The NECO Biology exam is one of the most important science subjects for students aiming to pursue courses like Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences. Scoring well requires a deep understanding of both theory and practical biology. This official guide covers the most repeated topics and sample past questions to help you succeed.
Highly Repeated Topics in NECO Biology Exam
1. Cell and Its Environment
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Structure and functions of cell organelles
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Differences between plant and animal cells
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Osmosis, diffusion, and active transport
Sample Question:
List three differences between plant and animal cells.
2. Classification of Living Organisms
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Kingdoms: Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia
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Binomial nomenclature
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Major phyla and classes of organisms
Sample Question:
What is the full classification of a domestic dog (up to class)?
3. Nutrition in Animals and Plants
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Modes of nutrition
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Photosynthesis: conditions, process, and importance
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Nutrition in humans: enzymes, digestion
Sample Question:
Describe the process of photosynthesis and list two conditions necessary for it.
4. Respiration
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Aerobic and anaerobic respiration
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Energy production
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Respiratory system in humans
Sample Question:
State two differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
5. Transport System
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Transport in plants: xylem and phloem
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Circulatory system in humans
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Components and functions of blood
Sample Question:
Explain the functions of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
6. Excretory and Homeostatic Systems
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Organs of excretion in humans and plants
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Functions of the kidney, skin, and lungs
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Homeostasis and osmoregulation
Sample Question:
Mention three excretory products in plants and how they are removed.
7. Reproduction
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Asexual vs sexual reproduction
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Human reproductive system
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Menstrual cycle, fertilization, and gestation
Sample Question:
Draw and label the human female reproductive system.
8. Growth and Development
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Stages of growth in organisms
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Factors affecting growth
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Hormones involved in growth
Sample Question:
State four differences between growth and development.
9. Heredity and Genetics
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Mendel’s laws
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Phenotype and genotype
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Sex-linked traits and blood group inheritance
Sample Question:
Using a cross, show how a child can inherit blood group O from parents with blood groups A and B.
10. Evolution and Adaptation
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Lamarck vs Darwin theory
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Natural selection
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Adaptive features of organisms
Sample Question:
Explain how a camel is adapted to desert life.
11. Ecology
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Components of ecosystem: biotic and abiotic
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Food chains and webs
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Energy flow and ecological pyramids
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Pollution and conservation
Sample Question:
What is a food chain? Give an example with four organisms.
12. Microorganisms
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Types of microorganisms
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Roles in fermentation, nitrogen cycle, and diseases
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Harmful and beneficial microorganisms
Sample Question:
Mention two beneficial and two harmful effects of bacteria.
13. Economic Importance of Plants and Animals
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Uses of common crops and livestock
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Crop pests and diseases
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Animal husbandry practices
Sample Question:
List three uses of maize and two diseases that affect it.
14. Practical Biology
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Use of microscope
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Food tests: starch, glucose, protein, fat
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Drawing and labeling of specimens
Sample Question:
Describe how to test for the presence of starch in a leaf.
Sample NECO Biology Objective Questions
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The structural and functional unit of life is the:
A. Tissue
B. Organ
C. Cell
D. System
Answer: C -
The male reproductive organ in a flowering plant is the:
A. Carpel
B. Stigma
C. Stamen
D. Ovary
Answer: C -
In which part of the plant does photosynthesis occur?
A. Root
B. Stem
C. Leaf
D. Flower
Answer: C -
Which of these organisms is not a protozoan?
A. Amoeba
B. Paramecium
C. Spirogyra
D. Trypanosome
Answer: C -
What is the genotype of a person with blood group AB?
A. AO
B. AB
C. BO
D. OO
Answer: B
Tips to Pass NECO Biology Exam
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Study NECO-recommended syllabus and textbooks
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Focus on topics that are frequently repeated
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Use flashcards and charts to remember biological processes
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Solve at least 10 years of past questions
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Watch practical videos to understand lab-based concepts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is NECO Biology hard to pass?
Not if you study smart! Focus on highly repeated topics, understand key concepts, and solve past questions regularly.
Q2: Does NECO Biology include practicals?
Yes. You’ll be required to identify specimens, perform food tests, and interpret lab-based diagrams.
Q3: What textbook is best for NECO Biology?
Recommended books include:
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Modern Biology for Senior Secondary Schools by Sarojini T. Ramalingam
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Comprehensive Biology by S. T. Ramalingam
Q4: How can I prepare for NECO Biology in one month?
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Create a timetable
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Study 2–3 topics daily from this guide
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Practice with past NECO questions
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Use online resources for difficult areas
Q5: Are NECO Biology questions repeated?
Yes. Questions may not be word-for-word repeated but topics and concepts are consistently tested every year.
Conclusion
Success in NECO Biology 2025/2026 depends on how well you understand and revise the most frequently asked topics. Combine this guide with past questions, practicals, and active revision strategies to ace the exam.
