JAMB UTME - Biology - 2019
Question 1 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 2 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".
Question 3 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 4 Report
Which of the following pairs of organisms are photosynthetic?
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".
Question 5 Report
Which of the following is not a transmitable character in plants
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.
Question 6 Report
Viruses are pathogens of the following diseases except
Answer Details
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.
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 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 9 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 10 Report
The male sex cells also called gametes are produced in the testes by a process called
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.
Question 11 Report
The above organism can be classified under which phylum in the animal kingdom
Answer Details
The tilapia fish can be classified under chordata phylum in the animal kingdom.
Question 12 Report
Competition among individuals of a population increases the
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.
Question 13 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 14 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 15 Report
Plants which can survive in extremely dry places are called
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.
Question 16 Report
Possession of thin membrane enables a tapeworm to
Answer Details
The tapeworm possesses a thin membrane mostly because of it absorption of digested food from the intestine of the host.
Question 17 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 18 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 19 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 20 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 21 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 22 Report
In natural selection, Darwin proposed that evolution occurred because of the following conditions except
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.
Question 23 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 24 Report
Which organ removes the largest quantity of water from the blood?
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.
Question 25 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 26 Report
One important characteristics of green plant is that they
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.
Question 27 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 28 Report
Which of the blood corpusles are irregular and amoeloid in shape
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.
Question 29 Report
The study of an individual organism or a single species of organism and its environment is
Answer Details
Artecology is the study of an individual organism or a single specie of organism and no environment
Question 30 Report
Which of the following are components of glomerular filtrate?
Answer Details
The components of glomerular filtrate are water, electrolytes (such as salts), small organic molecules (such as glucose and amino acids), and waste products (such as urea). Glomerular filtrate is formed in the kidneys and is the fluid that is filtered from the blood in the glomerulus, a network of tiny blood vessels in the kidney. The filtrate contains all the components of blood except for plasma proteins and red and white blood cells. In other words, glomerular filtrate is the fluid that is filtered from the blood and contains all the components of the blood except for large proteins and cells. It is an important step in the process of urine formation, as the filtrate travels through the renal tubules, where it is further modified and waste products are removed to form urine.
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
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 33 Report
One of the following is a process of transmission of hereditary characteristics by chromosomes
Answer Details
Dictating the formation of a protein by a gene in a chromosome is a process of transmitting hereditary characteristics
Question 34 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 35 Report
Which of the following organs can be considered vestigial in humans but functional in other mammals
Answer Details
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.
Question 36 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 37 Report
The organism above can be found in
Answer Details
It is found in moist environment because of its adaptive features.
Question 38 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 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
Only specially adapted micro-organisms are found in
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.
