JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Biology 2010
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2010 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

Which of the following is an example of a vestigial structure in humans?

A. Appendix
B. Lungs
C. Kidneys
D. Heart
Explanation

The appendix is a vestigial structure in humans, with reduced or no significant function in digestion, unlike vital organs like lungs, kidneys, and heart.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

Which of the following characteristics is typical of a mature plant cell?

A. The cytoplasm fills up the entire cell space
B. The nucleus is pushed to the center of the cell
C. The cell wall is made up of cellulose
D. The nucleus is small and irregular in shape
Explanation

A mature plant cell has a cell wall made of cellulose, providing structural support, unlike the other options which are not defining characteristics.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

Which of the following is NOT a function of the nucleus of a cell?

A. It controls the life processes of the cell
B. It translates genetic information
C. It manufactures proteins for the cell
D. It stores and carries hereditary information
Explanation

The nucleus stores DNA and regulates cell processes, but protein synthesis occurs in ribosomes in the cytoplasm or on the rough endoplasmic reticulum.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

The dominant phase in the life cycle of a fern is the?

A. Gametophyte
B. Prothallus
C. Sporophyte
D. Antheridium
Explanation

In ferns, the sporophyte phase is dominant, producing spores, while the gametophyte (prothallus) is smaller and less prominent.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

Parental care is exhibited by

A. Toads
B. Snails
C. Earthworms
D. Birds
Explanation

Birds exhibit extensive parental care, such as feeding and protecting their young, unlike toads, snails, or earthworms, which show minimal or no care.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

Which of the following groups of cells lacks a true nucleus?

A. Algae
B. Monera
C. Fungi
D. Viruses
Explanation

Monera (e.g., bacteria) are prokaryotes lacking a true nucleus, while algae, fungi, and viruses (non-cellular) have different nuclear structures.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

The main function of feathers in birds is to

A. Prevent ectoparasites from attacking the animal
B. Generate heat to keep the animal warm
C. Provide power for flight
D. Serve as an insulator to maintain body heat
Explanation

Feathers primarily insulate birds to maintain body heat, though they also aid in flight and protection.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

Which of the following is true of the transverse section of a dicot stem?

A. The epidermis is completely encircled by the cortex
B. The xylem is more interiorly located than the phloem
C. The cambium lies between the cortex and the vascular bundles
D. The vascular bundles are randomly scattered within the cortex
Explanation

In a dicot stem, xylem is located interior to phloem within vascular bundles, arranged in a ring, with cambium between them.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

Which of the following is lacking in the diet of a person with kwashiorkor?

A. Vitamins
B. Proteins
C. Carbohydrates
D. Fats
Explanation

Kwashiorkor is a malnutrition disease caused by a deficiency of proteins, leading to symptoms like edema and stunted growth.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

The mode of nutrition of sundew and bladderwort can be described as

A. Autotrophic
B. Saprophytic
C. Holozoic
D. Chemosynthetic
Explanation

Sundew and bladderwort are autotrophic, performing photosynthesis, but supplement their nutrition by capturing insects (carnivorous).

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

When a mixture of a food substance and Benedict’s solution is warmed, turning from blue to brick-red, it indicates the presence of

A. Reducing sugar
B. Fatty acid
C. Sucrose
D. Amino acid
Explanation

Benedict’s solution turns brick-red when heated with reducing sugars (e.g., glucose), indicating their presence.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

The primary structure responsible for pumping blood for circulation through the mammalian circulatory system is the

A. Veins
B. Right auricle
C. Arteries
D. Left ventricle
Explanation

The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood into the aorta for systemic circulation, driving blood to all body parts except the lungs.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

Circulation of blood to all parts of the body except the lungs is through

A. The pulmonary artery
B. Systemic circulation
C. The lymphatic system
D. Pulmonary circulation
Explanation

Systemic circulation delivers oxygenated blood to the body, while pulmonary circulation serves the lungs.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

Yeast respires anaerobically to convert simple sugar to carbon (IV) oxide and

A. Alcohol
B. Acid
C. Oxygen
D. Water
Explanation

In anaerobic respiration (fermentation), yeast converts sugars into ethanol (alcohol) and carbon dioxide.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

The sheet of muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities is the

A. Diaphragm
B. Intercostal muscle
C. Pleural membrane
D. Pericardium
Explanation

The diaphragm is a muscular sheet separating the thoracic (chest) and abdominal cavities, aiding in breathing.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

The oily substance that lubricates mammalian hair to keep it flexible and water-repellent is secreted by the

A. Sweat glands
B. Sebaceous glands
C. Fatty cells
D. Granular layer
Explanation

Sebaceous glands secrete sebum, an oily substance that lubricates hair and skin, making them flexible and water-repellent.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

The outer layer of the kidney where the Bowman’s capsules are found is the

A. Cortex
B. Pelvis
C. Medulla
D. Pyramid
Explanation

The renal cortex contains Bowman’s capsules, where blood filtration begins in the nephrons.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

Which of the following stimuli is likely to elicit a nastic response in an organism?

A. Touch
B. Light intensity
C. Chemical substances
D. Gravity
Explanation

Nastic responses, such as the closing of Mimosa leaves, are non-directional movements triggered by stimuli like touch.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

In the male reproductive system of a mammal, sperm is stored in the

A. Vas deferens
B. Urethra
C. Epididymis
D. Seminiferous tubules
Explanation

The epididymis stores mature sperm until ejaculation, while seminiferous tubules produce sperm.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

Chemosynthetic organisms manufacture their food from simple inorganic substances through the process of

A. Oxidation
B. Denitrification
C. Reduction
D. Phosphorylation
Explanation

Chemosynthesis involves the oxidation of inorganic compounds (e.g., sulfur) to produce energy for food synthesis.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

The part of the human gut with acidic content is the

A. Stomach
B. Duodenum
C. Ileum
D. Colon
Explanation

The stomach secretes hydrochloric acid, creating an acidic environment for digestion, unlike other gut regions.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

Which of the following structures is correctly matched with the organism in which it is found?

A. Stomata → Spirogyra
B. Alveoli → Earthworm
C. Malpighian tubule → Mammal
D. Contractile vacuole → Protozoa
Explanation

Contractile vacuoles in protozoa (e.g., Amoeba) regulate water balance; other pairings are incorrect (e.g., stomata are in plants, not Spirogyra).

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

A food chain always begins with a

A. Consumer
B. Decomposer
C. Producer
D. Primary consumer
Explanation

Producers (e.g., plants) start food chains by synthesizing food via photosynthesis, supporting all other trophic levels.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

Mycorrhizae promote plant growth by

A. Absorbing inorganic ions from the soil
B. Protecting it from infection
C. Helping it to utilize atmospheric nitrogen
D. Serving as a growth regulator
Explanation

Mycorrhizae are symbiotic fungi that enhance nutrient absorption, especially phosphorus, from the soil for plants.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

The barrier between maternal and fetal blood in the placenta is the

A. Placenta
B. Liver
C. Umbilical cord
D. Uterine wall
Explanation

The placenta facilitates nutrient and gas exchange between maternal and fetal blood while maintaining a barrier to prevent direct mixing.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

The blood component with the greatest affinity for oxygen is the

A. Lymphocytes
B. Leucocytes
C. Erythrocytes
D. Thrombocytes
Explanation

Erythrocytes (red blood cells) contain hemoglobin, which binds oxygen for transport throughout the body.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

Which of the following organisms is mainly found in the marine habitat?

A. Achatina
B. Dogfish
C. Tortoise
D. Crocodile
Explanation

Dogfish, a type of shark, is primarily marine, while Achatina (snail), tortoise, and crocodile are terrestrial or freshwater organisms.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

The two halves of the pelvic girdle are joined together at the

A. Pubic symphysis
B. Ilium
C. Pubis
D. Obturator foramen
Explanation

The pubic symphysis, a cartilaginous joint, connects the two halves of the pelvic girdle at the pubis.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

Which of the following are ways desert animals adapt to extreme heat?

A. Nocturnal habits and burrowing
B. Possession of many sweat pores
C. High diurnal activity and basking
D. Reduced body temperature regulation
Explanation

Desert animals adapt by being nocturnal and burrowing to avoid heat, not by sweating or increasing daytime activity.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

Low annual rainfall, sparse vegetation, high diurnal temperatures, and cold nights are characteristic features of the

A. Tropical rainforest
B. Desert
C. Montane forest
D. Guinea savanna
Explanation

Deserts are characterized by low rainfall, sparse vegetation, and extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

The activity of an organism that affects the survival of another organism in the same habitat constitutes

A. An euphoric factor
B. An abiotic factor
C. A biotic factor
D. A physiographic factor
Explanation

Biotic factors involve interactions between living organisms, such as predation or competition, affecting survival.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

The average number of individuals of a species per unit area of the habitat is the

A. Population density
B. Population frequency
C. Population size
D. Population distribution
Explanation

Population density measures the number of individuals of a species per unit area in a habitat.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

The vector for yellow fever is

A. Aedes mosquito
B. Anopheles mosquito
C. Tsetse fly
D. Blackfly
Explanation

The Aedes mosquito, particularly Aedes aegypti, is the primary vector for yellow fever, transmitting the virus to humans.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

The loss of soil through erosion can be reduced by

A. Watering
B. Crop rotation
C. Manuring
D. Irrigation
Explanation

Crop rotation stabilizes soil structure and reduces erosion by varying root systems, unlike watering or irrigation, which may increase runoff.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

Which enzyme in the human stomach aids in protein digestion?

A. Amylase
B. Lipase
C. Pepsin
D. Maltase
Explanation

Pepsin, active in the acidic stomach environment, breaks down proteins into peptides.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

The process by which green plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose using sunlight is called

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

Photosynthesis uses sunlight to synthesize glucose from carbon dioxide and water, producing oxygen as a by-product.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

Which of the following is a characteristic of arthropods?

A. Presence of a notochord
B. Segmented body with jointed appendages
C. Single-lens eyes
D. Internal skeleton
Explanation

Arthropods (e.g., insects, crustaceans) have a segmented body, jointed appendages, and an exoskeleton, not a notochord or internal skeleton.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

The hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels is

A. Adrenaline
B. Insulin
C. Thyroxine
D. Cortisol
Explanation

Insulin, produced by the pancreas, lowers blood sugar by promoting glucose uptake into cells.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

Which of the following is a function of the liver in mammals?

A. Production of red blood cells
B. Detoxification of harmful substances
C. Secretion of digestive enzymes
D. Storage of oxygen
Explanation

The liver detoxifies harmful substances, metabolizes drugs, and produces bile, but does not produce red blood cells or store oxygen.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Biology · 2010

The primary source of energy for Earth’s climate system is

A. Geothermal heat
B. Solar radiation
C. Tidal forces
D. Magnetic fields
Explanation

Solar radiation drives Earth’s climate system, influencing weather patterns and temperature through energy absorption.

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