NECO Biology Practical Specimens for 2025/2026

NECO Biology Practical Specimens for 2025/2026

The NECO Biology Practical examination assesses students’ ability to observe, identify, analyze, and interpret biological materials and experiments. This paper forms a key part of the overall Biology grade.

The 2025/2026 NECO Biology Practical Specimen list is divided into three categories:

1. Morphological Specimens (Animal and Plant)

2. Microscopy and Cell Biology Specimens

3. Physiological or Experimental Specimens

Specimen List and Detailed Guide

Group A: Animal and Plant Morphology

Specimen A: Fresh Leaf (Hibiscus or Mango)

• Observation: Broad, green, flat lamina with petiole.

• Uses in Practical:

  • Observe venation pattern (pinnate or palmate).

  • Identify leaf margin and leaf arrangement.

• Key Concepts: Leaf classification, photosynthetic surface adaptation, stomatal location.

Specimen B: Flower (Hibiscus or Pride of Barbados)

• Observation: Presence of petals, sepals, stamens, and pistil.

• Uses in Practical:

  • Study floral structure and sexual parts.

  • Determine whether the flower is bisexual or unisexual.

• Key Concepts: Pollination types, floral symmetry, sexual reproduction.

Specimen C: Tap Root (Carrot or Radish)

• Observation: Tapered, fleshy main root.

• Uses in Practical:

  • Differentiate between tap root and fibrous root systems.

  • Identify root modifications for storage.

• Key Concepts: Root morphology and function.

NECO Biology Practical Specimens for 2025/2026

Specimen D: Insect (Grasshopper or Butterfly)

• Observation: Jointed legs, segmented body, antennae.

• Uses in Practical:

  • Study external features: head, thorax, abdomen.

  • Note wings and compound eyes.

• Key Concepts: Arthropod features, insect adaptation, classification.

Group B: Microscopy and Cell Structure

Specimen E: Prepared Slide of Onion Epidermis or Cheek Cells

• Observation: Cell wall, nucleus, cytoplasm (under microscope).

• Uses in Practical:

  • Study plant vs animal cell differences.

  • Staining techniques (iodine/methylene blue).

• Key Concepts: Cell structure, microscope handling, biological drawing.

Specimen F: Microscope

• Observation: Eyepiece, objective lens, stage, mirror.

• Uses in Practical:

  • Learn to adjust focus.

  • Calculate magnification.

• Key Concepts: Parts and functions of a light microscope, magnification formula.

Group C: Physiological/Biochemical Specimens

Specimen G: Starch Solution

• Observation: Blue-black coloration when iodine is added.

• Uses in Practical:

  • Test for presence of starch in leaves.

  • Demonstrate photosynthesis.

• Key Concepts: Food tests, macromolecules, photosynthesis proof.

Specimen H: Glucose Solution

• Observation: Red/brick-red precipitate after heating with Benedict’s solution.

• Uses in Practical:

  • Test for reducing sugars.

• Key Concepts: Carbohydrate digestion, nutrient identification.

Specimen I: Protein Sample (e.g., Egg White)

• Observation: Purple color after Biuret test.

• Uses in Practical:

  • Demonstrate presence of protein.

• Key Concepts: Nutrition, protein structure and function.

Specimen J: Oil Sample (e.g., Groundnut oil)

• Observation: Greasy spot on paper or Sudan III test.

• Uses in Practical:

  • Confirm fat/lipid content.

• Key Concepts: Lipids, energy storage.

NECO Biology Practical Specimens for 2025/2026

Group D: Ecological and Evolutionary Specimens

Specimen K: Vertebra (e.g., thoracic vertebra of goat or fish bone)

• Observation: Neural spine, centrum, transverse processes.

• Uses in Practical:

  • Study support system in animals.

• Key Concepts: Skeletal systems, vertebrate classification.

Specimen L: Beak of Bird or Foot of Bird (Adapted Form)

• Observation: Curved/sharp beak (e.g., for carnivores); webbed foot (e.g., for swimming).

• Uses in Practical:

  • Illustrate structural adaptation.

• Key Concepts: Natural selection, habitat adaptation.

Preparation Tips for Students

1. Specimen Familiarity: Try to see, touch, or draw real examples of these specimens. Knowing the features will help you answer descriptive questions.

2. Biological Drawings:

   • Use a sharp pencil.

   • No shading; clean labels.

   • Title your drawings appropriately.

3. Practice Food Tests:

   • Use Benedict’s, Biuret, and Iodine to test glucose, protein, and starch.

   • Know the colour changes and procedures.

4. Study Cell and Microscope Use:

   • Know how to calculate magnification:

     $$\text{Magnification}=\text{Eyepiece Lens}\times \text{Objective Lens}$$

5. Use Past Questions: Review past NECO practical questions to understand the format and expectations.

Sample Likely Questions

Question 1

Using Specimen A (Leaf) and Specimen B (Flower):

• (a) Draw and label 5 parts of Specimen B.

• (b) State the function of each part.

• (c) Identify the type of pollination likely in Specimen B and give two supporting features.

Question 2

With Specimen D (Insect):

• (a) State 3 observable features that classify it as an arthropod.

• (b) Draw the head region and label two parts.

Question 3

Using Specimen E and F:

• (a) Draw a labeled diagram of the microscope.

• (b) Describe how to focus on a specimen under high power.

Summary Table of Specimens

Advice for Students

1. Be observant and precise in descriptions.

2. Learn biological terms for structures and tests.

3. Revise the theory behind each specimen.

4. Practice under exam conditions using mock practicals.