2026 WAEC Biology Practical Specimen Guide (Full Answers, Identification & Expected Questions)

If you are preparing for the 2026 WAEC Biology Practical Examination, this guide is designed exactly like what examiners expect: clear identification, classification, botanical names (where applicable), fruit types, placentation, adaptations, possible questions, and correct answers.

In practical exams, success is not about guessing—it is about recognition, description, and linking structure to function. Each specimen must be treated as a biological object with clear scientific features.

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Specimen A: Groundnut Pods (Arachis hypogaea)

Identification & Description

Specimen A is the dry, woody pod of groundnut. It develops underground after fertilization (geocarpic development). It is a dry dehiscent fruit called a legume.

Classification

• Botanical name: Arachis hypogaea
• Fruit type: Legume
• Seed type: dicotyledonous seed
• Placentation: Marginal placentation

Key Features

• Dry and elongated pod
• Splits along two sutures when mature
• Seeds attached along one side

Placentation

• Marginal placentation: ovules are attached along the edge of the ovary wall

Possible Questions & Answers

1. State the fruit type.
   → Legume

2. What is the mode of dispersal?
   → Explosive dehiscence or human/animal dispersal

3. Why is it called a legume?
   → It develops from a single carpel and splits along two sutures

4. State the economic importance.
   → Source of oil, protein, and food

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Specimen B: Crushed/Milled Roasted Groundnut Seeds

Identification & Description

This is the processed edible kernel of groundnut used for testing food nutrients.

Classification

• Plant source: Arachis hypogaea
• Food class: protein and oil-rich seed

Key Features

• Crushed texture
• High oil content
• Contains endosperm and cotyledons

Possible Questions & Answers

1. Why is it crushed?
   → To increase surface area and release oil

2. Test for fat.
   → Grease spot test (translucent patch appears on paper)

3. Why is groundnut nutritious?
   → Rich in proteins and lipids

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Specimen C: Beaker with 20 ml Water

Identification

Clear liquid used as a control or solvent in experiments.

Function

• Universal solvent
• Medium for osmosis and diffusion

Possible Questions

1. State its importance in biology experiments.
   → Acts as control or solvent

2. Why is water called a universal solvent?
   → It dissolves many substances

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Specimen D: Beaker with Salt Solution

Identification

A hypertonic solution of sodium chloride in water.

Key Feature

• Higher solute concentration than cell sap

Possible Questions

1. What happens to plant cells?
   → Plasmolysis occurs

2. Define plasmolysis.
   → Shrinking of cytoplasm away from cell wall due to water loss

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Specimen E: Sandy Soil

Identification

Coarse soil with large particles and low water retention.

Key Features

• High drainage
• Low nutrient content
• Good aeration

Possible Questions

1. Why is it poor for farming?
   → Poor water and nutrient retention

2. State one advantage.
   → Good aeration for roots

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Specimen F: Alimentary Canal (Oesophagus to Stomach)

Identification

Part of mammalian digestive system.

Key Features

• Muscular walls
• Stomach has rugae
• Secretes digestive enzymes

Possible Questions

1. What is peristalsis?
   → Wave-like movement of food

2. Function of stomach?
   → Protein digestion and food storage

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Specimen G: Mistletoe on Twig

Identification

Semi-parasitic plant growing on host.

Botanical Group

• Family: Loranthaceae

Key Features

• Has chlorophyll
• Has haustoria

Possible Questions

1. Why is it partial parasite?
   → It photosynthesizes but depends on host for water/minerals

2. What are haustoria?
   → Structures used to absorb nutrients from host

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Specimen H: Evaporated Milk

Identification

Concentrated dairy product.

Nutrient Content

• Protein
• Fat
• Lactose

Possible Questions

1. Test for protein.
   → Biuret test (purple colour)

2. Test for sugar.
   → Benedict’s test (brick red)

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Specimen J: Fresh Fish

Identification

Aquatic vertebrate adapted for swimming.

Example

Tilapia nilotica

Key Features

• Streamlined body
• Gills
• Fins

Possible Questions

1. Function of lateral line?
   → Detect vibrations in water

2. Adaptation for swimming?
   → Streamlined body reduces resistance

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Specimen K: Dry Maize Grain

Identification

Monocot fruit known as caryopsis.

Botanical Name

Zea mays

Fruit Type

• Caryopsis

Placentation

• Basal origin (monocot structure)

Possible Questions

1. Why is it a fruit, not a seed?
   → Seed coat fused with ovary wall

2. Food storage organ?
   → Endosperm

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Specimen L: Tomato Paste

Identification

Processed form of tomato fruit.

Botanical Name

Solanum lycopersicum

Use

• Food processing
• Nutrient tests

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Specimen M: Fresh Tomato

Identification

Edible fleshy fruit.

Fruit Type

• Berry

Placentation

• Axile placentation

Possible Questions

1. Type of fruit?
   → Berry

2. Placentation type?
   → Axile

3. How are seeds arranged?
   → Attached to central axis

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Specimen N: Rotten Tomato

Identification

Decomposing tomato fruit.

Process

• Saprophytic decomposition

Agents

• Bacteria
• Fungi

Possible Questions

1. What causes decay?
   → Microorganisms

2. Name the process.
   → Putrefaction

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Specimen P: Thermometer

Identification

Instrument for measuring temperature.

Possible Questions

1. Common error?
   → Parallax error

2. Use in biology?
   → Measure environmental or reaction temperature

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Specimen Q: Metre Rule

Identification

Instrument for measuring length.

Possible Questions

1. Use?
   → Measuring distance or height

2. Unit?
   → Metre (m)

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Specimen R: Quadrat

Identification

Square frame used in ecology.

Use

• Estimating population of plants/sessile organisms

Possible Questions

1. Function of quadrat?
   → Estimate population density

2. Where is it used?
   → Ecology and field studies

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Final Exam Tip

To score high in WAEC Biology Practical:

• Always state specimen name + classification
• Mention fruit type + placentation (if plant)
• Link structure → function
• Write at least 2–5 possible questions per specimen in practice
• Use correct biological terms (not street language)