2024 KCSE Biology Paper 1 Past Paper Questions and Answers
2024 KCSE Biology Paper 1 Past Paper Questions and Answers
The 2024 KCSE Biology Paper 1 tests key concepts in ecology, cell biology, genetics, human physiology, plant adaptations, evolution, and ecosystems.
ReviseKenya provides the full 2024 KCSE Biology Paper 1 Questions and Marking Schemes to help learners practice effectively, understand examiner expectations, and improve their grades.
Download the 2024 KCSE Biology Paper 1 Questions & Marking Scheme
The following diagram shows an apparatus used in ecological studies.
E
(a) Name the apparatus. (1 mark)
(b) Why is glass preferred in the making of the part labelled E? (1 mark)
(a) Name the Kingdom whose members are all microscopic. (1 mark)
(b) State two diseases caused by organisms belonging to the Kingdom named in 2(a). (2 marks)
During a microscopy practical, the following materials were provided:
a temporary mount of an onion epidermis
a transparent ruler
(a) State the aim of the experiment. (1 mark)
(b) Explain how the aim stated in 3(a) can be achieved. (3 marks)
The following diagram represents a specialized animal cell.
F
(a) Identify the cell. (1 mark)
(b) (i) Name the cell organelle that is likely to be found in abundance in the part labelled F. (1 mark)
(ii) Explain the answer in 4(b)(i). (2 marks)
Name two components of blood that are absent in the tissue fluid. (2 marks)
Name the structures in plants through which the processes of transpiration and guttation occur.
| Process | Structures in plants where it occurs |
|---|---|
| a) Transpiration | (1 mark) |
| b) Guttation | (1 mark) |
Download the 2024 KCSE Biology Paper 1 Questions & Marking Scheme
Name two Classes of the Phylum Arthropoda that have a cephalothorax. (2 marks)
(a) Name the source of hydrochloric acid in the human alimentary canal. (1 mark)
(b) The following diagram shows a process along the mammalian digestive system.
Bolus
(i) Name the process. (1 mark)
(ii) State two roles of the process in digestion. (2 marks)
Name one blood disorder caused by gene mutation. (1 mark)
Name the stage in meiosis where each of the following processes occur:
(a) formation of spindle fibres; (1 mark)
(b) disappearance of nucleolus. (1 mark)The following diagram represents part of the human male reproductive system.
(a) Name the part labelled G. (1 mark)
(b) State one function of the structure labelled H. (1 mark)
(c) How is the structure labelled J adapted to its function? (2 marks)
Download the 2024 KCSE Biology Paper 1 Questions & Marking Scheme
How do the following structural modifications in plants minimize the rate of water loss?
(a) Leaf folding. (1 mark)
(b) Sunken stomata. (1 mark)State two reasons for the absence of complex excretory organs in plants. (2 marks)
State the significance of each of the following characteristics in mammalian gaseous exchange structures and surfaces.
(a) Presence of rings of cartilage in the trachea. (1 mark)
(b) Numerous blood capillaries lining the lungs. (1 mark)Why are people with blood group O referred to as universal donors? (2 marks)
The following diagram shows germination in two different seedlings labelled L and M.
K
L M
(a) (i) Identify the type of germination shown in seedling L. (1 mark)
(ii) Give a reason for the answer in 18(a)(i). (1 mark)
(b) State one common function of the parts labelled K in seedlings L and M. (1 mark)
The following diagram represents a longitudinal section through a phloem tissue.
P
N
(a) Account for the high concentration of mitochondria in the part labelled N. (3 marks)
(b) State one structural adaptation of the part labelled P to its function. (2 marks)
The following word equation represents a metabolic reaction taking place in an animal tissue.
Glucose → Lactic acid + Energy
(a) State the condition under which the reaction occurs. (1 mark)
(b) How does the size of an animal affect the rate of respiration? (3 marks)
(a) How can sexual reproduction in organisms lead to the evolution of new species? (3 marks)
(b) State the role of continental drift in the evolution of organisms. (2 marks)The following diagram represents an experimental set-up used to investigate a certain biological process.
limewater
glucose + yeast suspension
Boiled and cooled
(a) (i) Identify the biological process that can be investigated using the set-up. (1 mark)
(ii) Give a reason for the answer in 22(a)(i). (1 mark)
(b) Write a word equation illustrating the reaction taking place in the experiment. (1 mark)
(c) Suggest a modification on the set-up that would increase the rate of reaction in the conical flask. (1 mark)
(d) Why is it necessary to cool glucose before adding yeast in the conical flask? (1 mark)
The following diagram represents a bone obtained from a mammalian axial skeleton.
R
S
T
(a) Identify the:
(i) bone; (1 mark)
(ii) part labelled R. (1 mark)
(b) Name the bones that articulate at the points labelled S and T.
S (1 mark)
T (1 mark)
The following food web shows a feeding relationship found in a certain ecosystem.
Cheetah
Antelopes
/
Green plants Lizards
Lions
Hawks
Worms
Frogs Snakes
(a) From the food web, identify the:
(i) organism with the lowest biomass; (1 mark)
(ii) trophic level occupied by lizards. (1 mark)
(b) Name the type of feeding relationship between the:
(i) lion and the cheetah; (1 mark)
(ii) cheetah and the antelopes. (1 mark)
(c) Explain the role bacteria would play in this ecosystem. (2 marks)
Download the 2024 KCSE Biology Paper 1 Questions & Marking Scheme
Why Practice KCSE Biology Paper 1 Past Papers?
Learn the exam format and question styles
Revise key concepts in biology across Form 1–4
Practice writing short, accurate answers for maximum marks
Compare your answers with the official marking scheme
Boost confidence ahead of the KCSE exams
How to Use KCSE Past Papers?
- Attempt the questions under exam conditions (90 minutes).
- Mark your answers using the official marking scheme.
- Focus on areas where you lose marks (definitions, diagrams, processes).
- Revisit class notes and revise related topics.
- Practice with other KCSE Biology past papers (1995 – 2024) to build mastery.
FAQs – KCSE Biology Paper 1 – 2024
Q1: What topics are tested in KCSE Biology Paper 1?
A: Cell structure, ecology, physiology, genetics, evolution, classification, and plant/animal adaptations.
Q2: How is Biology Paper 1 different from Paper 2 and Paper 3?
A: KCSE Biology Paper 1 has short structured questions, Paper 2 has longer essay-type questions, and Paper 3 is practical.
Q3: Can I get the marking schemes for KCSE Biology past papers?
A: Yes, all papers come with detailed marking schemes on ReviseKenya.com.
Q4: How do I revise effectively for KCSE Biology Paper 1?
A: Practice past papers, revise diagrams, and focus on definitions and processes.
Q5: Does Revise Kenya have all KCSE subjects?
A: Yes, we provide all KCSE subjects (1995–2024) with marking schemes.
More Biology Past Papers
- 2024 KCSE Biology Paper 2 Questions & Answers
- 2024 KCSE Biology Paper 3 Questions & Answers
- KCSE Biology Past Papers 1995 – 2024
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Download the 2024 KCSE Biology Paper 1 Questions & Marking Scheme