WAEC GCE Biology Questions and Answers 2026/2027: 40+ Likely Objectives &: Essay

Preparing for WAEC GCE Biology exam requires more than learning definitions. WAEC GCE Biology Objective & Essay Questions and Answers are here to give you the details of what you need. Candidates should be able to apply biological principles, understand biological activities and processes, interpret biological diagrams, compare organisms, and explain biological occurrences using appropriate biological terms.

This WAEC GCE Biology questions and answers are all prepared for revision purposes. Please note that this is not a collection of objectives and essay past WAEC GCE questions, leaked questions, or questions from other examination settings, but original questions produced for revision.

The Biology questions contained in this article are to help students prepare for the exam. Study the Biology WAEC GCE guide and get ready to score A1 in your exams.

Key Topics in Biology Worth Revising

When preparing for the WAEC GCE Biology exam, it is important to ensure that all major topics have been covered in your revision. Below are a few important topics you need to master:

Cell Biology and Organisation

Make sure that you revise the fundamental aspects of cell organisation, cell division, and differences in plant and animal cells, among other topics.

Nutrition and Digestion

Make sure that you revise the various nutritional modes, food substances, enzymes that can be found in the human body, the digestion process, and absorption.

Transport and Respiration

Ensure that you revise the various biological processes involved in transport, including diffusion, osmosis, and active transport. In addition, you should understand the structures involved in respiration and gaseous exchange.

Reproduction, Growth, and Development

In this section, you need to revise sexual and asexual reproduction, fertilization, reproductive systems, and development and growth.

Ecology and Environmental Biology

Ensure that you revise food chains and webs, symbiotic relationships, ecology, environment, biology of populations, adaptation, food production, and conservation.

Genetics and Evolution

Ensure that you revise such important topics as chromosomes, genes, variation, and inheritance, as well as the principles of evolution.

Practical Biology and Other Related Skills

Practical biology entails observing specimens, interpreting biological diagrams, designing experiments, stating a hypothesis, identifying variables, and concluding.

WAEC GCE Biology Objective Questions and Answers

Multiple-Choice Questions

Question 1.

The organelles in a cell that carry out aerobic respiration are _______.

1. Ribosome

2. Mitochondrion

3. Vacuole

4. Nucleus

The answer is B. Mitochondrion

Explanation: Mitochondrion is the part of the cell that conducts aerobic respiration to produce energy.

Question 2.

The movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane from a region with higher water potential to a region with lower water potential is known as

1. diffusion

2. transpiration

3. osmosis

4. active transport

The answer is C. Osmosis.

Question 3.

Which of the following is a characteristic of living organisms?

1. Rusting

2. Respiration

3. Burning

4. Freezing

The answer is B. Respiration.

Explanation: Respiration is a process that occurs when living organisms convert food to energy.

Question 4.

The basic unit of heredity is the

A. chromosome
B. gene
C. nucleus
D. gamete

Answer: B. Gene

Question 5.

Which blood component is mainly responsible for defending the body against disease-causing organisms?

A. Red blood cells
B. Platelets
C. White blood cells
D. Plasma proteins

Answer: C. White blood cells

Question 6.

The process by which green plants manufacture carbohydrates using light energy is known as

A. respiration
B. photosynthesis
C. transpiration
D. digestion

Answer: B. Photosynthesis

Question 7.

Which of the following substances is produced during photosynthesis?

A. Carbon dioxide
B. Oxygen
C. Urea
D. Lactic acid

Answer: B. Oxygen

Question 8.

The functional unit of the kidney is the

A. neurone
B. alveolus
C. nephron
D. villus

Answer: C. Nephron

Question 9.

A group of organisms of the same species living in the same habitat is called a

A. community
B. population
C. kingdom
D. ecosystem

Answer: B. Population

Question 10.

Which of the following organisms is a decomposer?

A. Grasshopper
B. Mushroom
C. Goat
D. Hawk

Answer: B. Mushroom

Explanation: Fungi such as mushrooms break down dead organic matter and recycle nutrients.

Question 11.

The part of a flowering plant that develops into a fruit after fertilisation is the

A. anther
B. ovary
C. stigma
D. sepal

Answer: B. Ovary

Question 12.

Which type of reproduction involves only one parent and produces offspring that are usually genetically similar to the parent?

A. Sexual reproduction
B. Asexual reproduction
C. Cross-pollination
D. Fertilisation

Answer: B. Asexual reproduction

Question 13.

Which of the following is an example of a vertebrate?

A. Earthworm
B. Snail
C. Lizard
D. Cockroach

Answer: C. Lizard

Question 14.

The main function of red blood cells is to

A. produce antibodies
B. transport oxygen
C. destroy pathogens
D. clot the blood

Answer: B. Transport oxygen

Question 15.

Which structure controls the activities of a living cell?

A. Cell membrane
B. Cytoplasm
C. Nucleus
D. Cell wall

Answer: C. Nucleus

Question 16.

The breakdown of glucose to release energy in living cells is known as

A. excretion
B. respiration
C. nutrition
D. circulation

Answer: B. Respiration

Question 17.

Which of the following represents a producer in a food chain?

A. Grass
B. Snake
C. Frog
D. Eagle

Answer: A. Grass

Question 18.

The loss of water vapour from the aerial parts of a plant is called

A. translocation
B. transpiration
C. translocation
D. guttation

Answer: B. Transpiration

Question 19.

Which condition is necessary for most enzymes to function effectively?

A. Extremely high temperature
B. Suitable temperature and pH
C. Complete absence of water
D. Permanent exposure to sunlight

Answer: B. Suitable temperature and pH

Question 20.

The transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma is known as

A. fertilisation
B. germination
C. pollination
D. budding

Answer: C. Pollination

Question 21.

Which organ removes metabolic waste and helps regulate the water content of the blood?

A. Heart
B. Kidney
C. Liver
D. Lung

Answer: B. Kidney

SEE ALSO: WAEC GCE Chemistry Questions and Answers

Question 22.

In a food chain, energy is mainly lost between trophic levels as

A. heat
B. genes
C. minerals
D. chlorophyll

Answer: A. Heat

Question 23.

The process by which plants lose excess water in liquid form through special openings is called

A. guttation
B. respiration
C. diffusion
D. fertilisation

Answer: A. Guttation

Question 24.

Which of the following is an example of an inherited variation?

A. Scar from an injury
B. Ability to speak a language
C. Blood group
D. Increased muscle size through exercise

Answer: C. Blood group

Question 25.

The structure that connects a developing mammalian embryo to the placenta is the

A. oviduct
B. umbilical cord
C. ureter
D. vas deferens

Answer: B. Umbilical cord

Question 26.

The process of maintaining a relatively stable internal environment in an organism is called

A. homeostasis
B. adaptation
C. evolution
D. locomotion

Answer: A. Homeostasis

Question 27.

Which of the following is a function of the skeleton?

A. Production of digestive enzymes
B. Support and protection
C. Manufacture of chlorophyll
D. Absorption of digested food

Answer: B. Support and protection

Question 28.

A relationship in which both organisms benefit is known as

A. parasitism
B. predation
C. mutualism
D. competition

Answer: C. Mutualism

Question 29.

Which process produces gametes with half the normal chromosome number?

A. Mitosis
B. Meiosis
C. Budding
D. Binary fission

Answer: B. Meiosis

Question 30.

The opening and closing of stomata are directly controlled by

A. epidermal cells
B. guard cells
C. xylem vessels
D. root hairs

Answer: B. Guard cells

Question 31.

Which of the following is a nitrogenous waste product in humans?

A. Glycogen
B. Urea
C. Glucose
D. Starch

Answer: B. Urea

Question 32.

The ability of an organism to survive successfully in its environment is improved by

A. adaptation
B. decomposition
C. excretion
D. fertilisation

Answer: A. Adaptation

Question 33.

Which part of the human brain is mainly associated with balance and coordination of muscular activity?

A. Cerebrum
B. Cerebellum
C. Medulla oblongata
D. Spinal cord

Answer: B. Cerebellum

Question 34.

Which of the following is an example of a renewable natural resource?

A. Coal
B. Crude oil
C. Forest, when sustainably managed
D. Natural gas

Answer: C. Forest, when sustainably managed

Question 35.

The removal of undigested food from the body is known as

A. excretion
B. egestion
C. secretion
D. assimilation

Answer: B. Egestion

Question 36.

Which structure increases the surface area for absorption of digested food in the small intestine?

A. Alveoli
B. Nephrons
C. Villi
D. Tendons

Answer: C. Villi

Question 37.

A dominant allele is expressed when

A. two recessive alleles are present
B. it is present in the genotype
C. mutation occurs
D. meiosis stops

Answer: B. It is present in the genotype

Question 38.

Which of the following can lead to the loss of biodiversity?

A. Habitat destruction
B. Conservation programmes
C. Afforestation
D. Wildlife protection

Answer: A. Habitat destruction

Question 39.

The main function of xylem tissue is the transport of

A. manufactured food
B. water and mineral salts
C. hormones only
D. oxygen only

Answer: B. Water and mineral salts

Question 40.

An organism that obtains nutrients by feeding on other organisms is described as

A. autotrophic
B. heterotrophic
C. photosynthetic
D. saprophytic only

Answer: B. Heterotrophic

WAEC GCE Biology Theory and Essay Questions with Answers

The theory section of Biology requires candidates to explain processes clearly, use correct biological terms and organise answers logically. Where a question requires a diagram, candidates should draw a large, neat and properly labelled biological diagram.

Question 1: Cell Structure and Function

(a) State four differences between a plant cell and an animal cell.

(b) Explain the functions of the following cell structures:

i. Nucleus
ii. Mitochondrion
iii. Chloroplast

Answer

(a) Differences between plant and animal cells:

1. A plant cell has a cell wall, while an animal cell does not.
2. Plant cells usually contain chloroplasts, while animal cells do not.
3. A mature plant cell generally has a large permanent vacuole, while animal cells usually have small temporary vacuoles or none.
4. Plant cells often have a more regular shape because of the cell wall, while animal cells may have irregular shapes.

(b) Functions:

• Nucleus: Controls cellular activities and contains genetic material.
• Mitochondrion: Site of aerobic respiration and energy release.
• Chloroplast: Contains chlorophyll and is the site of photosynthesis in green plants.

Question 2: Photosynthesis

(a) Define photosynthesis.

(b) State the raw materials and conditions necessary for photosynthesis.

(c) Explain why a variegated leaf can be used to demonstrate that chlorophyll is necessary for photosynthesis.

Answer

(a) Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use light energy trapped by chlorophyll to manufacture carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water, with oxygen released as a by-product.

(b) Raw materials:

• Carbon dioxide
• Water

Conditions or requirements:

• Light
• Chlorophyll
• Suitable temperature

(c) A variegated leaf contains both green areas with chlorophyll and non-green areas without chlorophyll. After the plant has been exposed to suitable conditions and the leaf is tested for starch, the green areas are expected to contain starch while the non-green areas do not. This provides evidence that chlorophyll is necessary for photosynthesis.

Question 3: Transport in Mammals

(a) Name the four main components of mammalian blood.

(b) State one major function of each component.

(c) Explain two ways in which red blood cells are adapted for transporting oxygen.

Answer

(a) The main components of blood are:

1. Plasma
2. Red blood cells
3. White blood cells
4. Platelets

(b) Functions:

• Plasma: Transports dissolved substances such as nutrients, hormones and waste products.
• Red blood cells: Transport oxygen.
• White blood cells: Defend the body against pathogens.
• Platelets: Help in blood clotting.

(c) Adaptations of red blood cells:

1. They contain haemoglobin, which combines with oxygen for transport.
2. Their biconcave shape provides a relatively large surface area for efficient gaseous exchange.

Question 4: Ecology and Food Relationships

Consider the following organisms in a grassland habitat: grass, grasshopper, frog, snake and hawk.

(a) Construct a possible food chain using the organisms.

(b) Identify the producer and the primary consumer.

(c) Explain why the amount of energy available generally decreases from one trophic level to the next.

Answer

(a) A possible food chain is:

Grass → Grasshopper → Frog → Snake → Hawk

(b)

• Producer: Grass
• Primary consumer: Grasshopper

(c) Energy decreases along a food chain because organisms use energy for activities such as movement, growth and respiration. A significant amount is also lost as heat and in waste materials. Therefore, only part of the energy from one trophic level becomes available to the next.

Question 5: Genetics and Inheritance

In a particular plant species, tallness (T) is dominant over dwarfness (t). A heterozygous tall plant is crossed with a dwarf plant.

(a) State the genotypes of the parents.

(b) Show the possible offspring using a genetic cross.

(c) State the expected phenotypic ratio.

Answer

(a) Genotypes of the parents:

• Heterozygous tall plant = Tt
• Dwarf plant = tt

(b) Genetic cross:

Gametes from Tt: T and t
Gametes from tt: t and t

Possible offspring:

• Tt
• Tt
• tt
• tt

(c) Expected phenotypic ratio:

1 Tall : 1 Dwarf

This means approximately 50% of the offspring are expected to be tall and 50% dwarf under the assumed inheritance pattern.

Question 6: Human Reproduction

(a) Explain the meaning of fertilisation.

(b) Describe the process of fertilisation in humans.

(c) State three functions of the placenta during pregnancy.

Answer

(a) Fertilisation is the fusion of the male and female gametes to form a zygote.

(b) During human reproduction, a sperm cell may meet an egg cell in the oviduct. The nucleus of the successful sperm fuses with the nucleus of the egg cell, restoring the normal chromosome number and forming a zygote. The zygote then divides repeatedly and develops into an embryo.

(c) Functions of the placenta include:

1. Transfer of oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the developing foetus.
2. Removal of metabolic waste products from the foetus.
3. Production of certain hormones that help support pregnancy.

Question 7: Biological Investigation and Practical Skills

A student investigates the effect of light on the growth direction of young seedlings. The student places identical seedlings in two containers. One container receives light evenly from above, while the other receives light mainly from one side.

(a) State the aim of the investigation.

(b) Identify the independent variable.

(c) Predict the likely observation in each container.

(d) Explain why identical seedlings and similar environmental conditions should be used.

Answer

(a) Aim: To investigate the effect of the direction of light on the direction of growth of young seedlings.

(b) Independent variable: The direction from which light reaches the seedlings.

(c) Expected observations:

• Seedlings receiving light evenly from above are likely to grow mainly upright.
• Seedlings receiving light from one side are likely to bend towards the source of light.

This response to light is known as phototropism.

(d) Identical seedlings and similar environmental conditions help ensure that differences in growth are mainly due to the direction of light rather than factors such as age, water availability, temperature or soil conditions. This improves the fairness and reliability of the investigation.

Important Practical Biology Concepts to Understand

In biology, a lot of the questions are practical. In this article I shall be sharing with you important biology practicals you need to know.

Biological Drawings

When preparing a biological drawing ensure that it is large and clear.
It should be well labelled wherever it is necessary. Drawings should have correct proportions and neat lines. Shading should be avoided as much as possible unless it is needed.

Experimental Variables

When carrying out an experiment ensure that you identify independent, dependent and controlled variables.

• The independent variable is what you change.
• Dependent variable is what you observe and measure.
• Controlled variables are all the other things you need to keep the same for your experiment.

Observation and Inference

An observation is what you see happen, while an inference is what you think might cause your observation.
In your biology practicals you should not try to infer what might be happening, unless you observe something strange and need to justify your results.

Common Mistakes In WAEC GCE Biology Practical Exams You Need to Avoid

Mixing up Similar Terms and Definitions

• Students always confuse the difference between respiration and breathing.
• Excretion and egestion are also easily mixed up.
• Same with pollination and fertilization and diffusion with osmosis.
• Mitosis with meiosis.
• Habitat with niche.

Also when definitions are asked avoid just stating what something is and explain how it works as the question might require.

Overlooking Practical Biology Aspects when Revising Your Lessons

The best way to revise biology for the WAEC GCE exam is to try and understand how things work and what structures do. Practicals are an important part of biology. Even if you understand what things do, without knowing how to identify structures or carry out experiments, you will find most biology questions really challenging.

Making Unsuitable Statements During Answers

When answering questions make sure that you use suitable biology statements. If you are describing how or why something happens explain it step by step using biology structures instead of just writing general statements.

How to Revise Biology for WAEC GCE Exams

To pass WAEC GCE Biology exam you need to spend more time learning biology concepts and how different structures relate to each other.

• Always practice objective questions and try to discover why you got some wrong answers.
• Practicing using diagrams and specimens can help you understand biology structures better.
• Practice explaining how most body systems function such as digestion, circulation and reproduction and also explain food chains and webs.
• You should also practice more on practical biology and learn more about observations, variables and precautions.
• If you want to get really good at biology for the WAEC GCE exam, practice answering theory questions within a specified time frame so that you are able to write clearly and concisely.
• Always refer to WAEC guidelines and your approved school syllabus or study notes for notes and past questions rather than going online searching for leaks or questions said to be unavailable.

Final Thoughts

Passing WAEC GCE Biology requires that you take practical biology seriously. Also to understand how biology works at a deeper level and to study regularly. Practice using original question sets and try avoiding any claims about leaked or confirmed questions.

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