JAMB Biology Past Questions & Answers

The cochlea is a spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear that is filled with fluid and lined with cells with very fine hairs. These hairs move when the fluid in the cochlea moves, thereby converting sound vibrations into nerve signals that the brain can interpret. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Cochlea.' The eardrum and ossicles help to transmit sound vibrations to the cochlea, but it is the cochlea that transmits these vibrations as signals to the auditory nerve.

One of the main differences between plant and animal cells is that plant cells contain chloroplasts for photosynthesis, while animal cells do not. However, plant cells contain chloroplasts, which are organelles responsible for photosynthesis, enabling plants to convert sunlight into energy-rich molecules. Animal cells lack chloroplasts and obtain energy through other means, such as consuming organic matter.

Digestive enzymes play a vital role in the process of digestion by breaking down food into smaller molecules that can be easily absorbed and utilized by the body. Digestive enzymes are produced by various organs in the digestive system, including the salivary glands, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine.

The statement that best describes adaptation for survival in organisms is that it is the inherited trait that increases an organism's chances of survival and reproduction in its environment. It refers to the process by which populations of organisms evolve and become better suited to their environment over time.

Ecological succession can be primary or secondary. Primary succession occurs in areas where no previous community existed, such as on bare rock or after a volcanic eruption. Secondary succession occurs in areas where a previous community has been disturbed, such as after a forest fire or human disturbance. Throughout the succession process, the community gradually changes in terms of species composition, population sizes, and community interactions, leading to a more stable and mature ecosystem.

The liver is a vital organ in the human body with multiple functions, but its primary function is the detoxification and metabolism of nutrients and drugs. The liver plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes. It detoxifies harmful substances, such as drugs and toxins, by breaking them down into less harmful forms that can be eliminated from the body.

The urinary tubule, a part of the nephron in the kidney, is indeed responsible for the production of urine. It does this by reabsorbing useful substances from the filtrate, such as glucose and ions, and secreting waste products into it. The modified filtrate, now called urine, is then passed on to the bladder for storage and eventual excretion.

Cell growth refers to an increase in cell size or mass over time. Cell growth occurs by cell division, as cells undergo division to increase their numbers and contribute to overall growth in tissues and organisms.

Viruses are considered parasitic because they require a host cell to replicate. They do this by injecting their genetic material into the host cell and using the cell's machinery to replicate.

A natural habitat in ecology refers to an area where organisms naturally live and interact with their surroundings. A natural habitat encompasses the ecological conditions, physical features, and resources that support the survival and interactions of organisms within their natural environment. It includes factors such as climate, vegetation, soil composition, and other biotic and abiotic components.