Instructions: Answer all questions. Choose the option that best answers each question.
1.
Biology is the study of
A. Matter
B. Living organisms
C. Energy
D. Environment
Answer: B
2.
The basic unit of life is
A. Tissue
B. Organ
C. Cell
D. Organism
Answer: C
3.
The organelle responsible for respiration is
A. Ribosome
B. Nucleus
C. Mitochondrion
D. Vacuole
Answer: C
4.
The green pigment in plants is
A. Haemoglobin
B. Chlorophyll
C. Carotene
D. Cytoplasm
Answer: B
5.
Photosynthesis occurs mainly in the
A. Root
B. Stem
C. Leaf
D. Flower
Answer: C
6.
The process by which green plants manufacture food is called
A. Respiration
B. Digestion
C. Photosynthesis
D. Excretion
Answer: C
7.
The movement of water molecules from a region of high concentration to low concentration through a semi-permeable membrane is
A. Diffusion
B. Osmosis
C. Active transport
D. Translocation
Answer: B
8.
The functional unit of the kidney is
A. Neuron
B. Nephron
C. Alveolus
D. Villus
Answer: B
9.
Blood is classified as a
A. Muscle tissue
B. Connective tissue
C. Epithelial tissue
D. Nervous tissue
Answer: B
2026 NECO Biology Objective and Essay Questions and Answers
10.
The liquid part of blood is
A. Serum
B. Plasma
C. Platelet
D. Lymph
Answer: B
11.
Which blood group is called the universal donor?
A. A
B. B
C. AB
D. O
Answer: D
12.
Which blood group is the universal recipient?
A. O
B. A
C. B
D. AB
Answer: D
13.
The largest chamber of the human heart is the
A. Right atrium
B. Left atrium
C. Left ventricle
D. Right ventricle
Answer: C
14.
The site of gaseous exchange in humans is the
A. Bronchi
B. Trachea
C. Alveoli
D. Larynx
Answer: C
15.
The process by which organisms maintain a stable internal environment is
A. Reproduction
B. Homeostasis
C. Adaptation
D. Growth
Answer: B
16.
Which of the following is not a characteristic of living things?
A. Respiration
B. Growth
C. Photosynthesis
D. Reproduction
Answer: C
17.
The transfer of pollen grains from anther to stigma is
A. Fertilization
B. Pollination
C. Germination
D. Budding
Answer: B
18.
The male reproductive organ of a flower is
A. Pistil
B. Ovary
C. Stamen
D. Style
Answer: C
19.
The female reproductive organ of a flower is
A. Pistil
B. Filament
C. Anther
D. Petal
Answer: A
20.
Fertilization in flowering plants occurs in the
A. Anther
B. Ovary
C. Sepal
D. Stigma
Answer: B
21.
Which of the following is an example of a monocotyledon?
A. Bean
B. Groundnut
C. Maize
D. Cowpea
Answer: C
22.
The process of cell division that produces identical daughter cells is
A. Meiosis
B. Mitosis
C. Budding
D. Binary fission
Answer: B
23.
Cell division that produces gametes is
A. Mitosis
B. Fragmentation
C. Meiosis
D. Budding
Answer: C
2026 NECO Biology Objective and Essay Questions and Answers
24.
The chromosome number in human body cells is
A. 23
B. 46
C. 44
D. 92
Answer: B
25.
The chromosome number in human gametes is
A. 46
B. 23
C. 44
D. 48
Answer: B
26.
The scientist regarded as the Father of Genetics is
A. Darwin
B. Mendel
C. Lamarck
D. Pasteur
Answer: B
27.
A sudden change in genetic material is called
A. Adaptation
B. Evolution
C. Mutation
D. Variation
Answer: C
28.
The sex chromosomes in human females are
A. XY
B. YY
C. XX
D. XO
Answer: C
29.
The sex chromosomes in human males are
A. XX
B. XY
C. YY
D. XO
Answer: B
30.
The process by which organisms produce offspring is
A. Respiration
B. Reproduction
C. Nutrition
D. Excretion
Answer: B
31.
The specific role played by an organism in its habitat is known as
A. Habitat
B. Ecological niche
C. Community
D. Population
Answer: B
32.
Green plants are referred to as producers because they
A. Manufacture their own food
B. Feed on animals
C. Decompose organic matter
D. Consume other plants
Answer: A
33.
Primary consumers in a food chain are
A. Carnivores
B. Omnivores
C. Herbivores
D. Decomposers
Answer: C
34.
A typical food chain begins with
A. Consumers
B. Decomposers
C. Carnivores
D. Producers
Answer: D
35.
The ultimate source of energy in an ecosystem is
A. The Sun
B. Water
C. Soil
D. Wind
Answer: A
36.
Which of the following organisms is a decomposer?
A. Goat
B. Mushroom
C. Grasshopper
D. Fish
Answer: B
37.
Malaria is caused by
A. Virus
B. Bacterium
C. Plasmodium
D. Fungus
Answer: C
38.
The vector responsible for transmitting malaria is
A. Housefly
B. Tsetse fly
C. Cockroach
D. Female Anopheles mosquito
Answer: D
39.
Tuberculosis is caused by
A. Mycobacterium tuberculosis
B. Vibrio cholerae
C. Salmonella typhi
D. HIV
Answer: A
40.
The disease caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus is
A. Malaria
B. AIDS
C. Tuberculosis
D. Cholera
Answer: B
41.
Deficiency of Vitamin C causes
A. Rickets
B. Beriberi
C. Scurvy
D. Kwashiorkor
Answer: C
42.
Deficiency of Vitamin D leads to
A. Goitre
B. Anaemia
C. Night blindness
D. Rickets
Answer: D
43.
A disease resulting from protein deficiency is
A. Kwashiorkor
B. Scurvy
C. Goitre
D. Beriberi
Answer: A
44.
Kwashiorkor commonly affects
A. Elderly people
B. Young children
C. Adults only
D. Pregnant women
Answer: B
45.
A balanced diet is one that contains
A. Carbohydrates only
B. Proteins and fats only
C. All nutrients in correct proportions
D. Vitamins only
Answer: C
46.
The largest part of the human brain is the
A. Cerebellum
B. Medulla oblongata
C. Pons
D. Cerebrum
Answer: D
2026 NECO Biology Objective and Essay Questions and Answers
47.
The central nervous system consists of the
A. Brain and spinal cord
B. Brain and nerves
C. Nerves and receptors
D. Receptors and spinal cord
Answer: A
48.
A reflex action is mainly controlled by the
A. Cerebrum
B. Spinal cord
C. Cerebellum
D. Hypothalamus
Answer: B
49.
The image formed by the eye is focused on the
A. Cornea
B. Iris
C. Retina
D. Lens
Answer: C
50.
Short-sightedness is scientifically known as
A. Hypermetropia
B. Astigmatism
C. Presbyopia
D. Myopia
Answer: D
51.
The hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar level is
A. Adrenaline
B. Thyroxine
C. Insulin
D. Oestrogen
Answer: C
52.
Adrenaline is secreted by the
A. Thyroid gland
B. Adrenal gland
C. Pituitary gland
D. Pancreas
Answer: B
53.
Evolution is best described as
A. Sudden creation of species
B. Growth of organisms
C. Gradual change in organisms over time
D. Reproduction
Answer: C
54.
The theory of natural selection was proposed by
A. Gregor Mendel
B. Louis Pasteur
C. Robert Hooke
D. Charles Darwin
Answer: D
55.
An adaptation that helps desert plants survive is
A. Reduced leaves or spines
B. Large soft leaves
C. Thin cuticle
D. Shallow roots only
Answer: A
56.
An organism that lives on or inside another organism and derives nourishment from it is called a
A. Producer
B. Parasite
C. Consumer
D. Saprophyte
Answer: B
57.
A relationship in which both organisms benefit is known as
A. Parasitism
B. Commensalism
C. Mutualism
D. Predation
Answer: C
58.
A relationship where one organism benefits and the other is neither harmed nor benefited is
A. Mutualism
B. Parasitism
C. Predation
D. Commensalism
Answer: D
59.
Conservation of natural resources is important because it
A. Prevents extinction of species
B. Encourages pollution
C. Reduces biodiversity
D. Increases deforestation
Answer: A
60.
Biodiversity refers to
A. Number of humans in a habitat
B. Variety of living organisms in an environment
C. Number of plants only
D. Number of animals only
Answer: B
2026 NECO Biology Objective and Essay Questions and Answers
Paper II
Essay Questions and Answers
Question 1
Explain the structure of a typical plant cell and describe the functions of its major organelles.
Answer
The plant cell is the basic structural and functional unit of plant life. It is enclosed by a rigid cell wall made mainly of cellulose and contains living protoplasm. Plant cells possess several organelles, each performing specialized functions necessary for survival.
The cell wall provides support, protection, and shape. It prevents excessive water absorption and mechanical damage.
The cell membrane regulates the movement of substances into and out of the cell. It is selectively permeable.
The nucleus serves as the control center of the cell. It contains chromosomes and genetic information responsible for heredity and cell activities.
The cytoplasm is a jelly-like medium where metabolic reactions occur and organelles are suspended.
The chloroplast contains chlorophyll and is responsible for photosynthesis, enabling plants to manufacture food from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.
The vacuole stores water, food materials, pigments, and waste products. It helps maintain cell turgidity.
The mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell because they release energy through cellular respiration.
Ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis.
Plant cells are uniquely adapted for photosynthesis and structural support, making them different from animal cells.
Question 2
Describe the process of photosynthesis and discuss its importance to living organisms.
Answer
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants manufacture carbohydrates using carbon dioxide, water, sunlight, and chlorophyll.
The process occurs mainly in the chloroplasts of green leaves. During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide enters through stomata while water is absorbed by roots and transported to leaves through xylem vessels.
Sunlight energy absorbed by chlorophyll drives chemical reactions that convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
Importance of photosynthesis includes:
- Production of food for plants and animals.
- Release of oxygen necessary for respiration.
- Removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- Maintenance of ecological balance.
- Formation of fossil fuels over geological periods.
- Foundation of all food chains and food webs.
Without photosynthesis, life on Earth would not exist because there would be neither food nor sufficient oxygen.
Question 3
Discuss the human circulatory system and explain the functions of blood.
Answer
The circulatory system consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood. It transports materials throughout the body.
The heart is a muscular organ divided into four chambers: right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, and left ventricle.
Blood vessels include arteries, veins, and capillaries.
Blood performs numerous functions:
Transportation
Blood carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues and returns carbon dioxide to the lungs.
Nutrient Distribution
It transports digested food substances to body cells.
Waste Removal
It carries metabolic wastes to excretory organs.
Defense
White blood cells protect the body against diseases.
Clotting
Platelets help stop bleeding.
Regulation
Blood helps maintain body temperature and pH balance.
The circulatory system is essential for survival because it ensures that all body tissues receive necessary nutrients and oxygen.
2026 NECO Biology Objective and Essay Questions and Answers
Question 4
Explain meiosis and state its significance in living organisms.
Answer
Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that reduces chromosome number by half and produces gametes.
Meiosis occurs in reproductive organs such as testes and ovaries.
The process involves two successive divisions:
Meiosis I
Homologous chromosomes pair and separate.
Meiosis II
Sister chromatids separate.
The final result is four haploid daughter cells.
Significance of meiosis:
- Maintains constant chromosome number.
- Produces gametes.
- Introduces genetic variation.
- Promotes evolution.
- Supports sexual reproduction.
Meiosis is one of the most important biological processes responsible for diversity among organisms.
Question 5
Explain the various ecological relationships among organisms with suitable examples.
Answer
Ecological relationships refer to interactions between organisms living in the same environment.
Mutualism
Example: Rhizobium bacteria and leguminous plants.
Commensalism
One organism benefits while the other is unaffected.
Example: Remora fish and shark.
Parasitism
One organism benefits while the other is harmed.
Example: Tapeworm in humans.
Predation
One organism kills and feeds on another.
Example: Lion and antelope.
Competition
Organisms struggle for limited resources.
Example: Plants competing for sunlight.
These relationships influence population size, ecosystem stability, and biodiversity.
Question 6
Discuss the digestive system in humans and explain the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Answer
The digestive system consists of the alimentary canal and associated glands.
Food passes through the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.
Digestion of Carbohydrates
Begins in the mouth with salivary amylase converting starch into maltose.
Further digestion occurs in the small intestine until glucose is formed.
Digestion of Proteins
Begins in the stomach where pepsin breaks proteins into peptides.
Further digestion occurs in the small intestine producing amino acids.
Digestion of Fats
Bile emulsifies fats into smaller droplets.
Lipase converts fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
Digested nutrients are absorbed through villi in the small intestine into the bloodstream.
The digestive system ensures that nutrients become available for growth, repair, and energy production.
Question 7
Explain inheritance and discuss Mendel’s laws of heredity.
Answer
Inheritance is the transmission of characteristics from parents to offspring through genes.
Gregor Mendel conducted experiments using pea plants and formulated laws of heredity.
Law of Segregation
Alleles separate during gamete formation so each gamete receives only one allele.
Law of Independent Assortment
Different gene pairs assort independently during gamete formation.
Importance of Mendel’s Laws:
- Explain inheritance patterns.
- Help predict offspring characteristics.
- Form the foundation of modern genetics.
- Aid plant and animal breeding programs.
- Assist in genetic counseling.
Modern genetics continues to build upon Mendel’s discoveries.
Question 8
Discuss environmental conservation and explain measures for preserving biodiversity.
Answer
Environmental conservation refers to the protection and sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems.
Biodiversity includes the variety of plants, animals, microorganisms, and ecosystems.
Threats to biodiversity include:
- Deforestation.
- Pollution.
- Climate change.
- Overgrazing.
- Bush burning.
- Overhunting.
- Urbanization.
Measures for conservation:
Establishment of National Parks
Protected areas safeguard wildlife.
Afforestation
Planting trees replaces lost forests.
Environmental Education
Creates public awareness.
Pollution Control
Reduces environmental degradation.
Sustainable Agriculture
Prevents habitat destruction.
Enforcement of Conservation Laws
Discourages illegal exploitation of resources.
Wildlife Management
Protects endangered species.
Conservation ensures ecological stability, food security, scientific research opportunities, and sustainable development for future generations.
