JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Biology 2001
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2001 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

A plant species exhibits a high rate of water loss despite having thick cuticles. What adaptation is likely responsible for this?

A. Increased stomatal density
B. Reduced leaf surface area
C. Sunken stomata
D. Presence of trichomes
Explanation

Increased stomatal density leads to higher water loss through transpiration, despite thick cuticles, as more stomata allow greater evaporation.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

The symbiotic relationship between Rhizobium bacteria and leguminous plants is best described as

A. Commensalism
B. Mutualism
C. Parasitism
D. Predation
Explanation

Mutualism occurs as Rhizobium fixes nitrogen for the plant, while the plant provides nutrients and shelter to the bacteria.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

The primary role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis is to

A. Absorb carbon dioxide
B. Trap light energy
C. Release oxygen
D. Synthesize glucose
Explanation

Chlorophyll absorbs light energy, which is then used to drive the synthesis of glucose during photosynthesis.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

In humans, the hormone responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics in males is

A. Oestrogen
B. Progesterone
C. Testosterone
D. Thyroxine
Explanation

Testosterone, produced by the testes, drives the development of male secondary sexual characteristics like facial hair and deep voice.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

The type of reproduction in yeast that involves the formation of a small bud is called

A. Binary fission
B. Budding
C. Fragmentation
D. Spore formation
Explanation

Yeast reproduces asexually by budding, where a small bud forms on the parent cell and eventually separates.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

The type of root system that is most effective in preventing soil erosion on a slope is

A. Taproot system
B. Fibrous root system
C. Adventitious root system
D. Prop root system
Explanation

Fibrous root systems, with their dense network of roots, anchor soil effectively, preventing erosion on slopes.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

The type of bond that holds the two strands of DNA together in a double helix is

A. Covalent bond
B. Ionic bond
C. Hydrogen bond
D. Peptide bond
Explanation

Hydrogen bonds form between complementary nitrogenous bases (A-T, C-G), holding the two DNA strands together in a double helix.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

The part of the human respiratory system where gas exchange occurs is the

A. Trachea
B. Bronchi
C. Alveoli
D. Bronchioles
Explanation

The alveoli are the site of gas exchange, where oxygen diffuses into the blood and carbon dioxide is removed.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

In a plant species, the closure of stomata during the day is regulated by which of the following physiological responses to water stress?

A. Increased turgor pressure in guard cells
B. Accumulation of abscisic acid (ABA)
C. Enhanced potassium ion influx
D. Decreased abscisic acid levels
Explanation

Abscisic acid (ABA) accumulates under water stress, signaling guard cells to close stomata by reducing turgor pressure, thus minimizing water loss.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

The hormone that stimulates the contraction of the uterus during childbirth is

A. Prolactin
B. Oxytocin
C. Progesterone
D. Adrenaline
Explanation

Oxytocin, released by the pituitary gland, triggers uterine contractions during labor.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

In a freshwater ecosystem, the introduction of an invasive species is most likely to result in

A. Increased biodiversity due to niche expansion
B. Reduced competition among native species
C. Disruption of trophic interactions
D. Enhanced primary productivity
Explanation

Invasive species often outcompete native species, disrupting trophic interactions and potentially leading to the decline of native populations.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

In a population of plants, the frequency of a recessive allele (b) for flower color is 0.4. What is the frequency of individuals with the dominant phenotype (BB or Bb)?

A. 0.16
B. 0.48
C. 0.64
D. 0.84
Explanation

If q = 0.4 (b), then p = 0.6 (B). The frequency of the dominant phenotype (BB + Bb) is p² + 2pq = (0.6)² + 2(0.6)(0.4) = 0.36 + 0.48 = 0.84.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

Which of the following adaptations in a deep-sea fish allows it to survive under high pressure?

A. Presence of a rigid skeleton
B. High metabolic rate
C. Flexible, fluid-filled body
D. Large swim bladder
Explanation

Deep-sea fish have flexible, fluid-filled bodies that equalize internal and external pressure, preventing collapse under high-pressure conditions.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

In a plant species, the rate of nitrogen fixation decreases under anaerobic conditions. What is the most likely explanation for this observation?

A. Reduced activity of nitrogenase enzyme
B. Increased availability of oxygen to root nodules
C. Enhanced ATP production in root cells
D. Decreased ammonia assimilation
Explanation

Nitrogenase, the enzyme responsible for nitrogen fixation, is oxygen-sensitive; anaerobic conditions reduce its activity, decreasing nitrogen fixation in root nodules.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

In a population of birds, the introduction of a new predator leads to the survival of individuals with longer beaks. This is an example of

A. Stabilizing selection
B. Disruptive selection
C. Directional selection
D. Balancing selection
Explanation

Directional selection favors longer beaks, shifting the population's beak length distribution as they provide an advantage against the new predator.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

In a plant species, the rate of water uptake decreases under saline conditions. What is the most likely explanation for this observation?

A. Increased water potential in the soil
B. Decreased water potential in the soil
C. Enhanced root permeability
D. Reduced salt exclusion by roots
Explanation

Saline conditions lower the soil's water potential, making it harder for roots to absorb water due to the osmotic gradient, reducing water uptake.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

What type of nutrition do green plants exhibit when they produce their own food?

A. Heterotrophic
B. Autotrophic
C. Saprophytic
D. Parasitic
Explanation

Green plants are autotrophic, meaning they produce their own food through photosynthesis using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

Which of the following is a renewable resource in an ecosystem?

A. Coal
B. Petroleum
C. Timber
D. Natural gas
Explanation

Timber is a renewable resource because trees can be replanted and regrown, unlike coal, petroleum, and natural gas, which are non-renewable.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

Which of the following is a characteristic of a desert ecosystem?

A. High rainfall
B. Low rainfall
C. Dense vegetation
D. Cold temperatures
Explanation

Deserts are characterized by low rainfall, making them arid environments with sparse vegetation.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

Which of the following is a characteristic of a virus?

A. It can reproduce on its own
B. It has a cell wall
C. It requires a host to replicate
D. It performs photosynthesis
Explanation

Viruses cannot reproduce on their own and require a host cell to replicate, using the host's machinery.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

Which of the following is a characteristic of a savanna ecosystem?

A. Dense forests
B. Grasslands with scattered trees
C. High annual rainfall
D. Cold temperatures
Explanation

Savannas are grasslands with scattered trees, typically found in warm regions with distinct wet and dry seasons.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

What is the primary role of the brain in the human body?

A. Pump blood
B. Control body activities
C. Absorb nutrients
D. Store energy
Explanation

The brain controls body activities, including movement, thoughts, and regulation of vital functions like breathing.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

Which of the following animals is an example of a carnivore?

A. Goat
B. Elephant
C. Tiger
D. Squirrel
Explanation

A tiger is a carnivore, feeding primarily on meat, unlike goats, elephants, and squirrels, which are herbivores or omnivores.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

What is the primary role of the stomach in the human digestive system?

A. Absorb water
B. Break down food
C. Store energy
D. Produce oxygen
Explanation

The stomach breaks down food using enzymes and acid, starting the digestion of proteins.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

Which of the following structures in a plant cell provides support and protection?

A. Cell membrane
B. Cell wall
C. Nucleus
D. Vacuole
Explanation

The cell wall, made of cellulose, provides support and protection to plant cells, maintaining their shape.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

What is the term for an organism that breaks down dead matter to recycle nutrients?

A. Producer
B. Consumer
C. Decomposer
D. Predator
Explanation

Decomposers, like bacteria and fungi, break down dead matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

Which of the following is a characteristic of a bird?

A. Scales
B. Feathers
C. Gills
D. Moist skin
Explanation

Birds are characterized by feathers, which help with flight, insulation, and camouflage.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

What is the primary role of the diaphragm in the human respiratory system?

A. Exchange gases
B. Help in breathing
C. Filter air
D. Produce mucus
Explanation

The diaphragm is a muscle that contracts and relaxes to help the lungs expand and contract during breathing.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

Which of the following animals is a mammal?

A. Crocodile
B. Python
C. Dolphin
D. Turtle
Explanation

Dolphins are mammals, characterized by traits like nursing their young with milk and breathing air.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

What is the primary function of the adrenal glands in the human body?

A. Regulate blood sugar
B. Produce stress hormones
C. Filter blood
D. Store nutrients
Explanation

The adrenal glands produce stress hormones like adrenaline, which help the body respond to stress.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

Which of the following is a characteristic of a tundra ecosystem?

A. High temperatures
B. Dense forests
C. Cold temperatures
D. High rainfall
Explanation

Tundra ecosystems are characterized by cold temperatures, low biodiversity, and a short growing season.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

What is the term for the relationship where one organism benefits and the other is unaffected?

A. Mutualism
B. Parasitism
C. Commensalism
D. Competition
Explanation

Commensalism is a relationship where one organism benefits while the other is neither harmed nor benefited, like a bird nesting in a tree.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

Which of the following animals is an example of a reptile?

A. Frog
B. Lizard
C. Penguin
D. Dolphin
Explanation

Lizards are reptiles, characterized by dry, scaly skin and laying eggs on land.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

What is the primary role of the spleen in the human body?

A. Produce hormones
B. Filter blood
C. Digest food
D. Pump blood
Explanation

The spleen filters blood, removing old red blood cells and helping the immune system by storing white blood cells.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

What is the term for the process by which a plant bends towards light?

A. Geotropism
B. Phototropism
C. Hydrotropism
D. Thigmotropism
Explanation

Phototropism is the growth response of a plant towards light, helping it maximize photosynthesis.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

The primary role of enzymes in living organisms is to

A. Store genetic information
B. Catalyze biochemical reactions
C. Transport oxygen
D. Provide structural support
Explanation

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up biochemical reactions by lowering the activation energy, without being consumed in the process.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

In a cross between two heterozygous tall pea plants (Tt), what is the probability of producing a homozygous recessive (tt) offspring?

A. 0%
B. 25%
C. 50%
D. 75%
Explanation

In a Tt x Tt cross, the Punnett square shows 25% TT, 50% Tt, and 25% tt. Thus, the probability of a homozygous recessive (tt) offspring is 25%.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

The process by which a barren landscape develops into a stable ecosystem over time is called

A. Erosion
B. Ecological succession
C. Deforestation
D. Biomagnification
Explanation

Ecological succession is the gradual process by which ecosystems develop and change over time, starting from a barren landscape to a stable climax community.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

The primary organ responsible for filtering waste products from the blood in humans is the

A. Liver
B. Kidney
C. Lungs
D. Pancreas
Explanation

The kidneys filter waste products like urea from the blood, forming urine, which is excreted from the body.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2001

The process by which organisms with favorable traits survive and reproduce more successfully is called

A. Genetic drift
B. Natural selection
C. Gene flow
D. Mutation
Explanation

Natural selection is the process where organisms with traits better suited to their environment survive and reproduce, passing those traits to offspring.

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