Excretion i. define the meaning and state the significance of excretion

Contents & notes: what this topic covers

Under Excretion i. define the meaning and state the significance of excretion, the JAMB Biology syllabus expects you to study:

• 5. Excretion a. Types of excretory structures: contractile vacuole, flame cell, nephridium, Malpighian tubule, kidney, stoma and lenticel.
• b. Excretory mechanisms: i. Kidneys ii. lungs iii. skin c. Excretory products of plants

Study notes & guidance

Study Excretion i. define the meaning and state the significance of excretion using a recommended Biology 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 Biology, 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 Excretion i. define the meaning and state the significance of excretion, you should be able to:

1. Define the meaning and state the significance of excretion
2. Relate the characteristics of each structure with functions.
3. Relate the structure of the kidneys to the excretory and osmo-regulatory functions.
4. Identify the functions and excretory products of the lungs and the skin.
5. Deduce the economic importance of the excretory products of plants e.g., carbon (IV) oxide, oxygen, tannins, resins, gums, mucilage, alkaloids etc.

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