Agricultural Genetics

Contents & notes: what this topic covers

Under Agricultural Genetics, the JAMB Agricultural Science syllabus expects you to study:

• 4. Agricultural Genetics a. First and second laws of Mendel b. Cell division c. Terminologies e.g., locus, alleles, genotype, dominance d. Methods of crop improvement e.g.,
• introduction, selection, crossing,
• quarantine etc.
• e. Methods of animal improvement e.g., introduction, breeding, quarantine and selection: Breeding systems – inbreeding, line-breeding, cross- breeding, artificial insemination

Study notes & guidance

Study Agricultural Genetics using a recommended Agricultural Science textbook that follows the JAMB syllabus. Work through the contents listed above one by one, make brief notes in your own words, and then practise as many questions on this topic as you can — in Agricultural Science, understanding and steady practice matter far more than memorising. Use the objectives below as a checklist: if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Objectives — candidates should be able to

After studying Agricultural Genetics, you should be able to:

1. Apply the first and second laws of Mendel to genetics. differentiate between the types of cell division.
2. Determine the outcome of genetic crossing involving homozygous and heterozygous traits.
3. Compute simple probability ratios. give reasons for crop improvement. distinguish between various methods of crop improvement, and their respective advantages and disadvantages.
4. Give reasons for animal improvement.
5. Differentiate between the various methods of animal improvement, and their respective advantages and disadvantages.

These objectives are from the official JAMB syllabus. Use them as a checklist — if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Source: official JAMB UTME Agricultural Science syllabus (IBASS, jamb.gov.ng). Reproduced for study use. Last checked: 17 Sept 2026. Always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal.