JAMB UTME - Biology - 2019
Question 1 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 2 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 3 Report
Which of the following is the effect of using artificial pollination in plant breeding?
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.
Question 4 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 5 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 6 Report
Which of the following type of soil has the highest water retaining capacity?
Answer Details
Among the options listed, clay has the highest water retaining capacity. This is because clay particles are very small and have a large surface area, allowing them to attract and hold onto water molecules tightly through a process called adsorption. Additionally, the spaces between the clay particles are very small, which creates a high capillary action that further helps the clay to retain water. In contrast, sand particles are much larger and have a lower surface area, which means that water molecules are less likely to adhere to them. Sand also has larger spaces between its particles, which results in a lower capillary action and less water retention. Loam and laterite fall somewhere in between clay and sand in terms of their water retention capabilities, depending on their specific composition.
Question 7 Report
The attachment of the embryo to the wall of the uterus is called
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.
Question 8 Report
Competition among individuals of a population increases the
Answer Details
Competition among individuals of a population increases the "Survival of the fittest". This means that individuals that are better adapted to their environment and can compete more effectively for resources are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to their offspring. Over time, this process can lead to the evolution of a population and can result in the survival of the strongest, most fit individuals. In a simple way, it's like a race where the fastest runner wins and gets to advance to the next round. Similarly, in a population, the individuals who are best equipped to survive and thrive will be more likely to do so, while those who are not as well adapted may struggle and eventually die off.
Question 9 Report
Which of the following will have the least effect on the rate of change of the numbers in a population
Answer Details
The food supply will have the least effect on the rate of change of the numbers in a population. While food supply can impact the growth and survival of a population, it is less likely to cause rapid changes in population size compared to other factors such as disease, predation, and mutation. Disease, predation, and mutation can all have significant impacts on a population by affecting the survival and reproductive success of individuals, leading to changes in the overall population size. For example, a disease outbreak can reduce the number of individuals in a population, while predation can limit the growth of a population by preying on individuals. Mutations can also impact the population by changing the genetic makeup of the population and altering its ability to survive and reproduce. In conclusion, while food supply is important for maintaining a stable population, it is less likely to cause rapid changes in population size compared to other factors such as disease, predation, and mutation.
Question 10 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 11 Report
One of the following is not the theory of natural selection stated by Charles Dawin
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.
Question 12 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 13 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 14 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 15 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 16 Report
Which of the following statement is correct about Southern Guinea Savanna in Nigeria
Answer Details
Southern Guinea Savanna is the largest of all biotic community in Nigeria found in Oyo, Osun, Ekiti Status etc.
Question 17 Report
The part labeled III in the above diagram is
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.
Question 18 Report
The association between two organisms living together in which only one benefits from the association while the other is neither benefited nor harmed is
Answer Details
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.
Question 19 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 20 Report
The above organism can be classified under which phylum in the animal kingdom
Answer Details
The tilapia fish can be classified under chordata phylum in the animal kingdom.
Question 21 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 22 Report
Which of the following factors is not considered in a terrestial habitat?
Answer Details
Turbidity is not typically considered a factor in a terrestrial habitat. A terrestrial habitat is a place where land-dwelling organisms, such as plants and animals, live and interact with their environment. Temperature, sunlight, and humidity are all important factors in determining the characteristics of a terrestrial habitat and the organisms that live there. Temperature affects the rate of biochemical reactions in organisms, while sunlight provides energy for photosynthesis in plants and affects the behavior of many animals. Humidity, or the amount of moisture in the air, can affect the water balance of plants and animals. On the other hand, turbidity refers to the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid, such as water, due to the presence of suspended particles. Turbidity is typically associated with aquatic habitats, where it can affect the penetration of light and the availability of nutrients for aquatic plants and animals. In a terrestrial habitat, there is generally no water for particles to be suspended in, so turbidity is not usually a significant factor.
Question 23 Report
In an ecosystem, the organism which changes light energy into stored chemical energy is the
Answer Details
The organism that changes light energy into stored chemical energy in an ecosystem is the producer. Producers are typically plants and algae that use photosynthesis to convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy stored in the form of glucose (sugar). This stored energy is then used as a source of food and energy for other organisms in the ecosystem. Consumers, on the other hand, are organisms that consume producers or other consumers to obtain energy. Decomposers are organisms that break down dead organic matter and return nutrients to the soil. Carnivores are consumers that eat other consumers. So, in summary, the producer is the organism that converts light energy into stored chemical energy, while consumers, decomposers, and carnivores obtain energy by eating other organisms.
Question 24 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 25 Report
Which of the following substances has the highest amount of energy in joules per unit weight?
Answer Details
Fats have the highest amount of energy in joules per unit weight compared to carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins. This is because fats contain more carbon and hydrogen atoms than carbohydrates and proteins, and these atoms have a higher potential to release energy when they are broken down and burned during cellular respiration. One gram of fat provides about 9 calories (37.7 kJ) of energy, while one gram of carbohydrates or proteins provides only about 4 calories (16.7 kJ) of energy. Vitamins, on the other hand, are not significant sources of energy and play important roles in supporting various metabolic processes in the body. To put it simply, fats contain more energy per unit weight than other substances because they are made up of more energy-rich carbon and hydrogen atoms.
Question 26 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 27 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 28 Report
The change in the genetic make up of an organism resulting in an inheritable characteristics which is new is
Answer Details
Mutation is the change in the genetic make up of an organism, which results in a new inheritable characteristic. Simply put, a mutation is a change in an organism's DNA that can be passed down to future generations. Mutations can happen naturally or can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to radiation or chemicals. These changes can result in a variety of effects, from a simple alteration in an organism's appearance to a serious medical condition.
Question 29 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 30 Report
One of the following is a process of transmission of hereditary characteristics by chromosomes
Answer Details
Dictating the formation of a protein by a gene in a chromosome is a process of transmitting hereditary characteristics
Question 31 Report
The glomerular filtrate contains the following except
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.
Question 32 Report
In plants, respiration occurs in
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.
Question 33 Report
The basis of growth involves the following processes except
Answer Details
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.
Question 34 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 35 Report
The organism above can be found in
Answer Details
It is found in moist environment because of its adaptive features.
Question 36 Report
The study which involves the inter-relationship between groups of organisms or species of organisms living together in an area is
Answer Details
The study which involves the inter-relationship between groups of organisms or species of organisms living together in an area is called synecology. Synecology is a branch of ecology that focuses on the interactions between different species in a community and how they affect each other and the environment. This includes studying how species compete for resources, how they coexist and adapt to changing conditions, and how they play different roles in the ecosystem. Synecology is essential for understanding the functioning and dynamics of ecosystems, and for developing strategies to conserve and manage biodiversity.
Question 37 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 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
The part labelled a in the above diagram is used for
Answer Details
Operculum or gill cover helps the tilapia fish in gaseous exchange.
Question 40 Report
Viruses are pathogens of the following diseases except
Answer Details
Viruses are not the pathogens of Tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While viruses can weaken the immune system, making it more susceptible to other infections, including tuberculosis, the actual cause of tuberculosis is the bacterium, not a virus.
