JAMB UTME - Biology - 2019

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Southern Guinea Savanna is the largest of all biotic community in Nigeria found in Oyo, Osun, Ekiti Status etc.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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The tapeworm possesses a thin membrane mostly because of it absorption of digested food from the intestine of the host.

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The main organic molecule present in the nucleus is DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid). DNA is the genetic material that contains the instructions for the development, function, growth, and reproduction of all living things. It is a long, double-stranded molecule that is organized into structures called chromosomes. The information in DNA is encoded in a sequence of four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). This sequence determines the genetic code and controls the expression of genes, which are the functional units of heredity. In addition to DNA, the nucleus also contains other organic molecules, such as RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) and proteins, which play important roles in the regulation and expression of genetic information. However, DNA is the central and most critical molecule in the nucleus, as it carries the blueprint for life.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Halophiles are organisms that thrive in high salt concentrations. The adaptations of halophile organisms to their environment are:
(a) The integrity of non-halophile macromolecules is compromised, and the flow of water out of the cell produces a Turgor effect. • (b) Moderate halophiles maintain their structures via the synthesis of compatible organic solutes. • (c) Extreme halophiles maintain their structures via equilibration of cellular and environmental salt concentrations.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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The sum total of adaptive changes from pre-existing forms that have taken place over a long time resulting in diversity of forms, structures, and functions among organisms is referred to as Evolution. This process of organic evolution involves changes in the genetic makeup of populations of organisms over time, resulting in new species that are better adapted to their environment. These changes occur due to natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow, and can lead to the development of diverse forms, structures, and functions among organisms. , Specification, is not a term used in evolutionary biology. Inorganic Evolution, is not a recognized term in biology, as evolution only applies to living organisms. Evolution, is the correct answer, but to be more specific, the full term is Organic Evolution. Organic Evolution, is also a correct answer that specifically refers to the evolution of living organisms.

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Tadpole's ability to swim and adapt to an aquatic habitat is due to the presence of its tail.

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The theory of natural selection stated by Charles Darwin is not "Characteristics acquired through use or disuse are transmitted to offspring". This idea is sometimes referred to as "Lamarkism," and it was popular before Darwin's theory of natural selection became widely accepted. The theory of natural selection states that variations that are beneficial for survival and reproduction are more likely to be passed on to the next generation, while variations that are harmful are less likely to be passed on. However, the theory does not suggest that the use or disuse of a particular trait can directly cause it to be transmitted to offspring. Instead, the transmission of traits is determined by the genetic information that is passed from parents to offspring.

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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.

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The pair of scientists who discovered the Rhesis factor in human blood is Landsteiner and Levine. Karl Landsteiner was an Austrian biologist and physician who is best known for his discovery of the ABO blood group system. In 1940, he and his colleague Alexander S. Wiener discovered the Rh factor, which is a protein that is found on the surface of red blood cells in some individuals and can cause an immune response in others. This discovery was a significant breakthrough in the field of blood transfusion and helped to reduce the risk of transfusion reactions in patients. Levine is likely a reference to Philip Levine, an American immunologist who worked with Landsteiner and Wiener at the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research in New York. Levine played a key role in the discovery of the Rh factor, conducting many of the experiments that helped to confirm the existence of the protein. Neither Hooke nor Darwin were involved in the discovery of the Rh factor in human blood. Robert Hooke was a 17th-century English scientist who made important contributions to the fields of microscopy, physics, and biology, while Charles Darwin was a 19th-century British naturalist who is best known for his theory of evolution by natural selection. In summary, the correct answer is Landsteiner and Levine, as they were the scientists who discovered the Rh factor in human blood.

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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.

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The tilapia fish can be classified under chordata phylum in the animal kingdom.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Operculum or gill cover helps the tilapia fish in gaseous exchange.

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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.

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The appendix can be considered vestigial in humans but functional in other mammals. The appendix is a small pouch-like organ attached to the large intestine. In many other mammals, the appendix serves as a functional part of the digestive system, helping to break down cellulose and other tough plant materials that are difficult to digest. However, in humans, the appendix is considered vestigial, which means it is a structure that has lost its original function over the course of evolution. While the appendix may have had a digestive function in our distant ancestors, today it appears to have no essential role in our digestive system. However, the appendix does contain lymphoid tissue, which plays a role in the immune system, particularly during early childhood. This suggests that the appendix may still have some function in the immune system, though its exact role is not yet fully understood. In rare cases, the appendix can become inflamed and infected, leading to a condition called appendicitis. If left untreated, appendicitis can be life-threatening. In such cases, the appendix is removed through surgery, and the individual can still live a healthy life without any ill effects. In summary, the appendix is considered vestigial in humans, meaning it has lost its original function in the course of evolution. While it may still have some minor immune-related functions, it is not considered essential for human health, and in some cases, it can even be harmful if it becomes infected.