NECO Syllabus For Biology 2024

This NECO Syllabus For Biology 2024 will show you the specific areas you need to concentrate on as you prepare to write the NECO Biology examination. In other words, it will provide you with all the biology topics, suggested reading lists, and authors you need to read in order to be prepared for the examination.

All of the biology questions on your exam will be based on the NECO Biology syllabus, which is something you should keep in mind.

Aims And Objectives

1 . having an appreciation for nature and an understanding of the structure and functions of living things;
2. acquiring the necessary skills in the lab and on the ground to conduct and assess biological experiments and projects;
3. acquisition of essential scientific abilities, such as the ability to observe, categorize, and interpret biological data;
4. acquiring the fundamental knowledge in biology required for upcoming advanced studies in biological sciences;
5. development of problem-solving skills in a scientific manner;
6. the capacity to apply biological principles to issues that have an impact on one’s own, others’, the environment, the health of the community, and the economy;

7. being aware of the interactions between biology and other scientific fields.

Scheme Of Examination

There will be three papers: Papers 1, 2 and 3, all of which must be taken. Papers 1 and 2 will be a composite paper to be taken at one sitting.

PAPER 1: will be made up of fifty multiple-choice, objective questions taken from Section A of the syllabus, which is the part of the curriculum that is the same worldwide. It will be worth 50 points and last 50 minutes.

PAPER 2: Will consist of six essay questions drawn from the entire syllabus. The paper will be put into three sections, Sections A, B and C.

Section A:

Will consist of four questions drawn from Section A of the syllabus.

Section B:

will only be available to candidates in Ghana, and they will be chosen from the syllabus’ Section B (the part of the syllabus that is particularly relevant to Ghana). Short structured questions will make up the majority of it.

Section C:

will be for candidates from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Liberia and will be taken from Section C of the curriculum (i.e., the section of the curriculum containing only material for those countries).Additionally, there will be a few quick questions with a structure.
Candidates must respond to two of the questions in Section A and to all of the brief, structured questions in either Section B or Section C.

The compulsory short-structured questions in Sections B and C have a maximum score of 30, while each question in Section A carries 20 marks. It will take up 70 points in total. The duration of the paper is 1 hour and 40 minutes.

PAPER 3: Will be a practical test (for school candidates) or a test of practical work (for private candidates) lasting 2 hours and consisting of three sections: Sections A, B and C.

Section A:

This will consist of two compulsory questions drawn from Section A of the syllabus, each carrying 25 marks.

Section B:

This will be for candidates in Ghana only. It will consist of one question drawn from Section B of the syllabus and will carry 30 marks.

Section C:

This will be for candidates in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Liberia. It will consist of one question drawn from Section C of the syllabus and will carry 30 marks.

Candidates will be expected to answer all the questions in Section A and one question in either Section B or C. The paper will carry a total score of 80 marks.

NECO Recommended Textbook for Biology

RECOMMENDED TEXT BOOK FOR BIOLOGY AUTHOR PUBLISHER
Comprehensive Certificate Biology Ambonu Sunday et al. University Press
Modern Biology for SSS Kucy I. Aunwa et-al African First Pubs
Exam Focus Biology A. Egunyomi et-al University Press Ibadan
Essential Biology for SSS M.C. Michael Tonad Pubs.
S.S.C. Practical Biology S. Ukeji Learn Africa

A. Concept of Living

1. Classification

(a) Living and non-living things

(b) Classification of living things into Kingdoms: Monera, Protoctista (Protista), Fungi, Plantae, Animalia

(c) Differences between plants and animals

Classification of objects into living and nonliving, giving examples of each group. Viruses should be mentioned as a link between living and non-living things.

Kingdom Monera (Prokaryotes), single-celled, motile or non-motile organisms without definite nuclei e.g. bacteria and blue-green algae.

Major characteristics of the major phyla of Kingdoms Protoctista and Fungi.

Kingdom Protista (Eukaryotes), single-celled, motile or non-motile organisms. Cell structure complex with definite nucleus e.g. Chlamydomonas, Amoeba. Major phyla of Kingdom Protoctista include Rhizopoda, Zoomastigina, Apicomplexa, Ciliophora, Euglenophyta, Oomycota, Chlorophyta, Rhodophyta and Phaeophyta.

Kingdom Fungi (Eukaryotes), are mainly nonmotile organisms composed of hyphae containing nuclei e.g. moulds, mushrooms and Rhizopus. Major phyla of Kingdom Fungi include Zygomycota, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota.

Kingdom Plantae (Eukaryotes), are mainly multicellular non-motile organisms which contain chlorophyll that enables them to photosynthesize e.g. mosses, ferns, pines, oil palms and yam plants. Characteristics of the major divisions and classes: Bryophyta (Hepaticae, Musci), Lycopodophyta, Filicinophyta, Coniferophyta, Cycadophyta and Angiospermophyta (Monocotyledoneae and Dicotyledoneae).

Kingdom Animalia (Eukaryotes), are multicellular motile organisms that feed on other organisms e.g. corals, worms, insects, snails, fishes, frogs, snakes, monkeys cows. Characteristics of the major phyla and classes of Kingdom Animalia. The external features of the following organisms should be mentioned: cockroach, butterfly, Tilapia, toad/frog, lizard, domestic fowl/pigeon

2. Organization of life

(a) Levels of the organization (i) cell (single-celled organisms): Amoeba, Euglena, Paramecium

(ii) Tissue: Hydra

(iii) Organ (storage organ) bulb, rhizome and heart.

(iv) System/Organ System: In mammals, flowering plants – reproductive system, excretory system etc.

(b) Complexity of organization in higher organisms: advantages and disadvantages.

3. Forms in which living cells exist:

(a) Single and free-living: Amoeba, Paramecium, Euglena, and Chlamydomonas

(b) Colony: Volvox
(c) Filament: Spirogyra
(d) Part of a living organism: Cheek cells, onion root tip cells and epidermis of fleshy leaves

The examples should be used to illustrate differentiation and specialization in organisms.

The significance of different levels of the organization including volume/surface area ratio should be mentioned.

The structure of these organisms in relation to the forms of existence should be studied to illustrate dependence and interdependence.

Distinguish groups of cells that form tissues from those that form colonies or filaments

4. (a) Cell structure and functions of cell components.

(b) Similarities and differences between plant and animal cells.

5. The Cell and its environment:

Physical and Biophysical Processes. (a) diffusion (b) osmosis (c) active transport

6. Properties and functions of the living cell

(a) Nutrition

(i) Autotrophic (photosynthesis)

(ii) Heterotrophic (holozoic)

(b) Cellular respiration

Definition and processes of:

(i) Aerobic respiration
(ii) anaerobic respiration
(iii) energy release

(c) Excretion

(i) Excretion in single-celled aquatic organisms. Diffusion by body surface and by the contractile vacuole.

(ii) Waste products of metabolism.

(d) Growth

(i) Basis of growth – cell division (mitosis), enlargement and differentiation.

(ii) Aspects of growth: Increase in dry weight, irreversible increase in size and length and increase in a number of cells.

(iii) Regions of the fastest growth in plants.

(iv) Influence of growth hormones and auxins.

(v) Growth curvatures (Tropisms)

(e) Development:

Enlargement and differentiation.

(f) Movement

(i) Organelles for movement: cilia and flagella, (ii) Cyclosis.

(g) Reproduction: Types of reproduction.

(i) Asexual: fission, budding and vegetative propagation.

(ii) Sexual: Conjugation, formation of male and female gametes (gametogenesis), a fusion of gametes fertilization

Cell structure should include Cell wall, cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, cytoplasmic organelles: mitochondria, lysosomes, chloroplasts, endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, centrosomes, Golgi bodies, and chromosomes. The function performed by organelles should be known.

The significance of these processes should be mentioned as factors that affect cell activities in its environment.

Haemolysis, plasmolysis, turgidity and crenation should be mentioned.

These should be mentioned as processes occurring within living cells.

Nutrition in Euglena, Chlamydomonas and Spirogyra should be mentioned.

Nutrition in Amoeba and Paramecium should be mentioned

A simplified outline of the chemical processes involved in glycolysis and Kreb’s cycle; Reference should be made to the role of ATP.

The importance of anaerobic respiration in food processing should be mentioned.

Reference should be made to carbon dioxide, water and ammonia as examples of waste products.

Observation of the root tip and shoot tip is required.

Regulation of growth by hormones should be mentioned.

Types of tropisms should be demonstrated.

Microscopic examination of the different regions of growth and development: region of cell division, elongation, differentiation and maturation.

Processes that result in primary and secondary growth.

Prepared slides of (a) fission in Paramecium and (b) budding in yeast and Chlamydomonas; should be observed and drawn.

Prepared slides of conjugation in Paramecium and Spirogyra should be studied. The process of meiosis should be mentioned

7. (a) Tissues and supporting systems:

Skeleton and supporting systems in animals:
(i) Biological significance.

(ii) Skeletal materials, e.g. bone, cartilage and chitin.
(iii) Types of the skeleton: exoskeleton, endoskeleton and hydrostatic skeleton.
(iv) Bones of the vertebral column, girdles and long bones of the appendicular skeleton.
(v) Mechanism of support in animals.
(vi) Functions of the skeleton in animals: Protection, support, locomotion and respiratory movement.

(b) Different types of supporting tissues in plants.

(i) Main features of supporting tissues in plants.
(ii) Functions of supporting tissues in plants: strength, rigidity (resistance against the forces of the wind and water), flexibility and resilience.

The location and arrangement of skeletal and supporting tissues in animals should be mentioned. Candidates should be familiar with the general plan of the mammalian skeleton and the different types of joints. They should be able to identify, draw, label and state the functions of the individual bones listed in the content column. The detailed structure of the skull will not be required. Histological structure of bones and cartilage will also not be required.

Candidates should be able to explain how these functions are performed. The relationship between the skeleton and muscles during movement should be used to illustrate the different functions of the skeleton.
The different types of supporting tissues: turgid parenchyma, collenchyma, and xylem (wood) sclerenchyma should be studied.

Candidates should be able to cut and draw the low power of the T.S. of the stem and root of a herbaceous plant and label the different tissues; epidermis, cortex and stele

8. Transport System:

(a) Need for transport:
(i) surface area/volume ratio. (ii) substances have to move greater distances.

(b) Transport in animals.
(i) Structure of the heart, arteries, veins and capillaries.

(ii) Composition and function of blood and lymph.
(iii) Materials for transport: excretory products, gases, digested food, and other nutrients.

(c) Transport in plants (i) Uptake and movement of water and mineral salts in plants.

(ii) Translocation

(iii) Transpiration

(iv) Movement of water to the apex of trees and herbs.

Source of materials and forms in which they are transported and where they are transported to should be studied. Media of transport: cytoplasm in cells, cell sap or latex in most plants and body fluid in invertebrates.

Candidates should be familiar with the general circulatory system. Open circulatory systems in invertebrates. The names of the blood vessels responsible for transporting excretory products, gases, digested food and other nutrients should be mentioned.

Description of uptake of water and mineral salts from the soil into a plant. Movement of water and mineral salts through the plant. Experiments using eosin solution to show water and mineral salt uptake.

Movement of organic materials from leaves to roots. Basic theories (Pressure flow hypothesis and cytoplasmic streaming) underlying translocation. Ringing experiment to demonstrate that transport of synthesized organic nutrients occurs through the phloem.

Advantages and disadvantages of transpiration. Types of transpiration. Environmental factors affecting transpiration. Determination of the rate of transpiration.

Physiological factors affecting the rise of water in the xylem: Root pressure, transpiration, cohesion-tension mechanism, adhesion, water potential gradient. Experiments to measure the rate of transpiration.

9. Respiratory System:

(a) Body surface: cutaneous, gills and lungs.

(b) Mechanisms of gaseous exchange in fish, toads, mammals and plants.

10. Excretory Systems and Mechanisms Types of excretory systems: Kidney, stomata and lenticels

11. Regulation of Internal Environment (Homeostasis)

(a) Kidney: Structure and functions

(b) Liver

Functions of the liver.

(c) The skin:

Structure and function.

Characteristics of respiratory surfaces in these systems should be studied. The respiratory organs of insects should be mentioned.

Candidates should be able to observe, draw and label the respiratory organs of a bony fish (e.g. Tilapia) and a small mammal (e.g. rat)
Respiratory movements in these animals should be mentioned. The mechanisms of opening and closing of stomata should be mentioned.
Characteristics of excretory organs in these systems should be studied. Candidates should observe, draw and label the excretory organs of a small mammal (e.g. rat).

Explanation of the concept of excretion in plants. Excretory products of plants (water, carbon dioxide, oxygen, alkaloids, tannins, gums, resins and acids) should be mentioned.

Osmoregulation, excretion and maintenance of acid-base balance should be mentioned. The conditions that affect the functions of the kidney such as the water and salt content of the blood, and environmental temperature should also be mentioned.
Excretory products such as urea, water, salts, and uric acid should be mentioned

Candidates should be able to identify the liver; and its position relative to the gall bladder, bile duct, pancreas, duodenum and stomach.
Candidates should observe, draw and label the mammalian skin. The regulation of the internal environment by the skin should be emphasized

12. Hormonal Coordination

(a) Animal hormones: Site of secretion, functions and effects of over and under secretion.

(b) Plant hormones

Endocrine glands: pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, gonads and their secretions should be mentioned. The stages in the metamorphosis of the toad and the role of thyroxine should be mentioned.

The effects of auxins on lateral bud development, leaf fall and initiation of adventitious roots should be mentioned. Reference to crop harvesting, growth and weed control should be mad

13. Nervous Coordination
(a) The central nervous system (i) Components of the central nervous system
(ii) Parts of the brain and their functions; cerebrum, cerebellum, medulla oblongata, hypothalamus and their functions
(iii) Structure and function of the Spinal Cord.
(b) Peripheral Nervous System.
(i) Somatic Nervous System
(ii) Autonomic nervous system.

(iii) Structure and functions of the neurone.
(iv) Classification of neurones.

(c) Types of nervous actions

(i) The reflex arc
(ii) Reflex and voluntary actions
(iii) Differences between reflex and voluntary actions.
(iv) Conditioned reflex and its role in behaviour.

Candidates should be able to locate the position of the brain and spinal cord in a dissected vertebrate and identify the various regions of the brain.

Functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems only.

Candidates should observe, draw and label a neurone from a slide

Afferent (sensory), efferent (motor) and intermediate neurones should be mentioned

Candidates should perform experiments to illustrate reflex actions such as blinking of the eyes, knee jerk and withdrawal of hand from hot objects.

14. Sense Organs: Structure and function of the

(a) Eye.

(b) Ear.

Candidates should be able to enumerate conditioned reflexes such as salivation, driving a car, walking and swimming.

Candidates should examine the mammalian eye noting the shape, colour and positions of the optic muscle and optic nerve.
Mention should be made of eye defects and their corrections

15 (a) Reproductive system of mammals

(i) Structure and function of male and female reproductive systems.

(ii) Differences between male and female reproductive organs.

(iii) Structure of the gametes (sperm and ovum)
(iv) Fertilization, development of the embryo and birth.
(v) Birth control

(b) Metamorphosis in insects, life histories of butterfly and cockroach.

Candidates should examine and draw dissected male and female small mammals showing the reproductive organs. They should also draw sperm and ovum from prepared slides.

Explanation of the different methods of birth control.

(c) Comparison of reproduction in fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.

(d) Reproduction in flowering plants

(i) Arrangements of floral parts of a named insect-pollinated flower and a named wind-pollinated flower.
(ii) Structure and function of the male and female parts of a flower. (e) Pollination in Plants
(i) Types of pollination
(ii) Features of cross-pollinated and self-pollinated flowers
(iii) Agents of Pollination

(iv) Kinds of placentation: axile, marginal and parietal.

(f) Process of development of zygote in flowering plants: Fertilization.

(g) (i) Types of fruits (classification).
(ii) Structure of fruits

(h) Dispersal of fruits and seeds: Agents of dispersal

Candidates should examine and draw dissected male and female small mammals showing the reproductive organs. They should also draw sperm and ovum from prepared slides.

Explanation of the different methods of birth control.

These examples should be used to illustrate complete and incomplete metamorphosis. The period it takes to develop from egg to adult should be studied. The different stages in the life history of butterflies and cockroaches should be drawn and labelled.

Reference should be made to the method of fertilization, number of eggs and parental care.

Named examples should be used to illustrate the types of pollination.

The features of the flower should be related to the agents of pollination.

Pollen grains germinated in sucrose solution should be observed, and prepared slides or charts showing various stages of embryo development in flowering plants should be observed and drawn.
Fruits should be classified into dry and fleshy fruits.
The internal structure of a leguminous fruit, orange, maize or tomato should be examined and drawn.

The following fruits should be studied as examples to show the features that aid their respective methods of dispersal. Sunflower (achene) Combretum, cotton, Crotalaria/bean, Desmodium, Bidens sp. Tridax sp. and Coconut.

B. Plant and Animal Nutrition

1. Plant Nutrition

(a) Photosynthesis:
(i) Process of photosynthesis and its chemical equation
(ii) Light and dark reactions
(iii) Materials and conditions necessary for photosynthesis
(iv) Evidence of photosynthesis

(b) Mineral requirement of plants
(i) Mineral nutrition: Macro and micro-nutrients

(ii) Soil and atmosphere as sources of mineral elements

Distinguishing differences between a fruit and a seed should be mentioned.

Biochemical nature of photosynthesis, photoactivation of chlorophyll resulting in the conversion of light energy to ATP and the reduction of NADP (Biochemical detail is not required)

The translocating and storage of excess food as a result of photosynthesis should be mentioned. Test for starch in green leaves should be carried out. The fate of the products of photosynthesis should be mentioned.

Macro elements should include carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulphur, calcium and iron. The microelements should include copper, manganese, zinc and boron.

Candidates should distinguish between food produced and mineral elements

2. Animal Nutrition

(a) Food substances; classes and sources

(b) Balanced diet and its importance

(c ) Food tests

(d) Digestive enzymes: Classes, characteristics and functions

(e) Modes of Nutrition (i) Autotrophic: Photosynthesis,

(ii) Heterotrophic: holozoic, parasitic, symbiotic and saprophytic.

(f) Alimentary System:

Alimentary tract of different animals.

(g) Dental Formula

h) Feeding in protozoa and mammals

Local examples as sources of food substances should be given. Reference should be made to the food relationship between plants and animals.
The importance of each class of food in a balanced diet should be stressed. Candidates should relate the idea of balanced diet to their own diet. Malnutrition and its effects on humans should be mentioned.

Tests for starch, reducing sugar, protein, fats and oil should be carried out.
Candidates should perform experiments to show that ptyalin in saliva changes cooked starch to reduce sugar. Candidates should know the source, site of action, substrate and effect of each digestive enzyme.

Experiments to show the characteristics of enzymes, including the effects of pH, temperature and concentration should be carried out.

Named examples should be used to illustrate different modes of nutrition.
The comparison should be made using dissected named birds and mammals.
Description and functions of parts of the alimentary canal and modification of parts to reflect their digestive functions should be mentioned.

Meaning of dental formula. Determination of the dental formulae of mammals. Arrangements of teeth in the jaw bones of

herbivores, carnivores and of humans. Importance of dental care in humans

NECO Syllabus For Biology | C. Basic Ecological Concepts

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1. Ecosystem:

Components of the ecosystem and sizes
(a) Ecological components: environment, biosphere, habitat, population, biotic community and ecosystem.

(b) Components of the ecosystem: Biotic and abiotic

2. Ecological factors:

Ecological factors in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems

3. Simple Measurement of Ecological Factors.

(a) Physical factors: Climatic, topographic and gaseous.
(b) Edaphic factors: Chemical and physical composition, moisture content and soil texture.

4. Food webs and trophic levels

(a) Autotrophs and Heterotrophs
(i) Producers: autotrophs
(ii) Consumers: heterotrophs
(iii) Decomposers
(b) Trophic levels of energy

relationships
(i) Food chain
(ii) Food web
(c) Energy flow
(i) Food/Energy relationship in an aquatic and terrestrial environments.
(ii) Pyramid of energy and Pyramid of numbers.

(d) Decomposition in nature
(i) Decomposers: (micro and macro-decomposers)
(ii) Gaseous products
(iii) Role of decomposers

Reference should be made to feeding habits in protozoa and mammals.

Examples and explanations are required.

The importance of ecological factors common to all habitats should be mentioned. The importance of ecological factors to the population of animals and plants should be stressed.

Candidates should measure some of the ecological factors including humidity, temperature, wind speed, rainfall and light intensity.

Candidates should be able to classify organisms as producers, consumers and decomposers.

Aquatic and terrestrial producers, consumers and decomposers should be known

Candidates should illustrate food relationships in a food chain and food web using specific examples.

Non-cyclic nature of energy transfer should be mentioned.

Candidates should be able to construct and explain the pyramid of energy, the pyramid of numbers and point out the major differences between them.

Candidates should observe demonstrations to show that carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, and heat energy are released during decomposition.

6. Ecological Management:

(a) Biological Associations
Type of associations: Parasitism, symbiosis, commensalism and saprophytism.
(b) Adaptation of organisms to habitats.

(c) Pollution of the atmosphere

(i) Nature, names, sources and effects of air pollutants.

(ii) Effect of noise

(d) Water and Soil Pollution Type and effects of pollutants.

Features of biological importance associated with each type should be mentioned. Named examples should be used to illustrate these associations.

Adaptations of plants and animals to environmental conditions with particular

reference to differences in habitats should be mentioned.

Examples of air pollutants should include carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, smoke, smog, dust and particles released into the air from factories. Health hazards and damage to the environment should be emphasized.

The harmful effects of noise from generators, aeroplanes and electronic sound gadgets, etc. should be mentioned.

Water and soil pollutants to be studied include synthetic substances (detergent), insecticides, artificial fertilizers, herbicides, sewage, domestic and industrial wastes, crude oil and decaying organic matter. The health hazards and harmful effects of water and soil pollutants on organisms should also be mentioned. Mention should be made of oil spillage and its effects

7. Ecology of population

(a) Ecological succession

(i) Structural changes in species composition, variety or diversity and increase in numbers.
(ii) General characteristics and outcomes of succession
(b) Primary succession. Succession in terrestrial and aquatic habitats.

(c) Secondary succession, the climax of the succession: characteristic of a stable ecosystem.

(d) Factors that affect population size: natality, mortality, emigration, immigration, food shortage, predation, competition and diseases.

(e) Preservation and storage of foods

(f) The life of selected insects; (i) Weevils and cotton strainers.

(ii) Control of pests

Candidates should study succession in abandoned farmland, lawn, and in pond over a period of time to discover a definite sequence of colonization by plants

Reference should be made to the population.

Description of various methods of preserving and storing food. The use of ionizing radiations (x-ray, etc) should be mentioned. Explanation of the biological basis of preserving and storing food. Local methods of preserving food such as drying, salting and smoking should be mentioned.

External features of weevils and cotton stainers, their mode of life, adaptation to their habitats and their economic importance

8. Microorganisms:

Man and health (a) Carriers of microorganisms

(b) Microorganisms in action (i) Beneficial effects in nature, medicine and industries.

(ii) Harmful effects of microorganisms, diseases caused by microorganisms: cholera, measles, malaria and ringworm.

(c) Towards better Health (i) Methods of .controlling harmful microorganisms: high temperature, antibiotics, antiseptics, high salinity and

dehydration.
(ii) Ways of controlling the vectors.

(d) Public Health: The importance of the following towards the maintenance of good health practices:

(i) Refuse and sewage disposal.

(ii) Immunization, vaccination and inoculation (control of diseases)

Various methods of pest control: physical, chemical biological, etc; and their advantages and disadvantages should be mentioned.

The effects of microorganisms on our bodies should be mentioned. Examples of carriers: houseflies; mosquitoes; tsetse fly should be mentioned.
Candidates should perform experiments on fermentation, curdling of milk etc. to illustrate the beneficial uses of microorganisms.

The diseases should be studied with respect to the causative organisms, mode of transmission and symptoms.

The effects of these methods on the microorganisms should be mentioned.

Methods of controlling houseflies and mosquitoes should be studied.
Candidates should be familiar with the proper methods of carrying out these public health practices in their community.

D. Conservation of Natural Resources:

1. Resources to be conserved: soil, water, wildlife, forest and minerals.
2. Ways of ensuring conservation

The meaning and need for the conservation of natural resources should be mentioned.

Problems of conservation should be mentioned in relation to economic and social development, overgrazing and poaching.

The following should be studied: (a) agencies responsible for conservation (b) conservation education (c) conservation laws (d) benefits of conservation.

E. Variation in Population

1. Morphological variations in the physical appearance of individuals

(a) size, height and weight

b) colour (skin, eye, hair coat of animals)

(c) fingerprints

2. Physiological Variations

(a) Ability to roll tongue

(b) Ability to taste phenylthiocarbamide (PTC)
(c) Blood groups (ABO) classification)

Variation can be classified into morphological and physiological or continuous and discontinuous

Candidates are required to measure the heights and weights of pupils of the same age group and plot graphs of the frequency distribution of the height and weight.
Observe and record various skin colours, the colour patterns of some animals (cows, goats, rabbits), the colour patterns of plants (maize cob and leaves).
Make fingerprints and classify them into arches, loops, whorls and compounds.

F. Biology of Heredity (Genetics)

1. Genetic terminologies

2. Transmission and expression of characteristics in organisms.

(a) Hereditary variation
(b) Mendel’s work in genetics

(i) Mendel’s experiments

(ii) Mendelian traits

(iii) Mendelian laws

3. Chromosomes: The basis of heredity

(a) Structure

(b) Process of transmission of hereditary characters from parents to offspring.

4. Probability in genetics (Hybrid formation).

5. Linkage, sex determination and sex-linked characters.

6. Application of the principles of heredity in:

(a) Agriculture

(b) Medicine

Definition of the following basic genetic terms such as gene, genotype, phenotype, dominant, recessive, allele, locus, test cross, and back cross.

Reference should be made to characters that can be transmitted from generation to generation such as the colour of skin, eye, hair, blood group, sickle cell, the shape of face and nose.
Mendel’s experiment with red and white flowered peas should be mentioned.

Mendel’s experiment on monohybrid and dihybrid inheritance should be mentioned.

Reference should be made to dominant and recessive characters in plants and animals.

Candidates should observe chromosomes in permanently prepared slides of cells and root tips of onion or lily. Candidates should study the structure of DNA and gene replication using models and charts.

Segregation of genes at meiosis and recombination at fertilization should be used to explain the process of transmission of hereditary characteristics from parents to offspring.

Computation of probability is not required.

Explanation of the terms linkage, sex determination and sex-linked characters such as haemophilia, colour blindness, baldness and hairy ear lobes.

Data on cross-breeding experiments should be studied.
Examples of new varieties of crops and livestock obtained through cross-breeding should be mentioned. The advantages and disadvantages of cross-fertilization, out and inbreeding should be explained.

The application of knowledge of heredity in marriage counselling with particular reference to sickle cell anaemia and rhesus factor should be mentioned.

G. Adaptation for survival and Evolution.

1. Behavioural Adaptations in Social Animals.

(a) Termites (b) Bee

2. Evolution.

(a) Evidence of evolution.

(b) Theories of evolution

Candidates should be able to identify the various castes of social insects.

The division of labour in social insects and the roles of different castes should be stressed. Examples of communication among animals such as contact notes and warning cries should be mentioned.

Reference should be made to basking by lizards, territorial behaviour in birds and lizards and behaviour of other animals under unfavourable conditions-hibernation and aestivation.

The behaviour of an organism as a member of a group and the effect of grouping on the behaviour of an organism should be mentioned.
Candidates are expected to know the evolutionary trends in plants and animals such as from simple to complex structural adaptations and from aquatic to terrestrial organisms.
The role of mutation in evolution should be mentioned.

The following evidence of evolution should be mentioned: Paleontology (fossil records), comparative biochemistry, geographical distribution, comparative anatomy and physiology, adaptive radiation, comparative embryology and systematics.
The contributions of Lamarck and Darwin to the development of the theory of evolution should be mentioned.

SECTION B (For candidates in Ghana only)

A. Introducing Biology

1. Biology as a science of life

2. Procedure for biological work

3. Importance of Biology

4. Body symmetry, sectioning and orientation

5. The microscope

6. Biological drawings

The meaning of biology. Candidates must be able to differentiate between a living thing and an organism. The two major branches of biology: Botany and zoology; specialized areas: are bacteriology, molecular biology, histology, cell biology, ecology etc.

Description of skills required by biologists in their work. The scientific method: Identifying the problem, defining the problem, hypothesizing, experimenting, recording, analyzing and concluding. Description of the following steps for writing a report on a biological experiment or investigation: Aim, hypothesis/ scientific framework, materials/ drawing of set-up, method, results/ observation, discussion and conclusion.

Application of biology to everyday life. Careers associated with the study of biology.

Description of the following terms : (i) Body symmetry (bilateral and radial) (ii) Sectioning: longitudinal and transverse and vertical (iii) Body orientation of specimen: anterior, posterior, lateral, dorsal and ventral views). The distinction between (i) posterior and anterior views

(ii) dorsal and ventral views (iii) transverse and longitudinal section

Examination of simple light, compound light and stereoscopic light microscopes and identification of the various parts.

Handling and caring for microscopes. Use of the light microscope to observe prepared slides. Techniques involved in the preparation of temporary slides of animal and plant cells. Mounting varieties of specialized eukaryotic cells. Drawing of cells as seen under the microscope.

Resolution and magnification of the microscope. Determination of magnification of drawings. Measuring lengths using a compound light microscope. An Electron microscope should be mentioned

Appropriate headings for biological drawings. Magnification/ size of biological drawings. Quality of biological drawings e.g. clarity of lines, neatness of labels, labels of biological drawings

B. Cell Biology

1. Movement of substances into and out of cells: Endocytosis and Exocytosis

2. Nucleic acids

3. DNA structure and replication, RNA transcription.

4. Protein synthesis

5. Cell cycle

Description of the process of protein synthesis. The roles of m-RNA, t-RNA, and rRNA and ribosomes in protein synthesis must be emphasized. Importance of protein synthesis. Examples of proteins synthesized by humans.

Explanation of the term cell cycle. Phases of the cell cycle [Interphase: G + S + G2 phases, Mitosis: M phase ( karyokinesis and cytokinesis)]. The processes of mitosis and meiosis and their importance. Preparation of a squash of onion root tip and observing stages of meiosis under the microscope. Observing stages of meiosis in plant and animal cells (Permanent slides may be used)

C. Life Processes in Living Things

1. Amoeba, Paramecium, and Euglena

2. Spirogyra and Rhizopus

3. Mosses and ferns

External structure and life processes of Amoeba, Paramecium, and Euglena. Mounting of Paramecium and Euglena under the compound light microscope.

Structure of Spirogyra and Rhizopus. Nutrition and reproduction of Spirogyra and Rhizopus. Identification of stages of conjugation of Spirogyra.

Structure of mosses (Brachymenium and Funaria) and ferns (Nephrolepis, ( Platycerium, Phymatodes). Description of external features of mosses and ferns. Nutrition and reproduction in mosses. Reproduction in ferns

D. Diversity of Living Things

1. Characteristics of some of the orders of Class Insecta

2. Identification of organisms using biological keys

Orders of Class Insecta (Odonata Orthoptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Diptera, Isoptera, Lepidoptera, Dictyoptera, and Neuroptera)

E. Interactions in Nature Soil

Identification of organisms using numbered and dichotomous keys. Construction of identification keys

F. Mammalian Anatomy and Physiology

1. Dissection of a small mammal

2. Transport: Structure of the mammalian heart.

3. Cellular respiration

4. Movement:

(a) Muscles

(b) Skeletal tissues 5. Reproduction (a) Secondary sexual characteristics

(b) Prenatal/Antenatal care

Identification of organisms using numbered and dichotomous keys. Construction of identification keys.

Identification of mineral salts (Ca2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Mg2+, K+, SO4 -, NO3 -, PO4 -) in a soil sample. Soil reclamation.

The arrangement of internal organs of mammals. Functions of the internal organs. Candidates should be able to cut open a chloroformed mammal (guinea pig, rat, mouse and rabbit) and draw the internal organs.

Mechanism of the heartbeat: excitation and contractions (SAN, AVN, Purkinje tissue)

Determination of respiratory quotient (RQ) of different substrates. Explanation of the significance of RQ.

Types of muscle (Smooth, striated and cardiac muscles). Description of how muscles bring about movement. Explanation of sliding filament model of muscle contraction.

Description of the structure of skeletal tissues( Bones and cartilage).

Physical changes occur in males and females during puberty. The role of hormones in the development of secondary sexual

characteristics in humans.

Meaning of antenatal care. Antenatal visits requirements. Nutrition and diet. Exercise during pregnancy. Benefits of the use of natural products by mother and child.

G. Plant Structure and Physiology

1. Morphology of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants.

2. Transport: Guttation

3. Reproduction: Floral formula

External features of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. Functions of roots, stems and leaves of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. Differences between monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. Modifications of roots stem and leave.

Biological principles underlying guttation.

H. Humans and their Environment

1. Integrated water resources management.

2. Health and hygiene

(a) Drug abuse

(b) Community health (c) First Aid

Determination and writing of the floral formulae of the following flowers: Flamboyant (Delonix), Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia) and Rattlebox (Crotalaria). Floral diagrams are not required.

Description of the integrated water resources management (IWRM). Explanation of how IWRM can reduce the undesirable change in the environment.

Definition of terms: health, hygiene, and sanitation. Means of achieving personal cleanliness/ hygiene.

Explanation of the term drug abuse. Consequences of drug abuse.

Importance of town planning and its effects on the health of the community.

Explanation of the term First Aid. Different methods of administering First Aid.

I. Evolution

Recombinant DNA Technology

Explanation of the term Recombinant DNA Technology and state its application

J. Biology and Industry

1. Biology and water industry

(a) Contamination of water

(b) Identification of polluted water
(c) Wastewater treatment

2. Biology and fishing industry

(a) Fish stock management

(b) Fish farming

3. Biology and food industry: Food additives

4. Biology and Agriculture

5. Biotechnology

6. Biological fuel generation manufacture of food such as cheese, yoghurt, kenkey, bread and butter. The role of microorganisms in the production of alcoholic drinks and organic acids. The role of microorganisms in pharmaceutical, tanning and mining industries.

Explanation of the need for new sources of energy. The use of biogas, the use of green crops to produce ethanol, the generation of hydrogen gas from chloroplasts should be mentioned

Candidates should carry out experiments to test water samples for bacterial contamination.

The use of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) in the measurement of the level of organic pollution in water.

Description of biological processes of purifying sewage. Cesspit-activated sludge process should be mentioned.

Explanation of why fish is an efficient converter of plankton into flesh. Description of ways of conserving fish stocks in water bodies.

Importance of fish farming. Advantages and disadvantages of fish farming.

Explanation of the term food additives. Identification of the categories of food additives (Naturally occurring and artificial food additives). Health implications in the use of food additives.

Explanation of the biological principles by which fertilizer, pesticides, selective breeding, resistance to disease and irrigation can respectively lead to successful agriculture.

Explanation of the concept of biotechnology. The use of micro-organisms in the

SECTION C (For candidates in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Liberia

NECO Syllabus For Biology | A. Concept of Living

1. Cell theory

2. Irritability as a basic characteristic of protoplasm

(a) Types of responses: taxis and autism

(b) Environmental factors that evoke responses; temperature, pH etc
3. Excretory Systems
(a) Diseases of the kidney: Nephritis, kidney stones and diuresis, Their effects and remedies.

(b) Diseases of the liver: infective hepatitis, cancer of the liver and gallstones. Their effects and remedies.
4. Sense organs.
(a) Nose.

(b) Tongue.

(c) The skin.

5. Reproduction (a) Courtship behaviour in animals: (i) Pairing (ii) Display e.g. peacocks (iii) Territoriality (iv) Seasonal migration associated with breeding in herrings, eels and birds.
(b) Metamorphosis and life history of houseflies.
(c) Adaptive features in a developing animal:
(i) Yolk in eggs of fish, toads and birds for nourishment
(ii) Placenta in animals

(d) Germination of seeds

(i) Essential factors which affect developing embryos.

(ii) Types of germination

The cell theory including the work of Hooke, Dujardin, Schleiden and Schwann should be outlined

Excretory organs of earthworms and insects should be mentioned.

The process of perception of smell including the roles of sensory cells in the nose and olfactory lobes should be studied.

Experiments should be carried out to determine the different areas of the tongue associated with different tastes. The association between the organs of taste and smell should be mentioned. Mention should be made of taste buds.
The function of the skin as a sensory organ should be emphasized.

Courtship patterns in male and female animals and territorialism in lizards should be observed.

The content (yolk and albumen) of a bird’s egg should be examined
Candidates should observe the connection of the foetus to the mother and the adaptive features of

the placenta, umbilical cord and amnion in a dissected pregnant rat. The meaning of oviparity and viviparity should be mentioned

B. Plant and Animal Nutrition

1. Nitrogen cycle

2. Modes of nutrition: autotrophic, chemosynthetic, carnivorous plants

3. Alimentary System (a) Alimentary tracts of different animals
(b) Description and function of various parts.

4. Feeding habits (a) Categories: Carnivorous, herbivorous and omnivorous
(b) Modifications and mechanisms associated with the following habits; filter feeding, fluid feeding, feeding adaptation in insects, saprophytic feeding, parasitic feeding etc.

Experiments to show the importance of oxygen, adequate moisture and suitable temperature, should be carried out.

The stages in hypogeal and epigeal germination should be observed and drawn

The names and roles of bacteria involved in nitrogen cycle should be mentioned. Candidates to observe root nodules in leguminous plants.

Examples of carnivorous plants should be studied.

Comparison should be made using dissected earthworm, grasshopper/cockroach to show the important features of the alimentary canal.
Use a bird and cockroach/grasshopper to show modifications for functions

C. Basic Ecological Concepts

1. Ecological Components: Lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, niche

2.Population Studies by Sampling (a) Population size (b) Dominance (c) Density

3. Energy transformation in nature:
(a) Energy loss in the ecosystem

(b) Solar radiation: its intake and loss at

the earth’s surface.

(c ) Energy loss in the biosphere.

4. Nutrient Cycling in Nature

(a) Carbon Cycle:
(i) Process of carbon cycle
(ii) Importance of carbon in nature.

(b) Water Cycle: (i) Importance of water cycle, (ii) Importance of water to living organisms.

5. Ecological Management: Tolerance, Minimum and maximum range

6. Habitats (a) Aquatic habitat: marine, estuarine fresh water under the following headings: (i) characteristics of habitat (ii) distribution of plants and animals in the habitat, (iii) adaptive features of plants and animals in the habitat.

(b) Terrestrial habitat: marsh, forest, grass land, arid land should be studied under the following headings

(i) characteristics of habitat

(ii) distribution of plants and animals in habitat.

(c) Balance in Nature Dynamic equilibrium population and population density.

7. Relevance of Biology to Agriculture:

(a) Classification of plants based on life cycle

(b) Effects of agricultural practices on ecology
(i) Bush burning
(ii) Tillage
(iii) Fertilizer
(iv) Herbicide/pesticide
(v) Different farming methods

8. Microorganisms: Man and His Health.

(a) Microorganisms around us
(i) Microorganisms in air and water (ii) Groups of microorganisms: bacteria, viruses, some algae, protozoa and some fungi.
(b) Microorganisms in our bodies and food

c) Public Health Food hygiene and health organization.

Mosquito larva, housefly, butterfly, cockroach, adult mosquito, maize weevil, rhizopods, tapeworm should be used to illustrate the different types of feeding mechanisms and various modifications.

Candidates are expected to explain and give examples of the terms.

Candidates are required to carry out a project to determine population density by counting the individual types of plants and animals and record such count in a given plot.

Laws of thermodynamics and its application to ecological phenomena should be mentioned. The laws of thermodynamics should be used to explain energy flow across tropic levels.

Candidates should discuss energy as a limiting factor in primary production i.e production of autotrophs.
Reference should be made to harvest as a means of measuring primary production.

Candidates should be able to draw the carbon cycle, list the sources of carbon (burning, respiration, decay) and discuss the relative importance of the cycle.

Reference should be made to carbon dioxideoxygen balance in nature. Candidates should carry out experiments to show absorption of carbon dioxide and release of oxygen during photosynthesis.

Candidates should carry out experiments to show the presence of water in expired air and that water is given off during respiration.
Candidates should perform experiments to show the limit of tolerance of Tilapia to various concentrations of salt solution or sensitivity of wood lice to temperature.

Measurement of physical factors: temperature, salinity, light intensity, turbidity, current, pH, should be carried out.

The pattern of distribution including dominant types and seasonal changes of population, size of organisms in the habitat should be noted

The measurement of the physical factors, temperature, relative humidity, light, wind, and pH should be carried out.
Reference should be made to edaphic factors.
The effect of physical factors on distribution of plants and animals should be mentioned.

The process by which carnivores maintain a constant population should be mentioned.

Effects of human activities on ecological systems should be mentioned.

Microorganisms in air, water and expired air should be observed and identified by their colour, pattern of growth and appearance of their colony

Microorganisms under the finger nails, mouth cavity, expired air, and decomposing food substance should be observed and identified by their colour, pattern of growth, and appearance of colony

D. Application of Variations

1. Crime detection

2. Blood transfusion

3. Determination of paternity

Reference should be made to the roles of national and international health organizations in maintenance of good public health.

The uniqueness of each individual’s finger print should be mentioned in relation to crime detection.
Reference should be made to importance of knowledge of blood groups in blood transfusion and determination of paternity.

E. Evolution 1. Adaptation for survival

(a) Factors that bring about competition
(b) Intra and Inter-species competition

(c) Relationship between competition and succession

2. Structural Adaptation for; (a) obtaining food (b) protection and defense (c) securing mates for reproduction (d) regulating body temperature (e) conserving water

3. Adaptive Colouration (a) Plants and animals (b) Colouration and their functions

Reference should be made to the factors such as food, space, water, light and mates which organisms share and form the basis of competition.
The effects of intra-species competition should be observed by growing many seedlings of maize in a small area, while the effects of interspecies competition can be observed by planting many seedlings of maize and pepper in a small area.
Candidates should observe competition and succession on a moistened exposed slice of bread over a period of time.

In conclusion, The syllabus is accurate and created to make it easy for you to pass the test. Make sure you do it, then give your testimony later.