JAMB UTME - Biology - 2019

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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The association between two organisms living together in which only one benefits from the association while the other is neither benefited nor harmed is called commensalism. Commensalism is a type of ecological relationship that occurs when one organism benefits from the association, while the other organism is unaffected. The organism that benefits from the association is called the commensal, while the other organism is called the host. In this type of relationship, the commensal often uses the host for shelter, food, or transportation, but the host is not harmed or helped by the commensal in any way. For example, some birds and mammals, such as egrets and cattle, have a commensal relationship. The birds perch on the backs of the cattle and eat insects that are attracted to the cattle. The cattle are not affected by the presence of the birds, but the birds benefit from the association by gaining a steady source of food. In summary, commensalism is a type of ecological relationship in which one organism benefits from the association while the other is neither benefited nor harmed.

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Secreting irritating fluid is a behavioural adaptation that keep/protects preys from predators.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Vegetable contains mineral salts like magnesium, copper etc which is very essential for body growth.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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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.