WAEC Specimens in Biology for 2025: Complete Guide for Students and Teachers

WAEC Specimens in Biology for 2025: Complete Guide for Students and Teachers

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) practical Biology examination is a core part of the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). In the 2025 edition, just like previous years, Biology Practical will require candidates to observe, identify, and analyze given specimens within a timed setting. This article presents an overview of the expected WAEC specimens in Biology for 2025, their educational significance, and how best to prepare for the examination.

What Are WAEC Biology Specimens?

WAEC Biology specimens are physical materials, diagrams, or photographs provided to candidates during the Biology Practical exam. These specimens serve as the basis for observation, drawing, identification, classification, and answering structured questions.

WAEC typically releases a list of expected specimens before the practical exam to allow schools to prepare accordingly.

Likely Biology Specimens for WAEC 2025

While WAEC may vary specimens yearly, they usually draw from recurring themes in the Biology curriculum. Below is a list of likely specimens for WAEC 2025, based on past trends and the current syllabus.

WAEC Specimens in Biology for 2025: Complete Guide for Students and Teachers

Group A: Living or Once-Living Specimens

1. Specimen A – Mango leaf (Mangifera indica)

2. Specimen B – Onion bulb

3. Specimen C – Hibiscus flower

4. Specimen D – Maize seed (Zea mays)

5. Specimen E – Bean seed (Phaseolus spp.)

Purpose: For plant classification, morphology, reproductive structures, seed types, and germination.

Group B: Animal Parts and Invertebrates

1. Specimen F – Cockroach

2. Specimen G – Tilapia fish

3. Specimen H – Earthworm

4. Specimen I – Snail shell

5. Specimen J – Grasshopper

Purpose: For animal classification, segmentation, movement, respiration, and comparison of invertebrates and vertebrates.

Group C: Tools and Instruments

1. Specimen K – Hand lens

2. Specimen L – Beaker or Test tube

3. Specimen M – Microscope slide with onion cells

4. Specimen N – Petri dish

5. Specimen O – Dissecting needle or forceps

Purpose: To test students’ familiarity with lab tools, specimen handling, and experimental procedures.

Group D: Ecological and Physiological Materials

1. Specimen P – Soil sample (loamy, sandy, or clay)

2. Specimen Q – Termite or ant

3. Specimen R – Dicot stem in cross-section

4. Specimen S – Tap root and fibrous root

5. Specimen T – Water sample (from pond or stream)

Purpose: For ecological distribution, root types, plant support systems, and aquatic life observation.

Specimen List

Based on the official WAEC 2025 specimen list, here are the specimens you should be familiar with:​

• Specimen A: Gill of fish (freshly procured)

• Specimen B: Whole liver from a domestic fowl with gall bladder attached, in a Petri dish (freshly procured)

• Specimen C: Lungs from a domestic fowl on a white tile (freshly procured)

• Specimen D: Whole gizzard from a domestic fowl, in a Petri dish (freshly procured)

• Specimen E: Whole intestine from a domestic fowl spread in a tray (freshly procured)

• Specimen F: Ginger rhizome (fresh)

• Specimen G: Onion bulb

• Specimen H: Leaf of Bryophyllum (with adventitious roots)

• Specimen J: Cassava stem

• Specimen K: Cassava tuber

• Specimen L: Thoracic vertebra

• Specimen M: Humerus bone

• Specimen N: Mango seed (dry)

• Specimen P: Femur bone

• Specimen Q: Lumbar vertebra

• Specimen R: Orange seeds (dry)​

WAEC Specimens in Biology for 2025: Complete Guide for Students and Teachers

Format of WAEC Biology Practical Exam

The Biology Practical typically lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and consists of:

• Three Questions (compulsory)

• Each question focuses on a specific area: plant biology, animal biology, and experimental or ecological processes.

• Candidates must observe, sketch, label, describe, differentiate, or tabulate data based on given specimens.

Sample WAEC Biology Practical Questions

Here are a few sample-style questions candidates might encounter in 2025:

Mock Practical Questions

Question 1: Comparative Anatomy

Using Specimens A (Gill of fish) and C (Lungs of domestic fowl):

a) Describe the external features of each specimen.​

b) Identify the primary function of each organ.​

c) Compare the respiratory systems of fish and birds, highlighting two differences.​

d) Explain how the structure of each organ is adapted to its function.​

Question 2: Plant Morphology

Using Specimens F (Ginger rhizome) and G (Onion bulb):

a) Draw and label the external features of each specimen.​

b) State the type of stem modification represented by each specimen.​

c) List two functions of each modified stem.​

d) Explain how these modifications aid in the survival of the plant.​

Question 3: Skeletal System

Using Specimens L (Thoracic vertebra) and P (Femur bone):

a) Describe the shape and structure of each bone.​

b) Identify the location of each bone in the body.​

c) State the function of each bone.​

d) Compare the structural differences between the two bones.​

Question 1:

Using specimens A (mango leaf) and B (onion bulb):

a. Describe the type of venation in each leaf.
b. Classify specimens A and B according to their plant family.
c. State three differences between monocot and dicot plants.

Question 2:

Using specimens F (cockroach) and H (earthworm):

a. Compare the mode of locomotion in both specimens.
b. Identify the body symmetry.
c. Draw and label the external features.

Question 3:

Using specimen P (soil sample):

a. Identify the soil type using touch.
b. State three characteristics of the soil sample.
c. List two crops suitable for growth in this soil.

How to Prepare for WAEC Biology Practical 2025

1. Study the Syllabus

The WAEC Biology syllabus outlines the skills students must master: observation, classification, drawing, experiment setup, and result interpretation.

2. Practice with Real Specimens

Use real leaves, seeds, animals (where possible), and instruments to get hands-on experience. Visual familiarity is crucial during the exam.

3. Use Biology Diagrams

Train with labeled biological diagrams of leaves, seeds, animal parts, and tools. Learn how to sketch them quickly and correctly.

4. Review Past Questions

Practicing past Biology practical questions will help you understand the pattern and recurring topics.

5. Work in Groups

Studying with peers fosters interactive learning and allows you to identify specimens better through discussion and collaboration.

WAEC Specimens in Biology for 2025: Complete Guide for Students and Teachers

Tips for Answering Practical Questions

• Read instructions carefully. Misinterpreting a question can lead to incorrect answers.

• Observe before you write. Look closely at shape, texture, color, size, and structure.

• Be precise in drawings. Use clean, clear lines and label accurately.

• Avoid overwriting. Keep your answers brief, clear, and to the point.

• Compare smartly. Use tables to compare features between specimens.

For Teachers and School Administrators

WAEC usually sends the list of practical specimens ahead of time. It is important for teachers to:

• Acquire and preserve specimens correctly.

• Teach handling and observation techniques.

• Conduct mock practical sessions before the exam.

Conclusion

WAEC Biology Practical 2025 is a vital part of the SSCE, and proper preparation is key. By mastering the expected specimens, understanding the structure of the exam, and practicing regularly, students can excel confidently.

Start preparing now — and ace that Biology practical!