NECO (SSCE) Biology Past Questions and Answers (2026)

Answer: D

The correct answer is D. Cyclosis refers to the streaming movement of cytoplasm within plant cells, which can be observed in a freshly cut leaf of a water plant. Option A, amoeboids, refers to the movement of amoebas and is not applicable to plant cells. Option B, centrifugal motion, describes a force that moves objects outward from a center, which does not pertain to cytoplasmic movement. Option C, ciliary motion, involves the movement of cilia and is not relevant to plant cytoplasm. Option E, osmosis, is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane, which is unrelated to cytoplasmic streaming.

Answer: B

Option B (diatoms → tadpole → fish → kingfisher) represents a correct food chain in an aquatic habitat, as it starts with primary producers (diatoms), followed by primary consumers (tadpoles), secondary consumers (fish), and finally a tertiary consumer (kingfisher). Option A is incorrect because fungi are decomposers and do not fit into a typical food chain. Option C is incorrect as it includes a whale, which is not part of the same habitat as grass and grasshoppers. Option D is correct in terms of sequence but phytoplankton is a more accurate term for aquatic primary producers than the general term used. Option E is also a valid sequence but does not represent the most direct food chain compared to B.

Answer: C

Meiosis is the process that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing gametes (sperm and eggs) with a haploid set of chromosomes. When fertilization occurs, the diploid chromosome number is restored, ensuring that the chromosome number remains constant across generations. Fission (A) is a form of asexual reproduction, fusion (B) refers to the merging of cells, mitosis (D) is a process of cell division that maintains the chromosome number, and oogenesis (E) is the process of egg formation but does not directly ensure the constancy of chromosome numbers across generations.

Answer: D

The correct answer is D, the sea anemone attached to the hermit crab, because this represents a mutualistic symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit: the hermit crab gains protection from predators while the sea anemone gets transportation and access to food. Option A (dodder on green plants) is a parasitic relationship where dodder derives nutrients at the expense of the host plant. Option B (ferns growing on palm trees) describes epiphytic growth, which is not necessarily symbiotic as it does not involve a mutual benefit. Option C (lice on hair of mammals) represents a parasitic relationship where lice harm the host. Option E (tick found on body of cow) is also a parasitic relationship, with the tick feeding on the cow's blood, causing harm.

Answer: B

Decomposers, such as fungi and bacteria, are organisms that break down dead organic matter. Option A is true because they are indeed saprophytes, which means they feed on decaying matter. Option B is NOT true because decomposers typically perform extracellular digestion, breaking down substances outside their cells before absorbing the nutrients. Option C is true as they help cleanse the environment by breaking down waste. Option D is true since they recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem. Option E is also true because decomposers connect autotrophs (producers) and heterotrophs (consumers) by returning nutrients to the soil, which supports plant growth.

Answer: A

Root pressure is generated in the roots of plants and helps push water upward through the xylem, while transpiration pull occurs when water evaporates from the leaves, creating a negative pressure that pulls more water up from the roots. Together, these processes facilitate the ascent of water into leaves, making option A correct. Option B is incorrect because gas exchange is primarily facilitated by diffusion, not by root pressure or transpiration pull. Option C is incorrect as the movement of manufactured food (sugars) from leaves to storage tissues involves phloem transport, not water ascent. Option D is incorrect because the opening and closing of stomata are regulated by guard cells and are not directly related to root pressure or transpiration pull. Option E is incorrect because the release of energy from glucose molecules is a process of cellular respiration, not related to water movement.

Answer: E

Volvox is a colonial organism, meaning it exists as a group of cells that function together. In contrast, Chlamydomonas, Euglena, and Paramecium are unicellular organisms, while Spirogyra is a filamentous green algae but not typically classified as colonial. Therefore, only Volvox fits the description of a colonial organism.

Answer: E

The correct answer is E, respiration, because all living organisms require energy to maintain their biological processes, and respiration is the process through which they convert nutrients into energy. Option A, gametogenesis, is specific to reproduction and not a characteristic of all living things. Option B, hibernation, is a survival strategy used by some animals but not applicable to all. Option C, photosynthesis, is limited to plants and some microorganisms, while option D, phototropism, is a growth response to light and not a characteristic of all living organisms.

Answer: A

When a student encounters a snake, the body triggers a 'fight or flight' response, leading to the release of adrenaline (also known as epinephrine) from the adrenal glands. Adrenaline prepares the body for immediate physical action by increasing heart rate, blood flow to muscles, and energy availability. The other options are incorrect because insulin regulates blood sugar levels, oestrogen and testosterone are involved in reproductive functions, and thyroxine regulates metabolism, none of which are directly related to the acute stress response triggered by a snake encounter.

Answer: B

Practicing crop rotation helps maintain soil health, reduces pest and disease buildup, and minimizes the need for chemical inputs, making it the least harmful option. In contrast, the application of fertilizers can lead to nutrient runoff and water pollution, monocropping can deplete soil nutrients and increase vulnerability to pests, and spraying herbicides and pesticides can harm non-target species and disrupt ecosystems.

Answer: C

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants manufacture food, and it requires carbon dioxide (A), chlorophyll (B), sunlight (D), and water (E). Oxygen (C) is a byproduct of photosynthesis and is not needed for the production of plant food, making it the correct answer. The other options are essential components of the photosynthesis process.

Answer: D

Lianas are climbing plants that thrive in the tropical rain forest, which is characterized by dense vegetation and competition for light. Similarly, an extensive root system is crucial in grassland habitats where plants need to access water and nutrients from deeper soil layers to survive in often nutrient-poor conditions. The other options do not align as closely: A. Afro-alpine habitats have different vegetation types; B. Estuarine habitats are influenced by both freshwater and saltwater; C. Fresh-water habitats primarily involve aquatic plants; E. Marine habitats are dominated by saltwater species.