Biology Paper 3 (Practical), WASSCE (SC), 2022

LIST OF SPECIMENS
Specimen A – Weevil-damaged bean seed
Specimen B – Viable bean seed
Specimen C – Dried maize grain soaked in water overnight
Specimen D – Soldier termite (dead)
Specimen E – Honeybee (dead)
Specimen F – Muddy water (in a test tube)
Specimen G – Lower jaw of a herbivore with teeth intact
Specimen H – Head of domestic fowl (complete)
Specimen J – Quill feather
Specimen K – Leg of domestic fowl (complete)
Specimen L – Head of duck (complete)
Specimen M – Head of domestic fowl (complete)

 

 

Study specimens D and E and answer questions 2(a) and 2(b).
(a)        (i)         Name the specific habitats of each of specimens D and E.                [2marks]
(ii)        State five observable structural differences between specimens D and E exhibit?
                                                                                                                        [5marks]
            (b)        State two ways by which specimen E is of economic importance.                [2marks]

Study specimen G and answer questions 2(c) to 2(e).

(c)        On the table below, name the types of teeth present in specimen G and state one function each of the types of teeth named.


Types of teeth

One function

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                [6marks]
(d)       (i)         Name the mode of feeding of the organism from which specimen G was
obtained.                                                                                             [1mark]
(ii)        State three ways by which specimen G adapts its organisms to the
mode of feeding stated in 2(d)(i).                                                       [6marks]
(c)        Name two mineral elements which are needed, for the proper functioning of
specimen G in the body.                                                                                 [2marks]

This question was a bit popular among the candidates and the performance was quite good.

Most candidates were able to correctly state the specific habitats of specimens D and E but lost some marks to the spellings of termitarium and hive.

Most candidates correctly tabulated the observable structural differences between specimens D and E.

Few of the candidates correctly stated the behavioral adaptation common to specimens D and E as social insects.

Many candidates were able to state the economic importance of specimen E.

The types of teeth and their functions were stated but some confused the functions of the teeth. Some even lost marks to the spellings of the types of teeth.

Some candidates were able to state the mode of feeding of organisms that possess specimen G.

Many candidates were able to name the mineral elements needed for the proper functioning of specimen G but some candidates lost marks to poor spellings.

 

The expected answers include:       

2. (a) (i) Habitats of specimens D and E
D:        Termitarium/anthill/old logs of trees/mound(s)/dead tree stumps;
            E:        nest/hive.                                                                                                                                             Note: Spellings must be correct to score.                                                   

  (ii) Observable structural differences between specimens D and E


D/soldier termite

E/honeybee

  • Presence of prominent/large/mandible

presence of poorly developed/less prominent mandible;

  • Sting absent

sting present;

  • Pollen comb absent

pollen comb present;

  • Wing absent

wing present;

  • Absence of pollen basket

presence of pollen basket;

  • Absence of prong

presence of prong;

  • Absence of proboscis

presence of proboscis;

  • Body not hairy (smooth)

body is hairy;

  • Absence of eye/blind

presence of (two/a pair of) compound eyes

  • Big in size/big head

small in size/small head

Note: Points must correspond to score.                                         
                                                                                                                                 
(iii)   Behavioral adaptation common to specimens D and E
Social insects                                                                                                 

(b) Economic importance of specimen E

  • Production of honey;
  • Production of beeswax/wax;
  • Pollinating agent;
  • Employment;
  • Their stings lead to allergies/anaphylactic shock/difficulty in breathing/rashes/skin irritations;

Their stings could lead to death.         

(c) Table


Types of teeth

one function of teeth

Incisor

Cutting (of vegetation)/nibbling/gnawing/bitting

Premolar

Grinding/chewing

Molar

Grinding/chewing

Note: spelling of type of teeth must be correct to score.

   (d) (i) Mode of feeding of specimens G
Herbivorous/herbivore.          
Note: Spellings must be correct to score.                                                   

 

              (ii) Ways by which specimen G adapts its organism to its mode of feeding

  • Sharp/chisel shaped/curved incisors; for cutting vegetation/leaves/food/gnawing/nibbling/bitting;
  • Broad/ridged surface of premolar; for grinding/chewing;
  • Broad/ridged surface of molar; for grinding/chewing;
  • Presence of diastema/space between incisor and premolar; allows the rolling of food into bolus/it separates freshly cut food/grass from the one being chewed.                                                                                                                                                   

         (e) Mineral element needed for the proper functioning of specimen G

  • Calcium;                            -       Copper;
  • Phosphorus;                       -       Boron;
  • Magnesium;                       -       Fluoride;
  • Zinc;                                  -       Iron.
  • Potassium;
Note: Spellings must be correct to score.