JAMB UTME - Biology - 2018
Question 1 Report
The reason why hospitals use saline solutions as drip instead of water is
Answer Details
Saline, also known as saline solution, is a mixture of sodium chloride in water and has a number of uses in medicine. Intravenous therapy (IV) is a therapy that delivers liquid substances directly into a vein. Saline is used in I.V. therapy, intravenously supplying extra water to rehydrate patients or supplying the daily water and salt needs ("maintenance" needs) of a patient who is unable to take them by mouth. Because infusing a solution of low osmolality can cause problems such as hemolysis, intravenous solutions with reduced saline concentrations typically have dextrose (glucose) added to maintain a safe osmolality while providing less sodium chloride. The amount of normal saline infused depends largely on the needs of the patient (e.g. ongoing diarrhea or heart failure).
Question 2 Report
An organism which exhibit extracellular digestion is
Answer Details
Extracellular digestion is a process in which saprobionts feed by secreting enzymes through the cell membrane onto the food. During extracellular digestion, food is broken down outside the cell either mechanically or with acid by special molecules called enzymes.
Question 3 Report
Which of the following processes removes carbon from the atmosphere?
Answer Details
The process that removes carbon from the atmosphere is "photosynthesis". Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of carbon dioxide and water. During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide (CO2) is taken in from the atmosphere and used to produce glucose, a type of sugar that serves as food for the plant. In this process, the carbon from CO2 is converted into organic carbon compounds, which are then used to build the plant's structure and stored in the plant's tissues. This means that photosynthesis helps to remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it in the biomass of plants. In contrast, processes such as putrefaction, volcanic eruption, and burning of fuels release carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to the increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and, in turn, to climate change.
Question 4 Report
Red blood cells were found to have burst open after being placed in distill for an hour. This phenomenon is known as
Answer Details
The phenomenon you're referring to is called haemolysis. Haemolysis is the bursting of red blood cells when they are placed in a solution that is different from their normal environment. When red blood cells are placed in distilled water, the water moves into the cells and causes them to expand and eventually burst, resulting in haemolysis. This occurs because the concentration of solutes (e.g. salts, sugars) is higher inside the red blood cells than in the distilled water, causing water to move into the cells and causing them to burst. In simple terms, haemolysis is the bursting of red blood cells due to a change in the solution they are in.
Question 5 Report
A seed of a flowering plant can best be described as
Answer Details
A seed is a small embryonic plant enclosed in a covering called the seed coat, usually with some stored food. It is the product of the ripened ovule of gymnosperm and angiosperm plants which occurs after fertilization and some growth with in the motherplant.
Question 6 Report
The graph below shows the results of a laboratory investigation which measured the body temperatures of a lizard and a bird under changing artificial conditions. Use it to answer the question.
Which of the statements below is valid?
Answer Details
Question 7 Report
Tikka disease is related with the crop
Answer Details
Tikka disease is not related to the crop of Groundnut, Mustard, or Paddy. Tikka disease, also known as Ascochyta blight, is a fungal disease that affects various plants, including beans, chickpeas, and lentils. The disease is caused by a fungus called Ascochyta and can result in small, circular spots on leaves, stems, and pods of infected plants. These spots can be gray, brown, or black, and may have a dark border. In summary, Tikka disease is not related to the crops of Groundnut, Mustard, or Paddy. It affects plants such as beans, chickpeas, and lentils, and is caused by a fungus called Ascochyta.
Question 8 Report
The immediate product of meiosis in flowering plants is the
Answer Details
Pollen grains form in the two pollen sacs located in the anther. Each pollen sac contains specialized chambers in which the microspore mother cells are enclosed and protected. The microspore mother cells undergo meiosis to form four haploid microspores. Subsequently, mitotic divisions form four pollen grains. Inside each pollen grain is a generative cell; this cell will later divide to produce two sperm cells. Pollen grain shapes are specialized for specific flower species.
Question 9 Report
A plant tissue that carries water and mineral salt is
Answer Details
The plant tissue that carries water and mineral salts from the roots to other parts of the plant is called xylem. Xylem is like a pipeline that runs throughout the plant and is responsible for transporting water and dissolved nutrients from the roots to the leaves and other parts of the plant. This tissue is made up of specialized cells called tracheids and vessel elements that are arranged end to end to form long, hollow tubes. These tubes allow water to flow through them with minimal resistance, and the water is pulled up through the xylem by a process called transpiration. In summary, xylem is the tissue responsible for carrying water and mineral salts from the roots to the rest of the plant, and it does so through a network of specialized cells that form long, hollow tubes.
Question 10 Report
Study the diagram of a food chain shown and use it to answer the question.
P ---> Q ---> R ---> S ---> T
The organism designated P in the food chain above is normally sustained by energy from
Answer Details
The organism designated P in the food chain is normally sustained by energy from the sun. This is because P is likely at the bottom of the food chain, which means it is a primary producer. Primary producers, such as green plants, use energy from the sun to produce their own food through photosynthesis. This food is then consumed by the next organism in the food chain, which is Q. The energy then passes from one organism to the next, all the way up the food chain to the top predator. Therefore, in this food chain, P is likely a green plant or another type of primary producer that uses energy from the sun to produce its own food, making sunlight the source of energy for P.
Question 11 Report
The part of the ear which contains nerve cells sensitive to sound vibrations is the
Answer Details
The part of the ear which contains nerve cells sensitive to sound vibrations is the cochlea. The cochlea is a small, spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear. It is responsible for translating sound waves into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. The cochlea contains tiny hair cells that are responsible for detecting sound vibrations. These hair cells are arranged along the length of the cochlea and are stimulated by different frequencies of sound. When sound waves enter the ear, they cause the eardrum to vibrate. These vibrations are then transmitted to the three small bones in the middle ear, including the malleus. The malleus transmits the vibrations to the inner ear, where they are picked up by the hair cells in the cochlea. The hair cells then convert the vibrations into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain via the auditory nerve, allowing us to hear and interpret sounds. In summary, the cochlea is the part of the ear that contains nerve cells sensitive to sound vibrations. The hair cells within the cochlea are responsible for detecting sound waves and translating them into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain.
Question 12 Report
Which of the following instruments is used to estimate the number of plants in a habitat?
Answer Details
The instrument used to estimate the number of plants in a habitat is a quadrant. A quadrant is a square or rectangular frame that is used to isolate a specific area within a habitat for study. It is typically made of a lightweight and durable material, such as metal or plastic, and can be any size, depending on the needs of the study. To estimate the number of plants in a habitat using a quadrant, researchers randomly select several quadrants within the study area and place them on the ground. They then count the number of plants within the quadrant and use this information to estimate the number of plants in the entire study area. Quadrants are a commonly used tool in ecology and are particularly useful for estimating the density and distribution of plant populations. They are simple to use and can provide valuable information for researchers who are interested in understanding the dynamics of plant communities.
Question 13 Report
The hygrometer is used for measuring
Answer Details
A hygrometer is an instrument used to measure the amount of humidity and water vapor in the atmosphere, in soil, or in confined spaces. Humidity measurement instruments usually rely on measurements of some other quantity such as temperature, pressure, mass, a mechanical or electrical change in a substance as moisture is absorbed. By calibration and calculation, these measured quantities can lead to a measurement of humidity.
Question 14 Report
The outer membrane that covers the brain is
Answer Details
The outer membrane that covers the brain is called the "dura mater". It is a thick, tough, and fibrous layer that provides protection and support to the brain. The dura mater is the outermost layer of the three meninges (the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord). It lies closest to the skull and forms a barrier that separates the brain from the bones of the skull. The dura mater contains blood vessels and nerves that supply the brain and is responsible for anchoring the brain in place.
Question 15 Report
Which of the following statements is true about sandy soil?
Answer Details
Sandy soils are well drained. They have low water holding capacity and are therefore drought prone. They become firm when wet (the opposite of clay), and loose when dry. Sandy soil is light and easy to dig.
Question 16 Report
An accurate identification of a rapist can be carried out by conducting
Answer Details
An accurate identification of a rapist can be carried out by conducting DNA analysis. DNA analysis involves collecting and analyzing a sample of DNA from a suspect, such as a hair, skin, or semen sample, and comparing it to a sample of DNA taken from the crime scene. If the DNA profiles match, it can provide strong evidence linking the suspect to the crime. Blood group tests and behavioral tests are not reliable methods for identifying a rapist, as they do not provide a unique identifier like DNA analysis does. Additionally, RNA analysis is not typically used for the identification of rapists. DNA analysis is the most scientifically accepted and accurate method for identifying individuals in criminal investigations, including sexual assault cases.
Question 17 Report
A beaker of pond water containing few specimens of Euglena was placed in a dark room for two weeks. At the end of this period, the specimens of Euglena were still alive because they were
Answer Details
Holozoic nutrition is a type of heterotrophic nutrition that is characterized by the internalization (ingestion) and internal processing of gaseous, liquid or solid food particles. Protozoa, such as amoebas, and most of the free living animals,such as animals, exhibit this type of nutrition.
In holozoic nutrition the energy and organic building blocks are obtained by ingesting and then digesting other organisms or pieces of other organisms, including blood and decaying organic matter. This contrasts with holophytic nutrition, in which energy and organic building blocks are obtained through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, and with saprozoic nutrition, in which digestive enzymes are released externally and the resulting monomers (small organic molecules) are absorbed directly from the environment.
Holophytic (plant-like), holozoic (animal- like), and saprophytic nutrition is found in Euglena. Euglena obtains its carbohydrate food by photosynthesis and nitrogenous food by absorption from the surroundings. Its holozoic nutrition is, however, doubtful.
Question 18 Report
Etiolation is causes by the influence of
Answer Details
Etiolation is caused by the influence of LIGHT. Etiolation refers to the physical changes that occur in a plant when it is grown in the absence of sufficient light. When a plant does not receive enough light, it elongates its stem and leaves to reach for the light source. This results in a spindly, pale appearance, as the plant allocates its resources towards vertical growth rather than producing chlorophyll and other pigments needed for photosynthesis. Therefore, the absence of light, or insufficient light, is the primary cause of etiolation. While mineral salts, water, and carbon dioxide are all necessary for plant growth, they do not directly cause etiolation.
Question 19 Report
The role of scolex in tapeworm is to
Answer Details
An adult tapeworm consists of a knoblike head, or scolex, equipped with hooks for attaching to the intestinal wall of the host (which may be a human), a neck region, and a series of flat, rectangular body segments, or proglottids, generated by the neck. Scolex is used for attachment to the intestinal wall.
Question 20 Report
At which stage in this cycle can a man be infected?
Answer Details
In the animal's intestine, the oncospheres hatch, invade the intestinal wall, and migrate to the striated muscles, where they develop into cysticerci. A cysticercus can survive for several years in the animal. Humans become infected by ingesting raw or undercooked infected meat.
Question 21 Report
The cytoplasm of a cell is considered a very important component because it
Answer Details
The jelly-like fluid that fills a cell is called cytoplasm. It is made up of mostly water and salt. Cytoplasm is present within the cell membrane of all cell types and contains all organelles and cell parts. Cytoplasm has various functions in the cell.
Most of the important activities of the cell occur in the cytoplasm. Cytoplasm contains molecules such as enzymes which are responsible for breaking down waste and also aid in metabolic activity.
Question 22 Report
Long neck in giraffe is used to illustrate the theory of
Answer Details
The giraffe's long neck is a perfect adaptation to the animal's natural habitat. Clearly the giraffe evolved this uncommon and helpful trait in order to reach those nourishing leaves. That's how natural selection works. Use and disuse' theory in human life advocate the idea that animals acquired characteristics after using certain physical traits constantly.
Question 23 Report
Physiological adaptation to very dry conditions in animal demonstrates
Answer Details
Aestivation is a state of animal dormancy, similar to hibernation, although taking place in the summer rather than the winter. Aestivation is characterized by inactivity and a lowered metabolic rate, that is entered in response to high temperatures and arid conditions.
Question 24 Report
Accessory material in a chicken egg include the following except
Answer Details
The accessory materials found in a chicken egg include the albumen (the egg white), the shell membrane (the thin membrane that lines the inside of the eggshell), and the shell itself. The germinal disc, on the other hand, is not an accessory material, but rather an important part of the egg. The germinal disc, also known as the blastoderm, is a small, round spot on the surface of the yolk that contains the genetic material necessary for the development of the embryo. It is located on the surface of the yolk and can be seen as a small white spot when you crack open an egg. This is where the sperm enters and fertilizes the egg, leading to the development of the embryo. So to summarize, the accessory materials found in a chicken egg are the albumen, shell membrane, and shell, while the germinal disc is an essential part of the egg that is responsible for the development of the embryo.
Question 25 Report
A group of organism of the same species living together in a particular area is described as
Answer Details
The term that describes a group of organisms of the same species living together in a particular area is "population". A population refers to all the individuals of a particular species that live in a specific geographic area and can interbreed. For example, a population of deer in a forest or a population of fish in a river. On the other hand, a "colony" typically refers to a group of organisms of the same species living closely together, but it usually implies a degree of cooperation and organization beyond what is typically seen in a population. A "community" refers to all the different populations of organisms living together in a particular area and interacting with each other, such as a community of plants, animals, and microbes in a forest. Lastly, a "niche" refers to the particular role and position that a species has in its environment, including the resources it uses and the interactions it has with other species.
Question 26 Report
The flippers of a whale and the fins of a fish are examples of
Answer Details
The flippers of a whale and the fins of a fish are examples of convergent evolution. Convergent evolution is a process where species that are not closely related, but live in similar environments, evolve similar structures or adaptations to solve similar problems. This is also known as "parallel evolution". For example, whales and fish both live in water, and both need to be able to swim and maneuver. Over time, both species have evolved flippers or fins as a solution to these challenges, even though whales are mammals and fish are fish. This convergence of similar structures in unrelated species is a result of convergent evolution.
Question 27 Report
What would happen if solution Y is more concentrated than solution X in fig 2?
Answer Details
Osmosis is the spontaneous net movement of solvent molecules through a selectively permeable membrane into a region of higher solute concentration, in the direction that tends to equalize the solute concentrations on the two sides.
Question 28 Report
Cytokinesis of mitosis is a process that ensures that
Answer Details
Cytokinesis is the final stage of mitosis, the process by which a cell divides to form two identical daughter cells. During cytokinesis, the cytoplasm of the original cell is divided into two parts, with each part containing a complete set of genetic material (chromosomes). The main purpose of cytokinesis is to ensure that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic material and the necessary organelles to function properly. This is important because if one daughter cell received more genetic material or more organelles than the other, it could lead to problems such as cell death or mutations. Therefore, "each daughter cell gets the necessary organelles" is the correct label to associate with the question above. While the other options may be important aspects of mitosis, they do not directly relate to the role of cytokinesis in ensuring that each daughter cell receives a complete and functional set of genetic material and organelles.
Question 29 Report
The energy released by 1 gram of glucose is
Answer Details
The energy released by 1 gram of glucose is about 4 kcal. To put it simply, when our bodies break down glucose, a type of sugar that is a source of energy, it releases energy that we can use. This energy is measured in units of calories, and 1 kilocalorie (kcal) is equivalent to 1,000 calories. So, when 1 gram of glucose is broken down, it releases approximately 4 kcal of energy.
Question 30 Report
Cold blooded animals are referred to as
Answer Details
Cold-blooded animals are referred to as "poikilothermic". Poikilothermic animals are also known as "ectothermic" animals, which means that their body temperature is regulated by the environment around them. This is in contrast to "homoeothermic" animals, also known as "endothermic" animals, which can regulate their own body temperature internally. Examples of poikilothermic animals include reptiles, amphibians, and most fish. These animals are often seen basking in the sun to warm up or seeking out cooler places in order to lower their body temperature. They are able to function at a range of different temperatures, but their bodily functions are often slower at cooler temperatures. On the other hand, homoeothermic animals, such as mammals and birds, are able to maintain a stable internal body temperature, even when the temperature of their environment fluctuates. This allows them to function effectively in a wider range of environmental conditions.
Question 31 Report
The vitamin which is important in the formation of the retina pigment is
Answer Details
The vitamin that is important in the formation of the retina pigment is Vitamin A. The retina is a part of the eye that contains cells called rods and cones which help us to see. Vitamin A is important for the normal functioning of these cells, especially the rods, which are responsible for vision in low light conditions. The retina pigment, also known as rhodopsin, is a protein found in the rods of the retina. It helps to absorb light and convert it into electrical signals that the brain can interpret as vision. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in the formation of this pigment, and a deficiency of this vitamin can lead to a condition called night blindness, where a person has difficulty seeing in low light conditions. In summary, Vitamin A is essential for the normal functioning of the cells in the retina, especially the rods, and is important for the formation of the retina pigment, which is necessary for vision in low light conditions.
Question 32 Report
The four classes of cnidarian include the following except
Answer Details
Cnidaria is a phylum under Kingdom Animalia containing over 11,000 species of animals found exclusively in aquatic environments: they are predominantly marine. Their distinguishing feature is cnidocytes, specialized cells that they use mainly for capturing prey. Modern cnidarians are generally classified into four main classes: sessile Anthozoa (sea anemones, corals, sea pens); swimming Scyphozoa (jellyfish) and Cubozoa (box jellies); and Hydrozoa, a diverse group that includes all the freshwater cnidarians as well as many marine forms, and has both sessile members such as Hydra and colonial swimmers such as the Portuguese Man o' War. The Turbellaria are one of the traditional sub-divisions of the phylum Platyhelminthes, and include all the sub-groups that are not exclusively parasitic.
Question 33 Report
How many days does it take for incubation of an egg to release chick?
Answer Details
The incubation period for chicken eggs is generally 21 days. This means that after a fertilized egg is laid by a hen and is kept at the appropriate temperature and humidity in an incubator, it will take approximately 21 days for the chick to develop and hatch out of the eggshell. During this period, the egg goes through several stages of development. In the first week, the embryo's circulatory system, nervous system, and digestive system start to form. In the second week, the chick's beak, wings, and claws begin to develop. And in the third week, the chick grows rapidly and prepares to break through the shell using its egg tooth, a small point on its beak. It's important to note that the incubation period can vary slightly depending on factors such as the breed of chicken and the temperature and humidity in the incubator. However, 21 days is the average incubation period for chicken eggs.
Question 34 Report
Which of the following groups of organisms has kidney as the excretory organ?
Answer Details
The group of organisms that have kidneys as the excretory organ is: fishes, amphibians, birds, and man. Kidneys are specialized organs that remove waste products, excess water, and other impurities from the blood. These waste products are then eliminated from the body as urine. Fishes, amphibians, birds, and mammals (including humans) all have kidneys as their primary excretory organ. In fish, the kidneys are responsible for removing excess water and electrolytes from the blood. In amphibians, the kidneys also play a role in maintaining water balance, as well as removing nitrogenous wastes. In birds and mammals, the kidneys are responsible for filtering the blood, regulating water and electrolyte balance, and eliminating waste products. In contrast, annelids (a group of segmented worms), insects, protozoans, reptiles, and tapeworms have different excretory organs. For example, insects have specialized structures called Malpighian tubules that remove waste products and excess water from their blood, while tapeworms excrete waste products through their skin.
Question 35 Report
Mineral salts can be absorbed into roots by
Answer Details
In plants and animals, mineral absorption, also called mineral uptake is the way in which minerals enter the cellular material, typically following the same pathway as water. In plants, the entrance portal for mineral uptake is usually through the roots by a process of diffusion and active transport.
Question 36 Report
The yellowish colored liquid component of blood that normally holds the blood cells in suspension is
Answer Details
Blood plasma is a yellowish liquid component of blood that normally holds the blood cells in whole blood in suspension. In other words, it is the liquid part of the blood that carries cells and proteins throughout the body. It makes up about 55% of the body's total blood volume.
Question 37 Report
Which of the following organisms is a primary consumer?
Answer Details
A primary consumer is an organism that feeds on primary producers. Primary consumers are usually herbivores that feed on autotrophic plants, which produce their own food through photosynthesis.
Question 38 Report
An animal which is active during the day is known as a
Answer Details
An animal that is active during the day is known as a diurnal animal. This means that it is awake and active during the daytime hours, when the sun is shining, and typically sleeps or rests during the night. Diurnal animals have evolved to take advantage of the sunlight and are often adapted to see well in bright light. Examples of diurnal animals include humans, birds, squirrels, and many species of primates.
Question 39 Report
A boy who is fond of swimming in a pond finds himself passing urine with traces of blood. He is likely to have contracted
Answer Details
The boy who is fond of swimming in a pond and passes urine with traces of blood is likely to have contracted schistosomiasis. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection caused by a type of flatworm called Schistosoma that commonly inhabits freshwater snails and bodies of water such as ponds and lakes. When a person comes into contact with water contaminated with the parasite, it can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, where it eventually travels to the bladder or intestines and causes inflammation and damage to the tissues. This can lead to symptoms such as blood in the urine or stool, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and anemia. If left untreated, schistosomiasis can lead to chronic health problems such as liver and kidney damage. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms after swimming or coming into contact with freshwater bodies in endemic areas.
Question 40 Report
Evidence of evolution include the following except
Answer Details
Note: Evolution is a process of gradual change that takes place over many generations, during which species of animals, plants, or insects slowly change some of their physical characteristics.
