The WAEC Biology Practical examination is one of the most important components of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) as it Examines Students majorly in Practical, which includes Dissection, Drawing, observation, Identification of different animals and plants. The WAEC Biology Specimen 2026 is a Practical HANDBOOK, for every student/Candidate. Every year, thousands of candidates fail to score high in Biology not because they lack knowledge, but because they are not familiar with the official WAEC Biology Practical Specimen.
For the 2026/2027 WAEC session, the Biology practical will again test candidates on their ability to:
Identify biological specimens
Observe carefully and draw accurately
Describe morphology and adaptations
Carry out simple food tests and experiments
Answer practical-based questions correctly
WAEC Biology Practical Specimen 2026
This comprehensive guide presents the official WAEC Biology Practical Specimen 2026/2027, explains each specimen in detail, highlights likely questions, shares examiner expectations, and provides expert preparation tips to help you pass with confidence.
If you are preparing seriously for WAEC Biology, this WAEC Biology Specimen 2026 article will save you from costly mistakes and last-minute panic.
What Is the WAEC Biology Practical Specimen 2026/2027?
The WAEC Biology Practical Specimen refers to the actual plants, animals, parts, models, and materials that candidates will handle during the Biology practical examination.
These specimens are used for:
Identification
Observation and description
Drawing and labeling
Comparison of structures
Simple experiments such as food tests
They differ slightly every year, but WAEC usually selects common organisms and materials that are familiar to secondary school students.
Typical categories include:
Insects (weevils, butterflies, mosquitoes, ants)
Plant parts (leaves, seeds, flowers, fruits)
Animal parts (feathers, bones, eggs)
Prepared slides or models
Simple chemical reagents for food tests
Understanding these specimens early is one of the strongest strategies for scoring A or B in WAEC Biology practical.
SEE ALSO:
WAEC Chemistry Practical Specimen 2026/2027: Complete Guide, Equipment List, Alternatives
How To Answer WAEC Objective Questions Correctly 2026/2027
How To Answer WAEC Questions in 2026/2027
WAEC Biology Practical Specimen 2026/2027: Official 2025 Reference Specimen List
Based on the official 2025 Biology specimen pattern, the 2026/2027 practical is expected to follow a similar structure.
Specimen List
Specimen A: Bean weevil
Specimen B: Bean seeds with holes
Specimen C: Whole waterleaf plant
Specimen D: Quill feather of a domestic fowl
Specimen E: Pineapple fruit (longitudinal section)
Specimen F: Orange fruit (transverse section)
Specimen G: Raw egg of a domestic fowl (with shell intact)
Specimen H: Test tube containing 3 ml of water
Specimen J: Longitudinal section of boiled egg
These specimens test candidates on:
Insect morphology and life cycles
Plant structure and adaptations
Fruit classification
Reproductive structures
Food tests and experiments
Essential Materials Each Candidate Must Be Provided With
According to WAEC standards, every candidate should be supplied with:
Hand lens / magnifying lens
Beaker
Plastic syringe (without needle)
Sodium hydroxide solution
1% copper sulphate solution
Scalpel
Test tube
Test tube rack
Bunsen burner
These materials are used for:
Observation
Drawing
Dissection
Food tests (especially protein test)
Specimen A vs Specimen B: Bean Weevil and Bean Seeds with Holes
“WAEC Biology Practical Specimen A Bean Weevil and Specimen B Bean Seeds 2026/2027”
Likely Practical Question
Make a well-labeled drawing (10–12 cm) of Specimen A (Bean Weevil).
Description of Bean Weevil (Specimen A)
Small beetle-like insect
Body divided into head, thorax, and abdomen
Has chewing mouthparts
Possesses six jointed legs
Distinct antennae
Life Cycle of Bean Weevil
The life cycle shows complete metamorphosis:
Egg → Larva → Pupa → Adult
Effects of Bean Weevils on Stored Grains
Larvae burrow into seeds, reducing viability
Infested grains lose weight
Causes contamination and spoilage
Habitat of Specimen A
Dry stored grains
Legumes such as beans and cowpea
Adaptive Features of Bean Weevil
Hard exoskeleton for protection
Small body size for easy penetration into seeds
Comparison Between Specimen A and Specimen B
Similarities:
Both are small in size
Both are hard in texture
Both have outer coverings
Explanation of Holes in Specimen B
Caused by larvae feeding inside the seed
Larvae hatch from eggs laid in the seed coat
Relationship is parasitic
Prevention of Damage to Bean Seeds
Airtight storage
Use of insecticides or fumigation
Freezing
Radiation of seeds
Type of Germination in Specimen B
Epigeal germination
Specimen C: Whole Waterleaf Plant
“WAEC Biology Practical Specimen C Waterleaf Plant 2026/2027”
Observable Features of Waterleaf
Broad, soft, green leaves
Succulent stem
Shallow fibrous root system
Simple leaves arranged alternately
Reticulate venation visible under hand lens
Importance of Waterleaf in Human Nutrition
Rich in vitamins
Contains essential minerals
High fiber content aids digestion
Differences Between Upper and Lower Leaf Surfaces
Upper surface: darker green, smoother, glossier
Lower surface: paler, may show more stomata
Adaptive Features of Waterleaf
High water content aids drought survival
Broad leaves enhance photosynthesis
Rapid regeneration after defoliation
Efficient venation system
Role in Erosion Control and Soil Improvement
Roots bind soil and prevent erosion
Canopy reduces rainfall impact
Adds organic matter when decomposed
Improves soil structure and nutrient cycling
Reproductive Structures of Waterleaf
Small flowers with stamens and pistils
After pollination, fruits form and produce seeds
Methods of Propagation
By seeds
By stem cuttings
Specimen D: Quill Feather of a Domestic Fowl
“WAEC Biology Practical Specimen D Quill Feather of Domestic Fowl”
Biological Importance of Quill Feather
Provides insulation and warmth
Waterproof protection
Vane provides surface area for flight
Rachis gives strength
Barbs interlock to form a smooth vane
Coloration aids camouflage and courtship
Specimen E vs Specimen F: Pineapple and Orange
“WAEC Biology Practical Specimen E Pineapple Longitudinal Section”
“WAEC Biology Practical Specimen F Orange Transverse Section”
“WAEC Biology Practical Specimen F Orange Transverse Section”Specimen E: Pineapple (Longitudinal Section)
Observable Features
Fibrous central core
Yellow fleshy edible part
Rough spiky outer skin
Crown of green leaves
Economic Importance
Used for juice and fruit salad
Rich in vitamin C and bromelain
Aids digestion
Source of income
Type of Fruit
Multiple or composite fruit
Specimen F: Orange (Transverse Section)
Observable Features
Radial segments
Juicy pulp with vesicles
Presence of seeds
Type of Fruit
Hesperidium (Berry)
Similarities Between Pineapple and Orange
Both are fleshy fruits
Both are juicy
Both show layers when cut
Specimen G vs Specimen J: Raw Egg and Boiled Egg
“WAEC Biology Practical Specimen J Longitudinal Section of Boiled Egg”
Labeled Parts and Functions
Shell: Protection and gaseous exchange
Shell membrane: Allows gaseous exchange
Albumen: Supplies protein
Yolk: Provides food for embryo
Air space: Allows respiration
Chorion: Protects embryo
Similarities
Both have shell, yolk, and albumen
Both are oval-shaped
Both have two internal regions
Food Test Experiment Using Specimen G (Protein Test)
Protein Test: Biuret Test
Materials Needed
Raw egg albumen
Test tube
Sodium hydroxide
1% copper sulphate
Procedure
Collect egg albumen
Place in test tube
Add sodium hydroxide
Add copper sulphate
Swirl gently
Observation
Violet or purple colour indicates protein
Conclusion
Protein is present in the egg
What WAEC Examiners Expect from Candidates during WAEC Biology Specimen
Examiners award marks for:
Accurate drawings
Correct labeling
Clear observations
Logical comparisons
Neat presentation
Proper use of biological terms
Poor drawing and careless labeling are major causes of low scores.
Expert Tips to Score High in WAEC Biology Practical 2026/2027
Practice drawing regularly
Master common specimen descriptions
Learn standard observation terms
Use a sharp pencil for drawings
Label neatly and horizontally
Read each question carefully
Manage your time wisely
Conclusion
The WAEC Biology Specimen 2026/2027 is your most important guide for the practical exam. Students are advised to study past Specimen and be conversant with their type of question.
By mastering:
Specimen identification
Observation and description
Drawing and labeling
Food tests and comparisons
You greatly increase your chances of scoring an excellent grade in Biology.
Early preparation using the specimen list and WAEC UPDATED INFORMATION GUIDE will help you avoid surprises and approach the exam with confidence. For more information visit the WAEC PORTAL https://www.waeconline.org.ng/
NOTE: The Specimen above and the Provided answers are based on last session Examination, do not focus on cramming or copying the answers exactly to avoid error or failed questions.
