JAMB Biology 2013 Objective Past Questions

All 50 questions from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Biology 2013 Objective paper, with the correct answer and a full explanation for each. Free, no signup needed.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 1

Which Question Paper Type of Biology is given to you?

• A. Type DCorrect
• B. Type L
• C. Type B
• D. Type U

Explanation

This is type D biology question paper.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 2

The process in which complex substances are broken down into simpler ones is referred to as

• A. metabolism
• B. tropism
• C. anabolism
• D. catabolismCorrect

Explanation

Catabolism is a process in which complex organic substances are broken down to give simpler ones. An example is cellular respiration. Anabolism, on the other hand, is a process in which simpler substances merge to give a complex one. An example is photosynthesis.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 3

The organ which is sensitive to light in Euglena is the

• A. chloroplast
• B. eyespotCorrect
• C. gullet
• D. flagellum

Explanation

The light sensitive piece in Euglena is known as the eyespot. The eyespot, which is situated around the gullet end in the organism, is a cluster of reddish pigment.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 4

The organelles present in cells that are actively respiring and photosynthesizing are

• A. nucleus and centrioles
• B. mitochondria and chloroplastCorrect
• C. lysosomes and ribosomes
• D. Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum

Explanation

Mitochondria are responsible for respiration while chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 5

Taeniasolium can be found in

• A. dog
• B. pig
• C. cowCorrect
• D. goat

Explanation

The two common species of tapeworm are Taenia solium and Taenia saginata. Taenia solium is found in pigs while Taenia saginata is found in cattle. (Note: per the printed key the answer given is C.)

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 6

Use the diagram below to answer this question and the next. The structure labeled II is the

• A. clitellumCorrect
• B. chaetae
• C. spermathecal pore
• D. cocoon

Explanation

“II” is the clitellum. The clitellum produces a mucous ring into which eggs and sperms are released.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 7

The organism shown in the diagram above is found in soils rich in

• A. clay
• B. sand
• C. mud
• D. humusCorrect

Explanation

The organism (earthworm) is found in soils that are rich in humus.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 8

Which of the following describes a characteristic of arthropods?

• A. The body is not divided into a number of segments
• B. The body is covered by chitinCorrect
• C. The organism finds it easy to grow freely
• D. The organism has a pair of jointed appendages

Explanation

The body of arthropods is covered by chitin. Their bodies are segmented (divided into a number of segments) and they must undergo moulting/ecdysis (shedding of chitin) before they can grow further. Although they have jointed appendages, the number is never just one in any arthropod.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 9

Which of the following distinguishes a butterfly from a moth?

• A. They have similar antennae
• B. The abdomen of moth is fatter than that of butterfly
• C. The wings of butterfly rest horizontally but those of moth rest verticallyCorrect
• D. Both are active during the day

Explanation

Butterflies are diurnal while moths are mostly nocturnal. The wings of butterflies rest horizontally while those of moths rest in a flat manner against the body. The antennae of butterflies have knobs at their tips while those of moths have pointed tips. The pupae of moths are enclosed in a cocoon while those of butterflies are not. Butterflies are normally colourful while moths are usually dull coloured.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 10

Which of the following types of feathers is used for flight in birds?

• A. Covert
• B. Down
• C. QuillCorrect
• D. Filoplume

Explanation

Quill feathers form the wings and tail. They are used for flying and steering. Contour (covert) feathers help to keep the body warm. Down feathers are found between the contour feathers and also aid in keeping the body warm.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 11

The plants that grow in deserts or very dry areas are referred to as

• A. epiphytes
• B. xerophytesCorrect
• C. mesophytes
• D. hydrophytes

Explanation

Xerophytes are plants that grow in deserts or very dry areas. Mesophytes are land plants found in habitats with adequate water supply. Hydrophytes live in water or very wet environments. Epiphytes dwell on other plants without obtaining nutrients from them.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 12

Which of the following is the simplest living organism?

• A. Amoeba
• B. Chlamydomonas
• C. Paramecium
• D. VirusCorrect

Explanation

Viruses are the simplest living organisms. A virus is qualified to be tagged as a living thing as well as a non-living thing — viruses become crystalline (non-living) when outside living cells.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 13

Proboscis is a structure that is mostly found in

• A. amphibians
• B. mollusks
• C. insectsCorrect
• D. tapeworms

Explanation

All insects have mouthparts whose modification depends on the food the insect eats. The mouthparts consist of mandible, maxilla, labium, labrum, maxillary palp, labial palp and the hypopharynx. The sucking mouthpart is known as the proboscis.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 14

The structural adaptation of desert plants for water conservation is

• A. spiny leavesCorrect
• B. prominent stomata in leaves
• C. broad leaves with numerous stomata
• D. spongy mesophyll

Explanation

Desert plants are structurally adapted to their habitat in several ways: possession of spiny leaves, possession of water storage cells, possession of well-developed roots, and absence of large leaves.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 15

The long and sharp clawed feet of birds is an adaptation for

• A. tearing flesh
• B. grasping preyCorrect
• C. crushing seeds
• D. scooping mud

Explanation

The type of food a bird feeds on determines the type of beak and feet it has. Carnivorous birds have strong beaks with long, sharp claws on their feet to facilitate easy grasping of prey.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 16

During the manufacture of food by plants, which of the following organisms use energy from the sun?

• A. Nitrosomonas sp
• B. Nitrobacter sp
• C. AnabaenaCorrect
• D. Sulfur bacteria

Explanation

Photosynthetic organisms make use of sunlight energy while chemosynthetic organisms do not. Chemosynthetic organisms produce energy from chemical reactions — sulphur bacteria, Nitrosomonas spp. and Nitrobacter spp. are chemosynthetic. Anabaena is a blue-green algae which uses sunlight energy since it is a photoautotroph.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 17

Movement of minerals and chemical compounds within a plant occurs during

• A. transpiration
• B. diffusion
• C. osmosis
• D. translocationCorrect

Explanation

Transpiration is the loss of water vapour through the stomata, lenticels or cuticle. Diffusion is movement of molecules from high to low concentration. Osmosis is movement of water molecules through a differentially permeable membrane. Translocation is the transport of manufactured food substances from the leaves to all parts of the plant.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 18

The enzyme that is present in the saliva is

• A. pepsin
• B. ptyalinCorrect
• C. rennin
• D. lipase

Explanation

The enzyme present in saliva is ptyalin, which converts starch to maltose. Pepsin converts proteins to peptones while rennin curdles milk. Lipase converts fats and oils to fatty acid and glycerol.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 19

Plants that have special devices for trapping and digesting insects are

• A. parasitic
• B. saprophytic
• C. carnivorousCorrect
• D. symbiotic

Explanation

Carnivorous plants have special devices for trapping and digesting insects to supplement their nitrogen intake. Examples are sundew, venus fly trap, bladderwort, butterwort, utricularia and pitcher plant.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 20

The process of transforming the chemical energy of cellular fuels into the high energy bonds of ATP in plants is

• A. photolysis
• B. respirationCorrect
• C. autotrophism
• D. photosynthesis

Explanation

The transformation of chemical energy of cellular fuels into the high energy bonds of ATP occurs during respiration.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 21

Fungi are referred to as heterotrophs because they

• A. have mycelium
• B. lack roots
• C. are filamentous
• D. lack chlorophyllCorrect

Explanation

Organisms that cannot manufacture their own food are called heterotrophs. Fungi are heterotrophs since they lack chlorophyll. They show a saprophytic mode of nutrition.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 22

An example of a parasitic protozoan is

• A. Euglena
• B. Chlamydomonas
• C. Paramecium
• D. PlasmodiumCorrect

Explanation

A parasite depends on another organism for survival. Those that live outside the host's body are ectoparasites, while those that live inside are endoparasites. Plasmodium is an endoparasite of humans and causes malaria.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 23

Which of the following is involved in the immune response of vertebrates?

• A. Erythrocytes
• B. Monocytes
• C. Phagocytes
• D. LymphocytesCorrect

Explanation

White blood cells are of two major types: granulocytes and agranulocytes. The agranulocytes are subdivided into monocytes and lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are the main active component of the adaptive immune system and produce antibodies which protect the body from pathogens. Monocytes defend the body by engulfing harmful microorganisms.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 24

The blood circulatory system of vertebrates consists of

• A. heart, aorta, arteries and veins
• B. heart, vena cava, arteries and veins
• C. heart, arteries, capillaries and veinsCorrect
• D. heart, aorta, capillaries and veins

Explanation

The blood circulatory system of vertebrates is made up of the heart, arteries, veins and capillaries. The aorta is the largest artery while the vena cava is the largest vein.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 25

A plant tissue that carries water and mineral salts is the

• A. cortex
• B. phloem
• C. cambium
• D. xylemCorrect

Explanation

Phloem and xylem are responsible for conduction of materials in plants. Phloem transports manufactured food from the leaves; xylem transports water and mineral salts from the soil to the rest of the plant.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 26

Which of the following helps in the clotting of blood?

• A. Plasma
• B. PlateletsCorrect
• C. Red blood cells
• D. White blood cells

Explanation

The blood cells/corpuscles are three: red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leucocytes) and thrombocytes (blood platelets). Red blood cells carry oxygen, white blood cells protect the body, and platelets aid in blood clotting.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 27

Which of the following forms about 55% of the volume of blood in man?

• A. PlasmaCorrect
• B. Erythrocytes
• C. Leucocytes
• D. Platelets

Explanation

Blood plasma, the liquid portion of the blood, forms about 55% of the entire blood volume. The remaining 45% goes to the blood corpuscles and others.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 28

The part of the mammalian skin involved in excretion is the

• A. sebaceous gland
• B. horny layer
• C. sweat glandCorrect
• D. Malpighian layer

Explanation

Sweat is an excretory product, and sweat is produced by the sweat gland, which therefore performs an excretory role.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 29

Which of the following is a waste product of an insect?

• A. Sweat
• B. Mucillage
• C. Alkaloids
• D. Uric acidCorrect

Explanation

The excretory product of insects is uric acid, produced by the Malpighian tubules. Excreting uric acid is a way of conserving water, as the excreted substance contains only a very small amount of water.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 30

The main structure in vertebrates that supports and protects the body is the

• A. muscle
• B. joint
• C. skeletonCorrect
• D. ligament

Explanation

The skeleton is the bony framework of the body which provides support and protection. Muscles act mainly to produce motion; a joint is a point where two or more bones meet; a ligament is a structure that joins two bones together.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 31

The chitin in the exoskeleton of many arthropods is strengthened by

• A. calcium compoundsCorrect
• B. organic salts
• C. lipids
• D. proteins

Explanation

The chitin in the exoskeleton of arthropods is strengthened by calcium compounds. Chitin is generally a nitrogenous polysaccharide.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 32

The transfer of pollen grains from the anther to a receptive stigma is

• A. pollinationCorrect
• B. fertilization
• C. propagation
• D. placentation

Explanation

Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther of a plant to a receptive stigma.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 33

The male reproductive organ of a flower is the

• A. petal
• B. sepal
• C. carpel
• D. stamenCorrect

Explanation

The stamen is the male reproductive organ of a flower, while the carpel is the female reproductive organ.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 34

The gland that is found just below the hypothalamus is the

• A. pituitaryCorrect
• B. thyroid
• C. parathyroid
• D. adrenal

Explanation

The pituitary gland, also known as the master gland, is found just below the hypothalamus. The thyroid is in the neck below the larynx; the parathyroid is at the back surface of the thyroid lobes; the adrenal gland is at the top of the kidney.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 35

The most important plant hormone is

• A. auxinCorrect
• B. gibberellin
• C. cytokinin
• D. abscisic acid

Explanation

Auxins are the most important plant hormones (plant growth substances). After auxins come the gibberellins.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 36

The sensory cell that responds to dim light is referred to as the

• A. rodCorrect
• B. iris
• C. cone
• D. lens

Explanation

The sensory cells in the eyes are of two types: rod cells and cone cells. Rod cells function mainly in dim light, while cone cells function in bright light. Rod cells give black-and-white vision; cone cells give colour vision.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 37

The absence of anti-diuretic hormone in humans results in

• A. eliminating dehydration
• B. increasing dehydration
• C. decreasing dehydration
• D. drastic dehydrationCorrect

Explanation

Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) stimulates the kidney to absorb water from the collecting tubules, helping to conserve body water by reducing water loss in urine. Its absence therefore causes drastic dehydration.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 38

Oestrogen is a hormone that is synthesized in the

• A. anterior pituitary
• B. adrenal cortex
• C. ovariesCorrect
• D. testes

Explanation

Oestrogen is a reproductive hormone responsible for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics. It is produced by the ovaries.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 39

The eye defect caused by the development of cloudy areas in the lenses is

• A. cataractCorrect
• B. astigmatism
• C. presbyopia
• D. glaucoma

Explanation

Cataract occurs as a result of cloudiness of some areas in the eye lenses. Glaucoma is progressive vision loss from damaged optic nerve; presbyopia is loss of clear vision associated with old age.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 40

A pollutant that is biodegradable is

• A. cellophane
• B. sewageCorrect
• C. crude oil
• D. heavy metals

Explanation

Biodegradable substances can be broken down to a harmless natural state by microorganisms. Sewage is biodegradable, while cellophane, crude oil and heavy metals are non-biodegradable.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 41

A tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma is

• A. yellow fever
• B. malaria
• C. sleeping sicknessCorrect
• D. river blindness

Explanation

Yellow fever is caused by a virus (vector: Aedes mosquito). Malaria is caused by Plasmodium. Sleeping sickness (trypanosomiasis) is caused by Trypanosoma. River blindness (onchocerciasis) is caused by Onchocerca volvulus.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 42

The solid part of the ecosystem is referred to as the

• A. biosphere
• B. lithosphereCorrect
• C. atmosphere
• D. hydresphere

Explanation

The biosphere is the part of the earth where life exists. The lithosphere is the solid portion of the earth. The atmosphere is the gaseous portion, and the hydrosphere is the liquid portion.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 43

Which of the following is caused by Treponema pallidum?

• A. Tuberculosis
• B. SyphilisCorrect
• C. Gonorrhoea
• D. Leprosy

Explanation

Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease, is caused by Treponema pallidum.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 44

To which blood group do universal recipients belong?

• A. O
• B. ABCorrect
• C. B
• D. A

Explanation

Blood group AB is the universal recipient. Group O is the universal donor.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 45

The clumping together of red blood cells is

• A. transfusion
• B. compatibility
• C. agglutinationCorrect
• D. fusion

Explanation

The clumping together of red blood cells is known as agglutination. It occurs when blood samples with contrasting antigens and antibodies are mixed.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 46

Physiological adaptation to very dry conditions in animals demonstrates

• A. hibernation
• B. aestivationCorrect
• C. rejuvenation
• D. xeromorphism

Explanation

Aestivation is a state of dormancy where animals are inactive and have low metabolic rates during hot or dry periods. Aestivation performs a protective role for those animals.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 47

One adaptation of Cactus opuntia to conserve water is the reduction of

• A. leaves to spinesCorrect
• B. flower size
• C. internodes
• D. stem to leaves

Explanation

Cactus opuntia is a xerophytic (desert) plant; the possession of spiny leaves (reduction of leaves to spines) is a structural adaptation to conserve water.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 48

Which of the following structures is adapted for feeding in a bird of prey?

• A. Big beaks and strong feet
• B. Pointed beak and sharp claws
• C. Hooked beak and sharp clawsCorrect
• D. Smooth beak and strong claws

Explanation

Carnivorous/prey birds have hooked beaks and sharp claws which facilitate tearing flesh and grasping prey.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 49

The special pigment for colour change in chameleon is

• A. chromatin
• B. chromatophoreCorrect
• C. melanin
• D. carotenoid

Explanation

Chameleons have specialized cells known as chromatophores. These cells contain pigments with which chameleons are able to change their colour.

Biology 2013 Objective — Question 50

The behavioural adaptation in social insects could best be described as

• A. parasitism
• B. commensalism
• C. symbiosisCorrect
• D. saprophytism

Explanation

Since social insects exhibit division of labour, they benefit from one another — e.g. soldiers protect the workers while workers provide food for the soldiers. Hence this association is best described as symbiosis (mutualism).