JAMB UTME - Biology - 2019

Answer Details

Competition among individuals of a population increases the "Survival of the fittest". This means that individuals that are better adapted to their environment and can compete more effectively for resources are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to their offspring. Over time, this process can lead to the evolution of a population and can result in the survival of the strongest, most fit individuals. In a simple way, it's like a race where the fastest runner wins and gets to advance to the next round. Similarly, in a population, the individuals who are best equipped to survive and thrive will be more likely to do so, while those who are not as well adapted may struggle and eventually die off.

Answer Details

The plants which can survive in extremely dry places are called xerophytes. Xerophytes have special adaptations that allow them to conserve water and survive in arid or desert environments where water is scarce. These adaptations include things like thick, waxy leaves to reduce water loss through evaporation, deep root systems to reach water deep underground, and small, spiky leaves to reduce surface area and water loss. Examples of xerophytes include cacti, succulents, and some types of grasses.

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.

Answer Details

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.

Answer Details

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.

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.

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.

Answer Details

The movement of blood between the heart and all other parts of the body beside the lungs is called systemic circulation. In the systemic circulation, oxygenated blood flows from the heart to the body's organs and tissues, providing them with the oxygen and nutrients they need to function properly. After the oxygen has been used up by the cells, the blood carrying carbon dioxide and other waste products is then transported back to the heart to be pumped to the lungs, where it will be oxygenated again in the pulmonary circulation. The systemic circulation is a critical part of the body's overall circulatory system, which also includes the pulmonary circulation. Together, these two systems help to ensure that every part of the body has a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients and that waste products are efficiently removed from the body.

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.

Answer Details

Artecology is the study of an individual organism or a single specie of organism and no environment

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.

Answer Details

The type of vertebrate that assists in breathing alongside the ribs are thoracic vertebrates. The thoracic region of the spine is located in the upper and middle back, and it is the region that supports the ribcage. In thoracic vertebrates, the ribs are attached to the vertebrae and to the sternum, or breastbone, forming a protective cage around the heart and lungs. During breathing, the diaphragm muscle contracts and flattens, which increases the volume of the chest cavity and draws air into the lungs. At the same time, the ribcage expands, which further increases the volume of the chest cavity and helps to pull air into the lungs. The ribs play a crucial role in this process by expanding and contracting with each breath. In addition to the diaphragm muscle, the muscles between the ribs, called intercostal muscles, also contract and relax to help move air in and out of the lungs. Sacral, caudal, and lumbar vertebrates do not have the same type of ribcage as thoracic vertebrates and therefore do not rely on the expansion and contraction of ribs for breathing. Instead, these vertebrates have other adaptations that allow them to breathe efficiently in their respective environments. For example, fish extract oxygen from water through their gills, while reptiles and some mammals, such as whales and dolphins, can hold their breath for long periods of time underwater.

Answer Details

The male sex cells, also called gametes, are produced in the testes by a process called Spermatogenesis. Spermatogenesis is the process by which sperm cells are produced and mature. It begins in puberty and continues throughout a man's life. During spermatogenesis, the cells in the testes divide and differentiate into sperm cells, which are then stored in the epididymis until they are ready to be ejaculated. Sperm cells are important for fertilization and are necessary for sexual reproduction.

Answer Details

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

Answer Details

Good quality food is essential for the proper functioning of the human body. It provides us with the nutrients that we need to stay healthy and strong. However, it is important to note that good quality food cannot provide resistance against malaria. Malaria is a disease that is caused by a parasite that is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. While good nutrition can help support a healthy immune system, it cannot provide specific resistance against malaria. The other functions listed are all important roles that good quality food can perform in the human body. 1. Supplying energy: Food provides us with the energy we need to carry out daily activities, from walking and talking to more strenuous activities like exercising or playing sports. 2. Maintaining health: Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods helps to maintain good health. Nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are important for proper bodily function and can help prevent chronic diseases. 3. Sustaining growth: Children and teenagers require a balanced diet to support their growth and development. A diet rich in nutrients like protein, calcium, and iron is essential for building strong bones, muscles, and other tissues. In summary, good quality food is important for supplying energy, maintaining health, and sustaining growth. However, it cannot provide specific resistance against malaria or other infectious diseases.

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.

Answer Details

Clay soil's effect on vegetation is that it supports light vegetation such as forest and luxuriant vegetation.

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.

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.

Answer Details

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.

Answer Details

The organ that removes the largest quantity of water from the blood is the kidney. The kidney is a vital organ in the body that helps filter waste products and excess water from the blood, which are then eliminated from the body as urine. When blood enters the kidney, it passes through tiny blood vessels called capillaries. These capillaries are surrounded by small structures called nephrons, which are responsible for filtering the blood. As blood flows through the nephrons, excess water and waste products are filtered out and collected as urine. The kidneys play an important role in maintaining the body's water balance. They can adjust the amount of water that is excreted from the body depending on how much water is consumed, how much is lost through sweating, and other factors. This helps to maintain the body's fluid levels within a narrow range, which is important for proper bodily function. While the skin and lungs also play a role in removing water from the body, they are not as efficient as the kidneys. The skin eliminates water through sweat, but this process is limited by factors such as humidity and temperature. The lungs eliminate water through exhalation, but this is a small amount compared to the amount eliminated by the kidneys. Overall, the kidneys are the most important organ for removing excess water from the body, and play a critical role in maintaining proper bodily function.

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.

Answer Details

The process involved during expiration in humans that is not accurate is "The thoracic cavity first increases in volume." During expiration, the diaphragm, which is a muscle located at the bottom of the thoracic cavity, relaxes and moves upwards, decreasing the volume of the thoracic cavity. At the same time, the intercostal muscles, located between the ribs, also relax, and the ribs move downward and inward, causing the chest to decrease in size. Additionally, the sternum moves outward, not inward, during expiration. These combined actions increase the pressure within the thoracic cavity, forcing air out of the lungs. Overall, expiration is a passive process that does not require the use of energy, and it is the opposite of inspiration, which is the process of taking air into the lungs.

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.

Answer Details

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

Answer Details

The correct pair of photosynthetic organisms from the options provided are Euglena and Chlamydomonas. Both Euglena and Chlamydomonas are unicellular organisms that are capable of performing photosynthesis, which is the process of converting light energy into chemical energy. They have chloroplasts, the specialized organelles that carry out photosynthesis, and are therefore capable of producing their own food. On the other hand, Amoeba and Paramecium are heterotrophic organisms, meaning they obtain their food by consuming other organisms. Volvox is a colonial organism, which is also photosynthetic, but it is made up of many cells working together. Rhizopus is a type of fungus that obtains its nutrition through the absorption of organic material. Nostoc is a type of cyanobacteria that is capable of photosynthesis, while Plasmodium is a parasitic organism that causes malaria in humans and is not photosynthetic. So, the correct answer is "Euglena and Chlamydomonas".

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.

Answer Details

Haemophilia is not a transmittable character in plants. Haemophilia is a genetic disorder that affects blood clotting in humans and other animals, and it has no relevance to plants. On the other hand, the habit of growth, resistance to environmental factors, and lifespan are all heritable traits that can be transmitted from parent plants to their offspring through genetic material such as DNA. The habit of growth refers to the overall shape and size of the plant, including whether it is a tree, shrub, or herb. Resistance to environmental factors refers to a plant's ability to survive in adverse conditions such as drought, high salinity, or extreme temperatures. Lifespan refers to the length of time that a plant can live and reproduce. All of these traits are important for plant survival and are determined by genetic factors that can be passed down from one generation to the next.

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.

Answer Details

The basis of growth involves the following processes except cell reduction. Growth in living organisms is the result of an increase in the size and number of cells. This is achieved through processes such as cell division, cell enlargement, and cell differentiation. Cell division involves the replication of DNA and the separation of the replicated chromosomes into two identical daughter cells. This leads to an increase in the number of cells in an organism. Cell enlargement involves an increase in the size of individual cells due to an increase in the amount of cytoplasm and organelles. This leads to an increase in the overall size of an organism. Cell differentiation is the process by which cells become specialized and take on specific functions within an organism. Cell reduction, on the other hand, involves a decrease in the size or number of cells, and is not a part of the basis of growth. Instead, cell reduction is a process that is associated with aging, disease, and other factors that can lead to a decrease in the size or number of cells in an organism.

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.

Answer Details

Green plants are autotropic. This means that they are able to produce their own food through a process called photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants use energy from sunlight, carbon dioxide from the air, and water from the soil to produce glucose, which is their source of energy. This characteristic sets plants apart from animals and other organisms that are heterotrophic and rely on other organisms for their food.

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.

Answer Details

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.

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.

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.

Answer Details

The exception to Darwin's proposed conditions for natural selection is "food and other needs are abundant." In Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection, he proposed that nature selects those organisms that are best adapted to their environment, and those that are not well-adapted will not survive and reproduce. This selection process occurs because resources such as food and other necessities are limited, and only those that are able to obtain these resources will survive and reproduce. If resources were abundant, there would be no need for competition, and selection would not occur.

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.

Answer Details

The irregular and amoeboid-shaped blood corpuscles are called "Leucocytes," which are also known as white blood cells. Leucocytes are an essential part of our immune system, and their main function is to protect the body against infections, diseases, and foreign invaders. Unlike erythrocytes (red blood cells) and thrombocytes (platelets), which have a uniform, round shape, leucocytes are irregular and amoeboid in shape, allowing them to move freely throughout the body and easily pass through the walls of blood vessels to reach the site of infection or injury. Leucocytes are classified into two main types: granulocytes and agranulocytes, based on the presence or absence of granules in their cytoplasm. Granulocytes have granules in their cytoplasm and include neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils, while agranulocytes lack granules and include lymphocytes and monocytes. Overall, leucocytes play a critical role in our immune system and help keep us healthy by identifying and fighting off pathogens and foreign invaders.

Answer Details

Population frequency refers to the number of times an organism occurs within a given area of a habitat