Question

[Biology Practical — Section A]
1. Study specimens A, B, C and D and answer questions 1(a) to 1(f).
(a) State three observable differences between specimens A and B.
(b) In the table below, using a tick (√), indicate the appropriate modes of reproduction of the organism that possesses each of specimens A, B and C (Type of fertilization: Internal/External; Reproductive process: Oviparous/Viviparous).
(c)(i) Name the Phylum/Division of the organisms that possess each of specimens A and D.
(c)(ii) Name the class of organisms that possess each of specimens A, B, C and D.
(d) State the biological function of specimen B to the organism that possesses it.
(e) Crack open specimen B and carefully empty its content into a Petri dish. Complete the table below by naming three observable features of specimen B and state one function each of the features named.
(f) State one habitat each of the organisms that possess specimens A, B and D.

Accepted Answer

(a) Observable differences between A/Egg of catfish and B/Egg of domestic fowl: A has more numerous/many eggs while B has one/not numerous; A's shell is absent while B's shell is present; A is relatively small while B is relatively large; A is green/yellow/orange in colour while B is cream/white/peach/brown; A is clustered while B is single; A is round while B is oblong/oval; A is soft while B is hard.

(b) Reproductive mode table: Specimen A — Type of fertilization: External (Yes); Reproductive process: Oviparous (Yes). Specimen B — Type of fertilization: Internal (Yes); Reproductive process: Oviparous (Yes). Specimen C — Type of fertilization: Internal (Yes); Reproductive process: Viviparous (Yes) [exact fertilization/process combination depends on the actual specimen provided in the exam].

(c)(i) Phylum/Division: A — Chordata; D — Angiospermophyta/Angiospermatophyta/Magnoliophyta.
(ii) Class: A — Osteichthyes/Pisces; B — Aves; C — Mammalia; D — Dicotyledoneae/Dicotyledonae/Magnoliopsida.

(d) Biological function of specimen B (egg) to the organism: Reproduction/production of offspring.

(e) Observable features of specimen B and their functions:
Shell — Protection; Prevents dehydration/desiccation/drying up.
Shell membrane/vitelline membrane — Medium for diffusion of gases/gaseous exchange; protection.
Albumen/Egg white — Source of food for embryo; Provides water for embryo.
Yolk — Source of nutrients/food for the embryo.
Chalaza — Holds the embryo at the centre of the egg/in place.

(f) Habitats: A — Pond/river/mud/estuarine/lake/any correctly named aquatic habitat; B — House/garden/poultry/pen/farmhouse; D — Forest/garden/farmland/farm.

WAEC Biology 2023 Theory — Question 9

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