JAMB Biology 2010 Objective Past Questions

All 50 questions from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Biology 2010 Objective paper, with the correct answer and a full explanation for each. Free, no signup needed.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 1

Which Biology Question Paper Type is given to you?

• A. Type A
• B. Type B
• C. Type CCorrect
• D. Type D

Explanation

This is a Type C Biology Question Paper, as indicated on the paper's header.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 2

Which of the following characterizes a mature plant cell?

• A. The cytoplasm fills up the entire cell space
• B. The nucleus is pushed to the centre of the cell
• C. The cell wall is made up of celluloseCorrect
• D. The nucleus is small and irregular in shape

Explanation

Unlike animal cells where the nucleus is central, a mature plant cell has its nucleus pushed to the edge as the vacuole enlarges. The cell wall of a plant is always made of cellulose.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a function of the nucleus of a cell?

• A. It controls the life processes of the cell
• B. It translates genetic formation for the manufacture of proteins
• C. It stores and carries hereditary information
• D. It is a reservoir of energy for the cellCorrect

Explanation

The nucleus controls cell processes, translates genetic information, and stores hereditary information. Energy reservoir/production is the role of the mitochondrion, not the nucleus.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 4

The dominant phase in the life cycle of a fern is the

• A. gametophyte
• B. prothallus
• C. sporophyteCorrect
• D. antheridium

Explanation

The gametophyte is the dominant phase in the life cycle of bryophytes (e.g. mosses), while the sporophyte is the dominant phase in pteridophytes (e.g. ferns).

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 5

Parental care is exhibited by

• A. toads
• B. snails
• C. earthworms
• D. birdsCorrect

Explanation

Parental care describes animals that show great care for their young. Birds and mammals exhibit the greatest parental care, though fish and amphibians can show some care to a lesser extent.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 6

Use the diagram below to answer questions 6 and 7 With respect to their decreasing dependence on aquatic conditions for reproduction, which of the following is the correct arrangement of the animals represented?

• A. I, IV, II and III
• B. IV, III, II and I
• C. I, II, IV and III
• D. III, II, IV and ICorrect

Explanation

The correct sequence of decreasing dependence on water for reproduction is IV, III, II, I — fish are the most water-dependent, followed by amphibians, then reptiles, then birds/mammals being least dependent.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 7

Which of the animals represents the oldest creatures in terms of evolutionary history?

• A. III
• B. II
• C. I
• D. IVCorrect

Explanation

The first vertebrates to evolve were the pisces (fish), followed by amphibians, then reptiles, then birds, and finally mammals; the animal labelled IV (fish) represents the oldest lineage.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 8

Which of the following groups of cells is devoid of true nuclei?

• A. Viruses
• B. Algae
• C. MoneraCorrect
• D. Fungi

Explanation

Organisms in Kingdom Monera (prokaryotes such as bacteria) lack a true, membrane-bound nucleus — their nuclear material is scattered within the cytoplasm.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 9

Use the diagram below to answer Questions 9 and 10 The main function of the feathers covering the part labeled I is to

• A. prevent ectoparasites from attacking the animalCorrect
• B. generate heat to keep the animal warm
• C. provide some power for flight
• D. serve as insulator to maintain body heat

Explanation

The feathers covering the labelled part (tail/wing area) primarily protect the bird from ectoparasites attacking the skin.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 10

Based on the shape and structure of the beak and feet, the bird represented is likely to feed mainly on

• A. fleshCorrect
• B. fruits
• C. seeds
• D. nectar

Explanation

The hooked beak and sharp talons shown are typical of a bird of prey (carnivorous), so it is clearly adapted for feeding on flesh.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 11

Which of the following is true of the transverse section of a dicot stem?

• A. The epidermis is completely encircled by the cortex
• B. The xylem is more interiorly located than the phloemCorrect
• C. The cambium lies between the cortex and the vascular bundles
• D. The vascular bundles are randomly scattered within the cortex

Explanation

In a dicot stem, the xylem transports water and mineral salts up from the soil and is located more interiorly (centrally) than the phloem, which transports manufactured food to other plant parts.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 12

Use the diagram below to answer questions 12 and 13 The movement of material in the xylem and phloem tissues of the plant are represented by the arrows labeled

• A. III and IV respectively
• B. II and I respectively
• C. VI and II respectively
• D. IV and III respectivelyCorrect

Explanation

The xylem transports water and mineral salts up from the soil (represented by arrow IV) while the phloem transports manufactured food from the leaves to other parts of the plant (arrow III).

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 13

During photosynthesis, the arrow labeled II represents the

• A. escape of mineral salts
• B. absorption of energy from the sun
• C. release of carbon (IV) oxide
• D. release of oxygen as a by-productCorrect

Explanation

During photosynthesis, 6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2; oxygen is released as a by-product, which is what the labelled arrow represents.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 14

Which of the following is lacking in the diet of a person with kwashiorkor?

• A. Vitamins
• B. ProteinsCorrect
• C. Carbohydrates
• D. Minerals

Explanation

Kwashiorkor is a form of malnutrition caused specifically by a deficiency of protein in the diet.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 15

The mode of nutrition of sundew and bladderwort can be described as

• A. autotrophic
• B. saprophytic
• C. holozoicCorrect
• D. chemosynthetic

Explanation

Sundew and bladderwort are carnivorous plants that trap and digest insects directly, which is a holozoic mode of nutrition, although they are also capable of photosynthesis.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 16

When a mixture of a food substance and Benedict's solution was warmed, the solution changed from blue to brick-red. This indicates the presence of

• A. reducing sugarCorrect
• B. fatty acid
• C. sucrose
• D. amino acid

Explanation

A brick-red precipitate with Benedict's solution on warming confirms the presence of a reducing sugar (e.g. glucose).

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 17

The primary structure responsible for pumping blood for circulation through the mammalian circulatory systems is the

• A. veins
• B. right auricle
• C. arteries
• D. left ventricleCorrect

Explanation

The blood is pumped from the left ventricle (through the largest artery, the aorta) into the circulatory system.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 18

Circulation of blood to all parts of the body except the lungs is through

• A. the pulmonary artery
• B. systemic circulationCorrect
• C. the lymphatic system
• D. pulmonary circulation

Explanation

The circulation of blood to all parts of the body except the lungs is known as systemic circulation, while circulation of blood to the lungs is pulmonary circulation.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 19

Yeast respires anaerobically to convert simple sugar to carbon(IV) oxide and

• A. alcoholCorrect
• B. acid
• C. oxygen
• D. water

Explanation

The anaerobic respiration of yeast (fermentation) converts simple sugar to carbon (IV) oxide and ethanol (alcohol): C6H12O6 → 2C2H5OH + 2CO2 + Energy.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 20

The sheet of muscle that separates the thoracic and the abdominal cavities is the

• A. diaphragmCorrect
• B. intercostal muscle
• C. pleural membrane
• D. pericardium

Explanation

The diaphragm is the sheet of muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 21

The oily substance that lubricates the mammalian hair to keep it flexible and water repellent is secreted by the

• A. sweat glands
• B. sebaceous glandsCorrect
• C. fatty cells
• D. granular layer

Explanation

Sebum, the oily substance that lubricates skin and mammalian hair, is secreted by the sebaceous glands.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 22

The outer layer of the kidney where the Bowman's capsules are found is the

• A. cortexCorrect
• B. pelvis
• C. medulla
• D. pyramid

Explanation

The outer layer of the kidney, known as the cortex, contains the Bowman's capsules, while the inner layer is known as the medulla.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 23

Which of the following stimuli is likely to elicit a nastic response in an organism?

• A. Touch
• B. Light intensityCorrect
• C. Chemical substances
• D. Gravity

Explanation

Nastic movement is a non-directional response to stimuli such as light intensity or humidity, unlike tropisms which are directional responses.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 24

In the male reproductive system of a mammal, sperm is stored in the

• A. vas deferens
• B. urethra
• C. epididymisCorrect
• D. seminiferous tubules

Explanation

Sperm cells are produced in the seminiferous tubules but are temporarily stored in the epididymis.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 25

Chemosynthetic organisms are capable of manufacturing their food from simple inorganic substances through the process of

• A. oxidationCorrect
• B. denitrification
• C. reduction
• D. phosphorylation

Explanation

Chemosynthesis is a form of nutrition in which organisms synthesize organic compounds from simple inorganic materials such as ammonia, water, and CO2, with the required energy obtained from the oxidation of inorganic substances.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 26

The part of the human gut that has an acidic content in the

• A. stomachCorrect
• B. duodenum
• C. ileum
• D. colon

Explanation

The human stomach glands secrete hydrochloric acid, giving the stomach contents an acidic environment; the acid neutralizes the alkalinity of saliva and provides the appropriate medium for pepsin to act.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 27

I. Stomata → Spirogyra II. Alveoli → Earthworm III. Malpighian tubule → Mammal IV. Contractile vacuole → Protozoa. Which of the above structures is correctly matched with the organism in which it is found?

• A. III
• B. IVCorrect
• C. I
• D. II

Explanation

Of the listed pairs, only the contractile vacuole–Protozoa pairing (IV) is correctly matched; stomata occur in leaves (not Spirogyra), alveoli in mammalian lungs (not earthworms), and Malpighian tubules in insects (not mammals).

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 28

A food chain always begins with a

• A. consumer
• B. decomposer
• C. producerCorrect
• D. primary consumer

Explanation

A food chain always begins with a producer (a green plant), followed by the consumers.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 29

Mycorrhizae promote plant growth by

• A. absorbing inorganic ions from the soilCorrect
• B. protecting it from infection
• C. helping it to utilize atmospheric nitrogen
• D. serving as a growth regulator

Explanation

There is a mutualistic relationship between fungi and plants known as mycorrhiza; the fungi provide food for the plant while the hyphae of the fungi help the plant absorb water and minerals (inorganic ions) from the soil.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 30

The barrier between maternal and foetal blood is the

• A. placentaCorrect
• B. liver
• C. umbilical cord
• D. uterine wall

Explanation

The placenta is the barrier between maternal and foetal blood; it prevents the maternal blood from mixing with the foetal blood.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 31

The blood component that has the greatest affinity for oxygen is the

• A. lymphocytes
• B. leucocytes
• C. erythrocytesCorrect
• D. thrombocytes

Explanation

The erythrocytes (red blood cells) transport oxygen round the body due to their haemoglobin content, which has a strong affinity for oxygen.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 32

Which of the following organisms is mainly found in the marine habitat?

• A. Achatina
• B. Tilapia
• C. DogfishCorrect
• D. Tortoise

Explanation

The dogfish is mainly found in marine habitats, while tilapia can be found in both marine and fresh water habitats.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 33

The two halves of the pelvic girdle are joined together at the

• A. pubic symphysisCorrect
• B. ilium
• C. pubis
• D. obturator foramen

Explanation

The two halves of the pelvic girdle are joined together at the pubic symphysis.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 34

Which of the following are the adaptive features of desert animals? (i) They can withstand a high degree of fluid loss (ii) Some of them have thick covering to prevent water loss e.g. some reptiles and insects (iii) During the day, they usually hide in burrows (iv) Most of them are nocturnal

• A. I and IV only
• B. II and III only
• C. I and II only
• D. I, II and III onlyCorrect

Explanation

Desert animals adapt to extreme heat by withstanding fluid loss, having thick water-preventing coverings, and hiding in burrows during the day.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 35

Low annual rainfall, sparse vegetation, high diurnal temperatures and cold nights are characteristic features of the

• A. tropical rainforest
• B. desertCorrect
• C. montane forest
• D. guinea savanna

Explanation

Hot days and cold nights, low rainfall and sparse vegetation are the features of a desert.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 36

The population density is the number of individuals per unit area. It is measured in

• A. number of individuals per square metresCorrect
• B. crop rotation
• C. area
• D. population

Explanation

Population density is the number of individuals per unit area, measured as Total number of individuals / Total Area (e.g. per m²).

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 37

Which of the following characterizes a population which affects the survival of another organism in the same habitat constitutes a

• A. edaphic factor
• B. an abiotic factor
• C. a biotic factorCorrect
• D. a physiographic factor

Explanation

Biotic factors affecting an organism are the living factors, while non-living factors are called abiotic factors.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 38

The loss of soil through erosion can be reduced by

• A. watering
• B. crop rotationCorrect
• C. manuring
• D. irrigation

Explanation

Crop rotation is one of the natural ways of reducing soil erosion.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 39

The vector for yellow fever is the

• A. edes mosquitoCorrect
• B. Anopheles mosquito
• C. tsetse fly
• D. blackfly

Explanation

The Aedes mosquito is the vector for yellow fever, while the tsetse fly, which carries trypanosome species, causes sleeping sickness.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 40

The protozoan Plasmodium falciparum is transmitted by

• A. female Anopheles mosquitoesCorrect
• B. female Aedes mosquitoes
• C. female Culex mosquitoes
• D. female blackfly

Explanation

Malaria's causative agent, Plasmodium falciparum, is transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 41

A dilute solution of phenythiocarbamide tastes bitter to some people and is tasteless to others. This is an example of

• A. taste bud variation
• B. discontinuous variationCorrect
• C. morphological variation
• D. continuous variation

Explanation

Since people are either able to taste PTC or not (i.e. no intermediate), the variation is said to be discontinuous.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 42

Use the diagram below to answer questions 42 and 43 In which plantation are all the trees between the height of 2-4m?

• A. IIICorrect
• B. II
• C. I
• D. IV

Explanation

From the graph, 'III' falls between 2m and 4m, meaning that all the trees in plantation III are between the height of 2-4m.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 43

Which of the following is a true feature of plantation II?

• A. It has the highest number of trees of about 2m high
• B. It has the highest number of trees
• C. It has the highest number of tall trees
• D. The height of all its trees range between 2m and 6mCorrect

Explanation

Plantation 'II' has the highest number of trees about 2m high (about 20%), but the range of all its tree heights spans between 2-6m.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 44

Thyroxine and adrenalin are examples of hormones that control

• A. blood pattern
• B. blood grouping
• C. tongue rolling
• D. behavioural patternsCorrect

Explanation

Thyroxine and adrenalin are examples of hormones that control behavioural patterns; adrenalin (the fight and flight hormone) dictates how an individual acts in times of emergency.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 45

A pair of genes that control a trait is referred to as

• A. allele
• B. analleleCorrect
• C. recessive
• D. dominant gene

Explanation

The gene that controls a trait is the allele. When there are two dissimilar genes for a particular trait, the one that is expressed is known as the dominant gene while the one that is suppressed is known as the recessive gene.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 46

The chromosome number of a cell before and after the process of meiosis is conventionally represented as

• A. 2n → n
• B. n → n
• C. 2n → 2n
• D. 2n → nCorrect

Explanation

Meiosis always halves the chromosome number, i.e. it produces haploid (n) daughter cells from diploid (2n) cells: 2n(diploid) → n(haploid).

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 47

If both parents are heterozygous for a trait, the probability that an offspring will be recessive for that trait is

• A. 3/4
• B. 1/2
• C. 1/4Correct
• D. 1

Explanation

Let each parent be Tt. Crossing Tt × Tt gives a ratio of 1 TT : 2 Tt : 1 tt, meaning the probability of a recessive phenotype (tt) offspring is 1/4.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 48

At what stage in the life history of a mammal is the sex of an individual set?

• A. At adolescence
• B. At puberty
• C. At birth
• D. At conceptionCorrect

Explanation

The sex of an individual is determined at conception, since you should be able to tell what the correct option is based on which sex chromosome (X or Y) combines at fertilization.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 49

The main distinguishing features between the soldier termite and other members of the caste are the

• A. presence of wings, possession of a small head and large thorax
• B. presence of wings, possession of a large thorax and a small head
• C. absence of wings, possession of strong mandibles and a large headCorrect
• D. absence of wings, possession of big head and the absence of mandible

Explanation

Since the role of the soldier termite is to defend the colony, the mandibles with which they do this must be strong; soldiers have a large head with strong mandibles and lack wings.

Biology 2010 Objective — Question 50

The flippers of a whale and the fins of a fish are examples of

• A. divergent evolution
• B. coevolution
• C. continuous variation
• D. convergent evolutionCorrect

Explanation

Convergent evolution is said to have occurred when species that look similar are from different ancestral species; the flipper of a whale and fins of a fish make them look similar, however the whale is a mammal, not a fish.