Updated: 2023/2024 NECO Practical Specimens for All Subjects including Likely Questions 

If you’re NECO candidate and have been searching for this year’s Specimen, we’ve got you covered as they have been posted here for you. Don’t be in a hurry because the likely questions have been solved too just below the specimens.

Table of contents:

Chemistry Specimen

Physics Specimen

Agricultural Science Specimen

Biology Specimen

Like Questions with Solutions

Below are the specimens:

2023 NECO CHEMISTRY PRACTICAL SPECIMEN
INSTRUCTION(S) TO SCHOOL
1. Great care should be taken to ensure that the information given below does not reach the candidates either directly or indirectly before the examination.
2. In addition to the apparatus and reagents expected to be available in a Secondary school chemistry Laboratory, each candidate will require the following:
(a) One burette (50cm³)
(b) One Pipette (20cm³ or 25cm³)
However, all candidates in a centre must use pipettes of the same volume
(c) The usual apparatus for filtration
(d) The usual apparatus and reagent for qualitative work including:
(i) Dilute sodium hydroxide solution
(ii) Dilute ammonia solution

(ii) Dilute hydrochloric acid
(iv) Barium Chloride solution
(v) Distilled water
(vi) Red and blue litmus paper
(vi) Phenolphthalein
(vii) Methyl orange
(ix) One boiling tube
(x) Five test tubes
(xi) Source of heat
(xi) Wash bottle containing distilled water
(xii) Filtration apparatus
3. Each candidate should be supplied with the following:
where ‘n’ is the candidate’s serial number
(a) 150 cm³ of tetraoxosulphate (VI) solution in a corked flask or bottle labelled ‘An. These should all be the same containing 2.20cm³ of
concentrated tetraoxosulphate (Vi) acid per dm³ of solution.

(b) 150 cm3 of Na2C03 in a corked flask or bottle labelled ‘Bn’. These should all be the same containing 3.6 g of sodium trioxocarbonate (IV)
pellet per dm3 of solution.
(c) One spatula of Na2C03 in a corked
specimen bottle labelled ‘Cn’. Note ‘n’ is the candidate’s serial number.
In all cases, more materials may be given if required.
The actual concentration of A and B must be stated on the Teacher’s report from while the candidates should make use of the concentration stated in the question paper.
6. Please, do not substitute any substance or solution for those specified in these instructions

ARRANGEMENT AND SERIAL NUMBER OF CANDIDATES
7. Please for work by candidates in the
laboratory should number serially and the candidate allotted this place strictly in orderfor the examination number.

8. The number of every specimen supplied to each candidate should be continued through the sets, to ensure that no serial number is repeated.
9. If candidates are divided into sets, the serial number should be continued through the sets, ensure that no serial number is repeated
10. Ensure that the candidates record their serial numbers as well as their registration numbers on the front page of their answer booklets at the
beginning of the examination.

TEACHER’S REPORT
11. Ensure that a completed Teacher’s Report form is enclosed in each envelope of the script.
This report form is provided separately.
12. Carry out the titration required of the candidates in question one and record the titre values, which should be at least, one decimal place in the spaces provided for these in the Teacher Report Form. Verify the titre values before recording them.
13. All difficulties experienced by candidates should be reported, especially if the examiner would be unable to discover these from the Scripts.

2023 NECO PHYSICS PRACTICAL SPECIMEN
INSTRUCTION(S) TO SCHOOL
1. Adequate measures should be taken to ensure that the information given below does not reach the candidates either directly or indirectly before the Examination.
2. In addition to the usual apparatus in a physics laboratory, each candidate will require mathematical tables and geometrical instruments. In questions 1.2 and 3, the apparatus listed below are required.
QUESTION 1
Metre rule
Retort stand and clamp
Pointer
Plasticine
Spiral spring
Mass hanger
Masses of 50, 70, 90, 110 and 130g
Stopwatch/clock

QUESTION 2
Rectangular glass block
4 optical pins
Drawing board
Drawing papers
Protractor 30 cm ruler
4 drawing pins

QUESTION 3
Resistance box
Rheostat
Ammeter(0-1 A)
2 V Accumulator or two 1.5 V dryLeclanche cell
10 connecting wires
Torchlight bulb
Key

CONDUCTING THE PRACTICAL
PHYSICS TEST
3. The following announcement should be made to the candidates at the beginning of the examination
The examiners do not want you to waste your time because you cannot proceed with an experiment. Any candidates, therefore, who cannot get on with the experiment, after spending 1/4 hour on it should call me and ask for help.
4. The Physics teacher is allowed to give hints to any of the candidates who are unable to proceed
with the experiment.
5. The following regulations must be strictly adhered to:
(a) No hint may be announced to candidates as a whole.
(b) A candidate who is unable to proceed and requires assistance must call on the teacher and states his/her difficulty.

(c) The candidate(s) should be told that the examiner will be informed of any assistance given in this way.
(d) A note must be made on the report form of any assistance given to any of the candidates with the name and registration number of the candidates

REPORT FORM
6. Report form is provided separately on which the following should be stated.
(a) Detailed information about the apparatus where necessary
(b) Any particular difficulty experienced by any of the candidates especially if the examiner would be unable to discover this from the script
(c) Any assisistance given to the candidate(s) under the regulations explained in ‘5’

(c) Any assisistance given to the candidate(s) under the regulations explained in ‘5’
7. Where several sets of apparatus are provided for a question and specific information about the apparatus is required by the exanminer. Each
piece of apparatus for which the information is required must be clearly marked with letters A, B, C, D, etc. reported, showing which apparatus
was supplied to which candidates, The
candidate(s) should be instructed to record these letters in their script.
8. The teacher must enclose a completed Report form in each envelope of scripts.

2023 NECO Agricultural Science Practical Specimens

1. Great care should be taken to ensure the information given overleaf does not reach the candidates either directly or indirectly before the examination.

2 (a) The provision of specimen, materials and equipment for the examination is your responsibility
(b) Each candidate should be provided with the following specimen labelled accordingly
Specimen A – WATERING CAN
SPECIMEN B – PLIER
SPECIMEN C – KNAPSACK SPRAYER
SPECIMEN D – LITMUS PAPER
SPECIMEN E – CROWDING
SPECIMEN F – LIMESTONE
SPECIMEN G – CLAYEY SOIL (POWDERY FORM)
SPECIMEN H – YAM TUBER
SPECIMEN | – CASSAVA TUBER
SPECIMEN J – ORANGE FRUIT
SPECIMEN K – GROUNDNUT CAKE

SPECIMEN L – HIDES AND SKIN
SPECIMEN M – DIGESTIVE TRACT OF A BIRD
ii Where a specimen is not really available in sufficient quantity, it should be shared between small groups of candidates.
3. REPORT FORM
Report form is provided separately on which the following information must be stated.
(a) Details of the specimen and materials provided.
(b) Any particular difficulty experienced by any candidates especially, if the examiner would not be able to discover this from the scripts.
4. A completed report form must be enclosed in each envelope containing scripts.

2023 NECO BIOLOGY PRACTICAL
SPECIMEN
Specimen A – Land Snail
Specimen B – Toad
Specimen C – Spider
Specimen D – Crayfish
Specimen E- Spirogyra Filaments
Specimen F – mucor/Rhizopus
Specimen G – Groundnut Seeding (A week old)
Specimen H – Maize Seedling (A week old)
Specimen I – Microscope
Specimen J – Slide (plain)
Specimen K – Pigeon
Specimen L – Agama Lizard
Specimen M – Rat
Specimen N – Tilapia

LIKELY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FROM BIOLOGY PRACTICAL SPECIMEN

Specimen A – land Snail

Habitat of Specimen A
Specimen A lives in shrub lands, agricultural areas, plantations, garden, wetland e.t.c
Phylum – Mollusca
Class – Gastropoda

Observable Features that adapts Specimen A to its habitats
Lungs – Adapt to land habitat through the use of lungs that take in oxygen.
Shells – for protection
Tentacles – for vision and feelings

Economic Importance of Specimen A
1. they provide food for all sorts of mammals, birds, earthworm e.t.c
2. They cause great disaster to farmers.
3. they consume rotten vegetation like leaf.
Mode of feeding of Specimen A
Is by Scraping and they mostly feed on leave and insect Sex of Specimen A:  Hermaphrodite / Bisexual (The with bigger shell are mainly female)

Diagram of Specimen A (Land Snail)

Specimen B: Toad

Habitat of Specimen B: Wet/moist/damp land/under stone/damp grass/vegetation near freshwater ponds.
Class Specimens B Belongs : Amphibia

Observable Features That Adapt
Toad/Specimen B to its Habitat
– Poison gland for protection;
– Warty skin for camouflage;
– Webbed digits of hind limbs for swimming;
– Bulging eyes for good vision;
– Muscular forelimbs; for absorbing shock;
– Long muscular hind limbs for jumping/hopping
Cryptic coloration for camouflage;
– Moist skin for (cutaneous) respiration.

Mode of Feeding of Toad
It’s by tongue Projection, Toads have a long, sticky tongue that they can rapidly project out of their mouth to catch prey.
Economic Importance of Specimen B
Predator-Prey Dynamics: Toads help regulate populations of insects and other invertebrates, playing a crucial role in balancing predator-prey
relationships.
Nutrient Cycling: Contribute to nutrient cycling through consumption and waste release.
Indicators of Environmental Health: Toads serve as indicator species, reflecting the overall health of ecosystems and signaling changes in water quality and habitat conditions.

Seed Dispersal: Toads inadvertently aid in seed dispersal by consuming fruits or seeds and excreting them in different locations, facilitating plant colonization and genetic diversity.
Prey for Predators: Toads provide a food source for various predators, contributing to the energy flow and trophic interactions within ecosystems.
Genetic Diversity: Toads contribute to overall genetic diversity in ecosystems, allowing for adaptation to changing environmental conditions and promoting resilience.

Diagram of Specimen B (Toad)

Specimen C – Spider

Forests (temperate and tropical)/Grasslands/
Deserts/Wetlands (marshes, swamps)/ Caves/ Mountains/ Shrublands (scrublands)

Phylum of specimen C: Arthropoda
Class Of Specimen C: Arachnida
Observable Features that Enables Specimen C Adapt to its Habitat
Leg Structure: Adapted for specific
movement.
Spinnerets: Silk-producing appendages for web-bonfirebuilding.
Chelicerae and Fangs: Adapted for prey capture and venom injection.
Body Size and Shape: Varies based on habitat requirements.
Eyes: Adapted for visual capabilities and prey detection.

Mode of Feeding of Spider
Spiders immobilize prey by biting and injecting venom or using silk to wrap it.
Economic/Biological Importance of
Specimen C
Spiders eat household pests
Spiders are good for gardens
Spiders kill off disease-carrying insects
Spider venom can treat medical conditions.
Spiders are a food source for other animals.
Spiders are an essential part of the ecosystem.
Spider Specimen Diagram

SPECIMEN D – CRAYFISH

Habitat: Freshwater Habitats, Streams and Rivers, Lakes, and Ponds e.t.c.
Phylum of Specimen D: Arthropoda

Class of Specimen D: Crustacean

Observable Features That Adapt
Specimen D to its Habitat
1. Claws and Appendages:
Large, powerful claws for defense and prey capture.
Walking legs with specialized structures for movement and stability.
2. Exoskeleton and Body Shape:
Protective exoskeleton for defense.
Compressed body shape for
maneuverability in narroW spaces.

3. Antennae and Sensory Organs:
Long antennae with chemoreceptors for detecting chemicals.
Sensory setae for perceiving movements and vibrations.
4. Abdomen and Tail:
-Uropods and swimmerets for swimming and stability.
-Tail fan and telson for propulsion and protection.
Economic Importance of Specimen D
-It plays a key role in indicating water quality, keystone controls of trophic webs, and bioindicators of communities or habitats.

They are a very good source of protein and are very beneficial for human health, widely eaten throughout the world
The food industry has been
upgraded because of this crayfish as it is in very demand for the purpose of health among the customers.
Mode of Feeding of Crayfish
Crayfish use pincers to grab food and legs to guide it into their mouths. They employ chelipeds to tear apart tough food.
Food Chain Of Crayfish
Algae and Aquatic- Plants Herbivorous
Invertebrates – Crayfish

Diagram of Specimen D Crayfish
Crayfish – Dorsal View

SPECIMEN E SPIROGYRA FILAMENT

Habitat of specimen E (Spirogyra): Fresh water such as ponds and lakes.

Kingdom of Specimen E: Protista

Phylum of Specimen E: Chlorophyta

Type of Reproduction in Specimen E:

a. Sexual Reproduction by conjugation

b. Asexual Reproduction by Fragmentation.

Mode of Nutrition: Autotrophic

Labelled Diagram of Specimen E:

SPECIMEN F (MUCOR/RHIZOPUS)

Habitat of Specimen F (mucor/Rhizopus): Moist or humid environment, on decaying food substrates such as bread, jam, jellies, fruits, vegetables etc.

Phylum of Specimen F: Zygomycota

Types of Reproduction in Specimen F:

a. Asexual Reproduction by sporangiospores

b. Vegetative reproduction by fragmentation.

b. Sexual Reproduction by conjugation.

Mode of Nutrition: Saprophytic

Labelled Diagram of Specimen F:

SPECIMEN G (GROUNDNUT SEEDLING)

Botanical name of Specimen G: Arachis hypogaea

Kingdom: plantae

Phylum: Tracheophyta

Type of germination: epigeal

Reason: the cotyledon is carried above the soil.

Examples of seeds that give rise to the type of germination of Specimen G (groundnut)
– Mango seed;
– Orange seed;
-Tomato seed;
– Bean seed;
– Castor oil seed;
– Crotalaria seed;
– Cashew nut;
– Date palm seed;
– Groundnut seed;
– Flamboyant seed etc.

Process of epigeal germination
-The testa splits,
– The radicle emerges;
– The radicle grows downward;
– Lateral roots develop/appear;
– Hypocotyl elongates;
– Pulling the cotyledons above the ground
– The testa is left in the soil;
– The hypocotyl is bent over;
– Carrying the cotyledons still closed together;
– To protect the plumule;
– The hypocotyl straightens;
– The cotyledons split/open;
– Foliage leaves emerge;
Epicotyl grows out;
– Showing the apical bud;
– Foliage leaves open.

Type of seed/plant: dicot

Reason: because the seed has two cotyledon

Type of leaf venation: reticulate

Type of root/root system: Taproot

Type of crop: Annual crop

SPECIMEN H (MAIZE SEEDLING)

Botanical name of specimen H: Zea mays

Kingdom: plantae

Phylum: Tracheophyta

Type of germination: hypogeal

Reason: the cotyledon is left below the soil.

Type of seed/plant: monocot

Reason: Because the seed has only one cotyledon.

Type of leaf venation: parallel

Type of root/root system: fibrous root.

Type of crop: Annual crop

Agricultural classification of Specimen G and H

Specimen G: Legume and sometimes oil.

Specimen H: cereal

Conditions necessary for the germination of seeds.
– Viable seed;
– Moisture/water;
– Air/oxygen;
– Warmth/suitable temperature;
– Light/sunlight.

SPECIMEN I – MICROSCOPE

SPECIMEN J – SLIDE (PLAIN)

SPECIMEN K – PIGEON

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

 Phylum : Chordata

 Class : Aves

Characteristics Features of the Class Aves Specimen K/Pigeon.
. Birds are warm-blooded animals.

Their forelimbs are modified into wings.

They have well-developed flight muscles that help during the flight.

Their hind limbs are adapted for walking, hopping, perching, grasping, wading and swimming.

There are epidermal scales on their legs.

The endoskeleton is bony with long hollow bones filled with air cavities. known as pneumatic bones.

Their spindle-shaped body minimizes resistance of the wind.

The feathers help in preventing heat loss and reduce air friction by providing passage to the air.

There is no skin gland except the oil gland.

The lower and upper and jaws are modified into a beak.

They have no teeth.

They have sharp eyesight.

The alimentary canal has a crop and a gizzard. The crops help in softening food, and the gizzard helps in crushing the food.

Mode of reproduction: Oviparous

Fertilization: Internal

Labelled parts of Specimen K/Pigeon

SPECIMEN L – AGAMA LIZARD

Habitat: Walls/cracks/mountain slopes
Class of Specimen L : Reptilia

Observable Similarities in Specimen B Toad and L Agama Lizard
Both have (wide terminal) mouth;
Both have two pairs of four limbs (forelimb/hindlimb)
Both have tympanic membrane/eardrum/eardrum.

Both have trunk;

They both have eyes;

Both have head;

Both have nostril.

Observable Differences Between Specimen B (Toad) and Specimen L Agama Lizard

Labelled Diagram of Specimen L

Sex of Specimen L: Male

Reasons for the answer above:
– Brightly colored with redhead, blue-black trunk;
– Blue and orange tail;
– Presence of Gular fold
– Prominent Nuchal crest.

Observable Features That Adapt
Agama Lizard/Specimen L to its
Habitat
Limbs: Well-developed for swift movement.
Claws: Sharp claws for gripping and climbing.
Tail: Long and agile for balance and
communication.
Head and Jaws: Adapted for capturing diverse prey.
Eyes: Positioned for a wide field of vision.
Skin: Covered in scales for protection and water regulation.
Coloration: Vibrant patterns for communication and camouflage.

Tongue: Long and agile tongue for capturing prey with precision.
Teeth: Sharp teeth for biting and gripping prey.
Jaw Muscles: Strong jaw muscles for powerful biting force.
Sensitive Toes: Specialized toes with sensory receptors for enhanced grip and balance on different surfaces.
Skin Pores: Numerous skin pores for
thermoregulation and water loss control.
Eyelids: Moveable eyelids for protecting the eyes and regulating light exposure.
Ear Openings: External ear openings for detecting sound waves and communication.

Feeding Strategies of Agama Lizard
1. Sit-and-wait strategy: They perch and observe their surroundings.
2. Lightning-fast strikes: Swiftly extend their body to snatch prey.
3. Strong jaws: Secure a firm grip on the prey.
4. Swallowing whole: Consume prey in one piece.

SPECIMEN M – RAT

Scientific name: Rattus rattus

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: chordata

Class: Mammalia

Mode of nutrition: Heterotrophic (omnivore)

Type of reproduction: sexual

Reproduction method : viviparous

Observation Characteristics features of the Class Mammalia/ Specimen M
Presence of hair/fur on body;
Presence of external ears/pinnae;
Presence of mammary glands;
Presence of four limbs for locomotion;
Heterodont dentition.

Labelled parts of Specimen M/Rat

SPECIMEN N – TILAPIA

Habitat: Freshwater lakes, ponds, and rivers/ Marshes, swamps, and estuaries/ Coastal waters with varying salinity/ Aquaculture systems (fish
ponds, tanks, cages).
Class of Specimen N: Pisces
Reason:

-Body is covered with scales;
-Presence of paired fins;
-Presence of lateral line(s);
-Presence of operculum/gill cover.

Observable Features That Enables
Specimen N Adapts to its Habitat
1. Gills: Extract oxygen from the water for respiration.

2. Fins: Provide stability, maneuverability, and propulsion.
3. Lateral Line System: Detect vibrations and changes in water movement.
4. Scales: Provide protection and assist in buoyancy control.
5. Swim Bladder: Regulate buoyancy and depth in the water.
6. Mouth and Teeth: Adapted for specific feeding habits.

Characteristics of specimen N (Tilapia) that make it culturable
the ability to breed in captivity, tolerates poor water quality (but not low dissolved oxygen), accept artificial feed, matures early/fast maturity, acceptable to consumers, highly prolific/breeds easily, or breeds rapidly, utilizes natural food well/high Conversion of feed, has high resistance to disease.
Food Chain of Tilapia

Economic Importance of Specimen N
–Fast-growing and adaptable, tilapia is extensively farmed worldwide, providing sustainable protein and generating revenue.
-Tilapia efficiently converts feed into edible flesh, addressing global food security and meeting protein demands.
-Tilapia farming creates job opportunities, particularly in rural areas, supporting skilled workers in breeding, feeding, and processing.

-With high export value, tilapia contributes to international trade, supplying fresh and processed products.
-Tilapia farming helps alleviate poverty, providing income and food security for small-scale farmers in developing
countries.
– Sustainable tilapia-farming reduces pressure on wild fish stocks and promotes environmental sustainability.

Diagram of Tilapia Fish

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