2026 WAEC GCE BIOLOGY
Questions and Answers | Objective and Essay Exam Guide
Set by the Examiner — Original Model Practice Paper
Prepare confidently for the 2026 WAEC GCE Biology examination with this original practice guide. This exam guide contains 60 carefully written objective questions covering cell biology, classification, nutrition, respiration, transport, excretion, reproduction, genetics, ecology, coordination and the nervous system, and growth and variation, alongside 5 detailed essay questions with fully worked model answers and a complete marking guide. Designed strictly to reflect the current WAEC GCE Biology syllabus format and standard, this is an original practice resource for self-study and revision and is not an actual past or leaked WAEC question paper.
Instructions to Candidates
1. This paper consists of two sections: Section A (Objective) and Section B (Essay).
2. Section A contains 60 objective questions. Answer ALL questions in this section.
3. Section B contains 5 essay questions. Answer as instructed by your teacher or invigilator (typically 4 out of 5).
4. Diagrams should be well-labelled where required, drawn in pencil, and should occupy at least half a page.
5. Time allowed: 2 hours 40 minutes (practice paper — adjust to your own revision schedule).
6. This is an original practice examination created strictly for revision purposes based on the general structure of the WAEC GCE Biology syllabus. It does not reproduce, predict, or represent any actual WAEC question paper.
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SECTION A: OBJECTIVE TEST (60 Questions)
1. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of living things?
(A) Growth
(B) Reproduction
(C) Rusting
(D) Respiration
2. The ability of an organism to respond to changes in its environment is called
(A) nutrition
(B) irritability (sensitivity)
(C) excretion
(D) respiration
3. The process by which living organisms produce young ones of their kind is called
(A) growth
(B) reproduction
(C) respiration
(D) excretion
4. The permanent increase in size and dry weight of an organism is known as
(A) growth
(B) reproduction
(C) excretion
(D) irritability
5. The removal of metabolic waste products from the body of an organism is called
(A) nutrition
(B) excretion
(C) respiration
(D) growth
6. The basic structural and functional unit of living organisms is the
(A) tissue
(B) cell
(C) organ
(D) organ system
7. Which of the following organelles is known as the “powerhouse of the cell”?
(A) Nucleus
(B) Mitochondrion
(C) Ribosome
(D) Golgi apparatus
8. The organelle that controls the activities of the cell and contains genetic material is the
(A) nucleus
(B) mitochondrion
(C) cell membrane
(D) vacuole
9. Which of the following is present in a plant cell but absent in an animal cell?
(A) Nucleus
(B) Cell wall
(C) Mitochondrion
(D) Cytoplasm
10. The site of photosynthesis in a plant cell is the
(A) mitochondrion
(B) chloroplast
(C) nucleus
(D) ribosome
11. The cell structure that regulates the movement of substances into and out of the cell is the
(A) cell wall
(B) cell membrane
(C) nucleus
(D) vacuole
12. A group of similar cells performing the same function is called a
(A) tissue
(B) organ
(C) organ system
(D) organism
13. Ribosomes in a cell are mainly responsible for
(A) protein synthesis
(B) energy production
(C) water storage
(D) photosynthesis
14. The branch of biology concerned with the classification of living organisms is called
(A) ecology
(B) taxonomy
(C) genetics
(D) physiology
15. The basic unit of classification of living organisms is the
(A) kingdom
(B) species
(C) family
(D) phylum
16. Which of the following kingdoms includes organisms that are mostly unicellular and lack a true nucleus?
(A) Animalia
(B) Plantae
(C) Monera (Bacteria)
(D) Fungi
17. Organisms that can manufacture their own food using sunlight are called
(A) heterotrophs
(B) autotrophs
(C) saprophytes
(D) parasites
18. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of members of the class Insecta?
(A) Three pairs of jointed legs and a body divided into head, thorax and abdomen
(B) Eight legs and two body parts
(C) A single pair of legs and no wings
(D) A soft unsegmented body with no legs
19. The process by which green plants manufacture their own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide and water is called
(A) respiration
(B) photosynthesis
(C) transpiration
(D) excretion
20. The green pigment found in plant cells that traps light energy for photosynthesis is
(A) haemoglobin
(B) chlorophyll
(C) melanin
(D) carotene
21. Which of the following food substances is mainly required by the body for energy?
(A) Protein
(B) Carbohydrate
(C) Vitamin
22. Which food nutrient is mainly needed for growth and repair of body tissues?
(A) Carbohydrate
(B) Protein
(C) Fat
(D) Water
23. The first major site of protein digestion in the human alimentary canal is the
(A) mouth
(B) stomach
(C) small intestine
(D) large intestine
24. The organ that produces bile for the digestion and emulsification of fats is the
(A) pancreas
(B) liver
(C) stomach
(D) gall bladder
25. The process by which living organisms break down food substances to release energy is called
(A) photosynthesis
(B) respiration
(C) excretion
(D) digestion
26. The main gas required by organisms for aerobic respiration is
(A) carbon dioxide
(B) oxygen
(C) nitrogen
(D) hydrogen
27. Respiration that occurs in the absence of oxygen is called
(A) aerobic respiration
(B) anaerobic respiration
(C) photosynthesis
(D) transpiration
28. In human beings, gaseous exchange mainly occurs in the
(A) trachea
(B) alveoli of the lungs
(C) bronchus
(D) diaphragm
29. The tissue in plants responsible for the transport of water and mineral salts from the roots to other parts is the
(A) phloem
(B) xylem
(C) cambium
(D) epidermis
30. The tissue in plants responsible for the transport of manufactured food (sugars) is the
(A) xylem
(B) phloem
(C) cortex
(D) pith
31. The chamber of the human heart that receives oxygenated blood from the lungs is the
(A) right atrium
(B) left atrium
(C) right ventricle
(D) left ventricle
32. Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart are called
(A) veins
(B) arteries
(C) capillaries
(D) lymph vessels
33. The fluid part of the blood, in which blood cells are suspended, is called
(A) plasma
(B) platelets
(C) haemoglobin
(D) lymph
34. The main excretory organ responsible for removing nitrogenous waste from the human body is the
(A) liver
(B) kidney
(C) lung
(D) skin
35. The functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtration of blood is the
(A) neuron
(B) nephron
(C) alveolus
(D) villus
36. The main nitrogenous waste product excreted in urine by humans is
(A) glucose
(B) urea
(C) starch
(D) oxygen
37. Which organ, in addition to producing sweat for excretion, also helps to regulate body temperature?
(A) Kidney
(B) Skin
(C) Lung
(D) Liver
38. Reproduction that involves the fusion of male and female gametes is called
(A) asexual reproduction
(B) sexual reproduction
(C) vegetative propagation
(D) budding
39. Reproduction that does not involve the fusion of gametes and produces offspring identical to the parent is called
(A) sexual reproduction
(B) asexual reproduction
(C) fertilization
(D) pollination
40. The male reproductive part of a flower is called the
(A) pistil
(B) stamen
(C) sepal
(D) petal
41. The female reproductive part of a flower is called the
(A) stamen
(B) anther
(C) pistil (carpel)
(D) filament
42. The transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma of a flower is called
(A) fertilization
(B) pollination
(C) germination
(D) photosynthesis
43. The male reproductive organs in humans that produce sperm cells are the
(A) ovaries
(B) testes
(C) kidneys
(D) adrenal glands
44. The branch of biology that deals with heredity and variation in living organisms is called
(A) ecology
(B) genetics
(C) taxonomy
(D) physiology
45. The structures in the nucleus of a cell that carry hereditary information are called
(A) ribosomes
(B) chromosomes
(C) mitochondria
(D) vacuoles
46. A segment of a chromosome that codes for a particular characteristic is called a
(A) gene
(B) cell
(C) tissue
(D) allele
47. An organism that has two identical alleles for a particular trait is said to be
(A) heterozygous
(B) homozygous
(C) hybrid
(D) recessive
48. In genetics, an allele that expresses itself in the presence of a contrasting allele is called the
(A) recessive allele
(B) dominant allele
(C) mutant allele
(D) carrier allele
49. The branch of biology that studies the relationship between living organisms and their environment is called
(A) genetics
(B) ecology
(C) taxonomy
(D) physiology
50. A community of living organisms interacting with each other and with their non-living environment is called
(A) a population
(B) an ecosystem
(C) a habitat
(D) a species
51. Organisms that manufacture their own food and form the first step in a food chain are called
(A) producers
(B) primary consumers
(C) decomposers
(D) secondary consumers
52. Organisms that feed directly on producers (green plants) are called
(A) decomposers
(B) primary consumers
(C) secondary consumers
(D) tertiary consumers
53. Organisms that break down dead organic matter and return nutrients to the soil are called
(A) producers
(B) primary consumers
(C) decomposers
(D) predators
54. A sequence showing the flow of energy from producers through a series of organisms, each feeding on the one before, is called a
(A) food web
(B) food chain
(C) ecological pyramid
(D) population
55. The basic functional unit of the nervous system is the
(A) neuron
(B) nephron
(C) axon
(D) synapse
56. The part of the human brain responsible for coordinating balance and muscular movement is the
(A) cerebrum
(B) cerebellum
(C) medulla oblongata
(D) spinal cord
57. A quick, automatic response to a stimulus, not requiring conscious thought, is called a
(A) reflex action
(B) voluntary action
(C) respiration
(D) excretion
58. Chemical messengers secreted directly into the bloodstream by endocrine glands are called
(A) enzymes
(B) hormones
(C) vitamins
(D) antibodies
59. Differences that exist among individuals of the same species are referred to as
(A) mutation
(B) variation
(C) adaptation
(D) extinction
60. The gradual change in the characteristics of a species over successive generations is called
(A) variation
(B) evolution
(C) classification
(D) reproduction
SECTION A: ANSWER KEY
| Q | Ans | Q | Ans | Q | Ans | Q | Ans | Q | Ans | Q | Ans |
| 1 | C | 11 | B | 21 | B | 31 | B | 41 | C | 51 | A |
| 2 | B | 12 | A | 22 | B | 32 | B | 42 | B | 52 | B |
| 3 | B | 13 | A | 23 | B | 33 | A | 43 | B | 53 | C |
| 4 | A | 14 | B | 24 | B | 34 | B | 44 | B | 54 | B |
| 5 | B | 15 | B | 25 | B | 35 | B | 45 | B | 55 | A |
| 6 | B | 16 | C | 26 | B | 36 | B | 46 | A | 56 | B |
| 7 | B | 17 | B | 27 | B | 37 | B | 47 | B | 57 | A |
| 8 | A | 18 | A | 28 | B | 38 | B | 48 | B | 58 | B |
| 9 | B | 19 | B | 29 | B | 39 | B | 49 | B | 59 | B |
| 10 | B | 20 | B | 30 | B | 40 | B | 50 | B | 60 | B |
SECTION B: ESSAY QUESTIONS AND MODEL ANSWERS
Question 1: The Cell
(a) Define a cell. (2 marks)
(b) With the aid of a well-labelled diagram, describe the structure of a typical plant cell. (10 marks)
(c) State four differences between a plant cell and an animal cell. (8 marks)
Model Answer / Marking Guide:
(a) A cell is the smallest structural and functional unit of a living organism, capable of carrying out all the basic processes of life.
(b) A typical plant cell consists of the following main parts: a rigid cell wall made of cellulose surrounding the cell for support and protection; a cell membrane just inside the cell wall, controlling the movement of substances in and out of the cell; the cytoplasm, a jelly-like substance in which organelles are suspended and chemical reactions occur; a large nucleus containing chromosomes, which controls the cell’s activities; chloroplasts containing chlorophyll, the site of photosynthesis; mitochondria, the site of respiration and energy release; and a large, permanent vacuole containing cell sap, which helps maintain the cell’s turgidity. (Candidates should draw and correctly label a diagram showing these parts.)
(c) Four differences between a plant cell and an animal cell:
- A plant cell has a cell wall made of cellulose, while an animal cell has no cell wall, only a cell membrane.
- A plant cell usually has a large, permanent central vacuole, while an animal cell, if present, has small and temporary vacuoles.
- A plant cell contains chloroplasts for photosynthesis, while an animal cell has no chloroplasts.
- A plant cell is generally fixed and regular in shape due to the cell wall, while an animal cell is often irregular in shape and can change form.
Allocation: Correct definition (2 marks); correctly labelled diagram with at least five correct parts (10 marks); each valid, correctly explained difference (2 marks each, up to 8 marks).
Question 2: Nutrition in Plants and Animals
(a) Define photosynthesis and write the word equation for the process. (6 marks)
(b) State four conditions necessary for photosynthesis to take place. (8 marks)
(c) Distinguish between autotrophic and heterotrophic nutrition, giving one example of each. (6 marks)
Model Answer / Marking Guide:
(a) Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants manufacture their own food (glucose) using carbon dioxide and water, in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll, releasing oxygen as a by-product. Word equation: Carbon dioxide + Water, in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll, yields Glucose + Oxygen.
(b) Four conditions necessary for photosynthesis:
- Presence of sunlight (light energy)
- Presence of chlorophyll in the plant cells
- Availability of carbon dioxide
- Availability of water
(c) Autotrophic nutrition is the mode of feeding in which an organism manufactures its own food from simple inorganic substances, usually using light energy, as seen in green plants such as maize. Heterotrophic nutrition is the mode of feeding in which an organism cannot manufacture its own food and must obtain organic food by consuming other organisms, as seen in animals such as goats.
Allocation: Correct definition (3 marks) and correct word equation (3 marks); each valid condition (2 marks each, up to 8 marks); correct distinction with one valid example for each mode (3 marks each, up to 6 marks).
Question 3: The Human Circulatory System
(a) State the functions of the following components of blood: (i) red blood cells (ii) white blood cells (iii) platelets (iv) plasma. (12 marks)
(b) Distinguish between an artery and a vein, stating two differences. (8 marks)
Model Answer / Marking Guide:
(a)(i) Red blood cells contain haemoglobin, which combines with oxygen to transport it from the lungs to body tissues.
(ii) White blood cells help to defend the body against infection by destroying disease-causing micro-organisms and producing antibodies.
(iii) Platelets are involved in the clotting of blood at the site of a wound, preventing excessive loss of blood.
(iv) Plasma is the liquid part of blood that transports dissolved substances such as digested food, hormones, and waste products around the body.
(b) Two differences between an artery and a vein: An artery carries blood away from the heart, usually under high pressure, and has thick, elastic, muscular walls, while a vein carries blood towards the heart, usually under low pressure, and has thinner walls. Additionally, veins possess valves at intervals to prevent the backflow of blood, while arteries generally do not have valves.
Allocation: Each correctly stated function (3 marks each = 12 marks); each valid, clearly explained difference (4 marks each, up to 8 marks).
Question 4: Reproduction in Flowering Plants
(a) With the aid of a labelled diagram, describe the parts of a typical insect-pollinated flower. (10 marks)
(b) Distinguish between self-pollination and cross-pollination. (6 marks)
(c) State two agents of pollination. (4 marks)
Model Answer / Marking Guide:
(a) A typical flower consists of the following parts: the sepals, which are usually green and protect the flower bud before it opens; the petals, which are often brightly coloured to attract pollinators; the stamens (the male part), each consisting of an anther that produces pollen grains, supported by a filament; and the pistil or carpel (the female part), consisting of the stigma, which receives pollen, the style, and the ovary, which contains ovules. (Candidates should draw and correctly label a diagram showing these parts.)
(b) Self-pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther of a flower to the stigma of the same flower or another flower on the same plant. Cross-pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther of a flower to the stigma of a different flower on a different but same species of plant.
(c) Two agents of pollination: Insects (such as bees and butterflies), and wind. (Other valid agents include water, birds, and other animals.)
Allocation: Correctly labelled diagram with at least five correct parts (10 marks); correct distinction between self- and cross-pollination (3 marks each = 6 marks); each valid agent of pollination correctly stated (2 marks each, up to 4 marks).
Question 5: Ecology and the Ecosystem
(a) Define the following ecological terms: (i) habitat (ii) population (iii) ecosystem (iv) food chain. (12 marks)
(b) Using a suitable example, construct a simple food chain consisting of four organisms, and identify the trophic level of each organism. (8 marks)
Model Answer / Marking Guide:
(a)(i) A habitat is the natural home or environment in which a particular organism lives.
(ii) A population refers to all the individuals of the same species living together in a particular habitat at a given time.
(iii) An ecosystem is a community of different living organisms interacting with each other and with their non-living (physical) environment.
(iv) A food chain is a sequence showing the transfer of energy from one organism to another, starting with a producer and moving through a series of consumers.
(b) Example of a food chain: Grass leads to Grasshopper leads to Frog leads to Snake. Grass is the producer (first trophic level); the grasshopper is the primary consumer (second trophic level), feeding on the grass; the frog is the secondary consumer (third trophic level), feeding on the grasshopper; and the snake is the tertiary consumer (fourth trophic level), feeding on the frog.
Allocation: Each correctly defined term (3 marks each = 12 marks); correctly constructed food chain with four organisms (4 marks); correct identification of each organism’s trophic level (1 mark each, up to 4 marks).
OVERALL MARKING GUIDE SUMMARY
| Section | Content | Marks |
| Section A | 60 Objective (Multiple Choice) Questions at 1 mark each | 60 |
| Section B | 5 Essay Questions at 20 marks each (answer any 4, or as specified by the examiner) | 80 (max obtainable if all attempted, subject to instructions) |
| Total | Combined Theory and Objective Paper | 100 (typical scaled total) |
Disclaimer: This is a 100% original practice examination prepared strictly in line with the general structure and scope of the current WAEC GCE Biology syllabus. It is intended solely for revision and self-assessment purposes. It does not reproduce, predict, or claim to represent any actual past or upcoming WAEC GCE examination paper.
Continue visiting EDUJECTS.com for verified examination updates, revision guides, past question analysis, and study materials throughout the 2026 examination season.
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