JAMB Biology Past Questions 2023
10 questions from the JAMB 2023 Biology paper, with answers and explanations. Tap "Show answer" under each one when you are ready.
JAMB 2023Question 1 · Animal Biology and Comparative Physiology
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
- A.II and III are correct
- B.I and II are correct
- C.I, II, III and IV are correct
- D.III and IV are correct
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Answer: B. I and II are correct
Fishes stay afloat mainly due to a swim bladder (also called an air bladder) — I and II describe the same structure.
JAMB 2023Question 2 · Cell Biology and Biochemistry
Digestive enzymes are responsible for
- A.Breaking down food into smaller molecules
- B.Absorbing nutrients into the bloodstream
- C.Regulating the pH of the digestive tract
- D.Transporting food through the digestive system
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Answer: A. Breaking down food into smaller molecules
Digestive enzymes break down food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the body.
JAMB 2023Question 3 · Ecology and Environment
Which of the following represents an example of ecological management and conservation through a biological association?
- A.Construction of a dam for hydroelectric power
- B.Introduction of an invasive species for pest control
- C.Clear-cutting of a forest for timber extraction
- D.Establishment of marine protected areas
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Answer: D. Establishment of marine protected areas
Establishment of marine protected areas is an example of ecological management and conservation.
JAMB 2023Question 4 · Ecology and Environment
What is the definition of population ecology?
- A.The study of interactions between organisms and their physical environment
- B.The study of evolutionary processes and their effects on populations
- C.The study of interactions between different populations in an ecosystem
- 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
Population ecology is the study of the distribution and abundance of individuals within a species.
JAMB 2023Question 5 · Ecology and Environment
Which of the following best describes the concept of trophic levels in a functioning ecosystem?
- A.The levels of ecological interactions within an ecosystem
- B.The levels of energy flow within an ecosystem
- C.The levels of nutrient cycling within an ecosystem
- D.The levels of biological diversity within an ecosystem
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Answer: B. The levels of energy flow within an ecosystem
Trophic levels describe the levels of energy flow within a functioning ecosystem, from producers to various consumers.
JAMB 2023Question 6 · Genetics and Evolution
The theory of evolution can be defined as
- A.The belief that all species were created in their current form
- B.The hypothesis that organisms strive to improve themselves over generations
- C.The idea that species change over time through natural processes
- 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
The theory of evolution describes the idea that species change over time through natural processes.
JAMB 2023Question 7 · Mammalian Physiology and Anatomy
Which of the following is NOT a part of the alimentary canal?
- A.Oesophagus
- B.Large intestine
- C.Liver
- D.Small intestine
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Answer: C. Liver
The liver is an accessory digestive organ, not a part of the alimentary canal itself, unlike the oesophagus, small intestine, and large intestine.
JAMB 2023Question 8 · Mammalian Physiology and Anatomy
Which of the following blood vessels carries oxygenated blood away from the heart?
- A.Arteries
- B.Venules
- C.Capillaries
- D.Veins
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Answer: A. Arteries
Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart (with the exception of the pulmonary artery).
JAMB 2023Question 9 · Microbiology and Disease
Which of the following statements about viruses is true?
- A.Viruses can reproduce outside of a host cell
- B.Viruses require a host cell to replicate
- C.Viruses possess a cellular structure
- D.Viruses are living organisms
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Answer: B. Viruses require a host cell to replicate
Viruses require a host cell's machinery in order to replicate, as they cannot reproduce independently.
JAMB 2023Question 10 · Plant Biology
Which of the following statements best describes pollination in plants?
- A.Pollination is the process of transferring pollen from the stigma to the anther of a flower
- B.Pollination is the process of transferring pollen from the anther to the stigma of a flower
- C.Pollination is the process of releasing pollen into the air for dispersal
- 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
Pollination is the process of transferring pollen from the anther to the stigma of a flower.
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