Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q651.
Which of the following is a non-renewable energy source?
A
Solar energy
B
Wind energy
C
Coal
D
Hydroelectric power
Correct Answer: C
Coal is a fossil fuel that will eventually be exhausted; solar, wind, and hydro are renewable.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q652.
In the human body, the large intestine primarily functions to:
A
Digest proteins
B
Absorb water and electrolytes
C
Produce insulin
D
Filter blood
Correct Answer: B
The large intestine absorbs water and salts, forming solid waste.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q653.
What is the correct order of the phases of the water cycle?
A
Evaporation → Condensation → Precipitation → Collection
B
Condensation → Evaporation → Precipitation → Collection
C
Precipitation → Evaporation → Condensation → Collection
D
Collection → Precipitation → Evaporation → Condensation
Correct Answer: A
Water evaporates, condenses into clouds, precipitates as rain, and collects in bodies of water.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q654.
Which element is essential for the formation of hemoglobin?
A
Calcium
B
Iron
C
Sodium
D
Magnesium
Correct Answer: B
Iron is a key component of hemoglobin, enabling oxygen transport in red blood cells.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q655.
The process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy is called:
A
Respiration
B
Photosynthesis
C
Transpiration
D
Fermentation
Correct Answer: B
Photosynthesis uses solar energy to produce sugars from CO₂ and water.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q656.
In a chemical equation, the substance that is unchanged during the reaction is called the:
A
Reactant
B
Product
C
Catalyst
D
Solvent
Correct Answer: C
A catalyst speeds up a reaction without being consumed.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q657.
Which organ is responsible for filtering blood and producing urine?
A
Heart
B
Liver
C
Kidneys
D
Lungs
Correct Answer: C
Kidneys filter blood, removing waste and regulating fluid balance.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q658.
The unit of electric current is the:
A
Volt
B
Watt
C
Ampere
D
Ohm
Correct Answer: C
Current is measured in amperes (A), representing electron flow.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q659.
Which of these is a type of simple machine that uses a lever?
A
Pulley
B
Inclined plane
C
Wedge
D
Seesaw
Correct Answer: D
A seesaw is a lever that balances two forces on a pivot.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q660.
Which planet in our solar system is known for its prominent ring system?
A
Mars
B
Venus
C
Saturn
D
Jupiter
Correct Answer: C
Saturn has the most extensive and visible ring system among the planets.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q661.
What is the primary cause of the seasons on Earth?
A
Variation in solar output
B
Earth’s axial tilt
C
Earth’s distance from the Sun
D
Ocean currents
Correct Answer: B
The tilt of Earth’s axis causes different regions to receive varying sunlight throughout the year.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q662.
In biology, the term “homeostasis” refers to:
A
The ability of an organism to adapt to new environments
B
The maintenance of a stable internal environment
C
The process of cell division
D
The production of hormones
Correct Answer: B
Homeostasis keeps internal conditions (temperature, pH, etc.) within narrow limits.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q663.
Which gas is most abundant in the Earth’s atmosphere?
A
Oxygen
B
Nitrogen
C
Carbon dioxide
D
Hydrogen
Correct Answer: B
Nitrogen makes up about 78% of the atmosphere.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q664.
The chemical formula for table salt is:
A
Na₂O
B
NaCl
C
KCl
D
CaCl₂
Correct Answer: B
Sodium chloride (NaCl) is common table salt.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q665.
What is the main function of chlorophyll in plants?
A
Store energy
B
Conduct photosynthesis by absorbing light
C
Protect against pests
D
Transport water
Correct Answer: B
Chlorophyll captures light energy for photosynthesis.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q666.
Which of the following is an example of a chemical change?
A
Ice melting into water
B
Iron rusting
C
Water boiling
D
Sugar dissolving in water
Correct Answer: B
Rusting (oxidation of iron) is a chemical change producing new substances.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q667.
A conductor of electricity is a material that:
A
Blocks electric current
B
Allows electric current to pass easily
C
Emits light when heated
D
Is made of metal only
Correct Answer: B
Conductors permit electron flow, enabling current.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q668.
Which organ of the human body stores bile produced by the liver?
A
Stomach
B
Gallbladder
C
Pancreas
D
Small intestine
Correct Answer: B
The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile before it aids digestion.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q669.
The process by which a liquid turns into a gas is called:
A
Condensation
B
Sublimation
C
Evaporation
D
Deposition
Correct Answer: C
Evaporation is the phase transition from liquid to vapor.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q670.
In the water cycle, precipitation can occur as which forms of water?
A
Solid, liquid, gas
B
Liquid only
C
Gas only
D
Solid only
Correct Answer: A
Precipitation may be snow (solid), rain (liquid), or hail (solid).
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q671.
Which of the following is a non-living component of a forest ecosystem?
A
Trees
B
Birds
C
Soil
D
Insects
Correct Answer: C
Soil is abiotic, while trees, birds, and insects are biotic.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q672.
The basic unit of life is the:
A
Atom
B
Cell
C
Molecule
D
Organ
Correct Answer: B
Cells are the smallest functional units of living organisms.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q673.
Which of the following is a renewable resource that can be replenished naturally?
A
Oil
B
Natural gas
C
Solar energy
D
Uranium
Correct Answer: C
Solar energy is abundant and constantly replenished by the sun.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q674.
Which gas is essential for cellular respiration in humans?
A
Nitrogen
B
Oxygen
C
Carbon dioxide
D
Helium
Correct Answer: B
Oxygen is required for mitochondria to produce ATP during respiration.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q675.
Which of the following best describes the function of the nervous system?
A
To pump blood throughout the body
B
To provide structural support
C
To coordinate and control body activities
D
To digest food
Correct Answer: C
The nervous system transmits signals to regulate body functions.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q676.
The process by which plants lose water vapor through stomata is called:
A
Photosynthesis
B
Respiration
C
Transpiration
D
Germination
Correct Answer: C
Transpiration is the evaporation of water from plant surfaces.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q677.
Which of the following is a non-living component of a plant cell?
A
Chloroplast
B
Cell wall
C
Mitochondrion
D
Nucleus
Correct Answer: B
The cell wall is a non-living structure that provides support to the plant cell.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q678.
What is the primary function of the stomata in a leaf?
A
Photosynthesis
B
Water storage
C
Gas exchange
D
Nutrient absorption
Correct Answer: C
Stomata allow gases such as CO₂ and O₂ to enter and leave the leaf for photosynthesis and respiration.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q679.
Which of the following is NOT a type of cloud?
A
Cumulus
B
Stratus
C
Nimbus
D
Cirrus
Correct Answer: C
Nimbus is not a standard cloud classification; the correct term is Nimbostratus.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q680.
What is the unit of electrical resistance?
A
Volt
B
Ampere
C
Ohm
D
Watt
Correct Answer: C
Ohm (Ω) is the SI unit used to measure electrical resistance.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q681.
Which of the following animals is a mammal?
A
Crocodile
B
Turtle
C
Elephant
D
Shark
Correct Answer: C
Elephants are warm‑blooded, have hair, and nurse their young, characteristics of mammals.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q682.
The process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy is called:
A
Respiration
B
Fermentation
C
Photosynthesis
D
Digestion
Correct Answer: C
Photosynthesis uses sunlight to produce glucose and oxygen from CO₂ and water.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q683.
Which of the following is a renewable source of energy?
A
Coal
B
Natural gas
C
Solar power
D
Petroleum
Correct Answer: C
Solar power is replenished naturally by the sun, making it renewable.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q684.
In the human body, which organ is primarily responsible for filtering blood?
A
Heart
B
Liver
C
Kidneys
D
Lungs
Correct Answer: C
The kidneys filter waste products from the blood and regulate water balance.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q685.
Which of the following is a chemical change?
A
Melting ice
B
Boiling water
C
Burning wood
D
Dissolving sugar in water
Correct Answer: C
Burning wood produces new substances (ash, gases), indicating a chemical change.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q686.
Which layer of the earth is solid and moves slowly?
A
Crust
B
Mantle
C
Outer core
D
Inner core
Correct Answer: B
The mantle is solid but behaves plastically, allowing tectonic plates to move.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q687.
The part of the plant that absorbs water and minerals from the soil is the:
A
Flower
B
Stem
C
Root
D
Leaf
Correct Answer: C
Roots take up water and minerals, transporting them to other parts of the plant.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q688.
What is the main gas used by humans for respiration?
A
Oxygen
B
Nitrogen
C
Carbon dioxide
D
Helium
Correct Answer: A
Humans inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide during respiration.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q689.
Which of the following best describes an ecosystem?
A
A single species living in a habitat
B
A community of organisms and their physical environment
C
A group of animals of the same species
D
A laboratory experiment on plants
Correct Answer: B
An ecosystem includes all living organisms and non‑living components in an area.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q690.
Which of the following is an example of a simple machine?
A
Computer
B
Wheel and axle
C
Refrigerator
D
Telephone
Correct Answer: B
A wheel and axle is a simple machine that reduces effort required to move objects.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q691.
The process of turning liquid water into vapor is called:
A
Condensation
B
Evaporation
C
Sublimation
D
Precipitation
Correct Answer: B
Evaporation is the change from liquid to gas at the surface of a liquid.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q692.
In a food chain, the organism that produces its own food is known as a:
A
Consumer
B
Producer
C
Decomposer
D
Predator
Correct Answer: B
Producers (plants, algae) create organic matter using sunlight or chemical energy.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q693.
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of living organisms?
A
Growth
B
Reproduction
C
Respiration
D
Inertia
Correct Answer: D
Inertia is a physical property, not a biological characteristic.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q694.
Which organ stores bile produced by the liver?
A
Stomach
B
Pancreas
C
Gallbladder
D
Spleen
Correct Answer: C
The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile before it enters the digestive tract.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q695.
The unit of temperature commonly used in the Nigeria curriculum is:
A
Kelvin
B
Celsius
C
Fahrenheit
D
Rankine
Correct Answer: B
The Celsius scale is used for everyday temperature measurements in Nigeria.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q696.
Which of the following is an example of a non‑renewable resource?
A
Wind
B
Solar energy
C
Natural gas
D
Hydropower
Correct Answer: C
Natural gas is finite and will eventually be depleted.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q697.
The part of the eye that controls the amount of light entering is the:
A
Retina
B
Lens
C
Cornea
D
Iris
Correct Answer: D
The iris adjusts pupil size to regulate light entering the eye.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q698.
In a balanced chemical equation, the total number of atoms of each element must be:
A
Greater on the left side
B
Greater on the right side
C
Equal on both sides
D
Irrelevant
Correct Answer: C
Conservation of mass requires equal numbers of atoms on both sides of the equation.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q699.
Which of the following is a type of energy that can be stored in chemical bonds?
A
Kinetic energy
B
Potential energy
C
Thermal energy
D
Chemical energy
Correct Answer: D
Chemical energy is stored in the bonds between atoms and released during reactions.
Junior Certificate Examination
Basic Science
Q700.
Which of the following is a characteristic of the Earth’s atmosphere?
A
It is composed mostly of oxygen
B
It contains water vapour in all layers
C
It protects the planet from harmful solar radiation
D
It has no effect on weather patterns
Correct Answer: C
The atmosphere shields Earth from UV radiation and influences weather.