Biology JAMB Syllabus 2027/2028 Download PDF

The JAMB Biology syllabus 2027/2028 shows the main topics and biological concepts you should study for the examination.

The syllabus covers five major areas: Variety of Organisms, Form and Functions, Ecology, Heredity and Variations, and Evolution. These areas help you understand living things, how organisms function, how they interact with their environment, how characteristics are inherited, and how living organisms change over time.

In this guide, you will see the important topics under each section and what you should be able to identify, explain, compare, calculate, interpret or apply. You will also find the JAMB Biology syllabus PDF download section, recommended texts, and simple guidance on how to use the syllabus during revision.

Biology also involves practical understanding, so pay attention to areas such as cells, food tests, biological processes, diagrams, experiments, ecology, genetics and data interpretation while studying.

Download JAMB Biology Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF

You can keep the JAMB Biology syllabus PDF on your phone or computer and use it as a study checklist during your preparation.

The PDF covers the major areas of Biology, including Variety of Organisms, Form and Functions, Ecology, Heredity and Variations, and Evolution.

Download the JAMB Biology Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF here:

Download, tap or click it to open the syllabus PDF and save a copy for your revision.

Use the PDF regularly to check the topics you have completed, the biological processes you still need to study, and the objectives you should be able to explain, identify, interpret or apply.

JAMB Biology Syllabus Topics and Objectives

The JAMB Biology syllabus is divided into five main areas: Variety of Organisms, Form and Functions, Ecology, Heredity and Variations, and Evolution.

Each section shows the biological topics you should study and the skills you should develop, including identification, comparison, explanation, interpretation and application.

Section A: Variety of Organisms

This section deals with living things, cell structure, levels of organization, groups of organisms and adaptation.

Characteristics of Living Organisms

Living organisms have features that distinguish them from non-living things.

You should be able to identify the characteristics of living things and explain the differences between living and non-living things.

Cell Structure and Functions

The cell is the basic unit of life.

You should study the structures of plant and animal cells and understand the functions of their different components.

You should be able to:

• identify the structures of plant and animal cells;
• explain the functions of cell components;
• compare plant and animal cells;
• identify similarities and differences between them.

Levels of Organization

Living organisms show different levels of structural organization.

The main levels are:

• cell;
• tissue;
• organ;
• system;
• organism.

Examples include:

• Euglena and Paramecium at the cellular level;
• epithelial tissue and Hydra;
• onion bulb as an organ;
• reproductive, digestive and excretory systems;
• Chlamydomonas as an organism.

You should understand how these levels follow one another from simpler to more complex forms.

Major Groups of Organisms

You should study the external features, characteristics and life histories of organisms in the major biological groups.

These include:

• Monera
• Protista
• Fungi
• Plantae
• Animalia

You should understand how organisms become more structurally complex across different groups.

Monera

Monera includes prokaryotic organisms such as:

• bacteria;
• blue-green algae.

You should recognize their main characteristics and understand their position among living organisms.

Protista

Examples include:

• Amoeba;
• Euglena;
• Paramecium.

You should study their external features, characteristics and life histories.

Fungi

Examples include:

• mushroom;
• Rhizopus.

You should understand their basic characteristics and how they differ from plants and animals.

Plantae

The plant groups to study include:

• Thallophyta, such as Spirogyra;
• Bryophyta, such as mosses and liverworts;
• Pteridophyta, such as ferns;
• Spermatophyta, which includes Gymnosperms and Angiosperms.

Examples of Gymnosperms include:

• cycads;
• conifers.

Angiosperms include:

• monocots, such as maize;
• dicots, such as waterleaf.

You should be able to trace the gradual development of plants and understand how their structures show increasing complexity.

Animalia

Animals can be grouped into invertebrates and vertebrates.

Invertebrates

Important groups include:

• Coelenterata, such as Hydra;
• Platyhelminthes, such as Taenia;
• Nematoda, such as roundworms;
• Annelida, such as earthworms;
• Arthropoda, such as mosquitoes, cockroaches, houseflies, bees and butterflies;
• Mollusca, such as snails.

You should understand the structural advancement of these groups and their economic and environmental importance.

Vertebrates

The major vertebrate groups include:

• Pisces, including cartilaginous and bony fishes;
• Amphibia, such as frogs and toads;
• Reptilia, such as lizards, snakes and turtles;
• Aves, which are birds;
• Mammalia, which are mammals.

You should understand how these groups show increasing structural complexity and be able to relate their features to their way of life.

Adaptation of Organisms

Adaptation refers to features that help organisms survive in their environment.

You should study:

• structural adaptations;
• functional adaptations;
• behavioural adaptations.

You should be able to explain how the structure, function and behaviour of an organism help it survive.

Adaptive Colouration

Adaptive colouration can help organisms avoid predators or attract attention.

You should understand examples such as:

• countershading in fish;
• countershading in toads;
• countershading in snakes;
• warning colouration.

You should be able to explain the purpose of these colour patterns.

Behavioural Adaptations

Some organisms show special behaviours that improve survival.

You should study:

• different castes in social insects such as termites;
• functions of the different castes;
• basking in lizards;
• territorial behaviour;
• hibernation;
• aestivation.

You should understand how these behaviours help organisms survive under different environmental conditions.

Structural Adaptations for Survival

You should understand adaptations connected with:

• obtaining food;
• protection and defence;
• securing mates;
• regulation of body temperature;
• conservation of water.

Examples include:

• beaks and legs of birds for feeding;
• mouthparts of mosquitoes, butterflies and moths;
• stick insects, praying mantises and toads for protection;
• colour and display in Agama lizards and birds for securing mates;
• skin, feathers and hair for temperature regulation;
• spines and scales for water conservation.

You should be able to relate each adaptation to the particular problem it helps the organism solve.

Section B: Form and Functions

Form and Functions deals with how the structures of living organisms are related to the jobs they perform. It covers plant and animal structures, nutrition, transport, respiration, excretion, support and movement, reproduction, growth, coordination and homeostasis.

Internal Structure of a Flowering Plant

You should study the internal structure of:

• roots;
• stems;
• leaves.

You should be able to identify these structures in transverse sections and explain how their structures are related to their functions.

Supporting tissues in plants include:

• collenchyma;
• sclerenchyma;
• xylem fibres;
• phloem fibres.

You should understand where these tissues are found in roots, stems and leaves and how they help to support the plant.

Internal Structure of a Mammal

You should study the arrangement of the major internal organs of a mammal.

Pay attention to the position and appearance of organs involved in:

• digestion;
• reproduction;
• excretion.

You should be able to recognize these organs and relate their positions to their functions.

Nutrition

Nutrition is the way organisms obtain and use food or nutrients.

You should study the two main modes of nutrition:

• autotrophic nutrition;
• heterotrophic nutrition.

Autotrophic organisms make their own food, while heterotrophic organisms depend on other organisms for food.

You should also compare photosynthetic and chemosynthetic nutrition.

Types of Nutrition

Examples of nutritional methods include:

• holozoic nutrition, as in sheep and humans;
• parasitic nutrition, as in roundworms, tapeworms and Loranthus;
• saprophytic nutrition, as in Rhizopus and mushrooms;
• nutrition in carnivorous plants such as sundew and bladderwort.

You should be able to distinguish between these forms of nutrition.

Plant Nutrition and Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process through which green plants make food.

You should study:

• light reaction;
• dark reaction;
• role of light;
• role of carbon (IV) oxide;
• role of chlorophyll.

You should understand the conditions necessary for photosynthesis and be able to explain how the presence of starch in a leaf can be used as evidence that photosynthesis has taken place.

Mineral Requirements of Plants

Plants require both macro-elements and micro-elements.

You should be able to identify the mineral elements required by plants and recognize deficiency symptoms caused by lack of nutrients such as:

• nitrogen;
• phosphorus;
• potassium.

Animal Nutrition

You should study the main classes of food substances:

• carbohydrates;
• proteins;
• fats and oils;
• vitamins;
• mineral salts;
• water.

You should know the sources and importance of these food substances and understand how deficiencies can affect health.

You should also understand the importance of a balanced diet.

Food Tests

You should know how food substances can be identified from the results of simple tests.

Important food substances include:

• starch;
• reducing sugar;
• protein;
• oil;
• fat.

You should be able to interpret the result of a food test and determine which food substance is present.

Mammalian Teeth

You should study the structure, types and functions of mammalian teeth.

You should be able to:

• describe a typical mammalian tooth;
• distinguish between different types of teeth;
• relate their structures to their functions;
• compare the dental formulae of humans, sheep and dogs.

Mammalian Alimentary Canal

The alimentary canal is involved in the digestion and absorption of food.

You should study the structure and functions of its different parts and accessory organs such as:

• liver;
• pancreas;
• gall bladder.

You should understand the main processes involved in nutrition:

• ingestion;
• digestion;
• absorption;
• assimilation.

Digestive Enzymes

You should understand the general characteristics of digestive enzymes.

You should also know how different enzymes help to digest:

• carbohydrates;
• proteins;
• fats.

You should be able to identify the end products formed after these food substances are digested.

Transport in Organisms

Transport systems move important substances from one part of an organism to another.

You should understand why large and complex organisms need transport systems.

Materials transported may include:

• gases;
• digested food;
• manufactured food;
• nutrients;
• water;
• hormones;
• excretory products.

Mammalian Circulatory System

You should study:

• heart;
• arteries;
• veins;
• capillaries.

You should understand the general circulatory system and the functions of important blood vessels such as:

• hepatic portal vein;
• pulmonary vein;
• pulmonary artery;
• aorta;
• renal artery;
• renal vein.

Plant Vascular System

The plant vascular system consists mainly of:

• xylem;
• phloem.

You should understand their functions and identify the materials transported by each tissue.

Media and Processes of Transport

Transport media include:

• cytoplasm;
• cell sap;
• body fluid;
• blood;
• lymph.

You should know the composition and functions of blood and lymph.

Important transport processes include:

• diffusion;
• osmosis;
• plasmolysis;
• turgidity;
• active transport.

In plants, you should also understand:

• transpiration pull;
• root pressure.

Respiration

Respiration releases energy that living organisms need for their activities.

You should understand the importance of respiration and the basic chemical processes involved.

Study:

• glycolysis;
• Krebs cycle;
• role of ATP.

You should also understand how experiments can show gaseous exchange, production of heat and other products of respiration.

Respiratory Organs and Surfaces

Different organisms use different structures for gaseous exchange.

Examples include:

• body surface;
• gills;
• trachea;
• lungs;
• stomata;
• lenticels.

You should be able to identify these respiratory surfaces and the organisms in which they occur.

Gaseous Exchange in Plants and Mammals

In plants, you should understand how stomata open and close.

In mammals, you should understand respiratory movements involved in breathing.

You should also understand the importance of oxygen in releasing energy and what happens when muscles receive an inadequate supply of oxygen.

Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration

You should distinguish between:

• aerobic respiration;
• anaerobic respiration.

You should understand fermentation using yeast and sugar solution and know the economic importance of yeast.

Excretion

Excretion is the removal of waste products formed during metabolism.

You should study excretory structures such as:

• contractile vacuole;
• flame cell;
• nephridium;
• Malpighian tubule;
• kidney;
• stoma;
• lenticel.

You should understand how the structures are related to their functions.

Excretion in Mammals

The main excretory organs to study include:

• kidneys;
• lungs;
• skin.

You should understand the structure and functions of the kidneys and relate them to excretion and regulation of water and salts.

You should also know the excretory products removed by the lungs and skin.

Excretory Products of Plants

Plants also produce substances that may be removed or stored as waste products.

Examples include:

• carbon (IV) oxide;
• oxygen;
• tannins;
• resins;
• gums;
• mucilage;
• alkaloids.

You should understand the economic importance of some of these plant products.

Support and Movement

Living organisms need support to maintain their form and movement to respond to their environment.

In plants, supporting tissues include:

• collenchyma;
• sclerenchyma;
• xylem fibres;
• phloem fibres.

You should understand how these tissues provide support.

Plant Movements

You should study:

• tropic movements;
• tactic movements;
• nastic movements;
• sleep movements.

You should understand how plants respond to stimuli such as:

• light;
• water;
• gravity;
• touch.

You should also know the regions of growth in roots and shoots and understand the role of auxins in tropism.

Skeleton in Animals

You should study:

• exoskeleton;
• endoskeleton;
• types of joints;
• functions of the skeleton.

You should understand the supportive, protective, locomotive and respiratory roles of the skeleton.

You should also relate materials such as chitin, cartilage and bone to their supporting functions.

Reproduction

Reproduction allows organisms to produce new individuals.

You should understand the difference between:

• asexual reproduction;
• sexual reproduction.

Asexual Reproduction

Examples include:

• fission in Paramecium;
• budding in yeast;
• natural vegetative propagation;
• artificial vegetative propagation.

You should understand how methods such as grafting, budding and layering can be used in crop production.

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants

You should study:

• floral parts and their functions;
• pollination;
• fertilization;
• products of sexual reproduction.

You should relate the different parts of a flower to their reproductive functions and understand the advantages of cross-pollination.

You should also understand how placentation is related to the formation of different types of fruits.

Reproduction in Mammals

You should study the male and female reproductive organs and understand how their structures relate to reproduction.

You should also understand:

• fertilization;
• development of the embryo;
• effects of maternal health and nutrition on development.

Modern methods of regulating reproduction include in vitro fertilization and birth control.

Growth

Growth involves an increase in the size and development of an organism.

You should study:

• meaning of growth;
• seed germination;
• conditions necessary for germination;
• epigeal germination;
• hypogeal germination.

You should be able to distinguish between epigeal and hypogeal germination and understand the conditions necessary for seeds to germinate.

Coordination and Control

Coordination helps different parts of an organism work together.

You should study both nervous and hormonal control.

Nervous Coordination

You should study:

• central nervous system;
• peripheral nervous system;
• transmission of nerve impulses;
• reflex action.

You should understand the structures and functions of the nervous system and be able to distinguish between:

• reflex actions;
• voluntary actions;
• conditioned reflexes.

Examples of reflex actions include blinking and the knee jerk.

Sense Organs

You should study the structure and functions of:

• skin;
• nose;
• tongue;
• eye;
• ear.

You should be able to relate each sense organ to the type of stimulus it detects.

Hormonal Control in Animals

Important endocrine glands include:

• pituitary gland;
• thyroid gland;
• parathyroid gland;
• adrenal gland;
• pancreas;
• gonads.

You should know where these glands are located and relate the hormones they produce to their functions.

Plant Hormones

Important plant hormones include:

• auxins;
• gibberellins;
• cytokinins;
• ethylene.

You should understand their effects on:

• growth;
• tropism;
• flowering;
• fruit ripening;
• leaf fall.

Homeostasis

Homeostasis is the regulation of internal conditions in the body.

You should study:

• body temperature regulation;
• salt regulation;
• water regulation.

You should understand how hormones help to maintain suitable levels of substances inside the body.

Section C: Ecology

Ecology deals with how organisms interact with one another and with their environment. It covers environmental factors, relationships among organisms, energy flow, habitats, populations, soil, diseases, pollution and conservation.

Factors Affecting the Distribution of Organisms

The distribution of organisms can be affected by abiotic and biotic factors.

Abiotic factors include:

• temperature;
• rainfall;
• relative humidity;
• wind speed and direction;
• altitude;
• salinity;
• turbidity;
• pH;
• soil conditions.

You should understand how these factors can influence where organisms live.

You should also know how some abiotic factors are measured using equipment such as:

• thermometer;
• rain gauge;
• Secchi disc.

Biotic factors involve living organisms and their activities.

You should be able to explain how plants, animals and human activities can affect the distribution of organisms.

Relationships Among Organisms

Organisms interact in different ways.

You should study:

• symbiosis;
• parasitism;
• saprophytism;
• commensalism;
• mutualism;
• amensalism;
• competition;
• predation;
• cooperation.

You should be able to identify suitable examples of these relationships and explain how they affect the organisms involved.

Energy Flow in an Ecosystem

Energy moves through an ecosystem as organisms feed on one another.

You should study:

• food chains;
• food webs;
• trophic levels.

You should understand how organisms are connected through feeding relationships and how energy moves from one level to another.

Nutrient Cycling in Nature

Important nutrient cycles include:

• carbon cycle;
• water cycle;
• nitrogen cycle.

You should understand the importance of these cycles in maintaining the environment.

For the carbon cycle, pay attention to the balance between atmospheric oxygen and carbon (IV) oxide.

For the nitrogen cycle, understand the roles of bacteria and leguminous plants.

You should also understand how the water cycle can affect other nutrient cycles.

Natural Habitats

A habitat is the place where an organism lives.

Aquatic habitats include:

• ponds;
• streams;
• lakes;
• seashores;
• mangrove swamps.

Terrestrial or arboreal habitats include:

• tree tops;
• abandoned farmland;
• dry grassy savanna fields;
• burrows;
• holes.

You should be able to associate plants and animals with suitable habitats and relate their adaptive features to the places where they live.

Nigerian Biomes

You should study the main local biomes found in Nigeria.

These include:

• tropical rainforest;
• southern Guinea savanna;
• northern Guinea savanna;
• Sudan savanna;
• desert;
• highland or montane forests and grasslands of areas such as Obudu, Jos and Mambilla Plateau.

You should understand the main features of these biomes and be able to relate them to different regions.

Ecology of Populations

A population is a group of organisms of the same species living in a particular area.

You should study:

• population density;
• overcrowding;
• adaptation for survival;
• competition;
• factors affecting population size;
• ecological succession.

Population Density and Overcrowding

Population density is the number of organisms living in a given area.

You should be able to calculate population density as the number of organisms per unit area.

You should also understand why human populations can increase rapidly and the possible effects of overcrowding.

Competition

Competition occurs when organisms need the same limited resources.

You should study:

• intra-specific competition;
• inter-specific competition;
• competition for food;
• competition for space;
• relationship between competition and succession.

You should understand how population increase, disease, shortage of food and limited space can increase competition.

You should also understand how niche differentiation can reduce competition.

Factors Affecting Population Size

Biotic factors include:

• food availability;
• pests;
• diseases;
• predation;
• competition;
• reproductive ability.

Abiotic factors include:

• temperature;
• space;
• light;
• rainfall;
• topography;
• pressure;
• pH.

You should be able to explain how these factors can cause population sizes to increase or decrease.

Ecological Succession

Ecological succession is the gradual change in the types of organisms found in an area over time.

You should study:

• primary succession;
• secondary succession.

You should be able to trace the sequence of changes until a relatively stable climax community is reached.

Soil

You should study the characteristics of:

• sandy soil;
• loamy soil;
• clayey soil.

Important soil properties include:

• soil structure;
• porosity;
• capillarity;
• humus content.

You should also understand the main components of soil:

• inorganic materials;
• organic materials;
• soil organisms;
• soil air;
• soil water.

You should be able to relate soil properties to the healthy growth of plants.

Soil Fertility and Conservation

You should study factors that can reduce soil fertility, including:

• loss of inorganic materials;
• compaction;
• leaching;
• erosion of topsoil;
• repeated cropping with one variety.

Methods that can help maintain soil fertility and conserve soil include:

• contour ridging;
• terracing;
• mulching;
• poly-cropping;
• strip cropping;
• organic fertilizers;
• inorganic fertilizers;
• crop rotation;
• shifting cultivation.

You should understand how these practices can help protect the soil and support plant growth.

Humans and the Environment

This part covers diseases, pollution, sanitation and conservation.

Common and Endemic Diseases

You should study common and easily transmissible diseases and disease conditions such as:

• malaria;
• meningitis;
• guinea worm disease;
• schistosomiasis;
• onchocerciasis;
• typhoid fever;
• cholera;
• poliomyelitis;
• tuberculosis;
• gonorrhoea;
• syphilis;
• AIDS.

You should understand:

• causative organisms;
• methods of transmission;
• symptoms;
• prevention;
• treatment;
• control.

You should also understand how environmental conditions can encourage the spread of diseases and how vectors or disease agents are involved in transmission.

Disease Prevention

You should understand the importance of:

• inoculation;
• vaccination.

You should be able to relate these methods to the prevention of diseases.

Pollution and Its Control

Pollution can be divided into:

• air pollution;
• water pollution;
• soil pollution.

You should understand the:

• sources of pollution;
• effects of pollutants;
• effects on human health;
• effects on the environment;
• methods of control.

Sanitation and Sewage

You should understand the importance of:

• proper solid waste disposal;
• sewage disposal;
• community health;
• personal hygiene.

You should also understand the roles of organizations and agencies involved in health and environmental protection.

Conservation of Natural Resources

Conservation involves protecting natural resources so they can remain useful for present and future generations.

You should understand methods of conserving:

• renewable resources;
• non-renewable resources.

You should also understand the importance of preventing desertification.

Organizations involved in conservation include:

• Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF);
• Federal Ministry of Environment;
• Nigeria National Parks;
• World Wildlife Fund (WWF);
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN);
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

You should understand the roles and activities of these organizations.

Game Reserves and National Parks

You should know the locations and importance of game reserves and national parks in Nigeria.

These areas help protect wildlife and natural habitats and support the conservation of biological resources.

Section D: Heredity and Variations

Heredity and variation explain why organisms of the same species are not exactly alike and how characteristics are passed from parents to offspring.

This section covers variation in populations, chromosomes, inheritance, genetics, applications of heredity, and sex-linked characters.

Variation in a Population

Variation refers to differences among individuals of the same species.

You should understand the difference between:

• continuous variation;
• discontinuous variation.

Continuous variation shows a range of differences with many possible values, while discontinuous variation falls into clear groups.

You should also understand how:

• environmental conditions;
• habitat;
• genetic constitution

can contribute to variation among organisms.

Morphological Variation

Morphological variation involves differences in the physical appearance of individuals.

Examples include:

• height;
• weight;
• skin colour;
• eye colour;
• hair colour;
• coat colour in animals;
• scales;
• feathers;
• fingerprints.

You should be able to observe, measure and record some of these differences.

For height and weight, you should be able to:

• measure individuals of the same age group;
• record the measurements;
• plot frequency distribution graphs.

You should also be able to observe and record different colour patterns in plants and mammals.

Fingerprints

Fingerprints are an example of discontinuous variation that can be useful for identification.

You should understand how fingerprint patterns can be classified and used in identity and crime detection.

Physiological Variation

Physiological variation involves differences in the way the body functions.

Examples include:

• ability to roll the tongue;
• ability to taste phenylthiocarbamide, or PTC;
• blood groups.

You should be able to identify these differences among people and classify individuals according to their physiological characteristics.

Applications of Discontinuous Variation

Knowledge of discontinuous variation can be applied in areas such as:

• crime detection;
• blood transfusion;
• determination of paternity.

You should understand how blood groups and other inherited characteristics can be used in these areas.

Heredity

Heredity is the transmission of characteristics from parents to offspring.

You should study:

• heritable characters;
• non-heritable characters.

Heritable characters can be passed from parents to offspring, while non-heritable characters are not transmitted genetically.

You should be able to distinguish between the two and give suitable examples.

Chromosomes and DNA

Chromosomes carry hereditary information.

You should understand:

• the structure of chromosomes;
• the simple structure of DNA;
• how hereditary information is transmitted from parents to offspring.

You should also understand how genes are involved in inheritance.

Transmission of Hereditary Characters

During reproduction, genes are passed from parents to offspring.

You should understand:

• segregation of genes during meiosis;
• recombination of genes during fertilization;
• random combination of genes.

You should be able to explain how these processes contribute to differences among offspring.

Probability in Genetics

Genetics also involves simple probability.

You should be able to:

• analyse data from cross-breeding experiments;
• interpret simple inheritance patterns;
• use probability to understand possible genetic outcomes;
• understand the role of genetics in sex determination.

Application of Heredity in Agriculture

Knowledge of heredity can be used to improve crops and livestock.

You should understand how cross-breeding can be used to produce new varieties.

You should also study:

• in-breeding;
• out-breeding;
• advantages of in-breeding;
• disadvantages of in-breeding;
• advantages of out-breeding;
• disadvantages of out-breeding.

You should be able to explain how heredity can be applied in agricultural improvement.

Genetically Modified Organisms and Gene Therapy

You should understand the basic issues connected with:

• genetically modified organisms, or GMOs;
• gene therapy;
• biosafety.

You should be able to discuss these areas at a basic level and understand their connection with genetics.

Application of Heredity in Medicine

Heredity is also important in medicine.

You should understand how genetic knowledge can be applied in marriage counselling, especially in relation to:

• blood groups;
• sickle-cell anaemia;
• Rhesus factor.

You should also understand the importance of recombinant DNA in producing useful medical products such as:

• insulin;
• interferon;
• enzymes.

Sex-Linked Characters

Sex-linked characters are characteristics whose inheritance is connected with the sex chromosomes.

Examples include:

• baldness;
• haemophilia;
• colour blindness.

You should be able to identify examples of sex-linked characteristics and understand that their pattern of inheritance is linked to sex.

Section E: Evolution

Evolution explains how living organisms have changed over long periods of time and how different forms, structures and functions developed.

This section covers the main theories of evolution and the evidence that supports evolutionary change.

Theories of Evolution

You should study:

• Lamarck’s theory;
• Darwin’s theory;
• organic evolution.

Organic evolution refers to the gradual changes that have taken place in living organisms over a long period, leading to the diversity of forms, structures and functions seen today.

You should understand the contributions of Lamarck and Darwin to the development of evolutionary ideas.

Lamarck’s Theory

You should understand the main ideas associated with Lamarck’s explanation of evolution and how he tried to explain changes in organisms over time.

You should also be able to compare his ideas with other explanations of evolution.

Darwin’s Theory

You should study Darwin’s contribution to the theory of evolution and understand how his ideas helped explain the development of different organisms.

You should be able to distinguish between the major ideas of Lamarck and Darwin.

Evidence of Evolution

You should understand the main types of evidence used to support evolution.

These include:

• fossil records;
• comparative anatomy;
• physiology;
• embryology;
• genetic studies;
• mutation.

You should be able to explain how these forms of evidence support the idea that organisms have changed over time.

Fossil Records

Fossils provide evidence of organisms that lived in the past.

You should understand how fossil records can be used to show changes in organisms and trace evolutionary development over long periods.

Comparative Anatomy and Physiology

Comparing the structures and functions of different organisms can show similarities and differences that help explain evolutionary relationships.

You should be able to use such comparisons as evidence of evolution.

Embryology

Embryology studies the development of organisms before birth or hatching.

You should understand how similarities in early development can provide evidence of relationships among organisms.

Genetic Studies and Mutation

Modern evidence of evolution also comes from genetics.

You should understand how:

• genetic studies;
• mutation

can contribute to evolutionary change and support modern evolutionary theories.

Evolutionary Trends in Plants and Animals

You should be able to trace general evolutionary trends in plants and animals.

This means recognizing how groups of organisms show changes in structure and complexity over time and relating these changes to their adaptation and development.

How to Use the JAMB Biology Syllabus for Revision

The JAMB Biology syllabus can help you organize your reading by showing you the topics to study and the biological skills you should develop.

Read also: JAMB Area of Concentration for Biology Subject 2027/2028

Start by dividing your revision into the five main sections:

• Variety of Organisms
• Form and Functions
• Ecology
• Heredity and Variations
• Evolution

Work through each section gradually and use the objectives to check what you should be able to identify, explain, compare, calculate or interpret.

For Variety of Organisms, focus on cell structure, levels of organization, classification of organisms and adaptation.

For Form and Functions, revise important biological processes such as nutrition, transport, respiration, excretion, reproduction, growth, coordination and homeostasis.

For Ecology, study habitats, food chains, nutrient cycles, populations, soil, diseases, pollution and conservation.

For Heredity and Variations, practise differences between continuous and discontinuous variation, inheritance, chromosomes, DNA, simple genetics and applications of heredity.

For Evolution, revise the main theories and the evidence that supports evolutionary change.

Do not only read definitions. Biology also requires you to understand diagrams, experiments, processes and practical observations.

Give attention to practical areas such as:

• plant and animal cell structures;
• food tests;
• transverse sections of plant organs;
• teeth and dental formulae;
• diffusion and osmosis;
• respiration experiments;
• germination;
• sense organs;
• ecological equipment;
• soil properties;
• population density;
• genetics calculations;
• interpretation of graphs and experimental results.

Use diagrams where they help you understand structures and processes. You should also practise identifying relationships between structures and their functions.

The objectives under each topic can serve as a checklist. After studying a topic, ask yourself whether you can actually identify, describe, compare, calculate, interpret or apply what you have learned.

You can also use the recommended Biology textbooks when you need more explanation, diagrams or practical examples in a difficult area.

Recommended Texts for JAMB Biology

The following texts can support your JAMB Biology revision:

• Ndu, F. O. C., Ndu, Abun A. and Aina, J. O. (2001), Senior Secondary School Biology: Books 1–3, Lagos: Longman.
• Odunfa, S. A. (2001), Essentials of Biology, Ibadan: Heinemann.
• Ogunniyi, M. B., Adebisi, A. A. and Okojie, J. A. (2000), Biology for Senior Secondary Schools: Books 1–3, Macmillan.
• Ramalingam, S. T. (2005), Modern Biology, SS Science Series, New Edition, AFP.

Read also: Full List of JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Biology 2027/2028

These books can help you get more explanation, diagrams and practical examples in areas such as cell biology, nutrition, transport, respiration, reproduction, ecology, genetics and evolution.

You can also use the practical Biology text when revising experiments, observations, identification and other practical areas covered in the syllabus.

Key Points to Remember

• The JAMB Biology syllabus is divided into five main areas: Variety of Organisms, Form and Functions, Ecology, Heredity and Variations, and Evolution.
• Variety of Organisms covers cells, levels of organization, major groups of living things, structural complexity and adaptation.
• Form and Functions includes nutrition, transport, respiration, excretion, support and movement, reproduction, growth, coordination, hormones and homeostasis.
• Ecology covers habitats, environmental factors, relationships among organisms, food chains, nutrient cycles, populations, soil, diseases, pollution and conservation.
• Heredity and Variations includes continuous and discontinuous variation, chromosomes, DNA, inheritance, genetics, applications of heredity and sex-linked characters.
• Evolution covers Lamarck’s theory, Darwin’s theory, organic evolution and evidence from fossils, anatomy, physiology, embryology and genetics.
• Biology also includes practical areas such as food tests, diagrams, experiments, soil observations, ecological measurements, population density and genetics calculations.
• Do not only memorize definitions. You should also be able to identify structures, explain processes, compare organisms, interpret results, calculate simple values and apply biological ideas.
• Use both the topics and objectives during revision so you know what to study and what you should be able to do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The JAMB Biology syllabus 2027/2028 gives you a clear guide to the major areas you should study, including Variety of Organisms, Form and Functions, Ecology, Heredity and Variations, and Evolution.

Use the syllabus to organize your revision and make sure you understand both the theory and practical sides of Biology. Pay attention to diagrams, experiments, biological processes, genetics, ecology, calculations and data interpretation where they appear.

You can also return to the JAMB Biology syllabus PDF whenever you need to check the topics and objectives you have already covered.

If you have any questions about the JAMB Biology syllabus, leave a comment. You can also share this guide with other students who may find it useful.