JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Biology 2009
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2009 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
Ready to test yourself? Take the full JAMB Biology 2009 CBT quiz — timed, just like the real exam.
Start Quiz
1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

Which of the following is true in blood transfusion?

A. A person of blood group AB can donate blood only to another person of blood group AB
B. Persons of blood groups A and B can donate or receive from each other
C. A person of blood group AB can receive blood only from persons of blood group A or B
D. A person of blood group O can donate blood to a person of blood group A or B
Explanation

Blood group O lacks A and B antigens, making it a universal donor compatible with A, B, AB, and O recipients, as it does not trigger immune reactions.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

A yellow maize is planted and all the fruits obtained are yellow seeds. When they are cross-bred, yellow seeds are obtained in a ratio 3:1. The yellow seed is said to be

A. non-fertile
B. sex-linked
C. a recessive trait
D. a dominant trait
Explanation

The 3:1 phenotypic ratio in F2 generation indicates monohybrid inheritance where yellow (YY or Yy) is dominant over white (yy), with 75% yellow and 25% white offspring.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

When a colour-blind man marries a carrier woman. What is the probability of their offspring being colour blind?

A. 25%
B. 50%
C. 75%
D. 100%
Explanation

Color blindness is X-linked recessive. Man (X^c Y) and carrier woman (X X^c) produce sons: 50% X^c Y (color blind), daughters: 50% X^c X^c (carrier), so 50% overall color blind (all sons).

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

The correct base pairing for DNA is

A. adenine → thymine and guanine → cytosine
B. adenine → guanine and thymine → cytosine
C. thymine → cytosine and guanine → thymine
D. adenine → adenine and cytosine → cytosine
Explanation

In DNA, adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T) via two hydrogen bonds, and guanine (G) pairs with cytosine (C) via three, ensuring stable double helix structure.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

Which of the following best describes a relationship where one organism benefits and the other is harmed?

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

Parasitism involves a parasite benefiting (e.g., nutrients from host) while harming the host (e.g., tapeworm in human intestine causing malnutrition).

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

In an ecosystem, competition between two species for the same food resource is an example of

A. Interspecific competition
B. Intraspecific competition
C. Mutualism
D. Predation
Explanation

Interspecific competition occurs between different species (e.g., lions and hyenas competing for zebra), potentially leading to competitive exclusion or niche differentiation.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

The short thick beak in birds is an adaptation for

A. crushing seeds
B. sucking nectar
C. tearing flesh
D. straining mud
Explanation

Short, thick beaks, as in finches, provide mechanical advantage for cracking hard seeds, an adaptation to diet in Darwin's Galapagos observations.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

The basking of Agama lizards in the sun is to

A. change the colour of their body
B. raise their body temperature to become active
C. fight their territories
D. attract the female for courtship
Explanation

Agama lizards, ectotherms, bask to absorb solar heat, raising body temperature for metabolic activity and thermoregulation.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

The significance of a very large number of termites involved in nuptial swarming is to

A. provide birds with plenty of food
B. ensure their perpetuation despite predatory pressure
C. search for a favourable place to breed
D. ensure that every individual gets a mate
Explanation

Mass swarming produces many alates, ensuring colony survival despite high predation rates during dispersal and mating.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

The use and disuse of body parts and the inheritance of acquired traits were used to explain evolution by

A. Darwin’s theory
B. Lamarck’s theory
C. genetic drift
D. gene flow
Explanation

Lamarck proposed that acquired traits (e.g., giraffe's neck from stretching) are inherited, differing from Darwin's natural selection.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

Which of the following structures in a plant is primarily responsible for gaseous exchange?

A. Root hairs
B. Stems
C. Stomata
D. Flowers
Explanation

Stomata on leaves open to allow CO2 intake for photosynthesis and O2 release, regulated by guard cells.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

What is the primary source of energy for Earth's climate system?

A. Wind
B. Sunlight
C. Geothermal heat
D. Ocean currents
Explanation

Solar radiation drives atmospheric circulation, evaporation, and global temperature gradients.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

Which of the following is a characteristic of a mammal?

A. Cold-blooded
B. Lays eggs in water
C. Has mammary glands
D. Has scales
Explanation

Mammary glands produce milk for offspring nourishment, a defining mammalian trait.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

What is the term for the process by which plants lose water through their leaves?

A. Photosynthesis
B. Respiration
C. Transpiration
D. Absorption
Explanation

Transpiration creates a pull for water and minerals from roots via xylem, cooling the plant.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

Which of the following organisms is a decomposer in an ecosystem?

A. Eagle
B. Fungus
C. Grass
D. Rabbit
Explanation

Fungi break down dead matter, releasing nutrients for recycling in the food web.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

Which of the following is the primary role of hemoglobin in the human body?

A. Fight infections
B. Transport oxygen
C. Clot blood
D. Produce energy
Explanation

Hemoglobin binds O2 in lungs and releases it in tissues, enabling cellular respiration.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

What is the primary function of the root hairs in plants?

A. Photosynthesis
B. Absorption of water and minerals
C. Support the plant
D. Produce seeds
Explanation

Root hairs increase surface area for osmosis and diffusion of water/minerals from soil.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

Which of the following is a characteristic of a tropical rainforest?

A. Low rainfall
B. High biodiversity
C. Cold temperatures
D. Few plant species
Explanation

High rainfall and warmth support diverse species, with layered canopies fostering niches.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

What is the term for the process by which a sperm and egg combine to form a zygote?

A. Pollination
B. Fertilization
C. Germination
D. Transpiration
Explanation

Fertilization fuses gametes, forming a diploid zygote that develops into an embryo.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

Which of the following is a characteristic of amphibians?

A. Dry, scaly skin
B. Moist skin and dual life cycle
C. Feathers and wings
D. Warm-blooded
Explanation

Amphibians have moist skin for cutaneous respiration and undergo metamorphosis (aquatic larvae, terrestrial adults).

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

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

A. Filter blood
B. Regulate blood sugar
C. Produce red blood cells
D. Store oxygen
Explanation

Pancreas secretes insulin (lowers blood sugar) and glucagon (raises it), maintaining homeostasis.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

Which of the following structures in a flower is responsible for producing pollen?

A. Stigma
B. Anther
C. Ovary
D. Petal
Explanation

Anther contains pollen sacs where microspores develop into pollen grains for fertilization.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

What is the term for the process by which organisms produce offspring?

A. Respiration
B. Reproduction
C. Digestion
D. Excretion
Explanation

Reproduction ensures species continuity through sexual (gametes) or asexual (cloning) methods.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

Which of the following is a characteristic of fungi?

A. Produce their own food through photosynthesis
B. Have chlorophyll
C. Feed on dead organic matter
D. Move actively
Explanation

Fungi are saprophytes, absorbing nutrients from decaying matter via hyphae.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

What is the primary function of the lungs in the human body?

A. Pump blood
B. Exchange gases
C. Digest food
D. Filter waste
Explanation

Lungs facilitate diffusion of O2 into blood and CO2 out via alveoli and capillaries.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

Which hormone is responsible for milk production in mammals after childbirth?

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

Prolactin stimulates mammary gland development and milk synthesis post-partum.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

What is the primary method by which viruses reproduce?

A. Binary fission
B. Budding
C. Using a host cell
D. Photosynthesis
Explanation

Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites, hijacking host machinery for replication.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

Which of the following traits is unique to mammals for temperature regulation?

A. Scales
B. Feathers
C. Hair or fur
D. Moist skin
Explanation

Hair/fur insulates, trapping air to maintain endothermic body temperature.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

What structure in the male reproductive system stores sperm before ejaculation?

A. Testes
B. Epididymis
C. Vas deferens
D. Prostate gland
Explanation

Epididymis coils store and mature sperm, aiding motility before transport.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

What is the primary role of the green pigment in plant cells?

A. Store nutrients
B. Absorb light energy
C. Protect the cell
D. Transport water
Explanation

Chlorophyll absorbs red/blue light, driving photosynthesis in chloroplasts.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

What gas do insects primarily take in through their respiratory structures?

A. Carbon dioxide
B. Oxygen
C. Nitrogen
D. Hydrogen
Explanation

Oxygen diffuses through spiracles into tracheae for direct delivery to tissues.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

Which of the following adaptations is typical of plants in a wetland ecosystem?

A. Thick cuticles
B. Deep roots
C. Aerenchyma tissue
D. Small leaves
Explanation

Aerenchyma provides air channels for O2 transport in waterlogged roots.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

What is the primary protective function of the largest organ in the human body?

A. Pumps blood
B. Filters toxins
C. Prevents pathogen entry
D. Regulates temperature
Explanation

Skin's keratinized epidermis and acidic sweat form a barrier against microbes.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

Which of the following traits in humans shows continuous variation?

A. Blood group
B. Height
C. Tongue rolling
D. Fingerprint patterns
Explanation

Height is polygenic, influenced by multiple genes and environment, showing a range.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

What is the primary role of antibodies in the immune system?

A. Inhibit viral replication
B. Bind to pathogens
C. Produce energy
D. Transport oxygen
Explanation

Antibodies bind antigens on pathogens, neutralizing or opsonizing for phagocytosis.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

What type of beak is adapted for birds that feed on nectar?

A. Short and thick
B. Long and slender
C. Sharp and hooked
D. Broad and flat
Explanation

Long, slender beaks reach deep into flowers, as in hummingbirds for nectar.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

What is the term for the process where only the fittest organisms survive and reproduce?

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

Natural selection favors advantageous traits, increasing their frequency over generations.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

What type of reproduction is typical in Rhizopus?

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

Rhizopus produces sporangiospores for asexual reproduction, dispersing via wind.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

What gas is primarily used by plants during photosynthesis?

A. Oxygen
B. Carbon dioxide
C. Nitrogen
D. Hydrogen
Explanation

CO2 is fixed in the Calvin cycle, combining with RuBP to form sugars.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2009

What structure in the human respiratory system protects the airway during swallowing?

A. Epiglottis
B. Trachea
C. Alveoli
D. Diaphragm
Explanation

The epiglottis folds over the larynx, directing food to the esophagus.

Now practice in exam mode

You've studied the answers — now test yourself under real exam conditions with the timer running.

Start JAMB Biology 2009 Quiz
Back to 2009 Start Page