WAEC Past Questions

WAEC Biology 2023
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2023 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

The ability of organisms to maintain a constant internal environment is known as

A. diuresis
B. endosmosis
C. homeostasis
D. plasmolysis
Explanation

Homeostasis is the process by which organisms regulate their internal environment to maintain stable conditions, such as temperature and pH, despite external changes. Diuresis refers to increased urine production, endosmosis is water movement into cells, and plasmolysis is cell shrinkage due to water loss.

2
Question 2 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of a dicotyledonous leaf?

A. Parallel venation
B. Reticulate venation
C. Broad leaf base
D. Tapering apex
Explanation

Dicotyledonous leaves typically exhibit reticulate venation, where veins form a net-like pattern branching from the midrib. Parallel venation is characteristic of monocots, while broad base and tapering apex are general leaf shapes not specific to dicots.

3
Question 3 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

Which of the following would improve the accuracy of a biological drawing?

A. Use of colored pencils for all parts
B. Inclusion of a clear title and magnification
C. Drawing without labels
D. Exaggerated proportions
Explanation

A clear title identifies the subject, and magnification indicates scale, ensuring the drawing is precise and reproducible. Colors may aid identification but not accuracy, unlabeled drawings lack clarity, and exaggeration distorts proportions.

4
Question 4 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

Which group of organisms is unicellular and prokaryotic?

A. Fungi
B. Protozoa
C. Algae
D. Bacteria
Explanation

Bacteria are unicellular prokaryotes lacking a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Fungi and algae can be multicellular/eukaryotic, protozoa are unicellular eukaryotes.

5
Question 5 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

The causative agent of cholera belongs to which kingdom?

A. Plantae
B. Animalia
C. Monera
D. Fungi
Explanation

Cholera is caused by Vibrio cholerae, a bacterium in the kingdom Monera (prokaryotes). Plantae includes plants, Animalia animals, Fungi fungi.

6
Question 6 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

Which sequence represents increasing levels of organization in living organisms?

A. Cell–Tissue–Organ–System
B. Tissue–Cell–System–Organ
C. Organ–System–Tissue–Cell
D. System–Organ–Cell–Tissue
Explanation

The hierarchy of organization progresses from cells (basic unit) to tissues (groups of cells), organs (tissues forming structures), and systems (organs working together).

7
Question 7 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

Snails belong to the phylum

A. Arthropoda
B. Mollusca
C. Annelida
D. Chordata
Explanation

Snails are mollusks in phylum Mollusca, characterized by soft bodies often with shells. Arthropoda includes insects/crustaceans, Annelida segmented worms, Chordata vertebrates/invertebrates with notochords.

8
Question 8 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

In a plant cell, the site of the Calvin cycle during photosynthesis is the

A. chloroplast stroma
B. thylakoid membrane
C. mitochondria
D. nucleus
Explanation

The Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions) occurs in the stroma, where CO2 is fixed into glucose using ATP/NADPH from light reactions in thylakoids. Mitochondria handle respiration, nucleus DNA.

9
Question 9 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

During photosynthesis, oxygen is released from the splitting of

A. carbon dioxide
B. glucose
C. water molecules
D. chlorophyll
Explanation

Photolysis of water (2H2O → 4H+ + 4e- + O2) in photosystem II releases oxygen as a byproduct. CO2 is fixed later, glucose produced in Calvin cycle, chlorophyll absorbs light.

10
Question 10 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

An example of a process that involves osmosis is the

A. movement of digested food from ileum into blood capillaries
B. translocation of starch from leaves to all parts of a plant
C. reabsorption of water from kidney tubules
D. none of the above
Explanation

Osmosis is passive water movement across semi-permeable membranes from low to high solute concentration; reabsorption in kidney nephrons occurs via osmosis in proximal tubules. Food movement is active transport, translocation via phloem.

11
Question 11 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

Growth in animals differs from that in plants because growth in

A. plants is intercalary
B. animals is apical
C. plants is from within
D. plants is indefinite
Explanation

Plant growth is indefinite (lifelong at meristems), while animal growth is determinate (stops after maturity). Intercalary/apical refer to plant growth locations, 'from within' not specific.

12
Question 12 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

The axial skeleton in humans includes the

A. skull and vertebral column
B. rib cage and limbs
C. pelvic girdle and femur
D. shoulder girdle and humerus
Explanation

Axial skeleton forms the body's central axis: skull, vertebral column, ribs, sternum. Appendicular includes limbs and girdles.

13
Question 13 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

In a road accident, damage to the vertebral column is most likely to affect the

A. sense of balance
B. ability to walk
C. digestion process
D. hearing
Explanation

Vertebral column protects spinal cord, transmitting nerve signals for motor functions; damage causes paralysis, impairing walking. Balance via inner ear, digestion autonomic, hearing auditory nerve.

14
Question 14 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

The tricuspid valve is located between the

A. left auricle and left ventricle
B. right auricle and the superior vena cava
C. aorta and the left ventricle
D. right auricle and right ventricle
Explanation

Tricuspid valve prevents backflow from right ventricle to right atrium during contraction. Mitral between left sides, semilunar at aorta/pulmonary.

15
Question 15 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

In the human respiratory system, the pathway of air is

A. nostrils–pharynx–trachea–bronchi–alveoli
B. nostrils–larynx–bronchi–trachea–alveoli
C. nostrils–trachea–pharynx–bronchi–alveoli
D. nostrils–bronchi–larynx–trachea–alveoli
Explanation

Air enters nostrils, passes pharynx (shared with food), larynx (voice), trachea (windpipe), bronchi (branches), bronchioles, to alveoli for gas exchange.

16
Question 16 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

The lungs are protected by the

A. rib cage
B. diaphragm
C. heart
D. sternum
Explanation

Rib cage encases lungs, providing bony protection against injury. Diaphragm aids breathing, heart adjacent, sternum part of rib cage.

17
Question 17 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

Which of the following hormones is wrongly paired with its secretory organ?

A. Insulin and pancreas
B. oestrogen and ovary
C. Oxytocin and ovary
D. Oxytocin and hypothalamus
Explanation

Oxytocin is produced in hypothalamus and released by posterior pituitary, not ovary. Insulin by pancreas beta cells, oestrogen by ovaries.

18
Question 18 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

The eye defect caused by uneven curvature of the cornea or lens is

A. myopia
B. astigmatism
C. presbyopia
D. hypermetropia
Explanation

Astigmatism causes blurred vision due to irregular corneal/lens curvature, distorting light focus. Myopia near-sightedness, presbyopia age-related, hypermetropia far-sightedness.

19
Question 19 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

The androecium in a flowering plant is a collection of

A. ovules
B. stamens
C. filaments
D. sperms
Explanation

Androecium is the male whorl comprising stamens (filament + anther). Ovules in gynoecium, sperms in pollen, filaments part of stamen.

20
Question 20 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

Placentation in fruits is referred to as the

A. part of the ovary where the ovules originate and remain till maturity
B. formation of a single carpel joined at the two edges of an ovule
C. arrangement of ovules in the ovary of a flower
D. ovules borne on a central column of tissues in an ovary
Explanation

Placentation describes ovule attachment/arrangement on placenta in ovary (e.g., marginal, axile). Option A vague, B syncarpous, D axile type.

21
Question 21 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

Which of the following processes does not occur during photosynthesis?

A. Carbon (IV) oxide is evolved
B. Water is split
C. Oxygen is evolved
D. Energy from sunlight is absorbed
Explanation

Photosynthesis absorbs CO2, splits water (photolysis), evolves O2, absorbs sunlight. CO2 evolution occurs in respiration.

22
Question 22 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

Stunted growth and small yellow leaves in plants are symptoms of the deficiency of

A. sulphur
B. Iron
C. magnesium
D. nitrogen
Explanation

Nitrogen deficiency causes chlorosis (yellowing) in older leaves and stunted growth, as N is vital for chlorophyll/proteins. Sulphur pale leaves, iron young leaves, magnesium interveinal chlorosis.

23
Question 23 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

The structure that its action could result in choking when talking and eating at the same time is

A. epiglottis
B. oesophagus
C. liver
D. stomach
Explanation

Epiglottis folds over larynx during swallowing to prevent food entering trachea; simultaneous talking disrupts, causing choking. Oesophagus transports food, liver/stomach digest.

24
Question 24 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

The food substance that would produce the highest amount of energy is

A. glucose
B. fat
C. amino acid
D. protein
Explanation

Fats yield ~9 kcal/g, highest energy (used for storage). Glucose/carbs 4 kcal/g, proteins/amino acids 4 kcal/g but for growth.

25
Question 25 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

Organisms that feed on dead decaying tissues of other organisms are known as

A. parasites
B. autotrophs
C. heterotrophs
D. saprophytes
Explanation

Saprophytes (e.g., fungi, bacteria) absorb nutrients from dead/decaying matter. Parasites from living hosts, autotrophs self-feed, heterotrophs general consumers.

26
Question 26 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

The type of nutrition in which organisms take in solid organic materials into their body is

A. holozoic
B. symbiotic
C. saprophytic
D. parasitic
Explanation

Holozoic nutrition involves ingesting solid food, digesting internally (e.g., animals). Symbiotic mutual benefit, saprophytic external digestion of dead, parasitic from host.

27
Question 27 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

The mouthparts of a grasshopper are adapted for

A. chewing
B. grinding
C. sucking
D. absorption
Explanation

Grasshopper mouthparts (mandibles, maxillae) are biting-chewing type for solid plant material. Grinding partial, sucking for fluids, absorption post-digestion.

28
Question 28 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

A group of organisms belonging to different species that coexist in the same habitat and interact is referred to as

A. population
B. biosphere
C. niche
D. community
Explanation

Community comprises interacting populations of different species in a habitat. Population same species, biosphere global life, niche role of species.

29
Question 29 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

Which of the following factors is the main problem facing xerophytes?

A. Conservation of excess water
B. Competition for sunlight
C. Lack of adequate water
D. Poor formation of roots
Explanation

Xerophytes (desert plants) face water scarcity, adapting with thick cuticles, reduced leaves. Excess water not issue, sunlight/roots secondary.

30
Question 30 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

Fishes survive in water mainly because they possess

A. streamlined body
B. scales
C. paired fins
D. gills
Explanation

Gills extract dissolved oxygen from water via countercurrent exchange. Streamlined reduces drag, scales protect, fins aid locomotion/balance.

31
Question 31 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

Which of the following instruments is not used in measuring abiotic factors in a habitat?

A. Thermometer
B. Microscope
C. Hygrometer
D. Wind vane
Explanation

Microscope magnifies biotic specimens, not abiotic (non-living) factors like temperature (thermometer), humidity (hygrometer), wind (vane).

32
Question 32 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

Which of the following is capillary soil?

A. Sand and clay
B. Silt and clay
C. Silt and sand
D. Loam and sand
Explanation

Silt and clay have small particles, high capillarity (water rises via adhesion). Sand large particles, low capillarity; loam balanced.

33
Question 33 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

The capturing and digestion of insects by a pitcher plant is a special form of nutrition that is

A. chemosynthesis
B. saprophytic
C. heterotrophic
D. autotrophic
Explanation

Pitcher plants are partially heterotrophic, supplementing autotrophic nutrition by digesting insects for nitrogen in poor soils. Chemosynthesis bacteria, saprophytic dead matter.

34
Question 34 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

Which of the following organisms would be the producer in a food chain?

A. Goat
B. Maize
C. Man
D. Bacterium
Explanation

Producers (autotrophs) like maize make food via photosynthesis. Goat/man consumers, bacterium decomposer.

35
Question 35 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

The rate of decomposition of dead organisms is faster in the tropical rain forest than in other biomes because

A. of consistent cool temperature
B. of the relatively constant daylight
C. there are more plants
D. of availability of moisture
Explanation

High moisture and warmth accelerate microbial decomposition, recycling nutrients quickly in rainforests. Cool temps slow, daylight/plants indirect.

36
Question 36 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

In a symbiotic relationship between a bird and a tree, the bird benefits by eating fruits while dispersing seeds, which is an example of

A. mutualism
B. commensalism
C. parasitism
D. predation
Explanation

Mutualism benefits both: bird gets food, tree seed dispersal. Commensalism one benefits, parasitism harms host, predation kills prey.

37
Question 37 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

In a typical food chain, the organism with the highest energy content is the

A. producer
B. primary consumer
C. secondary consumer
D. decomposer
Explanation

Producers capture maximum solar energy (~100%), with ~10% transfer per trophic level; consumers/decomposers receive less.

38
Question 38 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

Which of the following activities is against the conservation of natural resources?

A. Afforestation
B. Deforestation
C. Establishment of game reserve
D. Contour ploughing
Explanation

Deforestation destroys habitats/resources. Afforestation plants trees, reserves protect wildlife, contouring prevents erosion.

39
Question 39 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

The best practice for conserving forests is

A. selective logging
B. burning crop residues
C. overgrazing
D. illegal poaching
Explanation

Selective logging removes only mature trees, allowing regeneration. Burning/overgrazing/poaching degrade forests.

40
Question 40 of 40
WAEC · Biology · 2023

To promote conservation, governments should

A. enact and enforce anti-poaching laws
B. encourage illegal wildlife trade
C. ignore habitat destruction
D. promote excessive resource extraction
Explanation

Anti-poaching laws deter illegal hunting, protecting biodiversity. Others exacerbate depletion.

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