New Curriculum First Term Biology examination for SS 1

Class: SS 1
Term: First Term
Subject: Biology
Time: 2 hours
Total Marks: 70

SECTION A: OBJECTIVES (40 Marks)
Instruction: Answer all 40 questions. Choose the most appropriate answer. Each question carries 1 mark.

1. An experiment on a plant's response to changing light intensity belongs to botany because it focuses on ____.
   (a) the functioning of a plant organism    (b) animal population breeding    (c) human disease diagnosis    (d) bacterial food spoilage
2. A microscope has just been used. Which care sequence best protects its lenses?
   (a) Leave the slide on the stage and wipe objectives with cloth    (b) Wash objectives under running tap water, then box immediately    (c) Remove the slide, clean lenses with lens tissue, cover and store it    (d) Apply oil to all lenses before each storage
3. Which activity is LEAST consistent with a controlled biology laboratory investigation?
   (a) Labelling specimens before comparison    (b) Changing several conditions at once without recording them    (c) Using a suitable container for each sample    (d) Recording observations immediately
4. Classification by mode of nutrition would place a photosynthetic plant and a feeding animal apart chiefly because ____.
   (a) one ordinarily makes organic food from inorganic substances whereas the other obtains it by feeding    (b) both must have identical cell walls    (c) both live in entirely different biospheres    (d) the animal always has chlorophyll
5. Broken glass cuts a student’s finger. After securing the site, which response is appropriate?
   (a) report the injury and obtain supervised first aid    (b) return the glass pieces to the bench by hand    (c) continue the practical without informing anyone    (d) apply an unidentified chemical to the wound
6. A specimen is to be viewed at higher magnification. First locate it with the low-power objective, then ____.
   (a) lift the slide by the cover slip    (b) apply extra immersion oil to every objective    (c) move the stage abruptly toward the objective    (d) refine focus carefully using the appropriate adjustment
7. A container holding fumes must be handled in the ________ to reduce inhalation exposure.
   (a) specimen drawer    (b) ordinary weighing pan    (c) microscope stage    (d) fume cupboard
8. When the specimen appears clear but too small under low power, which adjustment is justified?
   (a) Remove the slide and inspect it unaided    (b) Use the weighing scale as a magnifier    (c) Replace the cover slip with an opaque card    (d) Change to a higher objective after careful focusing
9. A class stores photographs of specimens with filenames but no dates or labels. Which change most improves the reliability of its ICT record?
   (a) Convert all images into decorative slides    (b) Remove the original data after editing    (c) Attach specimen identity, date and relevant observations to each image    (d) Store the images under one unexplained name
10. Which feature is NOT a reliable difference between all living plants and all animals?
    (a) Every plant moves from place to place whereas no animal moves    (b) Typical plant cells have cellulose cell walls    (c) Green plants commonly manufacture organic food using light    (d) Animals generally ingest organic food
11. Which use of ICT in biology violates ethical practice?
    (a) Recording field counts in a spreadsheet    (b) Acknowledging the source of a downloaded diagram    (c) Publishing identifiable patient information without consent    (d) Backing up original microscope photographs
12. A seedling bends toward a window even though it stays rooted in soil. Which characteristic is chiefly demonstrated?
    (a) Excretion of nitrogenous waste    (b) External fertilisation    (c) Sensitivity to an external stimulus    (d) Mechanical digestion
13. ________ is used to handle a small delicate specimen without touching it directly.
    (a) Measuring cylinder    (b) Retort stand    (c) Bunsen burner    (d) Forceps
14. A biologist needs separate covered surfaces for growing microorganisms and for mixing a solution. Which pairing is appropriate?
    (a) beaker for cultures and fume cupboard for mixing    (b) weighing scale for cultures and Petri dish for mixing    (c) test-tube rack for cultures and microscope for mixing    (d) Petri dish for cultures and beaker for mixing
15. A learner investigates how nutrients move into roots and combines biology with chemistry. Which statement best describes that relationship?
    (a) Chemistry is irrelevant to nutrient movement    (b) Biology draws on chemistry to explain reactions and substances in living systems    (c) Botany excludes study of substances    (d) Biology investigations cannot use other sciences
16. Which response is NOT appropriate when a classmate faints during practical work?
    (a) Calling the teacher or designated first aider    (b) Crowding closely around the student while continuing experiments    (c) Keeping the surrounding area safe    (d) Following emergency-response instructions
17. Which arrangement moves from broader to narrower taxonomic categories?
    (a) Class → kingdom → species → phylum    (b) Genus → family → order → kingdom    (c) Species → class → genus → family    (d) Kingdom → phylum → class → order
18. A student discovers a cracked test tube before heating a specimen. Identify the safest next action.
    (a) hold the crack away from the flame    (b) cover the crack with paper and continue    (c) replace the damaged glassware and tell the supervisor    (d) increase the flame to shorten heating time
19. Why should washed test tubes be dried before being placed in storage?
    (a) make all tubes identical in diameter    (b) reduce contamination and deterioration during storage    (c) guarantee that they will never crack when heated    (d) change the chemical properties of future samples
20. All of the following can trigger a laboratory emergency EXCEPT ____.
    (a) clearly labelled and safely stored equipment    (b) unprotected electrical wiring    (c) leaking gas tubing    (d) unstable chemical storage
21. Which behaviour does NOT meet standard laboratory safety rules?
    (a) Wearing a laboratory coat when required    (b) Keeping drinking water outside the laboratory    (c) Reporting spills promptly    (d) Eating a snack beside covered specimens
22. The study of animal structure and behaviour belongs primarily to ________.
    (a) zoology    (b) botany    (c) microbiology    (d) plant pathology
23. A student smells gas near a lit Bunsen burner. What is the safest immediate decision?
    (a) Light another burner to locate the leak    (b) Connect more glassware before reporting    (c) Use a naked flame to check the gas outlet    (d) Warn others and alert the teacher without operating a flame or switch
24. Before sharing biological research results, the correct step is to ____.
    (a) delete values that contradict the expected result    (b) verify records and remove confidential identifying details    (c) replace uncertain measurements with estimates    (d) copy another team's observations without credit
25. A researcher comparing the germination of two seed varieties should keep water and temperature alike. The main reason is to ____.
    (a) increase both varieties' germination automatically    (b) eliminate the need for repeated observations    (c) reduce confounding effects when comparing varieties    (d) make differences in seed type irrelevant
26. One lens is cloudy after a practical. What should NOT be used to remove the dirt?
    (a) Approved lens tissue    (b) Appropriate lens-cleaning method    (c) Guidance from the laboratory supervisor    (d) Rough abrasive paper
27. The main reason growth alone cannot establish that a specimen is living is that ____.
    (a) all organisms remain the same size throughout life    (b) some non-living objects can increase in size by accumulation    (c) growth is unrelated to cells    (d) only animals show measurable increases in mass
28. A bench spill threatens nearby pupils. Why should access be restricted until trained staff respond?
    (a) preserve the original spill pattern for display    (b) prevent additional exposure and injuries    (c) avoid recording the incident    (d) make the substance harmless without treatment
29. Two organisms belong to the same family but different genera. Which statement follows?
    (a) They must belong to different kingdoms    (b) They share a family but are not placed in the same genus    (c) They are necessarily the same species    (d) They cannot share any inherited traits
30. A group must observe cells in a thin onion epidermis. Which apparatus directly permits the required observation?
    (a) Electronic weighing balance    (b) Compound light microscope    (c) Conical flask    (d) Thermometer
31. An exposed electrical cable lies beside wet bench space. Which risk is most immediate?
    (a) Electric shock from contact with the damaged conductor    (b) Inaccurate microscope magnification    (c) Contamination of a Petri-dish label    (d) Incorrect sample classification
32. A student claims that plants do not respire because they photosynthesise. Which observation best challenges the claim?
    (a) Only green leaves contain living cells    (b) Photosynthesis takes place only in darkness    (c) Living plant tissues use oxygen and release energy for cellular activity    (d) Plant roots never require energy
33. The ________ is the rank immediately below family in the usual hierarchy.
    (a) genus    (b) class    (c) kingdom    (d) phylum
34. Several students must compare the same live specimen simultaneously. What advantage does a digital microscope offer?
    (a) replace all direct observations with invented values    (b) view and compare a live specimen image on a screen    (c) measure rainfall without any sensor    (d) sterilise contaminated specimens automatically
35. The ________ should be used to carry a microscope safely, with support beneath its base.
    (a) eyepiece alone    (b) mirror and focusing knob    (c) arm and supporting hand    (d) power cord alone
36. ________ is a suitable instrument for determining the mass of a sample before an experiment.
    (a) A weighing balance    (b) A graduated cylinder    (c) A binocular microscope    (d) A dissecting needle
37. Why is the first-aid kit inspected before laboratory sessions?
    (a) Its presence prevents every laboratory accident    (b) It removes the need for a qualified emergency response    (c) Missing or expired supplies could delay safe treatment    (d) It substitutes for proper specimen disposal
38. A student writes 'magnification ×400' but draws no scale or description. What most limits the scientific value of the record?
    (a) The exact spelling of the student's surname    (b) The number of other microscopes nearby    (c) The absence of clear observable features and labels    (d) The colour of the bench surface
39. Which branch would best investigate microbes present in contaminated water?
    (a) Zoology    (b) Forestry    (c) Anatomy of flowering plants    (d) Microbiology
40. A hospital requires investigation of a patient’s blood sample. Which kind of laboratory is best suited to the work?
    (a) medical laboratory    (b) field ecology station    (c) plant propagation house    (d) school demonstration room

SECTION B: THEORY (30 Marks)
Instruction: Answer Question 1 and any other TWO questions. Each question carries 10 marks. Show your reasoning and use labelled diagrams where appropriate.

Question 1 (10 marks)
(a) A class must culture a specimen and also prepare a liquid solution. Name two appropriate items of laboratory equipment and explain the function of each. (4 marks)
(b) Describe three precautions that make the investigation safe and its recorded results reliable. (6 marks)

Question 2 (10 marks)
(a) A learner finds a cracked vessel and detects an unfamiliar gas odour at the practical bench. Identify two distinct hazards and explain one possible danger of each. (4 marks)
(b) Outline a safe response to the situation, including who should be informed and how the practical should be resumed. (6 marks)

Question 3 (10 marks)
(a) Explain the purpose of low-power focusing before high magnification and state two correct lens-care practices. (4 marks)
(b) A student observes onion cells, photographs them and presents the findings. Describe three ways to improve the scientific quality and ethical handling of the report. (6 marks)

Question 4 (10 marks)
(a) Distinguish between cellular respiration and external movement as characteristics of living things, with one suitable biological example for each. (4 marks)
(b) Explain how classification and mode of nutrition could help a student compare a green plant with an animal. Include a valid hierarchy from kingdom to order. (6 marks)

Objective Marking Scheme
Question 1 – ✅ (a) the functioning of a plant organism
Question 2 – ✅ (c) Remove the slide, clean lenses with lens tissue, cover and store it
Question 3 – ✅ (b) Changing several conditions at once without recording them
Question 4 – ✅ (a) one ordinarily makes organic food from inorganic substances whereas the other obtains it by feeding
Question 5 – ✅ (a) report the injury and obtain supervised first aid
Question 6 – ✅ (d) refine focus carefully using the appropriate adjustment
Question 7 – ✅ (d) fume cupboard
Question 8 – ✅ (d) Change to a higher objective after careful focusing
Question 9 – ✅ (c) Attach specimen identity, date and relevant observations to each image
Question 10 – ✅ (a) Every plant moves from place to place whereas no animal moves
Question 11 – ✅ (c) Publishing identifiable patient information without consent
Question 12 – ✅ (c) Sensitivity to an external stimulus
Question 13 – ✅ (d) Forceps
Question 14 – ✅ (d) Petri dish for cultures and beaker for mixing
Question 15 – ✅ (b) Biology draws on chemistry to explain reactions and substances in living systems
Question 16 – ✅ (b) Crowding closely around the student while continuing experiments
Question 17 – ✅ (d) Kingdom → phylum → class → order
Question 18 – ✅ (c) replace the damaged glassware and tell the supervisor
Question 19 – ✅ (b) reduce contamination and deterioration during storage
Question 20 – ✅ (a) clearly labelled and safely stored equipment
Question 21 – ✅ (d) Eating a snack beside covered specimens
Question 22 – ✅ (a) zoology
Question 23 – ✅ (d) Warn others and alert the teacher without operating a flame or switch
Question 24 – ✅ (b) verify records and remove confidential identifying details
Question 25 – ✅ (c) reduce confounding effects when comparing varieties
Question 26 – ✅ (d) Rough abrasive paper
Question 27 – ✅ (b) some non-living objects can increase in size by accumulation
Question 28 – ✅ (b) prevent additional exposure and injuries
Question 29 – ✅ (b) They share a family but are not placed in the same genus
Question 30 – ✅ (b) Compound light microscope
Question 31 – ✅ (a) Electric shock from contact with the damaged conductor
Question 32 – ✅ (c) Living plant tissues use oxygen and release energy for cellular activity
Question 33 – ✅ (a) genus
Question 34 – ✅ (b) view and compare a live specimen image on a screen
Question 35 – ✅ (c) arm and supporting hand
Question 36 – ✅ (a) A weighing balance
Question 37 – ✅ (c) Missing or expired supplies could delay safe treatment
Question 38 – ✅ (c) The absence of clear observable features and labels
Question 39 – ✅ (d) Microbiology
Question 40 – ✅ (a) medical laboratory

Theory Marking Scheme

Question 1:
(a) Petri dish: a shallow covered vessel for cultivating specimens (name 1, suitable use 1); beaker: holding/mixing liquids (name 1, suitable use 1). (4 marks)
(b) Award 2 marks each for any three well explained precautions: label samples and records; inspect glassware and PPE; work as directed with safe disposal; prevent cross-contamination; record controlled conditions and observations accurately. (6 marks)

Question 2:
(a) Cracked glass: cuts or breakage during heating (2); leaking gas: fire, inhalation or explosion hazard (2). (4 marks)
(b) Stop work and warn nearby pupils (1); avoid flames/switches and do not test leak by ignition (2); alert teacher and follow laboratory emergency procedure (1); isolate area as directed and allow trained personnel to address hazards (1); resume only after inspection and authorisation (1). (6 marks)

Question 3:
(a) Finding/focusing specimen under low power avoids objective damage and improves location (2); use lens tissue and cover/store microscope appropriately (1 each). (4 marks)
(b) Provide labels/scale and observational description (2); include sample identity, date, conditions and original photographs (2); verify data, credit source and avoid publishing confidential information without consent (2). (6 marks)

Question 4:
(a) Cellular respiration releases usable energy from food (1) in living tissues such as roots (1); movement is change in position or orientation (1), such as a shoot bending toward light (1). (4 marks)
(b) Plant photosynthesises while animal generally ingests food (2); typical cell-wall contrast explained (2); kingdom → phylum/division → class → order in correct sequence (2). (6 marks)
Accept scientifically correct equivalents. Award method marks for valid reasoning; do not award a mark twice for the same point.