Biology past questions: JAMB UTME 2023

78 objective questions, with answers. Free to read and practise.

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78 questions, one at a time, marked as you go or at the end. No account needed.

1.
A biome characterized by hot summer, warm winter and treeless vegetation is
1. A.Steppe grasslands
2. B.Temperate deserts
3. C.Savannah grassland
4. D.Tropical deserts
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Answer: D Tropical deserts
2.
Behavioral adaptation for dealing with a hot climate could include
1. A.Hibernating during the hottest part of the day
2. B.Large scales on the back of a lizard
3. C.Feeding during the hottest part of the day
4. D.A small kidney to conserve water
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Answer: A Hibernating during the hottest part of the day
3.
Digestive enzymes are responsible for
1. A.Breaking down food into smaller molecules
2. B.Absorbing nutrients into the bloodstream
3. C.Regulating the pH of the digestive tract
4. D.Transporting food through the digestive system
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Answer: A Breaking down food into smaller molecules
4.
Ecological succession refers to
1. A.The movement of organisms from one habitat to another
2. B.The competition among species for limited resources
3. C.The process of natural selection in a population
4. D.The gradual and predictable change in a community over time
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Answer: D The gradual and predictable change in a community over time
5.
Germination is the process in which a seed
1. A.Begins to photosynthesize
2. B.Develops into a mature plant
3. C.Absorbs nutrients from the soil
4. D.Breaks dormancy and starts to grow
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Answer: D Breaks dormancy and starts to grow
6.
In monohybrid inheritance, if an organism carries two different alleles for a particular gene, it is called:
1. A.Homozygous
2. B.Dominant
3. C.Heterozygous
4. D.Recessive
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Answer: C Heterozygous
7.
Metamorphosis is a biological process that involves
1. A.The growth and development of an organism from a zygote to an adult
2. B.The change in form and structure during the life cycle of certain organisms
3. C.The regeneration of lost body parts in an organism
4. D.The transformation of an organism from an adult stage to a larval stage
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Answer: B The change in form and structure during the life cycle of certain organisms
8.
Most fishes do not sink in water because of the presences of: I. swim bladder II. air bladder III. air sacs IV. air in spongy bones
1. A.II and III are correct
2. B.I and II are correct
3. C.I, II, III and IV are correct
4. D.III and IV are correct
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Answer: B I and II are correct
9.
The alternate form of a gene is
1. A.Alternate type
2. B.Dominant character
3. C.Recessive character
4. D.Allele
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Answer: D Allele
10.
The membrane around the vacuole is known as
1. A.Elaioplast
2. B.Amyloplast
3. C.Tonoplast
4. D.Cytoplast
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Answer: C Tonoplast
11.
The natural place of an organism or community is known as
1. A.Niche
2. B.Habit
3. C.Biome
4. D.Habitat
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Answer: D Habitat
12.
The term cell was given by
1. A.Robert Hooke
2. B.Schwann
3. C.De Bary
4. D.Tatum
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Answer: A Robert Hooke
13.
The theory of evolution can be defined as
1. A.The belief that all species were created in their current form
2. B.The hypothesis that organisms strive to improve themselves over generations
3. C.The idea that species change over time through natural processes
4. D.The concept that evolution occurs through a series of sudden and dramatic changes
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Answer: C The idea that species change over time through natural processes
14.
Viviparity refers to the reproductive strategy in which
1. A.Offspring are produced by internal fertilization
2. B.Offspring are produced by external fertilization
3. C.Offspring develop and are nourished inside the female's body
4. D.Offspring develop and are nourished outside the female's body
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Answer: A Offspring are produced by internal fertilization
15.
What are the primary products of photosynthesis?
1. A.Carbon dioxide and water
2. B.Glucose and oxygen
3. C.Glucose and carbon dioxide
4. D.Oxygen and water
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Answer: B Glucose and oxygen
16.
What is autotrophic nutrition?
1. A.Nutrition in which organisms obtain food by breaking down complex organic compounds
2. B.Nutrition in which organisms obtain food from other organisms
3. C.Nutrition in which organisms obtain food by consuming both plants and animals
4. D.Nutrition in which organisms produce their own food using energy from the sun or inorganic substances
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Answer: D Nutrition in which organisms produce their own food using energy from the sun or inorganic substances
17.
What is the definition of population ecology?
1. A.The study of interactions between organisms and their physical environment
2. B.The study of evolutionary processes and their effects on populations
3. C.The study of interactions between different populations in an ecosystem
4. D.The study of the distribution and abundance of individuals within a species
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Answer: D The study of the distribution and abundance of individuals within a species
18.
What is the primary function of the liver in the human body?
1. A.Regulation of body temperature
2. B.Regulation of blood pressure
3. C.Production of hormones
4. D.Detoxification and metabolism of nutrients and drugs
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Answer: D Detoxification and metabolism of nutrients and drugs
19.
What is the primary source of variation in a population?
1. A.Gene flow
2. B.Mutation
3. C.Natural selection
4. D.Genetic drift
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Answer: B Mutation
20.
What is the term used to describe the maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can support indefinitely?
1. A.Ecological niche
2. B.Limiting factor
3. C.Carrying capacity
4. D.Density-dependent factor
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Answer: C Carrying capacity
21.
What is the tissue responsible for transporting water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant?
1. A.Xylem
2. B.Epidermis
3. C.Parenchyma
4. D.Phloem
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Answer: A Xylem
22.
Which component of blood is responsible for carrying oxygen to the body tissues?
1. A.Platelets
2. B.White blood cells
3. C.Red blood cells
4. D.Plasma
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Answer: C Red blood cells
23.
Which gland is responsible for producing the hormone insulin?
1. A.Thyroid gland
2. B.Pituitary gland
3. C.Pancreas
4. D.Adrenal gland
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Answer: C Pancreas
24.
Which of the following are components of the skeletal system in humans?
1. A.Cartilage and blood vessels
2. B.Ligaments and tendons
3. C.Muscles and nerves
4. D.Bones and joints
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Answer: C Muscles and nerves
25.
Which of the following best describes a natural habitat in ecology?
1. A.An area where organisms naturally live and interact with their surroundings
2. B.A human-created environment for wildlife conservation
3. C.A controlled laboratory setting for ecological experiments
4. D.A protected area for endangered species
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Answer: A An area where organisms naturally live and interact with their surroundings
26.
Which of the following best describes physiological variation in biology?
1. A.Variations in the physiological processes and functions of organisms
2. B.Differences in physical characteristics and appearance within a population
3. C.Differences in behavior and social interactions among individuals
4. D.Variations in the genetic makeup of individuals within a species
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Answer: A Variations in the physiological processes and functions of organisms
27.
Which of the following best describes the concept of trophic levels in a functioning ecosystem?
1. A.The levels of ecological interactions within an ecosystem
2. B.The levels of energy flow within an ecosystem
3. C.The levels of nutrient cycling within an ecosystem
4. D.The levels of biological diversity within an ecosystem
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Answer: B The levels of energy flow within an ecosystem
28.
Which of the following blood vessels carries oxygenated blood away from the heart?
1. A.Arteries
2. B.Venules
3. C.Capillaries
4. D.Veins
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Answer: A Arteries
29.
Which of the following characteristics is typical of the phylum Arthropoda?
1. A.Radial symmetry
2. B.Closed circulatory system
3. C.Endoskeleton made of bones
4. D.Presence of a segmented body
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Answer: A Radial symmetry
30.
Which of the following describes the inheritance of traits from parents to offspring?
1. A.Adaptation
2. B.Evolution
3. C.Natural selection
4. D.Genetics
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Answer: D Genetics
31.
Which of the following eye defects is caused by the inability of the eye to focus light on the retina?
1. A.Glaucoma
2. B.Myopia
3. C.Cataracts
4. D.Astigmatism
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Answer: B Myopia
32.
Which of the following factors primarily affects the distribution of organisms in an ecosystem
1. A.Wind speed
2. B.Soil pH
3. C.Temperature
4. D.Day length
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Answer: C Temperature
33.
Which of the following functions is performed by the skin to help maintain homeostasis in the human body?
1. A.Regulation of body temperature
2. B.Filtration of blood
3. C.Production of hormones
4. D.Digestion of food
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Answer: A Regulation of body temperature
34.
Which of the following is a characteristic feature of Kingdom Plantae?
1. A.Presence of chloroplasts
2. B.Ability to perform photosynthesis
3. C.Lack of cell walls
4. D.Heterotrophic mode of nutrition
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Answer: A Presence of chloroplasts
35.
Which of the following is a characteristic of cells related to irritability?
1. A.Ability to respond to stimuli
2. B.Ability to synthesize proteins
3. C.Ability to generate energy
4. D.Ability to replicate DNA
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Answer: C Ability to generate energy
36.
Which of the following is a difference between plant and animal cells?
1. A.Plant cells have a nucleus, while animal cells do not
2. B.Plant cells have a cell membrane, while animal cells have a cell wall
3. C.Plant cells contain chloroplasts for photosynthesis, while animal cells do not
4. D.Plant cells have a central vacuole, while animal cells have multiple small vacuoles
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Answer: C Plant cells contain chloroplasts for photosynthesis, while animal cells do not
37.
Which of the following is a male reproductive organ in humans?
1. A.Uterus
2. B.Ovary
3. C.Testis
4. D.Fallopian tube
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Answer: D Fallopian tube
38.
Which of the following is a method of asexual reproduction in plants?
1. A.Pollination
2. B.Vegetative propagation
3. C.Seed dispersal
4. D.Fertilization
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Answer: B Vegetative propagation
39.
Which of the following is a plant hormone responsible for promoting cell elongation and growth?
1. A.Abscisic acid
2. B.Gibberellins
3. C.Ethylene
4. D.Cytokinins
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Answer: B Gibberellins
40.
Which of the following is a primary source of pollution in aquatic ecosystems?
1. A.Soil erosion
2. B.Industrial discharge
3. C.Air pollution
4. D.Deforestation
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Answer: B Industrial discharge
41.
Which of the following is an evolutionary trend commonly observed in organisms?
1. A.Decreased complexity over time
2. B.Increased dependence on external resources
3. C.Increased genetic diversity within populations
4. D.Decreased adaptation to the environment
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Answer: C Increased genetic diversity within populations
42.
Which of the following is an example of a behavioral adaptation for survival in animals?
1. A.Sharp teeth
2. B.Migration
3. C.Wings
4. D.Camouflage
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Answer: B Migration
43.
Which of the following is an example of a microorganism in action as a disease vector?
1. A.Fungi decomposing dead plant material
2. B.Mosquito transmitting malaria
3. C.Bacteria causing food poisoning
4. D.Algae producing oxygen through photosynthesis
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Answer: B Mosquito transmitting malaria
44.
Which of the following is an example of an abiotic ecological factor?
1. A.Temperature
2. B.Competition
3. C.Predation
4. D.Symbiosis
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Answer: A Temperature
45.
Which of the following is an example of an adaptation for survival in social insects?
1. A.Migration to warmer climates
2. B.Production of venom for defense
3. C.Formation of complex caste systems
4. D.Hibernation during winter months
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Answer: C Formation of complex caste systems
46.
Which of the following is an example of conserving resources in an ecosystem
1. A.Excessive use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture
2. B.Introducing invasive species to an ecosystem
3. C.Implementing sustainable fishing practices
4. D.Cutting down trees for timber production
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Answer: C Implementing sustainable fishing practices
47.
Which of the following is an example of physiological variation in organisms?
1. A.Variation in blood pressure among individuals
2. B.Variation in beak shape among finches
3. C.Differences in fur color in rabbits
4. D.Variation in leaf shape in plants
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Answer: A Variation in blood pressure among individuals
48.
Which of the following is evidence of evolution?
1. A.All of the above
2. B.Similarities in embryonic development
3. C.Fossils of extinct organisms
4. D.Homologous structures in different species
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Answer: A All of the above
49.
Which of the following is NOT a method of reproduction in animals?
1. A.Asexual reproduction
2. B.Budding
3. C.Sexual reproduction
4. D.Sporulation
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Answer: A Asexual reproduction
50.
Which of the following is NOT a part of the alimentary canal?
1. A.Oesophagus
2. B.Large intestine
3. C.Liver
4. D.Small intestine
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Answer: C Liver
51.
Which of the following is the correct classification of carbohydrates?
1. A.Lipid
2. B.Phytonutrient
3. C.Macronutrient
4. D.Micronutrient
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Answer: C Macronutrient
52.
Which of the following is the most inclusive level of classification in the Linnaean system?
1. A.Kingdom
2. B.Phylum
3. C.Domain
4. D.Class
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Answer: A Kingdom
53.
Which of the following is the primary organ involved in gas exchange during respiration in humans?
1. A.Diaphragm
2. B.Bronchi
3. C.Lungs
4. D.Trachea
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Answer: C Lungs
54.
Which of the following mechanisms is responsible for providing support in plants?
1. A.Muscles and bones
2. B.Exoskeleton
3. C.Endocrine system
4. D.Cell walls and turgor pressure
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Answer: C Endocrine system
55.
Which of the following options best describes adaptation for survival in organisms?
1. A.Adaptation is the inherited trait that increases an organism's chances of survival and reproduction in its environment
2. B.Adaptation is the process by which organisms acquire new characteristics during their lifetime
3. C.Adaptation refers to the ability of an organism to change its environment to better suit its needs
4. D.Adaptation involves the development of new traits in response to changes in the environment
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Answer: D Adaptation involves the development of new traits in response to changes in the environment
56.
Which of the following options correctly identifies excretory organs in animals?
1. A.Stomach, intestines, and bladder
2. B.Lungs, kidneys, and skin
3. C.Brain, spinal cord, and nerves
4. D.Heart, liver, and spleen
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Answer: B Lungs, kidneys, and skin
57.
Which of the following organs is primarily responsible for excretion in humans?
1. A.Liver
2. B.Pancreas
3. C.Kidneys
4. D.Lungs
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Answer: D Lungs
58.
Which of the following plant tissues is responsible for transporting water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant?
1. A.Mesophyll
2. B.Xylem
3. C.Epidermis
4. D.Phloem
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Answer: B Xylem
59.
Which of the following processes is involved in the reproduction of developing organisms?
1. A.Budding
2. B.Germination
3. C.Fertilization
4. D.Pollination
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Answer: C Fertilization
60.
Which of the following represents an example of ecological management and conservation through a biological association?
1. A.Construction of a dam for hydroelectric power
2. B.Introduction of an invasive species for pest control
3. C.Clear-cutting of a forest for timber extraction
4. D.Establishment of marine protected areas
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Answer: D Establishment of marine protected areas
61.
Which of the following represents the correct hierarchical organization of life from the smallest to the largest scale?
1. A.Organs, tissues, cells, organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems
2. B.Cells, organs, tissues, organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems
3. C.Tissues, organs, cells, organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems
4. D.Cells, tissues, organs, organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems
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Answer: D Cells, tissues, organs, organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems
62.
Which of the following soil types becomes less fertile due to the intense leaching caused by tropical rains?
1. A.Yellow soil
2. B.Laterite soil
3. C.Red soils
4. D.Black soil
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Answer: B Laterite soil
63.
Which of the following statements about the heart is true?
1. A.The heart is responsible for the production of red blood cells
2. B.The heart pumps oxygenated blood to the lungs
3. C.The heart receives blood from the kidneys and filters waste products
4. D.The heart is a muscular organ that contracts to circulate blood throughout the body
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Answer: D The heart is a muscular organ that contracts to circulate blood throughout the body
64.
Which of the following statements about viruses is true?
1. A.Viruses can reproduce outside of a host cell
2. B.Viruses require a host cell to replicate
3. C.Viruses possess a cellular structure
4. D.Viruses are living organisms
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Answer: B Viruses require a host cell to replicate
65.
Which of the following statements best describes courtship behaviors in animals?
1. A.Courtship behaviors are solely performed by males to establish dominance within a social group
2. B.Courtship behaviors involve displays and rituals performed by both males and females to attract a mate
3. C.Courtship behaviors are primarily performed by females to attract males for mating
4. D.Courtship behaviors are aggressive interactions between males competing for a female mate
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Answer: B Courtship behaviors involve displays and rituals performed by both males and females to attract a mate
66.
Which of the following statements best describes pollination in plants?
1. A.Pollination is the process of transferring pollen from the stigma to the anther of a flower
2. B.Pollination is the process of transferring pollen from the anther to the stigma of a flower
3. C.Pollination is the process of releasing pollen into the air for dispersal
4. D.Pollination is the process of seed formation within a flower
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Answer: B Pollination is the process of transferring pollen from the anther to the stigma of a flower
67.
Which of the following statements best describes the role of competition in the process of adaptation?
1. A.Competition leads to the selection of individuals with favorable traits for survival and reproduction
2. B.Competition ensures equal distribution of resources among individuals in a population
3. C.Competition leads to the development of new traits and adaptations in a population
4. D.Competition reduces the need for adaptations as individuals coexist peacefully
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Answer: A Competition leads to the selection of individuals with favorable traits for survival and reproduction
68.
Which of the following statements is true about the kingdom Fungi?
1. A.Fungi obtain nutrients by absorbing organic matter
2. B.Fungi are photosynthetic organisms
3. C.Fungi are multicellular organisms
4. D.Fungi reproduce through the formation of seeds
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Answer: A Fungi obtain nutrients by absorbing organic matter
69.
Which of the following statements is true regarding cell growth?
1. A.Cell growth is solely influenced by external factors
2. B.Cell growth is a continuous process throughout the life of a cell
3. C.Cell growth involves an increase in the number of organelles within a cell
4. D.Cell growth occurs by cell division
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Answer: D Cell growth occurs by cell division
70.
Which of the following statements is true regarding sex-linked traits?
1. A.Sex-linked traits are located on the sex chromosomes
2. B.Sex-linked traits are inherited only from the mother
3. C.Sex-linked traits are more commonly observed in females
4. D.Sex-linked traits are not influenced by hormonal factors
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Answer: D Sex-linked traits are not influenced by hormonal factors
71.
Which of the following statements is true regarding sexual reproduction in organisms?
1. A.It involves the fusion of gametes from two parents, resulting in offspring with genetic variation
2. B.It involves the production of offspring through a single parent, resulting in genetically identical offspring
3. C.It is a form of asexual reproduction where offspring are produced without the involvement of gametes
4. D.It does not involve the formation of gametes or the fusion of reproductive cells
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Answer: A It involves the fusion of gametes from two parents, resulting in offspring with genetic variation
72.
Which of the following statements is true regarding the urinary tubule in the excretory system?
1. A.The urinary tubule is responsible for the production of urine
2. B.The urinary tubule regulates the water and electrolyte balance in the body
3. C.The urinary tubule connects the kidneys to the bladder
4. D.The urinary tubule is the site of filtration of blood
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Answer: A The urinary tubule is responsible for the production of urine
73.
Which of the following structures in the ear is responsible for transmitting sound vibrations to the auditory nerve?
1. A.Eardrum
2. B.Ossicles
3. C.Cochlea
4. D.Auditory canal
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Answer: C Cochlea
74.
Which of the following traits is not visible in a person with Down syndrome?
1. A.Short neck
2. B.High muscle tone
3. C.Small stature
4. D.Slant eyes
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Answer: B High muscle tone
75.
Which organs are part of the alimentary canal in the human digestive system?
1. A.Salivary glands, tongue, and pharynx
2. B.Large intestine, appendix, and rectum
3. C.Stomach, liver, and gallbladder
4. D.Oesophagus, pancreas, and small intestine
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Answer: B Large intestine, appendix, and rectum
76.
Which process in the nutrient cycle converts atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can utilize?
1. A.Denitrification
2. B.Nitrogen fixation
3. C.Ammonification
4. D.Nitrification
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Answer: B Nitrogen fixation
77.
Which processes are involved in nutrient cycling in a functioning ecosystem?
1. A.Erosion, weathering, and sedimentation
2. B.Decomposition, evaporation, and precipitation
3. C.Nitrogen fixation, denitrification, and ammonification
4. D.Respiration, photosynthesis, and transpiration
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Answer: C Nitrogen fixation, denitrification, and ammonification
78.
Which type of reproduction involves the fusion of gametes from two parents?
1. A.Sexual reproduction
2. B.Asexual reproduction
3. C.Binary fission
4. D.Budding
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Answer: C Binary fission

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