NECO Biology Practical Exam Paper (2025/2026)

NECO Biology Practical Exam Paper (2025/2026)

Subject: Biology
Duration: 2 hours
Instructions:

• Answer all questions.

• Use a sharp pencil for drawings.

• Label diagrams clearly and neatly.

• Write your answers in ink.

• You are provided with specimens labeled A to L. Study them carefully before answering the questions.

Specimens Provided

• A: Fresh Leaf (e.g., Hibiscus)

• B: Flower (e.g., Pride of Barbados)

• C: Tap Root (e.g., Carrot)

• D: Insect (e.g., Grasshopper)

• E: Microscope

• F: Prepared Slide of Onion Epidermis

• G: Starch Solution

• H: Glucose Solution

• I: Protein Sample (e.g., Egg White)

• J: Oil Sample

• K: Vertebra

• L: Bird’s Beak or Foot (adapted form)

Question 1 – Specimens A and B (Leaf and Flower)

(a) Make a large, labelled diagram (8–10 cm long) of Specimen B.
(b) State three features of Specimen B that indicate it is a complete flower.
(c) Identify the type of pollination likely in Specimen B. Give two reasons.
(d) State two functions of Specimen A.

Question 2 – Specimen D (Insect)

(a) Draw the anterior view of Specimen D and label five parts.
(b) State three characteristics of Specimen D that qualify it as an arthropod.
(c) Explain two ways in which Specimen D is adapted to its habitat.

Question 3 – Specimens E and F (Microscope and Slide)

(a) Draw and label the microscope (Specimen E).
(b) State the function of the following parts:
    (i) Objective lens
    (ii) Stage
    (iii) Mirror
(c) List four observable features of the onion cells in Specimen F.

Question 4 – Specimens G, H, I, and J (Food Tests)

(a) Name the reagent used to test for:
    (i) Starch (Specimen G)
    (ii) Glucose (Specimen H)
    (iii) Protein (Specimen I)
    (iv) Lipid (Specimen J)
(b) State the colour changes expected in each case.
(c) Write a conclusion for each test.
(d) State the biological importance of two of these food substances.

Question 5 – Specimens K and L (Vertebra and Adaptation)

(a) Identify Specimen K and draw it. Label four parts.
(b) State the function of two labeled parts.
(c) Identify the type of foot or beak in Specimen L and the bird it most likely belongs to.
(d) State two adaptive features and their advantages.

NECO Biology Practical Exam Paper (2025/2026)

Marking Scheme and Model Answers

Question 1 (20 marks)

(a) Neat diagram of a complete flower — 8 marks

• Petal

• Sepal

• Stamen (anther + filament)

• Pistil (stigma, style, ovary)

• Pedicel

(b) Three features (3 marks)

• Presence of both male and female organs

• Sepals and petals visible

• Presence of ovary and anther

(c) Likely pollination: Insect pollination (1 mark)
Reasons (2 marks):

• Brightly coloured petals

• Presence of nectar

(d) Two functions of a leaf (2 marks):

• Site of photosynthesis

• Transpiration and gaseous exchange

Question 2 (20 marks)

(a) Neat diagram of insect’s head (8 marks)

• Antennae

• Compound eyes

• Mandibles

• Maxillae

• Labrum

(b) Characteristics (3 marks):

• Jointed appendages

• Segmented body

• Exoskeleton

(c) Adaptations (4 marks):

• Powerful hind legs for jumping

• Compound eyes for wide vision

Question 3 (20 marks)

(a) Drawing of microscope (8 marks):

• Eyepiece

• Body tube

• Arm

• Stage

• Objective lens

• Mirror

• Base

(b) Functions (3 marks):

• Objective lens: Magnifies image

• Stage: Holds slide

• Mirror: Reflects light

(c) Features seen (4 marks):

• Cell wall

• Cytoplasm

• Nucleus

• Rectangular shape

NECO Biology Practical Exam Paper (2025/2026)

Question 4 (20 marks)

(a) Reagents:

• Starch: Iodine solution

• Glucose: Benedict’s solution

• Protein: Biuret reagent

• Lipid: Sudan III or brown paper

(b) Colour changes (4 marks):

• Starch: Blue-black

• Glucose: Brick-red precipitate

• Protein: Purple/violet

• Lipid: Red layer (Sudan III) or greasy spot

(c) Conclusions (4 marks):

• Starch is present

• Glucose is present

• Protein is present

• Lipid is present

(d) Biological importance (4 marks):

• Glucose: Energy source

• Protein: Growth and repair

Question 5 (20 marks)

(a) Drawing of thoracic vertebra (8 marks):

• Centrum

• Neural spine

• Transverse process

• Neural canal

(b) Functions (2 marks):

• Centrum: Supports body weight

• Neural canal: Protects spinal cord

(c) Identification (2 marks):

• Webbed foot: Likely from duck or frog

• Curved beak: Likely from eagle or hawk

(d) Adaptations (4 marks):

• Webbed foot: Swimming

• Curved beak: Tearing flesh

Total Marks: 100