JAMB UTME - Biology - 2019

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 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 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

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

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 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 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

One of the major ways in which the blood is able to defend the body against disease-causing organisms is through a process called clumping, also known as agglutination. When foreign substances such as bacteria or viruses enter the bloodstream, the immune system produces specific proteins called antibodies that can recognize and bind to these foreign substances. Once the antibodies bind to the foreign substances, they can then cause the foreign substances to clump together or agglutinate. This clumping makes it easier for other immune cells to detect and destroy the foreign substances. For example, white blood cells called macrophages can engulf and destroy clumps of foreign substances that have been marked by antibodies. , Absorption of fatty acids and glycerol, is not related to the immune system's defense against disease-causing organisms. Single circulation, and Translocation, are terms related to circulatory system physiology, and are not related to the immune system's defense against disease-causing organisms.

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

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

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.

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 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 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 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.

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

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

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

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.

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

Dictating the formation of a protein by a gene in a chromosome is a process of transmitting hereditary characteristics

Answer Details

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

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.

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

The insect trapping movements of the leaves of the Venus flytrap is a behavioral adaptation for obtaining food. The Venus flytrap is a carnivorous plant that is native to the southeastern United States. Its leaves are modified in a unique way to trap and digest insects. The leaves of the Venus flytrap are divided into two lobes that are hinged together. The leaves also have tiny trigger hairs on their inner surfaces. When an insect touches these trigger hairs, the lobes of the leaf snap shut, trapping the insect inside. The leaf then secretes digestive enzymes that break down the insect's body, providing the plant with nutrients it needs to survive. This behavior is an adaptation that allows the Venus flytrap to live in nutrient-poor soil environments. By being able to capture and digest insects, the Venus flytrap is able to supplement its diet with the nutrients it needs to survive. So, the correct answer is "obtaining food."

Answer Details

The effect of using artificial pollination in plant breeding is "Improvement of the variety of crops". Artificial pollination is the process of manually transferring pollen from one flower to another to fertilize it, with the goal of producing hybrid plants with desirable traits. This allows plant breeders to combine traits from two different plants to create a new variety with improved qualities such as increased yield, disease resistance, and improved flavor. By using artificial pollination, plant breeders can control the genetics of the resulting offspring, leading to the creation of new crop varieties with improved traits. This can help to increase food production and improve the quality of crops, making them more resilient and better suited for different growing conditions.

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.

Answer Details

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

Answer Details

The glomerular filtrate contains all of the substances listed except blood corpuscles. The glomerular filtrate is a fluid that is filtered from the blood in the kidneys through a specialized structure called the glomerulus. This fluid contains water, small molecules like glucose, amino acids, and urea, and ions like sodium, potassium, and chloride. Blood corpuscles, also known as blood cells, are not normally present in the glomerular filtrate because they are too large to pass through the small pores in the glomerular capillaries. Blood cells are important components of blood that help to transport oxygen, fight infection, and support the body's immune system. The glomerular filtrate is a crucial step in the process of urine formation, as it allows for the selective reabsorption of important substances like water and glucose while removing waste products like urea. The remaining fluid is then processed by the kidney tubules to form urine, which is eventually excreted from the body. It is important to note that the composition of the glomerular filtrate can vary depending on a person's diet, hydration status, and overall health, and that disorders of the kidneys can affect the ability of the kidneys to filter and process this fluid correctly.

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

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.

Answer Details

It is found in moist environment because of its adaptive features.

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.

Answer Details

The specific portion of a habitat that is occupied by a particular species is referred to as its "Ecological Niche". An ecological niche refers to the role and position a species has in its environment, including its relationships with other species, the way it obtains food and resources, and the physical conditions it requires to survive. Essentially, it's the species' unique way of life and how it fits into its habitat. For example, a bird species might have a specific ecological niche as a seed-eater, and it might occupy a certain area of a forest where seeds are abundant. Another species might occupy a different niche as a predator, hunting for insects in a different part of the forest. These two species have their own unique ecological niches and do not overlap in the way they interact with their environment.

Answer Details

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

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

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.

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

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".