WAEC Biology 2014 Objective Past Questions

All 50 questions from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Biology 2014 Objective paper, with the correct answer and a full explanation for each. Free, no signup needed.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 1

The excretory product in protozoans is

• A. amino acids
• B. uric acids
• C. ammoniaCorrect
• D. urea

Explanation

The excretory products of protozoans are carbon dioxide, ammonia and water.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 2

Which of the following is a living organism?

• A. Muscle
• B. Nucleus
• C. YeastCorrect
• D. Mitochondrion

Explanation

A muscle is a tissue; the nucleus and mitochondrion are organelles; yeast (a fungus) is a living organism.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 3

Which of the following organisms is the most specialized?

• A. Paramecium
• B. Amoeba
• C. SpirogyraCorrect
• D. Rhizopus

Explanation

Spirogyra is a non-motile multicellular green algae; it is made up of several cylindrical cells joined end to end, making it more specialized than the others listed.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 4

Active transport can be defined as the movement of

• A. substances from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration
• B. substances from a region of low concentration to a region of high concentration across a living cell membrane
• C. substances across a living cell membrane using energy from the cellCorrect
• D. movement of molecules in a medium

Explanation

Active transport is the movement of substances against their concentration gradient. It involves the use of energy.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 5

Which of the following cell inclusions can destroy other cell organelles?

• A. Centriole
• B. Ribosome
• C. LysosomeCorrect
• D. Mitochondrion

Explanation

Lysosomes are mobile vesicles containing powerful digestive enzymes capable of breaking down a variety of molecules, including other cell organelles.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 6

In which of the following yam tissues will osmosis occur?

• A. Boiled and peeled
• B. Raw and peeledCorrect
• C. Boiled and unpeeled
• D. Roasted and peeled

Explanation

Raw and peeled yam can serve as a differentially permeable membrane for osmosis to occur.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 7

The line XZ in the diagram represents an actual distance of 10.0cm and the length of the diagram is 5.0cm. What is the magnification of the diagram?

• A. X=0.2
• B. X=0.5
• C. X=2.0Correct
• D. X=50.0

Explanation

Magnification = length of diagram / actual length = 10cm/5cm = 2.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 8

The following events occur during mitosis in a cell: I. Chromatids separate; II. Chromosomes become visible; III. Chromosomes align at the equator; IV. Cytoplasm divides (Cytokinesis). The correct sequence of the events is

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

Explanation

The correct sequence is: II (chromosomes become visible) → III (chromosomes align at equator) → I (chromatids separate) → IV (cytoplasm divides).

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 9

Which of the following statements about asexual reproduction is correct? It

• A. always involves one parent but the offspring are genetically different from the parent
• B. may involve one parent and the offspring are genetically identical to the parent
• C. involves two parents but the offspring is not genetically identical to any of the parentsCorrect
• D. (see explanation)

Explanation

Asexual reproduction always involves one parent, and the offspring are genetically identical to the parent.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 10

The diagram is an illustration of a mammalian bone. The bone illustrated above is the

• A. femurCorrect
• B. humerus
• C. radius
• D. ulna

Explanation

The bone illustrated is the femur — the largest bone in the human body.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 11

Using the same diagram, the function of the part labeled I is to

• A. fit into the glenoid cavity of the scapula
• B. fit into the acetabulum of the pelvic girdleCorrect
• C. support the lower arm
• D. prevent the arm from bending backwards

Explanation

The part labeled 'I' is the head of the femur. It fits into the acetabulum of the pelvic girdle to form a hip joint.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 12

Which of the following is not a function of the mammalian skin?

• A. Regulation of body temperature
• B. Reception of external stimuli
• C. Excretion
• D. Gaseous exchangeCorrect

Explanation

The mammalian skin does not function for gaseous exchange in any way.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 13

The legs of an accident victim with a fractured vertebral column and injured spinal cord could not be raised because

• A. impulses from receptors in the legs cannot travel to the brainCorrect
• B. impulses from the brain cannot travel to the legs
• C. chemical substances will be released at synapses in the central nervous system
• D. reflex actions cannot take place in the legs

Explanation

The legs of the victim could not be raised because impulses from receptors in the legs could not travel to the brain due to the injured spinal cord.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 14

Which of the following conditions in flowering plants enhances self-pollination?

• A. CleistogamyCorrect
• B. Heterostyly
• C. Protandry
• D. Protogyny

Explanation

Cleistogamy is a condition in which ripe pollen grains are deposited on the stigma which becomes ripened at the same time, favouring/enhancing self-pollination.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 15

The diagram below is an illustration of the left side of the human cerebrum. The part labeled X controls

• A. general memoryCorrect
• B. speech
• C. sight
• D. respiratory functions

Explanation

The part labeled X (in the cerebrum) controls general memory.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 16

The diagram above is an illustration of

• A. normal sight
• B. short sightedness
• C. correction of long sightednessCorrect
• D. correction of shortsightedness

Explanation

Long sightedness (hypermetropia) is an eye defect whereby the eye can only focus distant objects clearly; the image of a near object forms behind the retina. It is corrected with a convex/converging lens, as shown in the second part of the diagram.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 17

The inability to maintain proper balance of the body in humans may be due to a defect in the

• A. cochlea
• B. Eustachian tube
• C. semi-circular canalsCorrect
• D. oval window

Explanation

Semi-circular canals are part of the mammalian ear responsible for the maintenance of balance.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 18

The following substances pass into the blood of the foetus from the mother's blood via the placenta except

• A. carbon dioxideCorrect
• B. glucose
• C. viruses
• D. antibodies

Explanation

The placenta carries oxygen, water and food from the mother's blood to the embryo's blood; it also removes excretory wastes like urea, salt, and carbon dioxide from the embryo's blood and puts it into the mother's blood for elimination. Carbon dioxide moves from the foetus to the mother, not the reverse.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 19

An inferior ovary of a flower is situated

• A. below the floral partsCorrect
• B. above the floral parts
• C. at the same level with all the floral parts
• D. at the centre of the floral parts

Explanation

An ovary that is situated above other floral parts is said to be superior (hypogynous), while one situated below is said to be inferior (epigynous).

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 20

Older parts of plant roots do not normally absorb water because they

• A. lack xylem
• B. have small surface area
• C. the phloem is dead
• D. lack root hairsCorrect

Explanation

It is due to the absence of root hairs that older parts of plant roots do not normally absorb water.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 21

The amount of starch in a germinating seed decreases because it is used up for

• A. respiration and building up of cellsCorrect
• B. to build cellulose cell wall
• C. to develop meristematic tissues
• D. for the production of enzymes

Explanation

The amount of starch will decrease because it is used for the metabolism of the germinating seed.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 22

The purpose of treating poor soil with lime is to increase the quantity of

• A. nitrogen
• B. phosphorus
• C. calciumCorrect
• D. sulphur

Explanation

Treating poor soil with lime increases the calcium content of the soil (Lime = quicklime = calcium oxide).

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 23

A meal consisting of yam and a lot of vegetables is not balanced because it does not contain

• A. carbohydrates
• B. proteinsCorrect
• C. vitamins
• D. minerals

Explanation

A meal consisting of yam and a lot of vegetables is not balanced because it does not contain proteins.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 24

In a Biuret test, some protein was mixed with sodium hydroxide solution. Which of the following chemicals should be added to the mixture for a positive result?

• A. Mercurous nitrate
• B. Copper sulphateCorrect
• C. Silver nitrate
• D. (see explanation)

Explanation

The reagents needed for the Biuret test (a test for protein) are sodium hydroxide and copper sulphate.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 25

A characteristic feature of plant parasites is the

• A. possession of holdfast
• B. possession of rhizoids
• C. development of hanging roots
• D. development of haustoriaCorrect

Explanation

Haustoria enables the parasite to absorb nutrients from the host plant.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 26

The part of a leguminous plant where bacteria like Azotobacter can be found is

• A. at the nodes of the stem
• B. at the internodes
• C. in the root nodulesCorrect
• D. in the spongy mesophyll

Explanation

Symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria such as Rhizobium leguminosarium inhabit the root nodules of leguminous plants.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 27

The following adaptations are associated with the flight of birds except

• A. reduced body weight
• B. streamlined shape
• C. presence of powerful muscles
• D. clawed digitsCorrect

Explanation

The adaptations associated with the flight of birds are reduced body weight, streamlined shape, and the possession of powerful muscles — not clawed digits.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 28

The following habitats can be found in West Africa except

• A. mangrove swamp
• B. sahel savanna
• C. savanna grassland
• D. temperate grasslandCorrect

Explanation

The temperate grassland is not found in West Africa; it is found in Asia, North America, South America (Argentina), South Africa and Australia.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 29

The difference between a community and a population is

• A. a community is made up of organisms of the same species while a population is made up of organisms of different species
• B. a community is made up of populations of living organisms while a population is made up of organisms of the same speciesCorrect
• C. an ecological niche does not exist in the community but it does in a population
• D. a community attracts competition but a population does not

Explanation

A community is made up of populations of living organisms while a population is made up of organisms of the same species.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 30

Which of the following statements about the circulation of water in nature is not correct?

• A. Water constantly evaporates from seas, rivers, lakes and soil
• B. vapour rises, cools, condenses and precipitates as rain and dew
• C. water removed from oceans is permanently lostCorrect
• D. water is lost in plants by transpiration and decay

Explanation

Water removed from oceans is not permanently lost, as it eventually precipitates as rain and dew, so this statement is not correct.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 31

The diagram below illustrates an ecological instrument. The instrument is

• A. an anemometer
• B. a hygrometer
• C. a barometer
• D. a wind vaneCorrect

Explanation

The instrument illustrated in the diagram is a wind vane.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 32

Using the same diagram, the instrument is used to measure the

• A. direction of windCorrect
• B. speed of wind
• C. air pressure in a habitat
• D. turbidity of water

Explanation

A wind vane is the instrument used to measure the direction of wind.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 33

The following organisms are consumers except

• A. earthworm
• B. SpirogyraCorrect
• C. bacteria
• D. Rhizopus

Explanation

Since Spirogyra is a green plant, it is able to photosynthesize; it is therefore a producer, not a consumer.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 34

Which of the following substances constitute domestic waste? I. Fertilizer II. Insecticides III. Sewage IV. Crude oil V. Sulphur dioxide

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

Explanation

The substance that constitutes domestic waste (out of the given substances) is sewage.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 35

Which of the substances listed constitute domestic waste?

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

Explanation

Sewage (option III) constitutes domestic waste since it comes from households.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 36

The table shows the oxygen level, number of green plants and fish in rivers flowing through four towns. Which of the towns is likely to be discharging untreated sewage in their river?

• A. Town A
• B. Town B
• C. Town C
• D. Town DCorrect

Explanation

The discharge of untreated sewage into a water body causes a decrease in the oxygen level of the water, because the bacteria that decompose the sewage feast on oxygen, reducing the population of aquatic animals like fish. Town D shows low oxygen, many green plants, and few fish — consistent with untreated sewage discharge.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 37

Which of the following natural resources is non-renewable?

• A. Water
• B. CoalCorrect
• C. Forest
• D. Air

Explanation

Coal is a non-renewable natural resource. Other non-renewable resources are petroleum, gold, silver, columbite, tin etc.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 38

Which of the following statements is not a reason for banning bush burning?

• A. It allows for quick regrowth of grassesCorrect
• B. It kills soil microorganisms
• C. It leaves the soil bare of vegetation
• D. It burns off organic soil nutrients

Explanation

Bush burning kills the fertility of a soil sample; thus, it does not enhance quick regrowth of grasses in any way, so this is not a valid reason for banning it (i.e. it is a false statement, hence the correct 'except' answer).

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 39

Which of the following statements explains why fertilizers are added to soils?

• A. Increasing the humus content of the soil
• B. Improving the water-retaining property of the soil
• C. Increasing the nutrient level of the soilCorrect
• D. Preventing soil erosion

Explanation

Fertilizers are added to soils because they increase the nutrient level of the soil.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 40

Characteristics that exhibit continuous variation are generally controlled by

• A. a single gene
• B. recessive genes
• C. epistatic interactions
• D. multiple genesCorrect

Explanation

Characteristics that exhibit continuous variation are generally controlled by multiple genes.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 41

Differences in characteristics that exist among individuals of the same species is referred to as

• A. genetics
• B. dominance
• C. hybrid
• D. variationCorrect

Explanation

Variation refers to the differences in characteristics that exist among individuals of the same species.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 42

Which of the following traits is not a morphological variation in humans?

• A. Ability to taste PTCCorrect
• B. Colour
• C. Finger prints
• D. Size

Explanation

Ability to taste PTC is a physiological variation, while others (colour, finger prints, size) are morphological variations.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 43

Which of the following statements about chromosomes is correct?

• A. All the chromosomes of a species are the same in shape
• B. The number present in a species is constantCorrect
• C. They are neatly arranged in the cytoplasm
• D. They bear ribosomes on their outer membranes

Explanation

The number of chromosomes present in organisms of the same species is constant. For instance, all humans have a diploid number of 46.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 44

A small stem from a hibiscus plant was placed in a nutrient medium, and it developed into a new plant. The new plant was reproduced

• A. asexually with a different genotype from the parent plant
• B. sexually with a different genotype from the parent plant
• C. asexually with the same genotype as the parent plantCorrect
• D. sexually with the same genotype as the parent plant

Explanation

This is asexual reproduction; the genotype of the parent plant is always conserved. Any method of reproduction that involves just one organism is asexual, and offspring of such means are always genetically identical to their parents (except in mutation).

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 45

The F1 generation of a cross between a red cock and white hen were all red because the gene for the

• A. white colour did not segregate
• B. red colour was dominantCorrect
• C. white colour was dominant
• D. red colour was recessive

Explanation

The red colour is able to mask the white colour because red colour is dominant over white. The white colour is said to be recessive.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 46

Which of the following diseases can be inherited?

• A. Pneumonia
• B. AIDS
• C. Sickle cell anaemiaCorrect
• D. Goitre

Explanation

Sickle cell anaemia is an inheritable disease. It is controlled by a recessive gene which causes some of the red blood cells of some people to be sickle-shaped.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 47

In dihybrid inheritance, Mendel considered

• A. a pair of contrasting characters
• B. two pairs of contrasting charactersCorrect
• C. three pairs of contrasting characters
• D. four pairs of contrasting characters

Explanation

In monohybrid inheritance, only a pair of contrasting characters is involved, while two pairs of contrasting characters are involved in dihybrid inheritance.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 48

The main reason for nuptial flight in termites is to

• A. escape unfavourable conditions
• B. search for food
• C. form new coloniesCorrect
• D. communicate with one another

Explanation

The main reason for nuptial flight in termites is to form new colonies.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 49

The following organisms are social insects except

• A. Termites
• B. Ants
• C. grasshoppersCorrect
• D. Bees

Explanation

Termites, ants and bees are social insects while grasshoppers are not.

Biology 2014 Objective — Question 50

Lamarck's theory of evolution is based on the fact that

• A. organisms acquire genes from their parentsCorrect
• B. organisms pass on acquired characters to their offspring
• C. characteristics of organisms are determined by the creator
• D. characteristics of organisms are not the sum of their parents' characters

Explanation

Organisms acquire genes from their parents. It must be duly noted that acquired characteristics cannot be inherited (this is the flaw in Lamarck's theory).