Observation

This was the most popular question amongst students. Majority of the candidates that answered this question had a range of good scores although some marks were lost to the carelessness of some candidates. In question 1 (a), some candidates could not efficiently explain ‘classification’; Some candidates could name the scientist that developed the binomial system of classification but could not spell the name correctly; some even started the name with a small letter. While stating the reason it is necessary to classify living things, some candidates gave meaningless answers
Many candidates were able to list the major groups into which taxonomists classify living things but lost marks at the point where they could not rank them in order of hierarchy. Some candidates even started naming from ‘Species’ to ‘Kingdom’ instead of the other way round.
In question 1 (b), some candidates could not state correctly the features viruses have in common with living and non-living things. Some candidates could name plant and animal viruses but some candidates lost marks to spelling errors.
The expected answers are:

1. (i) Classification of living things
   Is the sorting/grouping/arranging of living things (in groups); according to their common /similar characteristics/features/shared qualities.

   (ii) The scientist who developed the Binomial system of classificationCarl/Carolus Linnaeus/Linnaeus

   Note: (i) Spelling must be correct to score; (ii) Name should start with capital letter to score.

    

   (iii)Reasons for classification of living things

   - to put every living organism into a systematic order/specific group;

   - for easy identification of similar living things;

   - to indicate/show the relationships between different categories of living organisms;

   - to show evolutionary trends in different groups of living organisms;

   - to trace geographical distribution of living organisms;

   - for easy reference;

   - for easy research/study.

    

2. Features of viruses as

   (i) Living things - has protoplasm/protein coat/membrane;
   - contain DNA/RNA/nucleic acid.

   (ii) Non-living things - appear as crystals;
   - lack organelles.

3. Viral diseases of

   (i) Plants
   Cassava mosaic disease; bean mosaic diseases; cacao swollen shoot disease; groundnut rosette; maize streak; cucumber mosaic; any correctly named disease.
   Note: Spelling must be correct to score.
   (ii) Humans
   Poliomyelitis/polio; chicken pox; mumps; measles; influenza/flu; AIDS; Ebola disease; infective hepatitis; Lassa fever; Avian influenza (Bird flu) Swine flu (Bovine flu); Rabies; Zika; any correctly named disease.
   Note: Spelling must be correct to score.