Theories of Evolution: JAMB Biology Questions, Answers & Notes

What Theories of Evolution covers in the JAMB Biology syllabus

Evolution is the gradual change in living organisms over long periods. Lamarck's early theory (inheritance of acquired characteristics, e.g. the giraffe stretching its neck) is now rejected. Charles Darwin (with Alfred Russel Wallace) proposed evolution by natural selection: organisms over-produce offspring, leading to a struggle for existence; individuals vary (variation arises from mutation and sexual reproduction); those with favourable variations survive and reproduce ('survival of the fittest'), passing on their traits, so populations become better adapted over generations. Environmental selection pressures drive this, and can lead to new species (speciation) or extinction. Artificial selection is the same idea directed by humans (selective breeding). The modern view combines natural selection with genetics.

For Theories of Evolution, JAMB expects you to be able to:

• Define evolution and outline Darwin's and Lamarck's theories
• Explain natural selection, variation, the struggle for existence and survival of the fittest
• Distinguish natural and artificial selection and explain speciation

Key facts & revision notes: Theories of Evolution

These are the recurring points our Theories of Evolution questions test — revise them until each feels automatic, then practise the questions above to lock them in.

• Evolution is the gradual change in the characteristics of living things over long periods.
• Charles Darwin proposed evolution by natural selection.
• Lamarck proposed the (now discredited) theory of inheritance of acquired characteristics.
• 'Survival of the fittest' means the best-adapted organisms survive and pass on their genes.
• Favourable variations improve survival and are passed on, becoming more common over time.
• Lamarck claimed necks lengthened through use (stretching) and were inherited — an idea now rejected.
• Mutations (and sexual reproduction) create the variation on which natural selection acts.
• Darwin developed his ideas during his voyage on HMS Beagle, especially in the Galápagos.
• Organisms over-produce offspring, so there is competition and a struggle for existence.
• Inheritance of acquired characteristics is Lamarck's idea, not part of Darwin's theory.
• Poorly adapted organisms tend to die out (become extinct).
• Speciation is the evolutionary formation of new species.
• Natural selection acts on the phenotype (the expressed traits) of organisms.
• In artificial selection, humans choose which organisms breed to get desired traits.
• Evolution opposes the older view that species are fixed and never change.
• Natural selection, over generations, makes populations better adapted to their environment.
• Alfred Russel Wallace independently arrived at the idea of natural selection alongside Darwin.
• A selection pressure is an environmental factor that favours certain variants over others.
• The modern synthesis combines natural selection with genetics to explain evolution.
• They differ on how variations arise and are passed on: Darwin (natural selection of inherited variation) vs Lamarck (use/disuse of acquired traits).
• Darwin published 'On the Origin of Species' in 1859.
• This differential survival and reproduction is natural selection.
• Lamarck proposed inheritance of acquired characteristics.
• Overproduction causes a struggle for existence.

Worked examples

Three Theories of Evolution questions with the answer and a short explanation, so you can see how the topic is set before you practise the full set.

How Theories of Evolution is tested in JAMB Biology

Our Theories of Evolution bank holds 40 questions (15 medium, 25 hard). JAMB Biology typically returns to Theories of Evolution year after year, so steady practice on this topic is high-value revision. Questions are multiple-choice with four options, and at UTME pace you get roughly 40 seconds each — which is why timed practice matters.

How to answer Theories of Evolution questions

Work the stem first and predict the answer before you look at the options; then eliminate the ones that contradict the key facts above. Watch for “which is not…”, “all of the above” and “except” style stems, which are where rushed candidates lose easy marks on Theories of Evolution. If a calculation or a precise definition is involved, work it from first principles rather than guessing from a half-remembered rule. When two options look right, re-read the stem for the qualifier that separates them — JAMB rarely repeats an option by accident. If you are still unsure, eliminate the two weakest choices to lift your odds, flag the question, and move on; never burn a full minute on one Biology item when the exam gives you about forty seconds each. Then come back to flagged questions with whatever time remains. The single most reliable way to get faster at Theories of Evolution is repeated timed practice, so use the button above until the recurring patterns feel automatic.

Common mistakes to avoid in Theories of Evolution

The errors that cost marks on Theories of Evolution are usually careless rather than conceptual: misreading a negative stem, confusing two similar terms, or rushing a definition you actually know. Candidates also over-rely on “expo” and last-minute cramming instead of understanding the topic — which fails the moment JAMB rephrases a familiar idea. Treat every option as a claim to be checked against the facts above, keep your working tidy for any calculation, and don’t change a considered answer on a hunch. Above all, revise Theories of Evolution actively by answering questions, not just by re-reading notes — recall under time is what the exam rewards.

Frequently asked questions

Is Theories of Evolution part of the JAMB Biology syllabus?

Yes. Theories of Evolution is a recognised topic in the JAMB Biology syllabus, covering define evolution and outline Darwin's and Lamarck's theories. You should be able to recall its key facts and apply them to multiple-choice questions.

How many Theories of Evolution questions can I practise on Belmadeng?

There are 40 original, JAMB-standard Theories of Evolution questions in our free bank, each with the correct answer and a worked explanation. You can practise them untimed or as a timed test.

What are the most important points to know about Theories of Evolution?

Evolution is the gradual change in living organisms over long periods. Lamarck's early theory (inheritance of acquired characteristics, e.g. the giraffe stretching its neck) is now rejected. Charles Darwin (with Alfred Russel Wallace) proposed evolution by natural selection: organisms over-produce o…

How do I answer Theories of Evolution questions quickly in JAMB?

Read the stem carefully, eliminate clearly wrong options, and match the remaining choices to the key facts for Theories of Evolution. Practising timed Theories of Evolution questions builds the speed you need for UTME's pace of about 40 seconds per question.

Are these JAMB Biology Theories of Evolution questions past questions or original?

They are original questions written to JAMB (UTME) standard and mapped to the official syllabus — not reproduced past papers. This keeps them legal to use freely while closely mirroring how the real exam tests the topic.

Where can I practise Theories of Evolution questions free without signing up?

Right here — tap “Start Theories of Evolution practice” on this page to begin instantly. Belmadeng's CBT practice is completely free and needs no sign-up, download or subscription.

About these questions: original, JAMB-standard items written from the official UTME Biology syllabus (last reviewed 2026-09-18). Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB. Spotted an error? Use the report link.