WAEC 2018 Biology Specimen Practical Answers
Read Below For WAEC Biology Specimen Practical Answers
Question 1
Study specimens A, B, C and D carefully and use them to answer questions 1(a) to 1(d)
(i) Name the phylum to which each of specimens A and D belong. [2 marks]
(ii) Name the habitat of each of specimens A and D [2 marks]
(i) Name the type of reproduction common to specimens A, B, C and D. [1 mark]
(ii) List the method of reproduction of each of specimens A, B, C and D giving one reason
each for the method of reproduction listed.[8 marks]
In a tabular form, state three observable differences between specimens B and C.[3 marks]
Make a drawing 8 – 10 cm long of specimen A to show the essential parts and label fully. [9 marks]
OBSERVATION: Most candidates answered 1(a) (i) correctly but failed to start the phylum names with capital letter. Many were also able to name the habitat of specimens A and D but some gave general answers as ‘aquatic’ and ‘terrestrial’. Many of the candidates could name the type of reproduction common to all the specimens but could not list the method of reproduction and march it with the reason.
In 1(c), most candidates answered correctly without tabulating, hence, not following instructions.
Many candidates could not also state the observable differences between specimens B and C.
However, the expected answers are as follows
1 (a) (i) Phylum of specimens A and D
A–Cassava/SugarCane/SweetPotato-Tracheophyta/Angiospermatophyta/Angiospermophyta/Spermatophyta.
D – Spirogyra- Thallophyta/Chlorophyta.
Note: Names should start with capital letter
(ii) Habitat of specimen A and D
Habitat of A = Land/Farmland/Grassland/Garden.
Habitat of D = Stream/ponds/puddles/ditches.
(b) (i) Type of reproduction common to all specimens
Asexual/vegetative Reproduction.
Question 2
Study specimens E, F, G1 and G2 carefully and use them to answer questions 2 (a) to 2 (d).
(i) Name the life process in mammals that is associated with specimen E. [1 mark]
(ii) State two structural similarities between the surface of specimen E and the skin of specimen F. [2 marks]
(i) Name the habitat in which specimen F will function efficiently. [1 mark]
(ii) Explain how two observable features of specimen F adapt the organisms to its habitat [4 marks]
(i) sp; Using the blade provided, cut a thin transverse section of the stem of specimen G1, add two drops of freshly prepared iodine solution on the cut section. Record your observation and inferences.[2 marks]
(ii)In which part of the stem is food stored?[1 mark]
(iii)Name two tissues used for transportation of materials in specimen G1. [2 marks]
(iv)List two supporting tissues present in specimen G1.[2 marks]
Make a drawing 10 – 12 cm long of a cut transverse section of the stem
of specimen G2 and label fully.[10 marks]
OBSERVATION: Majority of the candidates that answered this question performed impressively. This was the most popularly answered and passed question. The problem most candidates had was in the drawing and observing the stained transverse section of water-leaf realistically. The expected answers include:
2 (a) (i) Life process in mammals associated with specimen E
External Respiration/Respiration/Gaseous exchange/Breathing.
(ii) Similarities between Specimens E and F
- Both richly supplied with blood capillaries/vascularised;
- Both have thin surface;
- Both are moist;
- Both have large surface area.
(b) (i) Habitat of specimen F
Land/Terrestrial/Moist place/Pond.
(ii) Observable Features that adapt specimen F to its habitat
- Large bulging eyes for wide vision;
- Streamlined body for easy movement in water;
- Webbed digits of hind limb(s) for swimming;
- Muscular long hind limbs for hopping/jumping;
- Stout short forelimbs for absorbing shock on landing;
- Presence of poisonous gland for protection against predators;
- Moist skin for gaseous exchange/breathing/respiration
(c) (i) Observation
Cortex stained blue black Starch present in the cortex.
(ii) Part of stem where food is stored
Cortex/parenchyma.
(iii) Tissues for transportation in G1
Xylem; phloem.
(iv) Supporting Tissues in G1
Collenchyma, sclerenchyma, xylem, parenchyma.
(d) Drawing of specimen G2
Drawing of Transverse section of the stem of specimen G2/Waterleaf plant
Details (D)
VR – Vascular bundles arranged in ring at least four vascular bundles shown
WP – Wide Pith
ED – Epidermis in double lines
CS – Cortex shown
Labels
Vascular bundle/Xylem/phloem, pith, cortex/collenchyma/parenchyma, epidermis, medullary ray.
Question 3
Study specimens L, M, N, P, Q, R, and S carefully and use them to answer questions 4(a) to 4(d).
Name two specimens which can be used for the following:
reproduction;
protection;
movement. [6marks]
Stating observable features in specimens L, M, N, P, Q and R, suggest one reason
each for the answers given in 4 (a) (i), (ii) and (iii) above. [12 marks]
State:
Two observable similarities;
Two differences between specimens P and R. [4 marks]
(i) State how observable features of specimen M adapt the specimen to its functions [6 marks]
Arrange specimens L, M, N and S in the increasing orders of complexity of the
organisms to which they belong. [2 marks]
OBSERVATION: Majority of the candidates could answer question 4(a) and (b) correctly but could not suggest the reason for stating the observable features stated in 4(b). Many of the candidates could not state the observable similarities and differences and how the observable features adapt specimen M to its function. Many candidates could not also arrange the specimens in their order of complexity.
The expected answers are:
4 (a) (i) Specimens used for reproduction
- Irish potato/Specimen P
- Twig of Hibiscus/Bougainvillea/specimen Q
- Cutting of cassava/Specimen R
(ii) Specimens used for protection
- Skin of a goat/sheep/cow/specimen L
- Quill feather/Specimen M
- Shell of a snail/specimen N
(iii) Specimens used for Movement
- Specimen M/Feather (Quill)
- Specimen S/Hind wing of a cockroach
(b) Observable features with reasons
For reproduction
P/Irish Potato – presence of buds/eye(s); for sprouting to produce/new shoot;
Q/Twig of Hibiscus/Bougainvillea – has buds; for sprouting;
R/Cutting of cassava – has buds; for sprouting.
For protection
L/Skin of a goat – presence of hairs/sheet-like structure to protect the body against mechanical injury;
M/Feather – broad and smooth to cover body and prevent wetting/provides insulation;
N/Shell – hard/calcareous nature to protect soft body of snail.
For movement
M/Feather –those of wings and tail are flat and air-tight for flight;
S/Hind wing of cockroach- light and flexible for flight.
(c) (i) Similarity between specimen P and R
- Both specimens have buds for reproduction;
- Both are stems;
- Both have lenticels.
(ii) Differences between specimen P and R
Buds of Irish potato/Specimen P buried in tuber while buds in cassava/Specimen R protrude from the stem;
buds of Irish potato/Specimen P are covered with scale leaves while the buds in cassava/Specimen R are not covered;
Irish potato/Specimen P stores food while cassava/Specimen R does not store food.
(d) (i) Adaptation of specimen M to its function
Vane is stiff; to enable it withstand air pressure during flight;
Vane is broad; to provide a large surface area for air lift;
Vane is made up of barbs interlocked by barbules; providing air tight surface for flight;
The quill is light and hollow; for buoyancy;
It is water proof; to prevent birds from getting wet.
