(a)
i. Suggest an appropriate title for Specimen A.
ii. Label the parts/structures numbered 1 – 7.
iii. What is the role of Specimen A in reproduction?
iv. What is the name of the process of formation of Specimen A?
v. Mention two (2) adaptations of Specimen A.
vi. Mention one function each of the parts labelled 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7.
vii. Where is Specimen A found?
(b). Observe Specimens B.
i. Name the taxonomic class, order and family of Specimens B.
ii. Give three (3) adaptations of Specimen B.
iii. Make a labelled diagram of 7 - 9 cm of the ventral view of Specimen B.
iv. What is the major food/energy source of Specimen B?
v. Outline five (5) economic importance of Specimen B.
2. a) Make a labeled diagram of 7 - 8 cm of the dorsal view of Specimen C
b) Give four (4) observable characteristics of Specimens C.
c) Outline four (4) economic importance of Specimen C.
Possible answers
Question 1(a) — Specimen A (Pollen Grain)
i. Appropriate Title:
Pollen grain (male gametophyte of a flowering plant)
ii. Labelled Parts (1–7):
| Number | Structure |
|--------|-----------|
| 1 | Spiny exine (outer wall) |
| 2 | Intine (inner wall) |
| 3 | Generative nucleus |
| 4 | Tube nucleus (vegetative nucleus) |
| 5 | Spine/pore |
| 6 | Aperture/germ pore |
| 7 | Cytoplasm |
iii. Role in Reproduction:
Pollen grain carries the male gametes (sperm nuclei) to the female reproductive organ for fertilisation.
iv. Process of Formation:
Microsporogenesis (meiotic division of microspore mother cells in the anther)
v. Two Adaptations:
-
Spiny/sticky exine for attachment to insect pollinators
-
Light and aerodynamic shape (in wind-pollinated species) for easy dispersal
vi. Functions of Labelled Parts:
| Part | Function |
|------|----------|
| 1 (Exine/Spines) | Protection; attachment to pollinators |
| 2 (Intine) | Provides flexibility; protects inner contents |
| 4 (Tube nucleus) | Directs growth of pollen tube |
| 6 (Germ pore/Aperture) | Site of pollen tube emergence during germination |
| 7 (Cytoplasm) | Contains nutrients for metabolic activities |
vii. Where Found:
Inside the anther (microsporangium) of the stamen of a flowering plant (angiosperm)
Question 1(b) — Specimen B (Tick / Cockroach — likely Cockroach)
Note: “Specimen B” in IJMBE practicals at this level is commonly a cockroach. Answers below are based on cockroach.
i. Taxonomic Classification:
-
Class: Insecta
-
Order: Blattodea
-
Family: Blattidae
ii. Three Adaptations:
-
Flattened body for hiding in crevices
-
Long antennae for detecting food and danger (chemoreception)
-
Nocturnal behaviour to avoid predators
iii. Labelled Ventral Diagram (7–9 cm):
(Draw and label: head, thorax, abdomen, 3 pairs of jointed legs, antennae, mouthparts, spiracles, anal cerci)
iv. Major Food/Energy Source:
Cockroaches are omnivores; they feed on decaying organic matter, starch, and leftover food — primary energy source is carbohydrates.
v. Five Economic Importance:
-
Can contaminate food, causing food poisoning (cholera, typhoid)
-
Used as a laboratory specimen for studying insect anatomy
-
Serves as food for reptiles, birds, and other animals (food chain)
-
Produces allergens that trigger asthma in humans
-
Used in pharmacological/medical research
Question 2 — Specimen C (Toad / Frog)
Specimen C is commonly a toad or frog in IJMBE practicals.
a. Dorsal View Labelled Diagram (7–8 cm):
(Draw and label: nostril, eye, tympanic membrane, dorsal stripe, fore limb, hind limb, webbed feet, cloaca)
b. Four Observable Characteristics:
-
Moist, smooth (frog) or warty, dry (toad) skin
-
Presence of four limbs (tetrapod); hind limbs longer than fore limbs
-
Prominent bulging eyes
-
Absence of a tail (adult stage)
c. Four Economic Importance:
-
Used as laboratory specimens in dissection and physiological experiments
-
Feed on insects, helping to control agricultural pests
-
Serve as food for snakes, birds, and other animals — important in the food chain
-
Some species are consumed as food by humans in certain regions
-
(Bonus) Skin secretions are used in pharmaceutical research.
You are provided with Specimen D.
d) Identify Specimen D without any reason.
e) Name the taxonomic class, order and family of Specimen D.
f) Name the structure for gaseous exchange in Specimen D.
g) Outline four (4) economic importance of Specimen D.
h) Using a sharp scalpel, cut open Specimen D to show the alimentary canal system. Draw a labeled diagram of 7 - 8 cm of the alimentary canal system.
3. Specimens F,G, H, I and J provided. Study them carefully and use them to answer the questions that follow:
a.i. State the type of inflorescence represented by Specimens F, G and H.
ii. What are the likely pollinating agents for F G, H, I and J
b. Provide floral diagram and formula for specimen I.
4a. Specimens J, K and L are provided. Study them carefully and answer the questions that follow.
i. State the habitat for each specimen
ii. State one feature that makes each specimen adapted to its habitat
b. Specimen M is provided on your question paper. Use it to answer the questions that follow.
i. Identify the specimen without reasons
ii. Label the parts numbered 1 - 10
iii. Give two functions of the parts labeled 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6.
4b. Study the Table below carefully and fill in appropriately the boxes numbered 1-5.
| Test | Observation | Inference |
|------|-------------|-----------|
| Add 2 to 3 drops of Iodine solution to a solution made from food sample | 1 | Starch Present |
| 2 | Yellow colour observed | Protein present |
| Add Fehling’s to a solution of food sample | 3 | 4 |
| 5 | Red colour observed | Fats/lipids present |
