WAEC Biology Specimen 2025

Are you preparing for the WAEC Biology practical exam in 2025? If yes, then you are in the right place! Below is the complete list of Biology specimens for the WAEC 2025 examination, along with their descriptions, features, and functions.

Complete List of WAEC Biology Specimens 2025

Specimen A: Gill of Fish (Freshly Procured)

The gill is a very important organ in fish because it allows them to survive underwater. Unlike humans who use lungs to breathe air, fish rely on gills to extract oxygen from the water. The gills are made up of thin, feathery structures called filaments, which increase the surface area for gas exchange.

When water enters through the fish’s mouth, it flows over the gill filaments. These filaments contain tiny blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the water and transport it into the fish’s bloodstream.

At the same time, carbon dioxide, a waste gas produced by the fish body is released back into the water through the gills.

This process is very efficient because fish need a constant supply of oxygen to survive in their aquatic environment. Some fish, like tilapia and catfish, have well developed gills that help them survive in different water conditions, while others, like mudfish, can even survive in low oxygen environments by gulping air from the surface.

Features:

• Made of thin filaments
• Large surface area for gas exchange
• Red in color due to blood vessels

Functions:

• Helps in breathing
• Allows fish to absorb oxygen from water
• Expels carbon dioxide

Specimen B: Whole Liver from a Domestic Fowl (With Gall Bladder, in a Petri Dish)

The liver is one of the most important organs in both humans and animals, including domestic fowls. It performs many essential functions that help the body stay healthy and function properly.

First, the liver plays a role in digestion. It produces bile, a yellowish green fluid that helps break down fats in the food the animal eats. Without bile, fats would be difficult to digest and absorb, which would affect the animal’s growth and energy levels. The bile is stored in the gall bladder and released into the small intestine when needed.

Another important function of the liver is detoxification. The body is constantly exposed to harmful substances, either from food, metabolism, or the environment. The liver acts like a filter, removing toxins, drugs, and harmful chemicals from the bloodstream before they can cause damage. This is why the liver is sometimes called the body cleaning center.

The liver also plays a major role in energy storage and metabolism. It helps store glucose (sugar) in the form of glycogen, which can be converted back to glucose when the body needs energy. This ensures that the animal has a steady supply of energy even when it is not eating.

In addition, the liver is involved in the production of proteins and blood clotting factors, which help in healing wounds and maintaining overall body function.

In summary, the liver is a multi-functional organ responsible for digestion (by producing bile), detoxification (by filtering harmful substances), and energy storage (by storing glycogen). Without the liver, the body would struggle to process food, remove toxins, and maintain energy balance.

Features:

• Dark reddish-brown color
• Soft in texture
• Contains a gall bladder that stores bile

Functions:

• Detoxifies the blood
• Produces bile for digestion
• Stores nutrients and energy

Specimen C: Lungs from a Domestic Fowl (On a White Tile)

The lungs are very important organs in birds because they help in breathing and gas exchange. Unlike humans and mammals, whose lungs expand and contract, birds have a unique respiratory system that allows a continuous flow of air through their lungs, making their breathing very efficient.

When a bird breathes in, oxygen-rich air passes through the lungs and into air sacs, which act as storage units. These air sacs ensure that oxygen is always available in the lungs, even when the bird is exhaling. This is different from human lungs, which only take in fresh air when we inhale.

Inside the lungs, tiny air capillaries (instead of alveoli, which humans have) allow oxygen to pass into the blood while carbon dioxide (a waste gas) is removed and exhaled. This process ensures that the birds body gets the oxygen it needs for survival.

Because birds are very active animals, some even fly long distances, they require a constant and efficient supply of oxygen to generate energy. The design of their respiratory system allows them to breathe continuously, unlike mammals, whose breathing is interrupted when they exhale.

In summary, the lungs in birds play a role in oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal, ensuring that they have the energy needed for activities such as flying, running, and even maintaining body heat. This specialized breathing system is what helps birds survive in different environments, whether in the air, on land, or even at high altitudes.

Features:

• Spongy texture
• Small air sacs for gas exchange
• Compact structure for efficient breathing

Functions:

• Aids in respiration
• Facilitates gas exchange
• Helps birds maintain high energy levels

Specimen D: Whole Gizzard from a Domestic Fowl (In a Petri Dish)

The gizzard is a special muscular organ found in birds that plays a crucial role in digestion. Since birds do not have teeth, they cannot chew food like humans or other animals. Instead, the gizzard helps grind and break down food before it moves into the intestines for digestion.

When a bird eats, the food first goes into the crop, a temporary storage area in the throat. From there, it moves into the proventriculus, which is sometimes called the “true stomach.” Here, digestive enzymes and acids start breaking down the food. After this, the food enters the gizzard, where the real grinding happens.

The gizzard has thick, strong muscles that contract and crush the food. Many birds also swallow small stones or grit, which stay in the gizzard and help in grinding tough food like seeds, grains, and fibrous plants. These stones act like “teeth,” helping to break down food into smaller particles.

Features:

• Tough and muscular structure
• Contains small stones (grit) to help in grinding food
• Located in the digestive system

Functions:

• Helps in digestion by grinding food
• Breaks down tough food particles
• Aids in nutrient absorption

Specimen E: Whole Intestine from a Domestic Fowl (Spread in a Tray)

The intestine is a very important organ in the digestive system of a domestic fowl (chicken). It plays a key role in absorbing nutrients from digested food and removing waste. The intestine is a long, coiled tube that runs from the stomach to the cloaca, where waste is expelled.

Without the intestine, a bird would not be able to get energy and nutrients from food. The efficient digestion and absorption of food in the intestine ensure that the fowl remains healthy, grows properly, and has enough energy to move, lay eggs, and survive.

The intestines of different animals vary in length and structure, depending on their diet. In birds like chickens, the intestine is well adapted to digest grains, seeds, and small insects.

Features:

• Long, coiled tube
• Lined with finger-like projections called villi
• Divided into small and large intestines

Functions:

• Absorbs nutrients into the bloodstream
• Aids in digestion
• Eliminates waste

Specimen F: Ginger Rhizome (Fresh)

The ginger rhizome is an underground stem that is widely used for cooking and medicine. Unlike roots, rhizomes store nutrients and help the plant grow by producing new shoots and roots.

Ginger is highly valued for its health benefits. It is used in traditional and modern medicine to treat colds, stomach problems, and joint pain. Its ability to reproduce from the rhizome makes it a reliable crop for farmers.

In summary, the ginger rhizome is more than just a spice; it is a nutrient storage organ, a means of reproduction, and a powerful medicinal plant.

Features:

• Underground stem
• Has a spicy taste
• Produces new shoots and roots

Functions:

• Used in medicine for its healing properties
• Helps in digestion
• Can be used for propagation

Specimen G: Onion Bulb

The onion bulb is an underground storage organ that helps the plant store food and nutrients for growth and survival. It consists of fleshy, layered scales that contain stored carbohydrates, which the plant uses when conditions are not favorable for growth.

The onion bulb is a vital part of the plant’s survival strategy. It helps the plant survive dry seasons and sprout quickly when the environment becomes favorable. It also plays a significant role in human nutrition, as onions are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals.

In summary, the onion bulb is not just a food source; it is a storage organ, a reproductive structure, and a valuable crop for human consumption.

Features:

• Has multiple layers
• Contains stored nutrients
• Used in cooking

Functions:

• Stores energy and nutrients
• Used as a food source
• Has medicinal properties

Specimen H: Leaf of Bryophyllum (With Adventitious Roots)

The Bryophyllum leaf is unique because it allows the plant to reproduce without seeds. Instead, small plantlets with roots (called adventitious roots) grow along the edges of the leaf. These tiny plantlets eventually fall off, land in the soil, and grow into new plants. This type of reproduction is called vegetative propagation.

In summary, the Bryophyllum leaf is special because it allows the plant to reproduce easily and grow in different environments. This unique ability makes it an important plant for both agriculture and medicine.

Features:

• Thick fleshy leaves
• Tiny roots grow along the edges
• Can reproduce without seeds

Functions:

• Helps in asexual reproduction
• Stores water and nutrients
• Allows rapid plant growth

Specimen J: Cassava Stem

The cassava stem plays a vital role in the growth and reproduction of the cassava plant. Unlike some plants that grow from seeds, cassava is mostly propagated through stem cuttings. Farmers cut sections of the stem and plant them directly in the soil, where they sprout new roots and shoots, eventually growing into full plants.

Features:

• Tough and woody
• Has nodes for sprouting new plants
• Fibrous texture

Functions:

• Supports the cassava plant
• Helps in vegetative reproduction
• Stores nutrients

Specimen K: Cassava Tuber

The cassava tuber is the underground, edible root of the cassava plant. It is rich in starch and serves as a staple food in many tropical and subtropical regions. Cassava is widely consumed because it provides a good source of energy and can be processed into various food products.

Features:

• Thick, fleshy, and starchy
• White or yellowish flesh

Contains carbohydrates

Functions:

• Provides energy
• Used to make garri, fufu, and tapioca
• Can be processed into flour

Specimen L: Thoracic Vertebra

The thoracic vertebra is one of the bones that make up the vertebral column (spine) and is specifically located in the chest (thoracic) region. It provides support for the body, attachment for ribs, and protection for the spinal cord. The thoracic vertebrae are midway between the cervical (neck) vertebrae and the lumbar (lower back) vertebrae.

Features:

• Has a thick body
• Provides attachment points for ribs
• Supports the upper body

Functions:

• Protects the spinal cord
• Supports the body’s weight
• Allows movement and flexibility

Specimen M: Humerus Bone

The humerus is the long bone of the upper arm, connecting the shoulder to the elbow. It is one of the most important bones in the human body because it supports arm movement, provides attachment for muscles, and plays a role in lifting, throwing, and other physical activities.

Features:

• Long bone
• Has a rounded head that fits into the shoulder
• Provides attachment for muscles

Functions:

• Supports arm movement
• Connects shoulder and elbow joints
• Aids in lifting and rotation

Specimen N: Mango Seed (Dry)

The mango seed is an essential part of the mango fruit, responsible for reproduction and germination. It is enclosed in a hard, woody shell that protects the embryo, which later grows into a new mango plant under the right conditions.

Features:

• Hard, woody outer shell
• Contains a single embryo
• Helps in plant dispersal

Functions:

• Aids in reproduction
• Protects the plant embryo
• Helps in seed germination

Specimen P: Femur Bone

The femur is the longest and strongest bone in the human body, located in the thigh.

Features:

• Long and thick
• Has a rounded head that fits into the hip joint
• Supports body weight

Functions:

• Helps in movement
• Supports body weight
• Provides stability

Specimen Q: Lumbar Vertebra

The lumbar vertebra is part of the lower back, providing support and flexibility.

Features:

• Large and strong
• Supports body weight
• Allows bending and twisting

Functions:

• Provides stability
• Protects the spinal cord
• Allows movement

Specimen R: Orange Seeds (Dry)

Orange seeds are used for plant reproduction and can be studied in biology practicals.

Features:

• Small and oval
• Hard outer covering
• Helps in plant germination

Functions:

• Helps in reproduction
• Aids in plant growth
• Can be studied for botany experiments.

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Conclusion

Knowing the WAEC Biology practical specimens is very important if you want to do well in the exam. Each specimen has a special function in living things, like breathing, digestion, reproduction, and body support. By learning about their structure, features, and functions, you will better understand biology and be able to answer exam questions with confidence.

As you prepare for the WAEC 2025 Biology practical, take time to observe each specimen closely, write down important details, and practice identifying them. This will not only help you pass the exam but also improve your overall knowledge of biology. Wishing you success in your WAEC practical exam!