 387calories/100g×1000=387,000calories
- Biscuits: 450calories/100g×1000=450,000calories
From these calculations, butter has the highest caloric content per 100 kg. Therefore, the greatest amount of energy will be obtained by the oxidation of 100 kg of:
B. butter
Question 37 Report
The hygrometer is used for measuring
Answer Details
A hygrometer is an instrument used to measure the amount of humidity and water vapor in the atmosphere, in soil, or in confined spaces. Humidity measurement instruments usually rely on measurements of some other quantity such as temperature, pressure, mass, a mechanical or electrical change in a substance as moisture is absorbed. By calibration and calculation, these measured quantities can lead to a measurement of humidity.
Question 38 Report
Botany is also known as
Answer Details
Botany is also known as "phytology". This term is derived from the Greek word "phyton", which means "plant". Phytology is the scientific study of plants, including their structure, growth, reproduction, metabolism, and classification. It involves the examination of plant anatomy, physiology, ecology, genetics, and evolution. Botanists also study the relationship between plants and their environment, including the interactions between plants and other organisms such as insects, fungi, and bacteria. Overall, phytology is an important field of study that helps us to better understand and appreciate the complexity and diversity of plant life on our planet.
Question 39 Report
Which of the following animals is cold blooded?
Answer Details
Reptiles are cold-blooded animals. This means that they cannot produce heat in their own bodies, and have to rely on their surroundings to keep warm. This is why most reptiles are found in hot or warm climates. Reptiles like snakes and lizards are this type of animal. Amphibians like frogs, toads, and salamanders are, too. Fish are also cold-blooded animals.
Question 40 Report
Which of the following diseases is not hereditary?
Answer Details
Scabies is the disease that is not hereditary. Scabies is a skin infestation caused by a tiny mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. It spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. Scabies is not a genetic disorder and does not pass down from parent to child through genes. It is caused by a microscopic organism that can infect anyone who comes into contact with it. On the other hand, Albinism, Haemophilia, and Color blindness are all hereditary diseases. Albinism is a genetic condition that affects the production of melanin, resulting in little or no pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes. Haemophilia is a genetic disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot properly. Color blindness is a genetic condition that affects the ability to distinguish between different colors. In summary, while Scabies is caused by a tiny mite and is not hereditary, Albinism, Haemophilia, and Color blindness are all genetic conditions that are inherited from one's parents.
