WAEC Biology 1995 past questions and answers

At what level of organisation is Amoeba?

1. A.Tissue
2. B.Organ
3. C.Cellular
4. D.System
5. E.Filament

Which of these could be regarded as an advantage of complexity in higher organisms?

1. A.There is no cellular differentiation
2. B.Cellular differentiation leads to loss of independence of the cells
3. C.Complexity stops at cellular differentiation only
4. D.Cellular differentiation leads to internal structural specialization

Which of the following organisms is one-celled and free-living?

1. A.Volvox
2. B.Spirogyra
3. C.Rhizopus
4. D.Chlamydomonas
5. E.Hydra

One of the differences between plant and animal cells is that in plants

1. A.cells have less distinct outline, but animal cells have distinct outline
2. B.cell wall is made of cellulose, but animal cell wall is made of chitin
3. C.large vacuoles are absent, but present in animals
4. D.plastids are absent, but present in animals
5. E.carbohydrates are stored as starch, but as glycogen in animals

Carbondioxide enters the stomata during photosynthesis through the process known as

1. A.osmosis
2. B.active transport
3. C.diffusion
4. D.inhalation
5. E.ventilation

Which of the following groups carry out similar functions in living things?

1. A.Vertebral column, chitin, and guard cells
2. B.Sclerenchyma, cartilage and chitin
3. C.Tendon, chitin and neurone
4. D.Collenchyma, intercellular spaces and blood vessels
5. E.Blood vessels, lymph and shell

Which of the following statements is correct? The

1. A.biceps muscles has its origin on the head of the humerus
2. B.biceps muscle is inserted at the ulna
3. C.triceps muscle originated at the scapula and head of the humerus
4. D.ulna is pulled up when the biceps is relaxed
5. E.radius is the point of insertion of triceps muscle

Which of the folllowing pairs of tissues is responsible for strengthening the plant?

1. A.Phloem and Epidermis
2. B.Parenchyma and Cambium
3. C.Collenchyma and Sclerenchyma
4. D.Collenchyma and Cambium
5. E.Xylem and Cambium

Which of the following is not a tissue found in plants?

1. A.Epidermis
2. B.Phloem
3. C.Xylem
4. D.Dermis
5. E.Mesophyll

Higher organisms use a transport system and not diffusion only to distribute nutrients because

1. A.the ratio of their surface area to volume is small
2. B.metabolic waste products diffuse to the surface of the organisms
3. C.the rate at which nutrients and other substances diffuse increases
4. D.substances to be transported move shorter distances to reach the numerous cells
5. E.the internal structures of the organisms are in direct contact with the environment

In complex food relationships in a community, the primary, secondary and tertiary consumers are referred to as

1. A.symbionts
2. B.omnivores
3. C.heterotrophs
4. D.autotrophs
5. E.carnivores

The cell membrane of a cell is said to be semi-permeable because

1. A.it allows only large molecular substances to pass through it into the cell
2. B.it is actively involved in energy production in the cell
3. C.it actively allows all substances to pass through it by diffusion
4. D.it is actively selective in allowing substances pass through it
5. E.fatty acids are only the building blocks of the membrane

Use the diagram below to answer questions 13 to 15
The function of the part labelled I is

1. A.controlling water loss
2. B.trapping solar energy
3. C.absorbing water
4. D.storing sugar
5. E.transporting sugar

Use the diagram (parts labelled I to IV, surface view of leaf epidermis with stomata) to answer this question.
The part labelled II is the

1. A.stoma
2. B.palisade cell
3. C.spongy cell
4. D.guard cell
5. E.epidermal cell

Use the diagram (parts labelled I to IV, surface view of leaf epidermis with stomata) to answer this question.
The structure that will be stained blue-black by iodine is labelled

1. A.I
2. B.II
3. C.III
4. D.IV
5. E.V

In the anaerobic stage of respiration, the net ATP molecules produced per glucose molecule is

1. A.one
2. B.two
3. C.three
4. D.four
5. E.five

Reabsorption of the metabolic products along the kidney tubules is made possible by the

1. A.closeness of the intestine to the kidney
2. B.convoluted nature of the tubules
3. C.presence of convoluted tubules in the medulla
4. D.presence of network of capillaries around the convoluted tubules
5. E.joining of the main collecting tubules to the kidney tubules

Hormones are transported around the mammalian body by

1. A.water
2. B.nerves
3. C.blood
4. D.osmosis
5. E.diffusion

Which of the following is not a function of insulin?

1. A.Accelerates the rate at which glucose is converted to glycogen
2. B.Promotes the uptake of glucose by tissues
3. C.Regulates the amount of glucose in the blood
4. D.Accelerates the absorption of glucose at the glomerulus
5. E.Stimulates muscles to oxidise glucose

Which of the following is the correct route of transmission of impulses along a reflex arc?

1. A.Receptor → sensory neurone → synapse → intermediate neurone → synapse → motor neurone → effector
2. B.Receptor → motor neutron → synapse → intermediate neurone → synapse → sensory neurone→ effector
3. C.Receptor → synapse → sensory neurone → intermediate neurone → synapse → effector → motor neurone
4. D.Effector → motor neurone → synapse → sensory neurone → synapse → intermediate neurone → receptor
5. E.Effector → intermediate neurone → synapse → motor neurone → synapse → sensory neurone → receptor

Which of the following statements is false?

1. A.Human sense of smell is easily fatigued
2. B.The skin can perceive the sensations of touch, pain, pressure and temperature
3. C.Taste buds and olfactory cells are active when wet as well as when dry
4. D.Sensory nerve endings receive stimuli and send to the central nervous system
5. E.Senses of smell and taste can be weakened by catarrh or blocked nose

The following are directly involved in transmission of sound waves to the brain except

1. A.eardrum
2. B.auditory meatus
3. C.auditory ossicles
4. D.eustachian tube
5. E.cochlea

The term syncarpous is used to describe a flower when the carpels are

1. A.many and fused
2. B.two only
3. C.two and separate
4. D.many and free
5. E.lying at different parts of a flower

Which of the following structures are characteristics of insect pollinated flowers?

1. A.Dull coloured flowers with no nectar
2. B.Very light, numerous, and pendulous stamen
3. C.Brightly coloured petals, scent and nectar
4. D.Flowers are usually small and inconspicuous
5. E.Stigma are large, feathery and hang outside the flower

Which of the following statements is not correct?

1. A.Shortage of food may be caused by pestilence, rinderpest and neglect of farming
2. B.Shortage of food may lead to competition, emigration, death and decline in the rate of reproduction
3. C.Over-crowding may lead to scarcity of food
4. D.Dispersal of seeds and fruits prevents over-crowding
5. E.Territorial defence encourages food scarcity in a habitat

Which of the following is an advantage of dispersal of fruits and seeds? It allows

1. A.fair distribution of source of food for animals
2. B.growth in close association with parent plant
3. C.even distribution of plants and reduction of intraspecific competition
4. D.keen competition for food
5. E.the seeds to evolve new species

The series of changes that occur in a seed by which the embryo develops into a seedling is known as

1. A.fertilization
2. B.gametogenesis
3. C.pollination
4. D.germination
5. E.regeneration

Which of the following organisms has a symbiotic relationship with green algae?

1. A.Amoeba
2. B.Paramecium
3. C.Hydra
4. D.Euglena
5. E.Chlamydomonas

At the end of photosynthesis, the green leaf is tested for starch and not glucose, because

1. A.the glucose is used up immediately to provide energy for the needs of the leaf
2. B.the glucose formed is immediately converted to starch
3. C.starch is stored only in leaves
4. D.there are no chemicals for glucose test in leaves
5. E.it is easy to test for starch

Which of the following equations is not associated with photosynthesis?

1. A.H₂O → H + OH
2. B.C₆H₁₂O₆ → 2C₂H₅OH + 2CO₂
3. C.CO₂ + [4H] → CH₂O + H₂O
4. D.4[OH] → 2H₂O + O₂
5. E.6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

Which of these processes removes carbon from the atmosphere?

1. A.Putrefaction of animals
2. B.Burning of fuels
3. C.Photosynthesis
4. D.Volcanic eruption
5. E.Respiration in plants

Which of the following conditions is not necessary for photosynthesis to occur in plants?

1. A.There must be light
2. B.There must be xylem tissue used to conduct water
3. C.There must be chlorophyll to trap radiant energy
4. D.Carbondioxide must be present
5. E.Water must be present

The distribution of organisms in a fresh - water habitat like a stream or pond is determined by the following except

1. A.rainfall
2. B.temperature
3. C.pH of soil
4. D.light penetration
5. E.tidal movements

Which of the following is characteristics of a swamp?

1. A.Vegetation with stratified arrangement
2. B.Mesophytes with broad leaves
3. C.The ground is flooded most of the time
4. D.Predominance of climbing plants
5. E.Many plants with fire resistant structures

Very low annual rainfall, sparse vegetation, high day temperatures and cold nights are the characteristics of the biome known as

1. A.swamp
2. B.tropical forest
3. C.southern guinea savanna
4. D.afro alpine
5. E.desert

The graphs below show the results of experiments which investigated the effect of temperature and oxygen on the rate of uptake of certain ions labelled X and Y by a plant root. Use them to answer questions 36 and 37
Which of the following conclusions cannot be drawn from the graphs?

1. A.Ion is taken up more rapidly at suitable temperature
2. B.Suitable oxygen concentration increases ion uptake
3. C.Ion uptake requires energy from aerobic respiration of sugar
4. D.Ion uptake occurs most rapidly in adequate supply of respiratory substrate
5. E.The quantity of ions absorbed is inversely proportional to the quantity of carbohydrate (sugar) synthesised

The graphs show the results of experiments which investigated the effect of temperature and oxygen on the rate of uptake of certain ions labelled X and Y by a plant root.
Which of the temperature ranges will likely favour the plant best?

1. A.0 – 10°C
2. B.15 – 20°C
3. C.30-40°C
4. D.45 – 50°C
5. E.above 50°C

Which of the following is the correct chain for the organism found in an aquatic community?

1. A.Paramecium, Phytoplankton, Prawn, Waterflea, Tilapia, Shark
2. B.Waterflea, Paramecium, Phytoplankton, Prawn, Tilapia, Shark
3. C.Phytoplankton, Waterflea, Paramecium, Prawn, Shark, Tilapia
4. D.Phytoplankton, Paramecium, Waterflea, Prawn, Tilapia, Shark
5. E.Paramecium, Phytoplankton, Waterflea, Prawn, Shark, Tilapia

In a food chain the position occupied by an organism is called

1. A.the trophic level
2. B.energy level
3. C.the feeding level
4. D.the habitat level
5. E.niche

Which of these statements about food chain is not correct?

1. A.Animals in the chain are consumers
2. B.A food chain usually begins with a green plant
3. C.All organisms in a food chain are animals
4. D.Living things are dependent on one another
5. E.The food chain involves energy transfer in an ecosystem

Which of these is not applicable to the circulation of water in nature?

1. A.Water removed from oceans are permanently lost
2. B.Water constantly evaporates from the seas, rivers, lakes and soil
3. C.Water vapour rises, cools, condenses and precipitates as rain and dew
4. D.Water is absorbed by plants and animals from their external environment
5. E.Plants lose water by transpiration and decay

An association between two organisms in which both benefit is called

1. A.parasitism
2. B.commensalism
3. C.symbiosis
4. D.predation
5. E.competition

Which of the following is not an outcome of ecological succession?

1. A.There is a progressive change in species structure, organic matter and energy flow
2. B.The climax stage consists of a comparatively long lasting species composition
3. C.There is no dynamic equilibrium between the community and habitat in the climax stage
4. D.Communities occurring later in the sequence of succession are more complex
5. E.There are fewer dominant species in the late stages of succession

The diagrams below represent the shape of major groups of bacteria. Use them to answer question 45
The groups staphylococci and streptobacilli are represented by

1. A.I and II
2. B.II and IV
3. C.III and VII
4. D.IV and VII
5. E.IV and VIII

Prevention of erosion could best be carried out by

1. A.crop rotation and mulching
2. B.contouring of slopping ground and afforestation
3. C.grazing terracing and shifting cultivation
4. D.strip cropping and poaching
5. E.bush fallowing and crop rotation

The following are useful measures for conserving forest except

1. A.preventing and controlling accidental forest fire
2. B.encouraging the use of charcoal for industrial and domestic purposes
3. C.combating and preventing plant diseases
4. D.reafforestation of depleted forest
5. E.protection of young growing trees

The following practices are aimed at soil conservation except

1. A.contour ridging
2. B.application of manures
3. C.strip cropping
4. D.bush clearing
5. E.crop rotation

Which of the following natural resources is most readily available to all organisms?

1. A.Water
2. B.Oil
3. C.Food
4. D.Air
5. E.Mineral salts

Which of the following is an example of discontinuous variation?

1. A.Height
2. B.Size of head
3. C.Blood group
4. D.Skin colour
5. E.Length of foot

Hereditary variation is best described as

1. A.characters transmitted from generation to generation
2. B.traits acquired from diseases
3. C.characters that show up due to social conditions
4. D.traits acquired from habits and environmental conditions
5. E.characters that result from physical injuries

Which of the following is a definition of heredity? It is the

1. A.non-resemblance of closely related organisms
2. B.total absence of parental traits in offspring
3. C.absence of variation in organisms
4. D.transfer of characteristics from parents to offspring
5. E.cause of infant mortality

Which of the following is not a reason why an offspring looks different from its parents?

1. A.Random reorganisation of chromosome during gamete formation
2. B.Existence of multiple alleles in organisms
3. C.Formation of chasmata in chromatids during meiosis
4. D.Mutation which gives rise to new combination of gene
5. E.Mitosis of the zygote produces new combination of chromosomes

The pair of genes expressed in a heterozygous individual is described as

1. A.allele
2. B.chromatid
3. C.dominant gene
4. D.centrosome
5. E.chromomere

The following structures are adaptation for water conservation except

1. A.sunken stomata
2. B.scales in animals
3. C.lenticels in stems
4. D.spines in plants
5. E.thick leaves

Which of the following ecological factors causes food shortage?

1. A.Low rate of reproduction
2. B.Emigration
3. C.Drought
4. D.Topography
5. E.wind direction

Density, mortality rate, birth rate are the factors that affect

1. A.population
2. B.dominance
3. C.cover
4. D.habitat
5. E.abiotic community

Ultra-filtration process at the Bowman's capsule is facilitated by

1. A.the volume of water in the blood
2. B.the high concentration of urea in the blood of the Bowman's capsule
3. C.the differential blood pressure between the glomerulus and the Bowman's capsule
4. D.the differential blood volume between the glomerulus and the Bowman's capsule
5. E.heavy weight of the urea, water, glucose and amino acids in the Bowman's capsule

(a) Make a labelled diagram of the vertical section of the mammalian tooth
(b) Describe the role of the following in mammalian nutrition: (i) teeth; (ii) tongue; (iii) saliva; (iv) stomach.
(c) Describe how to test for protein in a food sample

(a) With reference to the food chain, explain the role of the following: (i) green plants (ii) herbivores (iii) carnivores (iv) decomposers.
(b) With the aid of a diagram, describe the carbon cycle.

(a) What is a cell?
(b) Describe briefly the structure of DNA
(c) Describe the process of mitosis
(d) what is the importance of mitosis to living organisms?

(a) What is a sensory cell?
(b) State one function each of the following parts of the mammalian eye: (i) lens (ii) vitreous humour (iii) optic nerve.
(c) (i) List four structures which protect the eye from injury (ii) Explain briefly how each of these structures performs its function.
(d) Explain why a person in a dark room is dazzled for some seconds when he is suddenly exposed to bright sunlight.