Biology Items by Wasswa Elvis
Biology Items by Wasswa Elvis
CIRRICULUM BIOLOGY
FOR “O” LEVEL.
“NO REGRET IF EDUCATION IS IVESTED IN”
INVEST IN EDUCATION AND YOU WILL NOT REGRET
NOTE:
1-The Biology paper consists of seven (7) items where by section A is compulsory
and the ITEM TAKER is expected by the examiner to answer all items in section A.
2-Section B consist of two (2) parts ie part 1 and 2 but the ITEM TAKER is supposed
to attempt ONE item from each but it contains four (4) items in total where by each
part contains two items and so in total the ITEM TAKER attempts FIVE ITEMS from
the paper.
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INVEST IN EDUCATION AND YOU WILL NOT REGRET
SET 1
SECTION A (ATTEMPT ALL ITEMS)
ITEM 1
A fire in a forest killed most plants except a few trees. After some weeks plants
started to grow again, and after a year the community was the same after before.
Task
a) Identify the plant structures that were severely damaged by the fire.
b) Explain how the normal functioning of the plants was affected by the fire
leading to death of most plants.
c) How did some plants manage to grow a few weeks ago?
ITEM 2
One day while walking to the garden, Mr Bogere a 60-year-old man saw a fierce dog
about to attack him, he got a stick raised his arm and strongly hit it on the head
and it ran away. Mr Bogere wanted to run after the dog, but he could not due to
bone pain and he had previously had frequent fractures.
Task
a) Identify the health disorders Mr Bogere is suffering from and the possible
causes.
b) Explain how Mr Bogere’s body worked together to bring about the reaction
from the time he saw the dog up to when the upper arm muscles enabled
him to hit the dog.
c) Suggest how Mr Bogere can overcome the challenges of the disorder.
ITEM 3
Mary a 14- year-old girl got pregnant for a rich man in an attempt to produce a
boy for so that he succeeds his father’s wealth. Two months later he visited a health
centre and asked the doctor “whether her baby will be a boy”, the Doctor replied
saying “Not sure but the chance is 50%”. The Doctor also advised her to visit the
health centre in order to maintain her good health and that of the feotus(baby)
because she was too young.
Task
a) Identify the health challenges Mary is likely to face as a result of her
condition in relation to her age.
b) The Doctor replied and said “Not sure, the chance is 50%”. Clearly explain
the statement to Mary.
c) Suggest the significance of the Doctor’s advice (why the doctor advised Mary
like that).
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INVEST IN EDUCATION AND YOU WILL NOT REGRET
SECTION B
PART 1
Answer one item from this part.
ITEM 4
In a village in Busoga region, an investor has constructed a cooking oil
producing factory on the lake shores so he is closer to farmers producing the raw
materials for cooking oil. The factory releases large amounts of liquid oily wastes in
to the lake twice a week and most local fish mongers lost their jobs and have
attributed this to the challenges the factory imposes on the life in the lake.
TASK
a) Explain to the locals the challenges the factory may be imposing to life in the
lake.
b) Advise the community on the ways to minimise the effects of the and show
them the value of conserving such a natural resource.
ITEM 5
Part of a natural forest in Mityana District has been given to an investor who
has constructed a plastic recycling factory. During the recycling process, the
plastics are burnt into a liquid so as to reshape it into new useful plastic products.
The District Environmental Committee held a talk show to sensitise the public
about what was happening. One of the presenters was quoted saying “With the
health and environmental challenges faced so far, we need to mind where to
establish such factories”. The listeners need more explanation of what the
presenter said.
TASK
a) Explain to the listeners the challenges that the presenter talked about and
how their impacts on the environment can be minimised. Explain why such
areas of the environment should be protected.
PART 2
Answer one item from this part.
ITEM 6
Mr Nsamba is a farmer in one of the villages that are known for commercial
farming. In one morning, he decided to eat a cup of wheat porridge which
contained some milk and he also ate two (2) tosses of bread that were smeared
with blue band before going for his farming activities. After thirty (30) minutes, Mr
Nsamba felt his body was energised enough and then he went for his farming
activities. However, when he started digging rapidly, His breathing rate increased
and his heart beat increased and he sweat to his clothes becoming wet.
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INVEST IN EDUCATION AND YOU WILL NOT REGRET
TASK
a) Explain how the meal consumed Mr Nsamba in the morning helped him
acquire energy for his farming activities.
b) Explain why Mr Nsamba’s breathing rate and heart beat increased when he
started digging rapidly and why he sweat to his clothes turning wet.
ITEM 7
Recently a Caleb a volleyballer started smoking cigarette because of
some of his friends who also smoke. Caleb often feels short of breath during
training and he has started coughing. He has worried about his decline in
sports performance and isn’t sure that the challenges are as a result of
smoking.
TASK
Show how his life style is responsible for the challenges experienced in
his body leading to a decline in his sports performance. Suggest how he can
regain his performance.
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INVEST IN EDUCATION AND YOU WILL NOT REGRET
SET 2
SECTION A (ATTEMPT ALL ITEMS)
ITEM 1
Mr Kalungi discovered strange moth species in his maize garden which
was just beginning to flower. He observed that the moths were laying eggs
inside the enclosed flowers and beneath the leaves. The larvae of these
moths were found to feed on many parts of the plants, including boring
through the stem. Mr Kalungi was advised to consider changing crops grown,
none the less, his maize managed to give some yields.
TASK
a) Identify the plant structures that were damaged in Mr Kalungi’s
harden.
b) How did the activities of the moths affect the normal functioning of
Mr Kalungi’s maize?
c) Explain how Mr Kalungi’s Maize finally managed to give some yields.
ITEM 2
In one of the villages in Buganda a young mother named Nalongo is an
alcohol addict. One day, while drunk she attempted to prepare lunch for her
family but accidentally left the cooking fir unattended to. The fire quickly
spread, engulfing the kitchen and threatening to burn down the main house.
Fortunately, her neighbour, Nakato noticed the thick smoke and rushed to
her aid, extinguishing the fire just in time.
TASK
a) Explain how Nakato’s body coordinated to bring about her reactions
from the time she noticed the smoke until she reached to Nalongo’s
kitchen.
b) What are the likely effects of Nalongo’s life style?
c) Explain how Nalongo can recover from her life style to live a
productive life?
ITEM 3
Two sisters of ages 15 and 16, have same biological parents and were
brought up under same conditions in the same home. The 15- year-old sister
is much taller than the 16- year -old sister and one time a Geneticist
explained to them the possible cause. Later one of them got married, and
after giving birth to the first son, she wanted to space him for 4-years “four
years without pregnancy” so has he got enough attention, so she went to
the Doctor and she was advised on the various ways this could be possible.
TASK
a) Explain the possible causes of the difference in the height of the two
sisters geneticist explained.
b) Suggest any three ways the doctor could have highlightened and show
each prevent unwanted pregnancy.
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INVEST IN EDUCATION AND YOU WILL NOT REGRET
SECTION B
PART 1
Answer one item from this part.
ITEM 4
The Public Health officer, Hoima has observed significant water pollution in
Lake Albert and nearby water sources due oil refinery and industrial activities. In
addition, the local community has been experiencing an outbreak of malaria and
bilharzia with many cases reported among children and fisher men.
TASK
a) What are the effects of the activities being done around the lake? Suggest
control measures to mitigate the effects and disease outbreak.
ITEM 5
Environment conservationists are against the use of pesticides and inorganic
fertilizers while farmers are in favour of their use in order to get more crop yields
and food for the increasing human and animal population.
TASK
a) Explain to the farmers the environmental challenges that their practises
impose on the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and show the ways these
challenges can be minimized. Show the value of using organic fertilizers by
the farmers.
PART 2
Answer one item from this part.
ITEM 6
After 20 years of engaging in alcohol drinking Mr Kavuma went to a
health centre due to health complications and examinations revealed that his
liver has been potentially damaged, hi pancreatic duct was blocked and he
also had increased blood pressure.
TASK
a) Break down to Mr Kavuma his body processes affected so that he
knows how the normal functioning his body was damaged. Also explain
to Mr Kavuma how he can be able to live a normal life.
ITEM 7
Asuman, a 17-year- old Item Taker was experiencing general body
weakness and was scared that he may not participate in the school inter-
house football competitions. He was advised by his best friend Janet to eat
first before playing any match due the much Biology she knows which he
did so by eating a meal of posho and unfried school beans. After resting for
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INVEST IN EDUCATION AND YOU WILL NOT REGRET
about an hour, Asuman felt stronger and he even managed to score 2 goals
in every match for his senor four class (s.4) in which he is. However, after the
matches Asuman muscle pain causing him to walk with difficulcy.
TASK
a) Describe the process that led to Asuman’s success and how it helped him
have success with explanations as to why was feeling muscle pain after the
matches.
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INVEST IN EDUCATION AND YOU WILL NOT REGRET
SET 3
SECTION A (ATTEMPT ALL ITEMS)
ITEM 1
Mr Kyeyune is a biology teacher at Budo Secondary School. He organised a Work
shop for Senior Three students and their parents to illustrate to parents how
students in the competence-based curriculum discuss in class and it was about how
plants are important in our community and all students were tasked to involve in
discussions and participation but unfortunately on that day Mr Kyeyune was
attacked by a strange disease and so he was unable to present.
TASK
a) You have been requested by Mr Kyeyune to present to the Senior three
students and their parents and he has tasked you to present to them the
following in your presentation;
i. Raw materials of photosynthesis.
ii. Requirements of photosynthesis and why plants are able to
photosynthesize.
iii. Site for photosynthesis in plants and finally the importance of
photosynthesis reflected in the presence of trees in the home community.
ITEM 2
Cissy is a senior four Item Taker at Buddo Secondary School who is very
bright in class. However, when she sits on the front row near the chalk board, she
cannot see the writings on the chalk board, and she complains of pain in her eyes
when she strains them to see in the work in her books. The teachers tried to take
her to the back seats in the class, but she was too short to see the chalk board
behind the other talk students because their class had a lot of groups.
TASK
a) Using scientific facts, as the health prefect, explain Cissy’s problem to her
parents.
b) Explain the cause of the problem.
c) Using illustrations, clearly explain to the parents how Cissy’s problem can
be managed.
ITEM 3
Faith was a Secondary School girl, studying in a day school near her home. As a
result of bad peer groups, she started drinking alcohol and dodging school. One
day, during the school routine pregnancy checks, Faith was found pregnant and so
she was sent out of school.
She was forced to marry her young boy friend by her parents; however, she
continued with her habits and did not attend antenatal care. Faith and her
boyfriend are dark-skinned; however, she gave birth to an albino child. The
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boyfriend denied the child and ran away, so Faith started to solely take care of the
baby. Faith tried to convince thee boyfriend but h hardly refused.
TASK
a) Convince Faith’s boyfriend that it’s scientifically possible that he is the father
of the albino child.
b) What are the likely effects of Faith’s life style to the feotus/ baby?
c) Advise Faith on how she can improve her living conditions.
SECTION B
PART 1
Answer one item from this part.
ITEM 4
A chemical factor was established in a swamp which had a flowing river,
supporting nearby communities with water and mad fish. The water in the
river stream became greenish, and there was a lot of growth of water
hyacinth (water weed) in the river. The mad fish harvests have greatly
dwindled and many community members were diagnosed (tested) with
respiratory diseases. The community members have recorded serious
complaints with the local leaders.
TASK
a) Explain to the local leaders the problems in the community, suggest the
possible solutions and show how the swamp should be kept in natural
state.
ITEM 5
As a result of a civil war in one of the countries neighbouring Uganda,
many people entered the country as refugees. These people settled
themselves in a game reserve of a border district, part of which had a forest
reserve. A refugee camp was set up, but the area later became too small for
the refugees. There were many cases of wild animals attacking the refugees
and the refugee community faced a number of challenges. The local
leadership is very concerned.
TASK
a) Justify (explain) the refugee community their problems, give advice
and sensitize them on the value of conserving the natural
environment in the area.
PART 2
Answer one item from this part.
ITEM 6
Mr Male a sixty-year-old man urinates frequently, has blurred vision
and feels thirsty oftenly, when he visited a physiologist, the doctor
recommended for urinalysis test for proper diagnosis. The clinical
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TASK
a) Explain how specimen solution P formed in side Mr Male’s body,
identify his major metabolic disorder and suggest how he can
overcome it.
ITEM 7
During his visit in January, Moses a five-year -old boy was found to be
having wasted muscles, not physically active, had wounds on his legs and
was generally weak. The Doctor recommended that Moses should be is
started on a special diet mainly consisting of millet porridge and milk for
some time.
His condition has since then improved and from the hospital records about
his weight is as shown in Table 1
Table 1: shows changes in Moses’s body weight since his first visit to the
hospital.
MONTH WEIGHT (Kg)
January 10.9
March 11.8
May 13.5
July 14.5
September 15.7
The normal weigh range of boys is shown in Table 2
Table 2: Shows normal weight range of boys between 2 to 7 years.
AGE WEIGHT(Kg)
2 8.9 - 15
3 11.9 - 17.9
4 13.4 - 20.4
5 15.2 - 24.4
6 16.9 - 26.5
7 18.6 – 31.5
TASK
a) How was the Doctor’s re commendation utilised by Moses’s body to
help in the improvement of his health condition?
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SET 4
SECTION A (ATTEMPT ALL ITEMS)
ITEM 1
Mr Kabuki a farmer in Mayuge district who grows maize and soya beans
at his farm has got significantly lower yields in the recent season than
expected. Near his farm, there is a stone quarry and its activities produce
frequent dust storms and some stones from the quarry hit his plants, crack
and even break their stems. He has sued the quarrying company that it
should compensate him for the low yields obtained.
TASK
a) Identify the plant processes the activities of the quarry affected.
b) Explain to the quarrying company management how their activities led
to the low yields in Mr Kabuki’s Garden.
c) How did some plants manage to give some yields in the same area?
ITEM 2
A house maid was cooking milk for the baby and suddenly the boiling
milk raised and spilled out of the saucepan into the fire. The maid heard
the hissing sound from the cooking place. She got scared, heart beat and
breathing rate increased and she strongly rushed to remove the saucepan
from the stove. On touching the saucepan, she immediately released it.
TASK
a) What physiological changes occurred in the maid’s body?
b) Describe how the maid’s coordinated to bring about her reactions
from the time the milk spilled out of the saucepan up to when she
started rushing towards the cooking place.
c) Explain what happened in the maid’s body so as to withdraw her
hands from the saucepan
ITEM 3
In a certain family, a paternity dispute has risen between a man,
Mr Kabuusu, and a woman, Ms Ndagire, over their two-year-old child.
Mr Kabuusu denies being the biological father of the child since
they have different blood groups, while Ms Ndagire claims he is the
right father. The child’s blood type is AB, while Ms Ndagire’s blood
type is O. Mr Kabuusu’s blood type is A. Recently, the child was
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TASK
a) Cleary show to Mr Kabuusu the possibility of him being the
father of the two-year-old basing on the biological facts of
blood groups.
b) What are the likely effects of the disease discovered in the 2-
year-old child?
c) Advise the couple on how a successful blood transfussion of
their child can be done.
SECTION B
PART 1
Answer one item from this part.
ITEM 4
OilTech Coperation has discovered significant oil reserves
in Murchison falls National Park, near Lake Albert in Western
Uganda. The company plans to extract the oil and construct a
refinery nearby, generating employment opportunities to the
people and revenue for the government.
However, environmentalists and local communities are
concerned about the potential risks to the eco-systems in the
area.
TASK
a) Explain the problems associated with oil extraction activities
in an area to the community. Suggest possible solutions and
show the value of living the eco-systems in an area
undisturbed.
ITEM 5
Charcoal burning is one of the commonest economic activities carried
out by the people of Kibuku district. During the practice people cut down trees on a
large scale and gather pieces in heaps of soil through which fire is put to facilitate
the process. However, this practise is threatening the quality of the environment a
thing that many residents are afraid of.
TASK
a) Explain the environmental problems this practise has caused; suggest
ways these problems can be minimised and explain to the community
why they should conserve the forests.
PART 2
Answer one item from this part.
ITEM 6
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TASK
a) Explain how the body of Kibilango’s son responded to the actions of the
doctor and how the boy’s body regained its normal functioning.
ITEM 7
The hygienist observed discoloured teeth in a 46-year-old man called Kavuma.
Kavuma has history of smoking tobacco for the past 25 years in Senior two. He has
painful gums, shallow respiration and has signs of developing stroke.
The table below shows more results of physical examination on Kavuma.
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