JAMB UTME - Biology - 2019
Question 1 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 2 Report
Which of the following structures controls the activities of the living cell?
Answer Details
The structure that controls the activities of the living cell is the nucleus. The nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle that contains the genetic material (DNA) of the cell. It serves as the control center for the cell, directing all of its activities by regulating the expression of genes. The DNA in the nucleus provides the instructions for making proteins, which are the building blocks of the cell and carry out various functions in the body. The nucleus also plays a critical role in cell division, which is the process by which new cells are formed. During cell division, the DNA in the nucleus is replicated and then distributed to the daughter cells, ensuring that they each receive a complete set of genetic material. In summary, the nucleus is responsible for regulating gene expression and directing all of the activities of the cell. It is the structure that controls the fundamental processes of life, making it a vital organelle in all living organisms.
Question 3 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 4 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 5 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 6 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 7 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 8 Report
The period of inactivity seen in some animals during long period of heat or drought is
Answer Details
The period of inactivity seen in some animals during long periods of heat or drought is called aestivation. Aestivation is a type of dormancy, similar to hibernation, but it occurs in response to hot or dry conditions, while hibernation occurs in response to cold or food scarcity. During aestivation, animals reduce their metabolic activity and enter a state of deep sleep to conserve energy and water until more favorable conditions return. This strategy helps them survive harsh environmental conditions and avoid dehydration, which can be deadly in hot and dry environments. Some animals that undergo aestivation include certain snails, frogs, and turtles, as well as some mammals like the marsupial mouse and the fat-tailed dwarf lemur.
Question 9 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 10 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 11 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 12 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 13 Report
Which of the following describes an example of fertilization in higher organisms?
Answer Details
The correct answer is: "Fusion of sperm and egg nuclei" Fertilization is the process in which a male gamete (sperm) combines with a female gamete (egg or ovum) to form a zygote, which is the first cell of the new organism. In higher organisms, including humans, fertilization occurs when a sperm cell penetrates the outer membrane of the egg cell and fuses with the egg's nucleus, resulting in the fusion of genetic material from both the sperm and the egg. The other options listed are not examples of fertilization. - Pollen grain landing on a sticky stigma is a process called pollination, which occurs in plants. Pollen grains contain male gametes, but pollination is not the same as fertilization, as the male and female gametes do not actually combine until after the pollen tube grows down into the ovule and the sperm cells are released to fuse with the egg. - Ejaculation of the egg and pollen grain is not a biological process that occurs in any known organism. - Ejaculation of sperm into the female body is the first step in the process of fertilization, but it is not fertilization itself. The sperm must still reach and penetrate the egg to complete the process of fertilization.
Question 14 Report
Inheritable character/features possessed by an organism can be referred to as
Answer Details
Genes are the inheritable character/features possessed by an organism. They are the basic unit of heredity and carry information from one generation to the next. A gene is a segment of DNA that contains the instructions for making a specific protein. The proteins made by genes control the growth, development, and function of our bodies. Each of us has many thousands of genes, which together determine our traits and characteristics. So, genes are the underlying cause of the traits and characteristics that are passed down from parent to offspring.
Question 15 Report
Which of the following controls all voluntary actions
Answer Details
The cerebrum controls all voluntary actions. The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and is responsible for controlling movement, sensation, thought, and emotion. It is divided into two hemispheres, the left and the right, each of which controls different functions. The cerebrum is responsible for conscious decision making and voluntary movements, such as moving your arm or leg. The other options you listed, the olfactory lobes, hypothalamus, and pons varolii, have different functions in the brain. The olfactory lobes are responsible for the sense of smell, the hypothalamus controls basic functions like hunger and thirst, and the pons varolii is involved in breathing and other autonomic functions.
Question 16 Report
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 17 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 18 Report
Trees in Savanna habitats usually have thick bark which mainly.
Answer Details
Rate of transpiration is reduced in savannah forest due to thick barks of the trees in savannah forest.
Question 19 Report
Good quality food will perform the following functions in human except
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.
Question 20 Report
Which of the following is an example of discontinous variatio?
Answer Details
Discontinuous variation is the differences of variations in behaviour by which organisms can be grouped into 2 or more classes within a population without any intermediates among them e.g Behaviour, ability to roll tongue.
Question 21 Report
Reading the verdict of a case by a magistrate is an example of
Answer Details
Reading the verdict of a case by a magistrate is an example of a voluntary action. Voluntary actions are those actions that require conscious effort and decision-making. In this case, the magistrate has to actively choose to read the verdict and make a conscious effort to understand and communicate the decision to those involved in the case. It is not a reflex action, as it does not occur automatically in response to a stimulus. It is also not an instinct or a conditioned reflex, as it is not a natural behavior or a learned response to a particular situation.
Question 22 Report
Ecology is best defined as the study of
Answer Details
Ecology is best defined as the study of the inter-relationship between living organisms and the environment. It is the study of how organisms interact with each other and their surroundings, including both living and non-living components of the environment. Ecology is a broad field that encompasses many different areas of study, including the study of populations, communities, ecosystems, and biomes. Ecologists examine the ways in which living organisms interact with each other and with their physical and chemical environment, as well as the ways in which human activities can impact these interactions. By understanding the relationships between organisms and their environment, ecologists can develop strategies for conservation, management, and restoration of ecosystems. For example, ecologists can study the impacts of climate change on ecosystems, and develop plans to mitigate these impacts and help protect the biodiversity of our planet. So, the correct answer is "the inter-relationship between living organisms and the environment."
Question 23 Report
Rabbits cannot survive in an aquatic habitat because they have
Answer Details
Rabbits cannot survive in an aquatic habitat because they have no gills. Gills are specialized organs that allow fish and other aquatic animals to extract oxygen from water. Without gills, rabbits would be unable to breathe underwater and would quickly suffocate. Additionally, rabbits are not built for an aquatic lifestyle. They have short legs and are not adapted for swimming or propelling themselves through water. While they may be able to paddle around for a short period of time, they would eventually tire and be unable to keep themselves afloat. This is why rabbits are best suited to a terrestrial habitat where they can easily breathe and move around.
Question 24 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 25 Report
Which of the following is considered to be the first product of Photosynthesis?
Answer Details
Starch is the main and first product formed during photosynthesis because the simple sugar formed is partly used by the plant and excess of it is converted into starch immediately for storage and the starch is transported to other parts of the plant through the phloem vessels for storage.
Question 26 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 27 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 28 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 29 Report
Which of the following substances pass through the root cell membrane by osmosis?
Answer Details
Water passes through the root cell membrane by osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration across a semi-permeable membrane. In plants, water is absorbed through the root hairs of the plant and moves into the root cells. The root cell membrane is selectively permeable, meaning that it allows certain molecules to pass through while blocking others. Water molecules are small enough to pass through the membrane, but larger molecules like cell sap, carbon dioxide, and oxygen cannot pass through by osmosis. Therefore, the correct answer is water.
Question 30 Report
Thunderstorm can be beneficial to plants because it
Answer Details
Thunderstorms can be beneficial to plants because they add nitrogen to the soil. Lightning is an electrical discharge that can break apart nitrogen molecules in the air, and the resulting nitrogen compounds can fall to the ground in rainwater. Plants need nitrogen to grow, and thunderstorms can provide a natural source of this essential nutrient. However, it's important to note that while thunderstorms can bring benefits, they can also bring harm in the form of lightning strikes and flooding, so it's important to take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your property during severe weather.
Question 31 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 32 Report
One of the following is an effect of clay soil on vegetation
Answer Details
Clay soil's effect on vegetation is that it supports light vegetation such as forest and luxuriant vegetation.
Question 33 Report
The movement of blood between the heart and all other parts of the body beside the lungs is
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.
Question 34 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 35 Report
Which of the following organs can be considered vestigial in humans but functional in other mammals
Answer Details
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.
Question 36 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 37 Report
The following processes are involved during expiration in man except
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.
Question 38 Report
What type of vertebrate assists in breathing alongside with the ribs?
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.
Question 39 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 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.
