Biology is the study of living organisms, their structure, functions, growth, evolution,
distribution, and interrelationships. It is one of the core science subjects in both JAMB and WAEC examinations.
Success in Biology requires both theoretical understanding and practical skills. This material covers the major
topics, simplified explanations, examples, and tips for excelling in exams.

Chapter 1: The Cell – The Basic Unit of Life

– Discovery of cells by Robert Hooke and development of cell theory.
– All living things are made up of cells, the smallest units of life.
– Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic cells: Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles while eukaryotes have them.
– Organelles and functions: Nucleus (control), Mitochondria (energy), Chloroplast (photosynthesis), Ribosomes (protein synthesis).
– Microscopy: Calculation of magnification = Image size / Object size.

Example WAEC Question: Draw and label a plant cell.

Chapter 2: Nutrition in Organisms

– Autotrophic nutrition: Photosynthesis and chemosynthesis.
– Heterotrophic nutrition: holozoic (humans), parasitic (tapeworm), saprophytic (fungi).
– Human digestive system: mouth, oesophagus, stomach, intestines. Enzymes (amylase, pepsin, lipase) aid digestion.
– Balanced diet: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, water, fibre.
– Deficiency diseases: rickets (vitamin D), scurvy (vitamin C), kwashiorkor (protein).
– Plant nutrition: importance of N, P, K, Mg, Fe.

Example Calculation: Write balanced equation for photosynthesis: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.

Chapter 3: Transport in Organisms

– Simple diffusion in unicellular organisms.
– Human circulatory system: heart structure, arteries, veins, capillaries.
– Blood composition: red blood cells (oxygen transport), white blood cells (defense), platelets (clotting), plasma (transport).
– Double circulation in humans.
– Transport in plants: xylem transports water/minerals; phloem transports food.
– Transpiration and translocation.

Exam Practice: Explain two differences between xylem and phloem.

Chapter 4: Respiration and Excretion

– Respiration: release of energy from food substances.
– Aerobic: Glucose + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O + Energy (38 ATP).
– Anaerobic: Glucose → Lactic acid + Energy (2 ATP).
– Excretion in man: organs include lungs, kidneys, skin, liver.
– Osmoregulation by kidney (role of ADH hormone).

Example JAMB Question: State two differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration.

Chapter 5: Reproduction and Growth

– Asexual reproduction: binary fission, budding, spore formation.
– Sexual reproduction: fertilization, gamete formation, zygote development.
– Human reproduction: structure of male and female reproductive systems.
– Menstrual cycle: ovulation occurs around day 14.
– Fertilization: fusion of sperm and ovum in fallopian tube.
– Pregnancy and development of embryo.
– Growth curves: sigmoid growth curve.

Exam Practice: Describe pollination in flowering plants.

Chapter 6: Ecology

– Ecosystem: interaction of living organisms with physical environment.
– Biotic (plants, animals) and abiotic (soil, light, temperature) factors.
– Food chains and food webs.
– Pyramid of energy, biomass, and numbers.
– Ecological succession.
– Pollution: air, water, land, noise.
– Conservation of natural resources.

Example WAEC Question: Mention three effects of deforestation.

Chapter 7: Evolution and Genetics

– Theories of evolution: Lamarckism, Darwinism, natural selection.
– Evidence of evolution: fossils, comparative anatomy, embryology, molecular biology.
– Genetics: study of inheritance.
– Mendel’s laws: segregation and independent assortment.
– Monohybrid and dihybrid crosses.
– Blood groups: A, B, AB, O. Universal donor (O), universal recipient (AB).
– Variation: continuous vs. discontinuous.
– Mutation as a source of variation.

Example Calculation: Cross between heterozygous tall plant (Tt) and dwarf plant (tt). Ratio = 1 Tall: 1 Dwarf.

Chapter 8: Classification of Living Things

– Taxonomy and importance of classification.
– Five Kingdoms: Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia.
– Binomial nomenclature (Genus + species).
– Characteristics of major groups: Arthropoda, Mollusca, Annelida, Chordata.
– Differences between monocot and dicot plants.

Example: State three features of arthropods.

Chapter 9: Human Health and Diseases

– Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.
– Pathogens: bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi.
– Diseases: malaria (Plasmodium), cholera (Vibrio cholerae), HIV/AIDS (virus), tuberculosis (Mycobacterium).
– Transmission and prevention of diseases.
– Immunity: natural and artificial, active and passive.
– Vaccination importance.
– First aid for bleeding, burns, fainting.

Exam Practice: List three preventive measures against malaria.

Chapter 10: Practical Biology (WAEC Emphasis)

– Food tests: starch (iodine), protein (Biuret), glucose (Benedict’s), fats (grease spot).
– Microscopy: handling and drawing of specimens.
– Experimental setups: photosynthesis (destarching, iodine test for starch), transpiration (cobalt chloride paper), osmosis (potato osmometers).
– Dissections: cockroach, toad, fish (external and internal structures).

Practical Tip: Draw large, neat diagrams with labels written horizontally.

Chapter 11: Biology Calculations

– Genetics: Punnett squares, probability of traits.
– Ecology: population density, frequency, energy efficiency.
– Formula: Population Density = Number of organisms / Area sampled.
– Capture-recapture method for estimating population size.

Example: If 20 grasshoppers are captured, marked, and released, and later 15 are captured with 5 marked,
population = (20 × 15) / 5 = 60.

Chapter 12: Exam Tips and Strategies

1. Revise past JAMB and WAEC Biology questions.
   2. Learn definitions and key biological terms precisely.
   3. Practice drawing and labelling diagrams.
   4. Use mnemonics for memorization.
   5. Manage exam time effectively; start with easy questions.
   6. Answer essay questions in points for clarity.
   7. Review practical biology procedures thoroughly.

Conclusion

Biology is a fascinating subject that explores the living world. Success in JAMB and WAEC Biology
requires dedication, constant revision, and hands-on practice in practicals. With discipline, focus, and determination,
students can excel and open doors to future careers in science, medicine, agriculture, and beyond.