JAMB Frequently Repeated past questions in Biology. “Embarking on the journey to success in the Jamb biology exam? Delve into the ultimate guide with a treasure trove of this JAMB Frequently Repeated past questions, meticulously crafted to bolster your preparation and enhance your understanding.
Unravel the complexities of biological concepts and master your exam strategy with insights gleaned from years of examination patterns. Dive deep into the world of biology with our comprehensive collection of Jamb repeated past questions which covers all the Biology topics just free for you, meticulously curated to propel you towards academic excellence.”
JAMB always covers the following topics;
1. Cell Biology
2. Genetics
3. Ecology
4. Physiology
5. Evolution
6. Taxonomy
7. Reproduction
8. Plant and Animal Biology
9. Biotechnology
10. Human Anatomy and Health
Here are sample multiple-choice questions for each topic along with answers and explanations:
Question 1: What is the function of the mitochondria in a cell?
a) Protein synthesis
b) Energy production
c) Waste removal
d) Cell division
Answer: b) Energy production
Explanation: Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell, where cellular respiration occurs, producing energy in the form of ATP.
Question 2: Which of the following represents the genotype for a homozygous recessive trait?
a) Aa
b) AA
c) aa
d) AaAa
Answer: c) aa
Explanation: In genetics, lowercase letters typically represent recessive alleles. Homozygous recessive individuals have two copies of the recessive allele (aa).
Question 3: Which of the following describes a symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits and the other is harmed?
A) Mutualism
b) Commensalism
c) Parasitism
d) Predation
Answer: c) Parasitism
Explanation: In parasitism, one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of the other organism (the host), which is harmed.
Question 4: Which hormone regulates blood sugar levels by stimulating cells to take in glucose?
A) Insulin
b) Glucagon
c) Thyroxine
d) Cortisol
Answer: a) Insulin
Explanation: Insulin is produced by the pancreas and helps lower blood sugar levels by promoting the uptake of glucose by cells.
Question 5: What process describes the change in the inherited characteristics of a population over successive generations?
a) Natural selection
b) Genetic drift
c) Mutation
d) Migration
Answer: a) Natural selection
Explanation: Natural selection is the process by which certain traits become more common in a population due to their advantageous effects on survival and reproduction.
Question 6: Which taxonomic rank is broader than genus but narrower than phylum?
a) Class
b) Family
c) Order
d) Species
Answer: a) Class
Explanation: In the hierarchy of biological classification, class is a rank above genus but below phylum.
Question 7: In humans, which structure is responsible for the production of sperm?
a) Ovary
b) Uterus
c) Testis
d) Fallopian tube
Answer: c) Testis
Explanation: The testes are male reproductive organs responsible for producing sperm and testosterone.
Question 8: Which type of tissue in plants is responsible for transporting water and nutrients?
a) Epidermal tissue
b) Ground tissue
c) Vascular tissue
d) Meristematic tissue
Answer: c) Vascular tissue
Explanation: Vascular tissue, composed of xylem and phloem, transports water, nutrients, and sugars throughout the plant.
Question 9: Which biotechnological technique is used to amplify specific DNA sequences?
A) PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
b) Gel electrophoresis
c) Southern blotting
d) DNA sequencing
Answer: a) PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
Explanation: PCR is a technique used to amplify a specific segment of DNA through repeated cycles of DNA denaturation, annealing, and extension.
Question 10: Which organ is responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and producing urine?
a) Liver
b) Kidney
c) Pancreas
d) Spleen
Answer: b) Kidney
Explanation: The kidneys are vital organs that filter waste products from the blood to produce urine, helping regulate electrolyte balance and blood pressure.
Question 11: Which cellular organelle is responsible for protein synthesis?
a) Golgi apparatus
b) Endoplasmic reticulum
c) Ribosome
d) Lysosome
Answer: c) Ribosome
Explanation: Ribosomes are the cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis, where mRNA is translated into protein.
Question 12: What is the term for the observable characteristics of an organism determined by its genetic makeup?
A) Phenotype
b) Genotype
c) Allele
d) Chromosome
Answer: a) Phenotype
Explanation: Phenotype refers to the observable traits of an organism, which result from the interaction between its genetic makeup (genotype) and environmental factors.
Question 13: Which of the following is an example of a density-independent factor affecting population growth?
A) Predation
b) Competition
c) Temperature
d) Resource availability
Answer: c) Temperature
Explanation: Density-independent factors, such as temperature, weather events, and natural disasters, affect population growth regardless of population density.
Question 14: What is the primary function of red blood cells?
a) Oxygen transport
b) Immune response
c) Nutrient absorption
d) Waste elimination
Answer: a) Oxygen transport
Explanation: Red blood cells (erythrocytes) are specialized for transporting oxygen from the lungs to body tissues and carrying carbon dioxide back to the lungs.
Question 15: Which scientist proposed the theory of natural selection as a mechanism for evolution?
a) Charles Darwin
b) Gregor Mendel
c) Jean-Baptiste Lamarck
d) Alfred Russel Wallace
Answer: a) Charles Darwin
Explanation: Charles Darwin proposed the theory of natural selection in his book “On the Origin of Species” as the mechanism driving evolution.
Question 16: What is the correct order of taxonomic ranks from broadest to most specific?
A) Kingdom, Phylum, Order, Genus, Species
b) Domain, Class, Order, Family, Genus
c) Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Species
d) Domain, Kingdom, Class, Family, Species
Answer: a) Kingdom, Phylum, Order, Genus, Species
Explanation: Taxonomic ranks, from broadest to most specific, are organized as kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species.
Question 17: In mammals, what is the primary function of the placenta during pregnancy?
a) Production of hormones
b) Gas exchange
c) Nutrient and waste exchange
d) Protection of the fetus
Answer: c) Nutrient and waste exchange
Explanation: The placenta is a temporary organ that forms during pregnancy and facilitates the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products between the mother and the developing fetus.
Question 18: Which structure in plants is responsible for the majority of photosynthesis?
A) Stomata
b) Chloroplasts
c) Roots
d) Stem
Answer: b) Chloroplasts
Explanation: Chloroplasts are organelles in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs, converting light energy into chemical energy (glucose).
Question 19: What is the purpose of genetic engineering?
a) To study the inheritance of traits
b) To modify organisms for specific purposes
c) To identify DNA sequences
d) To diagnose genetic disorders
Answer: b) To modify organisms for specific purposes
Explanation: Genetic engineering involves manipulating the genetic material of organisms to introduce desirable traits or produce specific substances.
Question 20: Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating basic physiological functions such as breathing and heart rate?
A) Cerebrum
b) Cerebellum
c) Brainstem
d) Hypothalamus
Answer: c) Brainstem
Explanation: The brainstem, composed of the medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain, regulates essential physiological functions, including breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Question 21: Which organelle is responsible for the synthesis and packaging of lipids in the cell?
a) Golgi apparatus
b) Endoplasmic reticulum
c) Lysosome
d) Peroxisome
Answer: b) Endoplasmic reticulum
Explanation: The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays a key role in lipid synthesis and the synthesis of proteins that are destined for secretion or for insertion into membranes.
Question 22: In a dihybrid cross, what is the phenotypic ratio for a heterozygous cross (AaBb x AaBb)?
a) 1:1
b) 3:1
c) 9:3:3:1
d) 9:7
Answer: c) 9:3:3:1
Explanation: The phenotypic ratio for a dihybrid cross of heterozygotes is 9:3:3:1, representing the possible combinations of traits resulting from independent assortment
Question 23: Which biome is characterized by low temperatures, permafrost, and limited vegetation?
a) Tropical rainforest
b) Tundra
c) Desert
d) Grassland
Answer: b) Tundra
Explanation: The tundra biome is characterized by its cold climate, low precipitation, permafrost, and limited vegetation, including mosses, lichens, and small shrubs.
Question 24: Which hormone is responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood?
a) Insulin
b) Thyroxine
c) Parathyroid hormone
d) Estrogen
Answer: c) Parathyroid hormone
Explanation: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is released by the parathyroid glands and acts to increase blood calcium levels by stimulating bone resorption and enhancing calcium absorption in the intestines and kidneys.
Q25: Which type of selection favors individuals with traits at both extremes of the phenotypic range?
a) Stabilizing selection
b) Directional selection
c) Disruptive selection
d) Artificial selection
Answer: c) Disruptive selection
Explanation: Disruptive selection favors individuals with extreme phenotypes, leading to the divergence of a population into two distinct forms.
Question 26: Which taxonomic domain includes organisms with prokaryotic cells?
a) Eukarya
b) Archaea
c) Bacteria
d) Protista
Answer: b) Archaea
Explanation: The domain Archaea includes organisms with prokaryotic cells that are distinct from bacteria and are often found in extreme environments.
Question 27: In flowering plants, what is the male reproductive organ that produces pollen?
a) Stigma
b) Style
c) Anther
d) Ovary
Answer: c) Anther
Explanation: The anther is the male reproductive organ of a flower where pollen grains containing sperm cells are produced.
Question 28: Which type of tissue in animals is responsible for transmitting electrical impulses?
a) Muscle tissue
b) Connective tissue
c) Nervous tissue
d) Epithelial tissue
Answer: c) Nervous tissue
Explanation: Nervous tissue, consisting of neurons and supporting cells, is responsible for transmitting electrical impulses throughout the body, allowing for communication and coordination of physiological functions.
Question 29: What is the purpose of recombinant DNA technology?
a) To clone organisms
b) To identify mutations
c) To produce genetically modified organisms
d) To analyze gene expression
Answer: c) To produce genetically modified organisms
Explanation: Recombinant DNA technology involves combining DNA molecules from different sources to create genetically modified organisms with desired traits, such as improved resistance to pests or diseases.
Question 30: Which structure in the respiratory system is responsible for gas exchange in the lungs?
a) Bronchi
b) Alveoli
c) Trachea
d) Diaphragm
Answer: b) Alveoli
Explanation: Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs, allowing oxygen to enter the bloodstream and carbon dioxide to be removed from the body.
Question 31: Which organelle is responsible for detoxifying harmful substances in the cell?
a) Golgi apparatus
b) Endoplasmic reticulum
c) Lysosome
d) Peroxisome
Answer: d) Peroxisome
Explanation: Peroxisomes are organelles responsible for detoxifying harmful substances, such as hydrogen peroxide, through the action of enzymes like catalase.
Question 32: In a monohybrid cross between two heterozygous individuals (Aa x Aa), what is the probability of offspring being homozygous recessive?
a) ¼
b) ½
c) 1/3
d) ¾
Answer: a) ¼
Explanation: In a monohybrid cross between two heterozygous individuals, the probability of offspring being homozygous recessive (aa) is ¼ or 25%.
Question 33: Which of the following is an example of a keystone species?
a) Oak tree
b) Earthworm
c) Sea otter
d) Dandelion
Answer: c) Sea otter
Explanation: A keystone species is one that has a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem relative to its abundance. Sea otters, for example, play a crucial role in maintaining the health of kelp forests by controlling sea urchin populations.
Question 34: Which hormone regulates water retention by the kidneys?
a) Aldosterone
b) Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
c) Renin
d) Thyroid hormone
Answer: b) Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
Explanation: Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, regulates water retention by the kidneys, helping to maintain fluid balance in the body.
Question 35: Which type of reproductive isolation occurs when two populations are separated by geographic barriers?
a) Behavioral isolation
b) Temporal isolation
c) Geographic isolation
d) Mechanical isolation
Answer: c) Geographic isolation
Explanation: Geographic isolation occurs when two populations are separated by physical barriers, such as mountains or bodies of water, preventing gene flow between them.
Question 36: What is the correct hierarchical classification for humans?
a) Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia, Order Primates, Family Hominidae, Genus Homo, Species sapiens
b) Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Mollusca, Class Mammalia, Order Primates, Family Hominidae, Genus Homo, Species sapiens
c) Kingdom Plantae, Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia, Order Primates, Family Hominidae, Genus Homo, Species sapiens
d) Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia, Order Carnivora, Family Hominidae, Genus Homo, Species sapiens
Answer: a) Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia, Order Primates, Family Hominidae, Genus Homo, Species sapiens
Explanation: The correct hierarchical classification for humans is in the kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Primates, family Hominidae, genus Homo, and species sapiens
Question 37: In humans, which hormone is responsible for triggering ovulation?
a) Estrogen
b) Progesterone
c) Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
d) Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Answer: d) Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Explanation: Luteinizing hormone (LH) is responsible for triggering ovulation in females by stimulating the release of an egg from the ovary.
Question 38: Which type of muscle tissue is striated and under voluntary control?
a) Skeletal muscle
b) Smooth muscle
c) Cardiac muscle
d) Involuntary muscle
Answer: a) Skeletal muscle
Explanation: Skeletal muscle is striated (having a striped appearance) and is under voluntary control, allowing conscious movement of the body.
Question 39: What is the purpose of gene editing techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9?
a) To amplify DNA sequences
b) To sequence DNA
c) To cut and modify specific DNA sequences
d) To identify mutations
Answer: c) To cut and modify specific DNA sequences
Explanation: Gene editing techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 allow scientists to precisely cut and modify specific DNA sequences, offering potential applications in gene therapy, agriculture, and research.
Question 40: Which organ is responsible for producing bile, which aids in the digestion of fats?
a) Liver
b) Gallbladder
c) Pancreas
d) Small intestine
Answer: a) Liver
Explanation: The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine to aid in the digestion and absorption of fat
Question 41: Which cellular structure is responsible for maintaining cell shape and providing support?
A) Nucleus
b) Plasma membrane
c) Cytoskeleton
d) Endoplasmic reticulum
Answer: c) Cytoskeleton
Explanation: The cytoskeleton is a network of protein filaments within the cell that provides structural support, aids in cell movement, and helps maintain cell shape.
Question 42: What term describes the phenomenon where a single gene influences multiple traits?
A) Pleiotropy
b) Polygenic inheritance
c) Codominance
d) Epistasis
Answer: a) Pleiotropy
Explanation: Pleiotropy occurs when a single gene has multiple effects on an organism’s phenotype, influencing more than one trait.
Question 43: What is the term for a community of organisms and their physical environment interacting as an ecological unit?
A) Ecosystem
b) Biome
c) Biosphere
d) Habitat
Answer: a) Ecosystem
Explanation: An ecosystem consists of all the living organisms in a particular area, as well as their physical environment and the interactions between them.
Question 44: Which hormone is responsible for stimulating milk production in the mammary glands?
A) Prolactin
b) Oxytocin
c) Growth hormone
d) Estrogen
Answer: a) Prolactin
Explanation: Prolactin is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates milk production (lactation) in the mammary glands of female mammals.
Question 45: Which type of selection favors individuals with intermediate phenotypes and reduces variation in a population?
a) Stabilizing selection
b) Directional selection
c) Disruptive selection
d) Artificial selection
Answer: a) Stabilizing selection
Explanation: Stabilizing selection favors individuals with intermediate phenotypes and reduces variation in a population by selecting against extreme phenotypes.
Question 46: Which taxonomic category is broader than kingdom?
a) Domain
b) Phylum
c) Class
d) Order
Answer: a) Domain
Explanation: The highest taxonomic category is domain, which is broader than kingdom and encompasses broad groups of organisms based on fundamental differences in cellular structure.
Question 47: In humans, what is the structure that connects the uterus to the external genitalia and serves as the birth canal?
a) Cervix
b) Fallopian tube
c) Vagina
d) Ovary
Answer: c) Vagina
Explanation: The vagina is a muscular canal that connects the uterus to the external genitalia and serves as the birth canal during childbirth.
Question 48: Which organelle in plant cells is responsible for photosynthesis?
a) Chloroplast
b) Mitochondrion
c) Golgi apparatus
d) Vacuole
Answer: a) Chloroplast
Explanation: Chloroplasts are organelles found in plant cells that contain chlorophyll and are the sites of photosynthesis, where light energy is converted into chemical energy (glucose).
Question 49: What is the purpose of gel electrophoresis in biotechnology?
a) To amplify DNA sequences
b) To cut and modify specific DNA sequences
c) To separate DNA fragments based on size
d) To introduce foreign DNA into host cells
Answer: c) To separate DNA fragments based on size
Explanation: Gel electrophoresis is a technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their size and charge, allowing for the analysis of DNA patterns and the comparison of genetic sequences.
Question 50: Which gland in the human body regulates metabolism and energy balance?
a) Thyroid gland
b) Adrenal gland
c) Pituitary gland
d) Pineal gland
Answer: a) Thyroid gland
Explanation: The thyroid gland produces hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine) that regulate metabolism, growth, and energy balance in the body.
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