Biology Chapter 7 Evolution
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    NCERT Solution For Class 12 राजनीतिक विज�ञान Biology

    Evolution Here is the CBSE राजनीतिक विज�ञान Chapter 7 for Class 12 students. Summary and detailed explanation of the lesson, including the definitions of difficult words. All of the exercises and questions and answers from the lesson's back end have been completed. NCERT Solutions for Class 12 राजनीतिक विज�ञान Evolution Chapter 7 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 राजनीतिक विज�ञान Evolution Chapter 7 The following is a summary in Hindi and English for the academic year 2021-2022. You can save these solutions to your computer or use the Class 12 राजनीतिक विज�ञान.

    Question 1
    CBSEENBI12000377

    When did life appear on earth ?

    Solution
     500 million years ago.
    Question 2
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    Question 3
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    What conditions were created by Miller in his experiment?

    Solution
    Miller  created electric discharge in a closed flask that contained CH4, NH3, H2 and water vapour at high temperature like 800°C
    Question 6
    CBSEENBI12000382

    What are the two key concepts of Darwinian Theory of Evolution

    Solution
    Branching descent and natural selection
    Question 8
    CBSEENBI12000384
    Question 9
    CBSEENBI12000385

    Which group of organisms were responsible for appearance of free oxygen in the atmosphere of the primitive earth ?

    Solution
    Aerobic photoautotrophs resembling the present day blue green algae or cyanobacteria.
    Question 10
    CBSEENBI12000386

    What is meant by the term fossil ?

    Solution

    Fossils are remains of hard parts of life-forms found in rocks. Fossils are the remains or impression of a prehistoric plant or animal embedded in rock and preserved in petrified form.

    Question 12
    CBSEENBI12000388

    Name the different eras of geologic time scale.

    Solution
    The different eras of geologic time scale:
    (a) Coenozoic (b) Mesozoic (c) Palaeozoic
    Question 13
    CBSEENBI12000389

    What is single step large mutation?

    Solution
    Saltation
    Question 14
    CBSEENBI12000390

    Consider a thorn in Bougainvillea and a tendril in cucurbita. Are these two organs homologous or analogous ? Give reason.

    Solution
    Thorn in Bougainvillea and tendril in cucurbita are homologous organs as both are stem modifications but different function.
    Question 15
    CBSEENBI12000391

    Give two examples that represent adaptive radiation.

    Solution
    The two examples which represent adaptive radiation are :
    Darwin's finches and Australian marsupials.
    Question 16
    CBSEENBI12000392

    Which theory attempts to explain to us the origin of universe?

    Solution
    The Big Bang Theory
    Question 17
    CBSEENBI12000393

    Evolution is a discontinuous process. Is it correct ?

    Solution
    Yes, according to mutation theory of De Vries.

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    Question 18
    CBSEENBI12000394

    Give the three key factors of the modern concept of evolution.

    Solution
    Genetic variations, natural selection and isolation.
    Question 19
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    Which other term can be used for natural selection ?

    Solution
    Survival of the fittest.
    Question 20
    CBSEENBI12000396

    Sweet potato and potato is an example of?

    Solution
    Analogy
    Question 21
    CBSEENBI12000397

    What are the five factors which influence Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

    Solution

    Five factors that affect Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium
    are:
    (i) gene migration or gene flow,
    (ii)genetic drift,
    (iii)mutation,
    (iv)genetic recombination and
    (v) natural selection.

    Question 22
    CBSEENBI12000398

    Analogous structures are a result of which type of evolution?

    Solution
    Convergent Evolution.
    Question 24
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    Define adaptve radiation.

    Solution

    The process of evolution of different
    species in a given geographical area starting from a point and literally radiating to other areas of geography (habitats) is called adaptive radiation.

    Question 25
    CBSEENBI12000401

    Define gene migration.

    Solution

    When migration of a section of population to another place and population occurs, gene frequencies change in the original as well as in the new population and this process is called gene migration.

    Question 26
    CBSEENBI12000402

    What is genetic drift ?

    Solution
    Genetic drift. Random changes in the allelic frequency by chance alone are called genetic drift.
    Question 27
    CBSEENBI12000403

    Name three types of natural selection.

    Solution
    The three types of natural selection are:

    (1) Stabilizing selection.

    (2) Directional selection.

    (3) Disruptive selection.

    Question 28
    CBSEENBI12000404

    Name the age and give the year during which the modern man arose ?

    Solution

    Modern Homo sapiens arose during ice age between 75,000-10,000
    years ago .

    Question 29
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    What is the scientific name of Java  man ?

    Solution
    Homo erectus.
    Question 30
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    Question 31
    CBSEENBI12000407

    Attempt giving a clear definition of the term species.

    Solution
    Species are that group of organisms which resemble structurally and functionally, are able to interbreed freely and produce fertile offspring of their own kind and share a common gene pool.
    Question 32
    CBSEENBI12000408

    Why was the theories of spontaneous generation not accepted ?

    Solution

    Spontaneous theory stated that life came from decaying and rotting matter like mud, straw etc. It was not accepted because Louis Pasteur demonstrated with the help of experiments that life always came from pre-existing life.

    Question 33
    CBSEENBI12000409

    State the three connotations of the theory of special creation.

    Solution
    The three connotations of the theory of special creation are:
    (i) All living organisms were created as such.
    (ii) The diversity has remained the same since creattion and will continue to remain the same.
    (iii) The earth is 4000 years old.
    Question 34
    CBSEENBI12000410

    Briefly explain theory of biogenesis.

    Solution
    Theory of Biogenesis. According to this theory, life originated from pre-existing life. This theory was developed by Francisco Redi (1621-1697), which was subsequently supported by many scientists, including Spallanzani (1729-1799), and Louis Pasteur (1822-1895).
    Question 35
    CBSEENBI12000411

    Write the composition of primitive earth’s atmosphere according to the Big Bang theory..

    Solution
    According to the Big Bang theory hydrogen and helium formed after the explosion as the universe expanded. Gases condensed and formed galaxies. Water vapour, methane,carbon dioxide and ammonia were released form molten mass. Hydrogen, oxygen and lighter H2 were formed when water  broken down by UV rays of the sun. Oxygen combined with ammonia and methane to form water, CO2 and other gases. Ozone layer was also formed. As the Earth cooled the water vapor feel as rain. 
    Question 36
    CBSEENBI12000412

    What are coacervates ?

    Solution
    Coacervates. The cluster of molecular aggregates in colloidal form which are bounded by a membrane, grow by absorbing molecules from the environment and divide by budding are termed coacervates. The term coacervates was used by I.A. Oparin.
    Question 37
    CBSEENBI12000413

    List characteristics of coacervates.

    Solution
    Characteristics of coacervates

    1. Molecular aggregates.

    2. Bounded by a membrane.

    3. Grow by absorbing materials.

    4. They divide by budding.

    Question 38
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    Which island did Alfred Wallace work on??

    Solution
    Malay Archipelago.
    Question 39
    CBSEENBI12000415

    Why is nascent oxygen supported to be toxic to aerobic life forms?

    Solution
    Nascent oxygen is very reactive and can react with different biomolecules. It is considered to be toxic to the aerobic life forms because oxygen can be converted into nascent oxygen . The nascent oxygen acts as a permanent oxidising agent and react with biomolecules like DNA to cause mutation and proteins to cause their degradation.

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    Question 40
    CBSEENBI12000416

    Write the contribution of Urey and Miller.

    Solution
    Urey and Miller conducted experiment which supported that life originated by chemosynthesis. The chemosynthetic theory (Oparin-Haldane) states that life originated from non-living matter is based on the presence of methane and ammonia in the atmosphere. It required a high temperature, high energy radiations and electric discharges.
    Question 41
    CBSEENBI12000417

    Give a brief account on Darwin's Finches

    Solution
    Darwin's finches are a group of black birds that were found on the Galapagos island, they represent one of the best examples for the process of adaptive radiation. Darwin went to Galapagos Islands where he observed the diversity among the birds. He realised that there were many varieties of finches in the same island. All the varieties, evolved on the island itself. From the original seed-eating features, many other forms with altered beaks arose, enabling them to become insectivorous and vegetarian finches. 

    Question 42
    CBSEENBI12000418

    While creation and presence of variation is directionless, natural selection is directional as it is in the context of adaptation. Comment.

    Solution
    According to Hugo de Vries creation and presence of variations are due to mutations. Mutations are sudden, large difference arising suddenly in a population. They effect a large part of gene and can effect any part of it that brings about any change in the gene. Some mutation lead to better adaptation of the species. Thus creation and presence of variation is directionless.
    Whereas the natural selection according to Darwin is a slow gradual process in which the nature selects for fitness and leads to speciation in the long run. In natural selection , the  variations for better adaptation which are heritable and which make resource utilisation better for a few species will enable only those to reproduce and leave more progeny. Hence over a period of time, the favored species will become more common and the othespecies will be less common or lost. Thus natural selection is directional in context to adaptation.
    Question 43
    CBSEENBI12000419

    State and explain any three factors affecting allele frequency in populations.

    Solution
    The allele frequency in a population can be affected in the following ways -:
    i. Genetic migration or Genetic drift. - When a section of population migrates to some other region then there is change in the gene frequencies and new allele or gene are added to the population. 
    ii. Mutation Mutation leads to the formation of new species and hence change in allelic frequencies.
    iii. Natural selection - is the process in which heritable variations that enable better survival are chosen and the organism is enable to produce and leave more number of progeny.
    Question 44
    CBSEENBI12000420

    Find out through internet  and popular science articles whether animals other than man has self-consciousness.

    Solution
    There are many animals other than humans, which have self consciousness. An example of an animal being self conscious is dolphins. They are highly intelligent. They have sense of self and they also recognize dolphins within their community and others beings like humans. They communicate with each other by whistles, tail-slapping, and other body movements. Not only dolphins, there are certain other animals such as crow, parrot, chimpanzee, gorilla, orangutan, etc., which exhibit self-consciousness.
    Question 45
    CBSEENBI12000421

    What is convergent evolution ?

    Solution
    Convergent evolution is the process when different structures of different origin evolve to have the same function and have similarity. Convergent evolution gives rise to analogous structures which have similar function but are different anatomically   Examples : Wings of butterfly and wings of birds look alike and perform the same fucntion but are anatomically different having different origin.
    Question 46
    CBSEENBI12000422

    What are homologous organs ? Give examples.

    Solution
    Homologous organs are the organs which have a common origin and ancestory but have evolved to perform different functions.

    Examples of homologous organs.
    1. The wings of bird and bat, flipper (fin) of whale, structure of human forearm have common ancestory but perform different function.

    2. In plants, the homologous organs may be a thorn of Bougainvillea or a tendril of cucurbita both arising in axillary position are examples of homologous organs.

    Question 47
    CBSEENBI12000423

    What are analogous organs ? Give one example from plants and another from animals.

    Solution
    Analogous organs. The organs which are similar in appearance and perform the same function but differ in their fundamental structure and origin are called analogous organs. They are a result of convergent evolution.

    Examples. 1. Wings of birds and insects.

    2. Leaves of a plant and cladodes of Ruscus are also analogous organs.

    Question 48
    CBSEENBI12000424

    What are vestigial organs ? Give examples.

    Solution
    Vestigial organs are non-functional organs in an organism which are functional in related animals and were functional in the ancestors. There are 90 vestigial organs in the human body and mainly include coccyx (tail bone); nictitating membrane (3rd eyelid); caecum and vermiform appendix ; canines ; wisdom teeth etc.
    Question 49
    CBSEENBI12000425

    Write significance of vestigial organs.

    Solution
    Significance of vestigial organs. Organic evolution states that these vestigial organs were functional in the ancestral forms but have become nonfunctional due to changes in their function and may finally disappear. So the presence of vestigial organs is a convincing evidence of organic evolution and is supported by Lamarck's theory of use and disuse of organs.
    Question 50
    CBSEENBI12000426

    Describe one example of adaptive radiation

    Solution
    Adaptive radiation is process of evolution of different species in a given geographical area starting from a point and literally radiating to other areas of geography (habitats). This process occurs due to natural selection. An example of adaptive radiation is Darwin finches, found in Galapagos Island. A large variety of finches is present in Galapagos Island that arose from a single species, which reached this land accidentally. As a result, many new species evolved, diverged, and adapted to occupy new habitats. These finches developed different eating habits and different types of beaks to suit their feeding habits. The insectivorous, blood sucking, and other species of finches with varied dietary habits evolved from a single seed eating finch ancestor.
    Question 51
    CBSEENBI12000427

    Define connecting link (in regard to evolution) and give its one example from vertebrates.

    Solution
    Connecting links. Certain animals are found which indicate the evolution of one from another because in those the characteristics of both the groups are represented. For example, platypus, lung fishes, oviparous mammals. These animals are called connecting links.
    Question 52
    CBSEENBI12000428

    What is the significance of connecting links ?

    Solution
    Significance. Connecting links provide the evidence for  the path of evolution and lie midway between the two groups that is they have features of both the groups of organisms. These confirm evolution of amphibians from fishes; mammals from reptiles ; arthropods and molluscs from the annelids. Such animals indicate transitional forms of organic evolution.
    Question 53
    CBSEENBI12000429

    What are fossils ?

    Solution
    Fossils. are remains of hard parts of life forms found in rocks. The remnants or impressions of living organisms from the remote past may be regarded as fossils. Fossil formation involve the burial of dead organism. Layer after layer of sediment is laid above the dead organism. It is only on this account that the oldest fossils are found in the deepest layers of the earth's surface while the fossils of recent origin are found in the upper layers. Thus by examining the various layers of earth from the deepest to the most superficial strata for fossil record, the story of life in correct historical sequence can be known.
    Question 54
    CBSEENBI12000430

    What is radioactive -dating? State the principle behind the procedure.

    Solution
    Radioactive-dating -A process for determining the age of an object by measuring the amount ofa given radioactive material it contains. It is a dating method of determining the age of earth materials orobjects of organic origin based on measurement of  either short lived radioactive elements or the amount of a long-lived radioactive element plus its decay product.
    It is based on the principle -  Each radioactive element decays at its own nearly constant rate. Once this rate is known, geologists can estimate the length of time over which decay has been occurring by measuring the amount of radioactive parent element, the amount of stable daughter elements and the amount of radioactive substances left, thus giving the age of the different things like rocks.
    Question 55
    CBSEENBI12000431

    What does natural selection lead to ?

    Solution
    Natural selection can lead to-
    i. Stabilisation- in which more and more individuals aquire the mean character value.
    ii. Directional change - in which more and more individuals aquire character other than the mean character.
    iii.  Disruption in which more and more individuals aquire peripheral character value at both the ends of distribution.

    Question 56
    CBSEENBI12000432

    Why is Archaeopteryx called a connecting link between reptiles and birds ?

     

    Solution
    Archaeopteryx is called a connecting link between  reptiles and birds as it represented characters of the botht groups. It had feathers and a beak like birds . But like reptiles it has a long tail, jaws full of teeth, claws on fore fingers . Thus it represented a stage between reptiles and birds.
    Question 57
    CBSEENBI12000433

    Discuss geological time scale as evidence of evolution.

    Solution
    Geological time scale. It is estimated that age of our planet earth is about 4.6 x 106 years and first life originated in water (probably seas) about 3.6 x 106 years ago. Geological time scale is the tabulated form showing the sequence and duration of the eras and the periods with their dominant form of life since the beginning of life on the earth.

    G. Araduiana developed the first geological time scale. In the geological time scale, the duration of earth's history has been divided as follows :

    Era Periods -

    Palaeozoic era  has 6 Periods. They are : Cambrian, Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous and Permian.
    Mesozoic era  has 3 Periods. They are Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous.
    Coenozoic era  has 2 Periods. Tertiary and Quarternary.

    Some of the periods are further divided into still smaller time spans called epochs.  Tertiary period 5 epochs namely Palaeocene, Eocene, Oligocene, Miocene and Pliocene.
    Quarternary has 2 epochs called  Pleistocene and Recent.

     

    Question 58
    CBSEENBI12000434

    Can we call human evolution as adaptive radiation?

    Solution
    No, human evolution cannot be called adaptive radiation, because adaptive radiation is an evolutionary process that produces new species from a common species, rapidly diversifying lineage, which is not the case with human evolution. Human evolution was a gradual process that took place slowly in time. 
    Question 59
    CBSEENBI12000435

    How does embryology support evolution doctrine ?

    Solution

    According to Ernest Heckel certain features of the embryonic stages are common in the vetebrates..The comparative study of the embryology of different animal groups shows striking structural similarities between them. For example the embryos of all vetebrates including humans develop a row of vestigial gill slit just behind the head but it is functional organ only in fish and not found in any other adult vertebrates. 

    Question 60
    CBSEENBI12000436
    Question 61
    CBSEENBI12000437

    (i) Give any two striking similarities in the structure of embryos of all the vertebrates.

     

    Solution
    (i) Embryos of all vertebrates possess (a) row of vestigial gill slits (b) vestigial tail.
    Question 62
    CBSEENBI12000438

    What according to Lamarck was the driving force for evolution? Explain with an example.

    Solution
    According to Lamarck evolution of life forms was driven byt the use and disuse of organs. For example the Giraffes had short necks in early times but in an attempt to forage leaves on tall trees, they had to adapt by elongating their necks. They passed on the aquired character to the future generations and slowly over the years they had long necks.
    Question 63
    CBSEENBI12000439

    What is biogeography ? How does the distribution of animals and plants support evolution ?

    Solution
    Biogeography is study of distribution of animals and plants in different parts of the earth. Wallace (1876) divided the earth in six biogeographical realms : Oriental, Ethiopian, Palaearctic, Australian, Nearctic and Neotropical. It is suggested that all the continents have originated from a single land mass, Gondwana, due to movements of crustal plates of the earth. Main biogeographical evidences are Darwin's finches, discontinuous distribution of alligators, magnolias differences in between the island and mainland fauna due to isolation and consequent adaptation to new environment.
    Question 64
    CBSEENBI12000440

    What is adaptive radiation ?

    Solution
    Adaptive radiation is the evolutionary process in which different species in a geographical area start starting from a point radiate  to other geographical areas or habitats. It gives rise to new species adapted to new habitats, conditions and ways of life 
    Question 65
    CBSEENBI12000441

    Name the various theories of evolution.

    Solution
    There are three theories of evolution :

    (i) Lamarck's theory of inheritance of acquired characters or Lamarckism.

    (ii) Darwin's theory of Natural selection or Darwinism.

    (iii) De Vries Mutation theory.

    Question 66
    CBSEENBI12000442

    List the main points of Lamarck's theory.

    Solution
    The main points of Lamarck's theory of evolution are:

    1. Effect of environment.

    2. Effect of use and disuse of organs.

    3. The inheritance of acquired characters.

    4. The origin of new species.

    Question 67
    CBSEENBI12000443

    Give the main points of Darwin's Theory of Evolution.

    Solution
    Darwin's Theory of Evolution may be summed up as follows :

    1. Rapid multiplication.

    2. Struggle for existence.

    3. Variations.

    4. Natural selection or survival of the fittest.

    5. Inheritance of useful variations.

    6. Origin of new species.

    Question 68
    CBSEENBI12000444

    Homo sapiens arose during which age?

    Solution
    Ice age.
    Question 69
    CBSEENBI12000445

    Explain antibiotic resistance observed in light of Darwinian selection theory.

    Solution
    According to the Darwinian selection theory.
    When the bacteria are grown in culture that have a certain antibiotic, most of the bacteria are killed but some of them develop a mutation which provides resistance against the antibiotic . With time the bacterial population having antibiotic resistance will increase and outgrow the population of the non-resistant bacteria. Thus a new species that has antibiotic resistance will be selected against the original one.
    Question 70
    CBSEENBI12000446

    Find out from newspapers and popular science articles any new fossil discoveries or controversies about evolution.

    Solution
    Fossils of Dinosaurs have been unearthed to reveal evolution of reptiles in Jurassic period. It further led to the evolution of birds and mammals. Recently, fossils of shark-toothed reptiles from Sahara deserts have been discovered. Fossils of flying birds with teeth in the jaws has been discovered.
    Question 71
    CBSEENBI12000447

    Describe De Vries Mutation theory.

    Solution
    De Vries Mutation Theory Hugo de Vries (1848-1935) was a Dutch Botanist. He performed experiments on the Evening Primrose (Oenothera lamarckiana).

    According to this theory, new species arise suddenly showing abrupt deviations in characters from the normal forms. Thus evolution is not a slow and gradual process but a sudden discontinuous and process. He believed that mutation caused speciation and hence called it saltation (single step large mutation)

    Question 72
    CBSEENBI12000448

    What is the main difference between Darwin's theory of natural selection and De Vries mutation theory ?

    Solution
    The mutation theory differs from Darwin's theory in the nature of the variations. Continuous variations or fluctuations are the raw materials for the formation of new species in Darwin's theory of natural selection, but in De Vries theory, discontinuous variations or mutations are the raw materials. Darwins theory stated that evolution is a gradual process while De Vries stated that the process is sudden.
    Question 73
    CBSEENBI12000449

    What is competition in nature ? How does it affect the plant and animal life ? Mention some examples.

    Solution
    Competition is defined as struggle for existence between organisms of the same species, variety, genus or family etc. The reason for struggle in production of a large number of individuals by an organism. As the space and food is limited, hence the individuals compete with one another.

    As a result of struggle for existence, only the fittest survives while the weak ones die.

    Due to change in the environment, an organism which survives, adapts itself to the changed environment. This brings variations in the organism.

    The variations are the raw materials of evolution. By the inheritance of some of these variations in successive generations, new species are formed both in plants and animals, e.g. progeny of pea plant.

    Question 74
    CBSEENBI12000450

    Where did Darwin err in his theory of the “Origin of Species” through natural selection ?

    Solution
    Darwin's theory had following drawbacks :

    1. Survival of the fittest. Darwinism can explain the survival of fittest but is unable to account for arrival of the fittest. It is difficult to suppose that small variations could have formed organs like wings and mimicry colouration which are useful only in their fully developed state.

    Certain organs can be helpful to the organism only in fully developed state and what about their presence in early stages.

    2. Over specialization. Tusks of elephants and the antlers of some deer have overgrown their usefulness.

    3. Vestigial organs. A number of vestigial organs persisting generation after generation has no explanation according to Darwinism.

    4. Darwin did not differentiate between somatic and germinal variations.

     

    Question 75
    CBSEENBI12000451

    List three mechanisms by which variant genotypes can be produced in nature.

    Solution
    The three mechanisms by which variant genotypes can be produced in nature.
    (a)Mutation.

    (b) Random fertilization.

    (c) Hybridization.

    Question 76
    CBSEENBI12000452

    Why is the frequency of sickle cell anaemia more in the malaria prone areas ?

    Solution
    In heterozygous individuals sickle-shaped RBC effectively kill the parasite. Thus these individuals become immune to malaria. Normal individuals are eliminated due to malaria, thus increasing the frequency of heterozygous individuals.
    Question 77
    CBSEENBI12000453

    What is industrial melanism ?

    Or

    Explain how natural selection has worked on population of peppered moth in industrial area of England. 

    Solution
    Industrial melanism. It is an example of natural selection shown by peppered moth Biston betularia. The moth had a dull grey coloured body before industrial revolution in England. The colour of moth enabled it to adapt to the light coloured background. After the industrial revolution the environment changed with the deposition of tar soot on the bark of the trees. As a result, light coloured species of moth were easily detected by the predators against the dark bark of trees while the black coloured moth Biston carbonaria increased in number. The change enabled the animal to adjust with the changed environment.

    However, with the replacement of coal and petroleum by gas and electricity the situation has changed. Thus the white moth has become abundant with a sharp decline in the number of black. The reason being the decrease in pollution and restoration of grey colour on the trees because of the growth of the lichens on the tree trunk.

    Thus industrial melanism is an interesting example of evidence in favour of natural selection.

    Question 78
    CBSEENBI12000454

    What observations is natural selection based on ?

    Solution
    Natural selection is based on certain observations such as that
    i. Natural resources are limited.
    ii. Populations are stable in size except for seasonal fluctuation.
    iii. Members of a population vary in characteristics (infact no two individuals are alike) even though they look superficially similar.
    iv. most of variations are inherited etc.
    Question 79
    CBSEENBI12000455

    How is artificial selection different from natural selection ? 

    Solution
     Differences between artificial selection and natural selection

    Artificial selection

    Natural selection

    1. It is selection by man.

    2. Variants suited to human requirement are selected by man

    1. In it, the selection is through nature.

    2. Variants adapted to the environment are able to thrive better.

     

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    Question 80
    CBSEENBI12000456

    'Polyploidy can also lead to the formation of a new species very rapidly.” Explain.

    Solution
    Polyploidy can also lead to the formation of a new species very rapidly.

    The organisms having more than two sets of chromosomes (3n, 4n, 5n, 6n) are called polyploids. The polyploids are common among plants and rarely found in animals. . Polyploidy is means of rapid speciation. Polyploidy often leads to uneven distribution of chromoses among the daughter cells due to large number of chromosomes thus leading to genetic variation and occurence of new species. Polyploidy also results in a large number of combinations of genes paving way for speciation. The different types of wheat varieties have evolved through polyploidy. Original number of chromosomes in wheat (Triticum moncoccum) is 2N = 14. By polyploidy hexaploid varieties of wheat (Triticum aestivum) have been obtained (6N = 42).

     

    Question 81
    CBSEENBI12000457

    How were mammals better than the other organisms?

    Solution
    Mammals were more intelligent in sensing the avoiding the dangee at least and they were viviparous that is protected their unborm young ones inside the mother's body. Thus there were more chances of their survival and they increased in number.
    Question 82
    CBSEENBI12000458

    Describe three mechanisms by which genetic variability can be produced in nature.

    Solution
    (i) By hybridization, two different individuals (different species or different genera) are made to hybridize. The resultant hybrid will be genetically variable.

    (ii) By mutations. Mutations are induced artificially by radiations or chemical mutagens. Thus creating variations and leading to the evolvement of a new species even.

    (iii) Recombination- the process of recombination during the cell division results in the variation in the genes. 

    Question 83
    CBSEENBI12000459

    Discuss the role of variations in evolution.

    Solution

    Genetic variability is necessary for evolution. They are the raw materials of evolution.

     

    Question 84
    CBSEENBI12000460

    The homology in haemoglobin of man and gorilla is 99 per cent. What explanation would you give for this finding ?

    Solution
    The similarity in haemoglobin (a protein) shows that gorilla and man have a common ancestor and are close to each other in phylogeny. Such a similarity is termed molecular homology.
    Question 85
    CBSEENBI12000461

    Differentiate apes and man.

    Solution
    Differences between Ape and Man

    Ape

    Man

    1. Cranium expanded, maximum brain size 750 cc.

    2. Less erect posture.

    3. Strong jaws and without well marked
    chin.

    4. Incisor and canine teeth large.

    5. Limited use and no manufacture of tools.

    6. Not able to speak.

    1. Cranium expanded, maximum brain size 2,250 cc.

    2. Fully erect posture.

    3. Small jaw with a prominent chin.

    4. Incisor and canine teeth reduced.

     

    5. Extensive use and manufacture of tools.

    6. Able to use spoken and written language.

     
    Question 86
    CBSEENBI12000462

    Name the biggest of the land reptiles.

    Solution
    Tyrannosaurus rex.
    Question 87
    CBSEENBI12000463

    List the chronological sequence of evolution of genus Homo.

    Solution
    Chronological sequence of evolution of genus Homo are Homo habilis →

    H. erectus → H. sapiens Neanderthalensis → H. sapiens sapiens.

    Question 88
    CBSEENBI12000464

    Give important characteristics of the skull of Australopithecus.

    Solution
    Characteristics of skull of Australopithecus
    1. Theythey hunted with stone weapons.

    2. They ate fruits and did not eat meat.

    3. Long snout like that of nose.

    4. Dentition resembles present day man.

    5. Face is less projected.

    6. Large sized brain in comparison with other animals of that period.

    Question 90
    CBSEENBI12000466

    What role fire played in the early evolutionary history of man ?

    Solution
    The discovery and taming of fire was one of the important landmark in the evolutionary history of man because of the followings :

    1. Fire protected man from cold weather.

    2. Fire protected man from wild beasts.

    3. The cooking habits also changed with the help of fire, the man started cooking  food.

    4. Making of tools was made possible with the heat of fire.

    Question 91
    CBSEENBI12000467

    Try to trace the components of human evolution.

    Solution
    During human evolution, ancestral human types had undergone a number of remarkable changes in their brain size (cranial cavity), skeletal features, dietary preference, etc., as shown in the following table :

    Human type

    Cranial cavity

    Skeletal features

    Dietary preference

    (i) Australopithecus

    (ii) Homo habilis
    (iii) Homo erectus
    (iv) H. sapiens neanderthalensis

    (v) H.sapiens fossilis

    (vi) H. sapiens sapiens

    600 cm3

    735 cm3(650 - 800 cm3)
    870 cm3(750 - 900 cm3)
    1400 cm3(1300 -1600 cm3)

    1660 cm
    1450 -1650 cm3

    Prognathous, well developed
    supra-orbital ridges and
    chinless

    -do-

    -do-

    - do-

    Flat forehead, no supraorbital ridges, chin present.
    -do-

    Primarily fruit-feeder but also hunted with stones.

    Primarily herbivorous. Primarily a meateater. Primarily carnivorous.

    Primarily carnivorous Primarily omnivorous.

     
    Question 92
    CBSEENBI12000468

    Briefly state the major theories of origin of life. Which one of them has scientific basis ?

    Solution

    The major theories of origin of life are :

    1. Special Creation (Proposed by Father Saurez). This theory of special creation attributes the origin of life to a supernatural or vitalistic events at a particular time in the past. In other words, this theory believes in the creation of life by God.

    2. Spontaneous Generation : This theory discards the abiogenesis and believes in biogenetic origin of life i.e. life originates from pre-existing life-biogenesis.

    3. Extra terrestrial or Cosmic Origin (Richter). This theory believes that life on earth came from some other planet.

    4. Terrestrial Origin or Abiogenic Origin (Oparin and Haldane). This theory states that life originates on earth from collections of organic molecules that were produced early in the history of the earth. This theory of terrestrial origin has scientific basis.

    Question 93
    CBSEENBI12000469

    State the hypothesis of Oparin and Haldane about the primeval earth condition. What do you understand by Haldane’s hot, dilute soup ? State its significance.

    Solution
    Alexander I. Oparin (1894-1980), a Russian biochemist and J.B.S. Haldane (1892-1964), a British scientist have put forward the concept of abiogenesis. According to Oparin and Haldane primeval earth had reducing condition and atmosphere is free from oxygen. Oxygen remained bound in H20 and metallic oxides on the surface of rocks and its particles. The early gas cloud was rich in hydrogen, in the form of methane (CH4) and ammonia (NH3) and water (H20). The organic molecules formed due to atmospheric reaction accumulated slowly and gradually in sea and constitute what is called 'Hot, dilute soup'.

    Significance of hot dilute soup. Thus conditions of reducing nature are unable to oxidize these organic compounds which form the basis of life.

    Question 94
    CBSEENBI12000470

    Summarise Miller's simulation experiment for organic synthesis. Comment on its efficacy.

    Solution

    Miller's experiment. Miller (1953) sealed in a spark chamber a mixture of water, methane, ammonia, hydrogen gas. He made arrangement for boiling water. The tap in turn, was connected with the flask for boiling water. After 18 days, significant amount of simple major organic compounds such as amino acids such as glycine, alanine, and aspartic acid and peptide chains, began to appear. Simple sugars, urea, short chain fatty acids were also formed. In atmosphere, this spark is provided by U.V. light or other energy source.

    Stanley Miller's Experiment in the artificial production of organic compounds.

    Question 95
    CBSEENBI12000471

    Using internet and discussing with your teacher, trace the evolutionary stages of any one animal say horse.

    Solution

    The major evolutionary trend of horses:
    (i) General increase (with occasional decrease) in size.
    (ii) Progressive loss of toes.
    (iii) Lengthening of toes that are retained.
    (iv) Lengthening of limbs in general.
    (v) Enlargement of brain (especially cerebral hemisphere).
    (vi) Increase in the height.
    (vii) Increase in the complexity of molar teeth and an enlargement of the last two and, eventually, the last three premolars until they came to resemble molars.

    Fig. Evolution of horse.
     Evolution of horse. Top row shows change in form and size of the body.
    Second row show reduction in lateral toes of hind and forelimbs.
    The right figure in each set of two is of the forefoot, the left of the hindfoot.
    Third row shows change in form and size of skull. 

    Question 96
    CBSEENBI12000472

    What is variation ? Name the basic processes that cause variation among organisms. Discuss the role of migration in evolution.

    Solution
    Variations. The features which differ among the individuals are called variations.

    Causes of variation. Mutation, recombination, gene migration, genetic drift and natural selection.

    Role of Migration. Few populations are isolated from the other populations of the same species, usually some migration takes place if the migrating individuals breed within the new population then immigrant will add new alleles to the local gene pool of host population and lead to variations.

    Question 97
    CBSEENBI12000473

    Define genetic drift, founder effect and genetic bottleneck?

    Solution

    Genetic drift. Random change occurring in the allele frequency by chance alone are called genetic drift.
    Founder effect. When a population gets separated from the existing population, it becomes the founder of new population. This is called the founder effect wmost of the the organisms of population died leaving behind few individuals of the population The remaining become the founder of new population which will produce only few genes by selection only i.e. by chance new population emerges and it is similar to a bottle in which only certain population is allowed to flow as in neck of bottle thus it is known as the bottleneck effect.

    Fig. Bottleneck effect

     

    Question 98
    CBSEENBI12000474

    What is natural selection in modern terms ? Elucidate the three different effects of natural selection on variation.

    Solution
    Natural Selection. In modern term, natural selection is differential reproduction. Natural selection is main evolutionary process which causes the change of allele frequencies or in other words, selection is the consistent differences in contribution of various genotypes to the next generation.

    If in a population both small and largest individuals contribute relatively fewer offspring to the next generation then those closer to the average size do, stabilizing selection is operating.

    If centre of population contributes more, then equilibrium is maintained. While if extremes of population work, then two peaks in the distribution of a trait produced, while former is disruptive selection.

    Question 99
    CBSEENBI12000475

    Describe present day concept of evolution.

    Solution
    (1) Modern Concept of Evolution. The modern concept of evolution is a modified form of Darwin's theory of natural selection and is often called Neo-Darwinism. It comprises genetic variation, natural selection and isolation.

    (i) Mutations. These have been recognised as the ultimate source of biological changes and hence the raw material of evolution. The mutation in chromosomes may be due to changes in structure, number or gene.

    (ii) Gene Recombination takes place during crossing over in meiosis. New combinations of genes produce new phenotypes.

    (iii) Hybridisation is the intermingling of the genes of the members of closely related species.

    (iv) Genetic drift is the elimination of the genes of some original characteristics of a species by extreme reduction due to different reasons.

    In monoparental reproduction only chromosomal and gene mutation are sources of genetic variation.

    (2) Natural Selection. If differential reproduction (i.e. some individuals produce abundant offspring, some only a few and some organisms none) continues for many generations, genes of the individuals which produce more offspring will become predominant in the gene pool of the population. Thus natural selection occurs through differential reproduction in successive generations.

    (3)Migration of individuals from one to other population is an accessory factor for speciation (origin of new species).

    (4) Isolation.  The isolation plays a significant role in evolution. Isolation of a species population into different geographical zones may lead to formation of a new species.

    Question 100
    CBSEENBI12000476

    State the advantages that the erect posture and large brain gave to the humans over other primates.

    Solution
    As a result of erect posture, the fore-limbs became free and with the use of opposable thumb man started making and using tools. He also started writing and used hand for eating food .
    Question 101
    CBSEENBI12000477

    List a few modern day animals and from internet link to corresponding ancient fossil. Name both.

    Solution
    Modern day animal Ancient forssil
    1. Man  1. Cro-magnon man  
    2. Horse  2.Eohippus
    3. Dog  3.Leptocyon
    4. Giraffe 4.Palaeotragus
    5.Camel  5.Protylopus
    6. Elephant 6.Mammoth
    7. Bat 7. Archaeonycteris
    8.  Whale 8. Protocetus
    9. Birds 9.Archeopterix 
    10.Tetrapods 10. Icthyostega


     

     



    Question 102
    CBSEENBI12000478

    As a student of biology, trace the evolutionary history of man.

    Solution
    Evolutionary history of man

    1. The evolution of hominid occurred in Africa and Asia.

    2. The evolution of man took place in Africa.

    3. Ramapithecus and Dryopithecus lived in Africa and Asia were the forerunners of hominids.

    4. Genus Australopithecus appeared in Africa about 5 million years ago.

    5. The genus Homo appeared about 2 million years ago.

    6. Homo habilis lived in Africa about 2 million years ago and was characterized by larger brain; could use tools.

    7. Homo erectus appeared about 1.7 million years ago and believed to have migrated to Asia and Europe.

    8. As a result of abrupt transition which occurred in Europe about 84000 years ago that Neanderthal man was wiped out and gave way to more efficient Cro-Magnon.

    9. Homo sapiens were evolved about 10000 years ago.

    Question 103
    CBSEENBI12000479
    Question 104
    CBSEENBI12000480

    Name any two vertebrate body parts that are homologous to human forelimbs.

    Solution
    The two vertebrate body parts that are homologous to human forelimbs
    (i) Wings of bats, (ii) Flippers of whale.
    Question 105
    CBSEENBI12000481

    What is divergent evolution ? Explain taking an example of plants.

    Solution
    Divergent evolution. The process of evolution in which members of same ancestral species of a large taxonomic group are evolved along different lines in different habitats of same geographical area. Homologous structures are result of divergent evolution.

    Example. Thorn of Bougainvillea or a tendril of Cucurbita both arising in axillary position. These modifications indicate the evolution of organ to suit different functions.

    Question 106
    CBSEENBI12000482

    What is adaptive radiation ? Show how adaptive radiations gave rise to a variety of marsupials in Australia ?

    Solution
    Adaptive radiations. Evolutionary process of giving rise to new species adapted to new habitats, conditions and ways of life is called adaptive radiations.

    It can be explained with an example of marsupial mammals present in Australia due to different geographical locality have similar habitat but have different species.  A number of marsupials, each different from the other (Figure 7.6) evolved from an ancestral stock, but all within the Australian island continent. When more than one adaptive radiation appeared to have occurred in an isolated geographical area.

    Question 107
    CBSEENBI12000483

    Give a brief summary od Darwin's theory of evolution and evidences in favor of it and its drawbacks.

    Solution

    Charles Darwin (1809-1882), a naturalist proposed a theory to explain the process of evolution. His theory was published in his famous book 'Origin of Species' published in 1858. His theory of natural selection is termed Darwinism.
    Darwin's Theory of Evolution may be summed up as follows :

    1. Rapid multiplication

    2. Struggle for existence

    3. Variations

    4. Natural selection or survival of the fittest

    5. Inheritance of useful variations

    6. Origin of new species.

    Evidences in favour of Darwin's theory.

    Darwin's theory is supported by natural selection, phenomena of mimicry and protective colouration, and correlation between nectaries of flowers and proboscis of pollinating insects.

    Draw backs - Darwin's theory fails to explain perpetuation of vestigial organs and over-specialization of organs.

     

    Question 108
    CBSEENBI12000484
    Question 110
    CBSEENBI12000486

    Lichens are an indicator of pollution. Explain.

    Solution
    Lichens are an indicator of pollution because they do not grow in polluted areas. Thus if the population of lichen decreases itindicates of pollution.
    Question 112
    CBSEENBI12000488

    Why are wings of a butterfly and of a bat are called analogous ?

    Solution
    They are analogous organs due to the fact that the basic structure of wing of insects is different from the wings of a bird. However their function is similar. Analogous organs are result of convergent evolution.
    Question 113
    CBSEENBI12000489

    State the Hardy-Weinberg principle.

    Solution

    Hardy-Weinberg principle states that allele frequencies in a population are stable and is constant from generation to generation. The total number of genes and their alleles (Gene pool) in a population remains constant. This is called genetic equilibrium. The sum total of alleleic frequency is 1. 
    According to the law we get abinomial expression :
    p2+q2+2pq = 1
    where
    p and q are individual frequencies of allele A and a respectively.
    p2 represents the frequency of the homozygous genotype AA,
    q
    2 represents the frequency of the homozygous genotype aa, and
    2pq represents the frequency of the heterozygous genotype Aa





    Question 114
    CBSEENBI12000490

    According to Hardy–Weinberg’s principle, the allele frequency of a population remains constant. How do you interpret the change of frequency of alleles in a population ?

    Solution
    Disturbances in genetic equilibrium or Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium i.e. change of frequency of alleles in a population would result in evolution. The disturbances like gene flow or gene migration, genetic drift, mutation, genetic recombination and natural selection contribute to the change of frequency of alleles.
    Question 116
    CBSEENBI12000492

    Sponsor Area

    Question 120
    CBSEENBI12000496
    Question 122
    CBSEENBI12000498
    Question 123
    CBSEENBI12000499
    Question 125
    CBSEENBI12000501
    Question 128
    CBSEENBI12000504
    Question 129
    CBSEENBI12000505
    Question 130
    CBSEENBI12000506
    Question 131
    CBSEENBI12001600

    Describe one example of adaptive radiation.

    Solution
    Darwin finches found in Galapagos Island is an example of adaptive radiation. A large variety of finches is present in Galapagos Island arose from a single species, which reached this land accidentally. Many new species evolved, diverged, and adapted to occupy new habitats. These finches developed different eating habits and different types of beaks to suit their feeding habits. For example the insectivorous, blood sucking, and other species of finches with varied dietary habits have evolved from a single seed eating finch ancestor.

    Question 132
    CBSEENBI12001633

    Identify 'a' and 'b' in the figure given below representing proportionate number of major vertebrate taxa.


    Solution

    In the given figure, 

    a represents amphibians, and 

     b represents mammals

    Question 133
    CBSEENBI12001659

    Explain Darwinian theory of evolution with the help of one suitable example. State the two key concept of the theory.

    Solution

    Darwinian theory of Evolution

    According to Darwin, evolution took place by natural selection.

    The number of life forms depends upon their life span and their ability to multiply.

    Another aspect of natural selection is the survival of the fittest where nature selects the individuals, which are most fit to adapt to their environment.

    An example of such a selection is the antibiotic resistance in bacteria. When a bacterial population was grown on an agar plate containing antibiotic penicillin, the colonies that were sensitive to penicillin died, whereas one or few bacterial colonies that were resistant to penicillin survived. This is because these bacteria had undergone chance mutation, which resulted in the evolution of a gene that made them resistant to penicillin drug. Hence, the resistant bacteria multiplied quickly as compared to the non-resistant (sensitive) bacteria, thereby increasing their number. Hence, the advantage of an individual over the other helps in the struggle for existence.
     

    Darwin also observed that variations are inheritable and the species fit to survive the most leaves more offsprings. Hence, the population’s characteristics change, giving rise to the evolution of new life forms.

    The two key concepts of the theory are:

    (1) Branching descent: According to this concept, various species have come into existence from a common ancestor.

    (2) Natural selection: According to this concept,  nature selects the individuals, which are most fit to adapt to their environment.

     

    Question 134
    CBSEENBI12001672

    State a reason for the increased population of dark coloured moths coinciding with the loss of lichens (on tree barks) during industrialization period in England.

    Solution

    Industrialization led to darkening of the tree trunks due to deposition of smoke and soot and increase in pollution. The dark colored moths were not attacked by the predators as they camouflaged against the dark bark of the trees while the white coloured moths were picked out by the predators. The lichen population also decreased due to the increase in pollution. 

    Question 135
    CBSEENBI12001686

    Explain adaptive radiation with the help of a suitable example.

    Solution

    The process of evolution that starts from a single point and radiates in different directions is called adaptive radiation. For example the evolution of marsupials of Australia, each different from one another evolved from a common ancestral stock is found within the Australian island. 

    Question 136
    CBSEENBI12001705

    Identify the examples of convergent evolution from the following:

    (i) Flippers of penguins and dolphins

    (ii) Eyes of octopus and mammals

    (iii) Vertebrate brains

    Solution

    The examples of convergent evolution are:

    (i) Flippers of penguins and dolphins

    (iii) Eyes of octopus and mammals

    Question 137
    CBSEENBI12001722

    With the help of any two suitable examples explain the effect of anthropogenic actions on organic evolution.

    Solution

    Two examples that explain the effect of anthropogenic actions on organic evolutions are:

    (i) Industrial melanism: It was due to the industrialization. The smoke and soot coming out of industries caused the bark of the trees to become darker and so dark-coloured moths were selected over the white-coloured moths.

    (ii) Excessive use of herbicides and pesticides has resulted in selection of resistant varieties in very short time span.

    Question 138
    CBSEENBI12001742

    Write the similarity between the wing of a butterfly and the wing of a bat. What do you infer from the above with reference to evolution?

    Solution

    Wings of a butterfly and the wings of a bat are similar in function that is both are used for flying. These two are the result of convergent evolution.

    Question 139
    CBSEENBI12001757

    State the theory of Biogenesis. How does Miller’s experiment support this theory?

    Solution

    The theory or law of biogenesis was proposed by Louis Pasteur. He proposed that all life originated from pre-existing life. These cells further originated from the organic compounds. So, ultimately life could have come from pre-existing non-living organic molecules (e.g. RNA, protein, etc.) and that formation of life was preceded by chemical evolution, i.e., formation of diverse organic molecules from inorganic constituents. In 1953, Urey and Miller conducted an experiment to prove this theory. They created the conditions of primeval earth − high temperature, volcanic storms, reducing atmosphere containing CH4, NH3, etc at laboratory scale. They then stimulated electric discharge in a closed flask containing CH4, H2, NH3 and water vapour at 8000°C. They observed formation of amino acids. In similar experiments, others observed, formation of sugars, nitrogen bases, pigment and fats. These small organic molecules are the building blocks for proteins & other components. Hence, this experiment supported that life has come from pre-existing non-living organic molecules.

    Question 140
    CBSEENBI12001802

    Explain the salient features of Hugo de Vries theory of mutation. How is Darwin theory of natural selection different from it? Explain.

    Solution
    Hugo de Vries based on his work on evening primrose suggested that variations occurred due to mutations. Hugo de Vries gave the name saltation (single step large mutation) to the mutations that brought about speciation. Darwin aboard the H.M.S Beagle observed that all existing living forms share similarities among themselves and also with other life forms that existed millions of years ago of which many are extinct. The evolution of life forms has been gradual and those life forms better fit in environments that leave more progeny. This is called natural selection and is a mechanism of evolution. Mutations are random and directionless while the variations that Darwin talked about were small and directional.
    Question 141
    CBSEENBI12001803

    (a) Name the primates that lived about 15 million years ago. List their characteristic features.

    (b) (i) Where was the first man-like animal found?

    (ii) Write the order in which Neanderthals, Homo habilis and Homo erectusappeared on earth.

    State the brain capacity of each one of them.

    (iii) When did modern Homo sapiens appear on this planet?

    Solution

    (a) Dryopithecus (ape-like) and Ramapithecus (man-like) were the two primates that lived 15 million years ago. These primates were hairy and their walk was similar to that of chimpanzees.

    (b) (i) The first man-like animal was found in Africa.
    (ii) 

    Year

    Evolution

    Brain capacity

    2 million years ago

    Homo habilis (Australopithecines) lived in East Africa

    650- 800 cc

    1.5 million years ago

    Homo erectus

    900 cc

    1,000 - 40,000 years ago

    Neanderthal man

    1400 cc


    (iii) Modern Homo sapiens first appeared primarily in east Africa about 75,000 to 10,000 years ago.
    Question 142
    CBSEENBI12001812

    (a) Select the homologous structures from the combinations given below :
    (i) Forelimbs of whales and bats
    (ii) Tuber of potato and sweet potato
    (iii) Eyes of octopus and mammals
    (iv) Thorns of Bougainvillea and tendrils of Cucurbita

    (b) State the kind of evolution they represent.

    Solution

     (a) Homologous organs or structures are those that are similar in anatomy or structure and have a common origin, but perform different functions.
    From the given options, following are homologous structures:

    i. Forelimbs of whales and bats are similar in structure but perform different functions of swimming and flying, respectively.

    ii. Thorns of Bougainvillea and tendrils of Cucurbita are both modifications of a stem arising from axillary bud but perform different functions of protection (thorns) and climbing (tendrils), respectively.

    (b) The evolution represented by homologous organs or structures is divergent evolution as they have a common origin but have diverged (became dissimilar) with time into different structures performing different functions.

    Question 143
    CBSEENBI12001820

    What does the following equation represent? Explain
    p2 + 2 pq + q2 = 1

    Solution

    The equation of  p2 + 2pq + q2 = 1 represents the genotypic frequencies of a population, when it is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.
    According to this law, the frequency of occurrence of alleles of a gene in a population remains constant through generations unless disturbances, such as mutations and non-random mating, are introduced.
    Individual frequencies are represented as p and q such as in a diploid, where p and q represent the frequency of allele A and a respectively. The sum total of all allelic frequencies is 1.

    The frequency of genotypes, AA is p2, that of aa is q2 and that of Aa is 2pq.

    Hence, p2 + 2pq + q2 = 1, which is the expansion of (p + q)2.
    Question 144
    CBSEENBI12001865

    Since the origin of life on the earth, there were five episodes of mass extinction of species.

    (i)How is the 'Sixth Extinction', presently in progress, different from the previous episodes?

    (ii)Who is mainly responsible for the 'Sixth Extinction''?

    (iii)List any four points that can help to overcome this disaster.

    Solution

    (i)The Sixth Extinction is different from the previous episodes of mass extinction in the following ways

    a. The rates of extinction is faster and is estimated to be 100-1000 times faster than in the previous ones.

    b.. It is due to the activities of human and not because of any natural calamity as compared to the previous episodes.

    (ii).Human activities are mainly responsible for the Sixth extinction.

    (iii) The points that can help to overcome this disaster are:

    a Avoiding over exploitation of the ecosystem.
    b. Preventing habitat loss and fragmentation
    c. Conservation / Preservation of species.
    Question 145
    CBSEENBI12001878

    State the significance of Coelacanth in evolution. 

    Solution

    Coelacanths are considered to be the missing link between fishes and the first four-limbed animals (amphibians) and were the ancestors of modern day frogs and salamanders.

    Question 146
    CBSEENBI12001892

    How does industrial melanism support Darwin’s theory of Natural Selection? Explain.

    Solution

    Darwin's theory of natural selection is a process in which the organisms which have favourable variations in order to survive in the changed environment are selected by the nature to continue their generations and the rest fail to survive. Industrial melanism also showed the same case as was explained by Darwin’s theory of natural selection.

    Industrial melanism - In England, it was noted that before industrial revolution, the number of white-winged moths was much more than that of dark melanised moth. However, after industrialisation, the number of dark moths increased. This happened because; the industrialization caused the tree trunks to become darker with deposits of soot and smoke. Hence, the dark moths increased as they escaped the predators as they were not easily visible while the white-winged ones were easily picked up. Thus, dark ones were selected by nature (natural selection) and light ones failed to survive.
    Question 147
    CBSEENBI12001909

    Write the probable differences in eating habits of Homo habilis and Homo erectus.

    Solution
    Homo habilis Homo erectus
    Did not eat meat Ate meat
    Brain comparatively smaller.  Larger brain. 
    Question 148
    CBSEENBI12001922

    How do homologous organs represent divergent evolution ? Explain with the help of a suitable example.

    Solution

    The organs with same structural design and origin but different functions are called. homologous organs
    For example in plants the thorn and tendrils of Bougainuillea and Cucurbita represent homology. Both the thorn and the tendril have a common ancestor but have evolved to perform different function in different organism. Like the thorn has a protective function whereas the tendril provides support to the plant. Thus, it represents divergent evolution. 

    Question 149
    CBSEENBI12001939

    According to de-Vries what is saltation?

    Solution

    According to De Vries, Saltation is a single step large mutation which leads to speciation.

    Question 150
    CBSEENBI12001952

    Describe the experiment that helped Louis Pasteur to dismiss the theory of spontaneous generation of life.

    Solution

    Louis Pasteur suggested that life propagated only from the pre-existing life forms. He conducted the swan-necked flask experiment and proved his point on the continuity of life.
    His experiment was as follows:

    • Two swan-necked flasks containing nutrient broth were used.

    • The broth in both the flasks was boiled to kill any existing microbes and was made sterile.

    • After sterilisation one of the flask necks was broken. The flasks were kept undisturbed for some time. 

    • After some time, the dust particles along with bacteria in the air entered the flask with the broken neck and got accumulated at the neck of the unbroken flask.

    • The broth in the broken flask became cloudy, while the broth in the unbroken flask remained clear. Cloudiness of the broth indicated the presence of microbial life in the broken flask.

    • Appearance of life, even after sterilisation, in the broken flask concluded that life in the flask arose only from pre-existing life; thus, and discarded the theory of spontaneous generation.

    Question 151
    CBSEENBI12001973

    Name the common ancestor of the great apes and man.

    Solution

    Australopithecus were the common ancestor of the great apes and man

    Question 152
    CBSEENBI12001989

    Branching descent and natural selection are the two key concepts of Darwinian Theory of Evolution. Explain each concept with the help of a suitable example.

    Solution

    Natural Selection is a process in which better-adapted organism’s or traits leads to better adaptation and survival while less adapted organisms get eliminated at successive stages. Selected organisms reproduce and produce stable population to sustain the changes. E.g peppered moth of England grew in number because of the natural selection of the peppered moth.
    Branching descent is the process of development of a new species from a single common descendant. New species developed became geographically adapted to a new environment. This resulted into the the reproductive isolation and finaly to the development of a new species.

    Question 153
    CBSEENBI12002006

    What role does an individual organism play as per Darwin’s theory of natural selection?

    Solution

    According to the Darwin’s theory of natural selection, the role of an individual organism is to pass on the necessary variations, changes or mutations that has been selected by the native, from present generation to the next.

    Question 154
    CBSEENBI12002018

    p2+2pq+q2 Explain this algebraic equation on the basis of Hardy-Weinberg’s principle.

    Solution

    The equation p2 + 2pq + q2 , mathematically represents the Hardy-Weinberg’s principle. It is used to
    calculate the genetic variation of a population at equilibrium.
    Principle It states that allele frequencies in a population are stable and remain constant from generation to generation.
    In this equation,
    p – frequency of allele A
    q – frequency of allele a
    p2 – frequency of AA (homozygous) individuals in a population
    q2 – frequency of aa (homozygous) individuals
    2pq – frequency of Aa (heterozygous) individuals
    Also, the sum total of all the allelic frequencies is equal to 1. If the p and q allele frequencies are known, then the frequencies of the three genotypes can be calculated using the Hardy-Weinberg equation.
    This equation can be used to measure the differences in frequencies of observed genotype measured from the frequencies predicated by the equation. The disturbance in genetic equilibrium results in evolution, thus the presence of any difference indicates the exent of evolutionary change.

    Question 155
    CBSEENBI12002030

    What are vestigial organs?

    Solution

    The organs which have no apparent utility in the present organisms but were functional in the ancestors are vestigial organs.

    eg ; nictitating membrane as a remnant of third eyelid

    Question 156
    CBSEENBI12002031

    Define root pressure.

    Solution

    It may be defined as the pressure under which water passes from the living cells of the root into the xylem. It is the pressure set up by the cortical cells of the root upon the liquid contents under fully turgid conditions forcing a quantity of it to flow into the xylem vessels and through them, upwards into the stem.

    Question 157
    CBSEENBI12002050

    State three similarities between Australopithecus and aApes

    Solution
    1. Chin absent, forehead low
    2. Face was prognathous
    3. Cranial capacity was between 450cc - 600cc
    Question 158
    CBSEENBI12002052

    What is abiogenesis?

    Solution
    Theory of Spontaneous Generation
    Question 159
    CBSEENBI12002053

    Give an account of the different types of natural selection.

    Solution
    Natural selection can take many forms. To make talking about this easier, we will consider the distribution of traits across a population in graphical form. In we see the normal bell curve of trait distribution. For example, if we were talking about height as a trait, we would see that without any selection pressure on this trait, the heights of individuals in a population would vary, with most individuals being of an average height and fewer being extremely short or extremely tall. However, when selection pressures act on a trait, this distribution can be altered.
    Stabilizing Selection
    When selective pressures select against the two extremes of a trait, the population experiences stabilizing selection. For example, plant height might be acted on by stabilizing selection. A plant that is too short may not be able to compete with other plants for sunlight. However, extremely tall plants may be more susceptible to wind damage. Combined, these two selection pressures select to maintain plants of medium height. The number of plants of medium height will increase while the numbers of short and tall plants will decrease.
    Directional Selection
    In directional selection, one extreme of the trait distribution experiences selection against it. The result is that the population's trait distribution shifts toward the other extreme. In the case of such selection, the mean of the population graph shifts. Using the familiar example of giraffe necks, there was a selection pressure against short necks, since individuals with short necks could not reach as many leaves on which to feed. As a result, the distribution of neck length shifted to favor individuals with long necks.
    Disruptive Selection
    In disruptive selection, selection pressures act against individuals in the middle of the trait distribution. The result is a bimodal, or two-peaked, curve in which the two extremes of the curve create their own smaller curves. For example, imagine a plant of extremely variable height that is pollinated by three different pollinators, one that was attracted to short plants, another that preferred plants of medium height and a third that visited only the tallest plants. If the pollinator that preferred plants of medium height disappeared from an area, medium height plants would be selected against and the population would tend toward both short and tall, but not medium height plants. Such a population, in which multiple distinct forms or morphs exist is said to be polymorphi
    Question 160
    CBSEENBI12002054

    Define Neo-Darwinism

    Solution
    Neo-darwinism is the integration of darwin's theory with mendelian genetics.it takes into account  factors like genetic drift,isolation.etc along with natural selection
    Question 161
    CBSEENBI12002055

    What are coacervates?

    Solution
    Clusters or aggregates of large complex organic molecules capable of growth and regulation. These are supposed to have given rise to the first cell like structures. 
    Question 162
    CBSEENBI12002056

    Give four anatomical differences between a dicot and monocot root.

    Solution

    DICOT ROOT

    An inconspicuous pith or may be absent as well.
    Mostly the number of xylem bundles are 4–6. So tetra or hexaxylic condition.
    Pericycle (a thin parenchymatous circular layer inner to the endodermis) gives rise to lateral roots and secondary meristem (cambium & phellogen).
    Cambium appears as a secondary meristem.
    Secondary growth is seen cutting the secondary xylem towards the inner side and secondary phloem towards the outer side.

    E.g. Root ot wheat.

    MONOCOT ROOT

    A very well developed parenchymatous central pith is present
    Xylem shows polyarch condition. Exception= Allium cepa (onion).
    Pericycle forms only lateral roots but no secondary meristem.
    No cambium is present between xylem and phloem.

    E.g. Zea mays

    Both dicot and monocot roots have radial & exarch xylem.

    Question 163
    CBSEENBI12002084

    Write the characteristics of Ramapithecus, Dryopithecus and Neanderthal man.

    Solution

    Characteristics of Ramapithecus : - * It evolved around 15 mya.
    * More man-like, walked more erect, teeth like modern man. Characteristics of Dryopithecus : -
    * It evolved around 25 mya. * Ape like, hairy arms and legs of same length, large brain, ate soft fruits and leaves, walked like gorillas and chimpanzees. Characteristics of Neanderthal Man : -
    * It evolved around 1,00,000-40,000 year ago.
    * Fossil found in east and central Asia, brain size 1400 cc used hides to protect body, buried their dead.

    Question 164
    CBSEENBI12002099

    Write the names of the following :
    (a) A 15 mya primate that was ape-like
    (b) A 2 mya primate that lives in East African grasslands

    Solution

    (a) 15 mya, primates called Dryopithecus was more ape-like.

    (b) 2 mya, Australopithecines lived in East African grasslands.

    Question 165
    CBSEENBI12002107

    With the help of an algebraic equation, how did Hardy-Weinberg explain that in a given population the frequency of occurrence of alleles of a gene is supposed to remain the same through generations?

    Solution

    In a given population one can find out the frequency of occurrence of alleles of a gene or a locus. This frequency is supposed to remain fixed and even remain the same through generations. Hardy-Weinberg the principle stated it using algebraic equations.

    This principle says that allele frequencies in a population are stable and is constant from generation to generation. The gene pool (total genes and their alleles in a population) remains a constant. this is called genetic equilibrium.

    Sum total of all the allelic frequencies is 1. Individual frequencies, for example, can be named p, q, etc. In a diploid, p and q represent the frequency of allele A and allele a. The frequency of AA individuals in a population is simply p2. This is simply stated in another way, i.e., the probability that an allele A with a frequency of p appear on both the chromosomes of a diploid individual is simply the product of the probabilities,i.e., p2. Similarly of aa is q2, of Aa 2pq. Hence, p2 + 2pq + q2 = 1. This is a binomial expansion of (p + q)2.

    When frequency measured, differs from expected values, the difference (direction) indicates the extent of evolutionary change. Disturbance in genetic equilibrium, or Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, i.e., change of frequency of alleles in a population would then be interpreted as resulting in evolution.

    Question 166
    CBSEENBI12002109

    Differentiate between analogous and homologous structures.

    Solution
    Analogous Organs Homologous Organs
    (i) Those organs which are structurally dissimilar but functionally similar are called analogous organs. (i) Those organs, which are structurally similar but functional dissimilar are called homologous organs.
    (ii)They lead to convergent evolution. (ii) They lead to divergent evolution.
    (iii) Eg. Wings of birds and insects. Eg. Forelimbs of terrestrial vertebrates such as frog, lizard, bird, bat, horse, man.
    Question 167
    CBSEENBI12002110

    Select and write analogous structures from the list given below:

    (i) Wings of butterfly and birds

    (ii) Vertebrate hearts

    (ii) Tendrils of bougainvillaea and Cucurbita

    (iv) Tubers of sweet potato and potato

    Solution

    These are the analogous structure from the given list:

    (i) Wings of butterfly and birds.

    (ii) Tubers of sweet potato and potato.

    Question 168
    CBSEENBI12002166

    Analogous structures are a result of

    • convergent evolution

    • shared ancestry

    • stabilising selection

    • divergent evolution

    Solution

    A.

    convergent evolution

    Analogous organs are those which are similar in function but do not have a common ancestor and thus they are a result of convergent evolution. 

    Question 169
    CBSEENBI12002183

    Which of the following structures is homologous to the wing of a bird?

    • Wing of a moth

    • Hind limb of a rabbit

    • Flipper of whale

    • Dorsal fin of a shark

    Solution

    C.

    Flipper of whale

    Wings of bird and flipper of whale are modified forelimbs of the two organisms so have same origin wings help in flying and flippers help in swimming but thus perform the different functions

    Question 171
    CBSEENBI12002209

    The process by which organisms with different evolutionary history evolve similar to a common environmental challenge is called 

    • natural selection

    • convergent evolution

    • non-random evolution

    • adaptive radiation

    Solution

    B.

    convergent evolution

    Convergent evolution occurs in an unrelated group of organisms. It is the development of similar functional structures but in related groups. 
    The process of evolution of different species in a given geographical area starting from a point and literally radiating to other areas of geography is called adaptive radiation. Natural selection is the basis of evolution.

    Question 172
    CBSEENBI12002210

    The tendency of population to remain in genetic equilibrium may be disturbed by

    • random mating

    • lack of migration

    • lack of mutations

    • lack of random mating

    Solution

    D.

    lack of random mating

    According to Hardy-Weirberg principle, allele frequencies in a population are stable and is constant from generation to generation allele frequencies in a population will remain constant over generations only if the following condition are met
    i) There is no mutation no gene flow and all mating is random
    ii) All genotypes reproduce equally well (i.e., no natural selection,)But their conditions rarely met in nature.

    Question 173
    CBSEENBI12002230

    According to Darwin, the organic evolution is due to

    • intraspecific competition

    • interspecific competition

    • competition within closely related species

    • reduced feeding efficiency in one species due to the presence of interfering species

    Solution

    B.

    interspecific competition

    Darwin stated that the organic evolution is due to interspecific competition. it is the competition between members of different species. Intraspecific competition occurs amongst members of the same species for obtaining optimum amounts of their food, shelter, mate, water, light, species etc. Closely species compete cannot cause evolution. Reduced feeding efficiency in one species due to the presence of interfering species is due to strugle for existance.

    Question 174
    CBSEENBI12002241

    Select the wrong statement:

    • the viroids were discovered by D.J. Ivanowski

    • W.M. Stanley showed that viruses could be crystallized

    • The term 'contagium vivum fluidum' was conined by M.W. Beijerinek

    • Mosaic disease in tobacco and AIDS in human being are caused by viruses

    Solution

    A.

    the viroids were discovered by D.J. Ivanowski

    All statements are correct except the statement (a), which can be corrected as Viroids were discovered by TO Diener in 1971 as a new infectious agent that was smaller than virus.

    Question 175
    CBSEENBI12002245

    The wings of a bird and the wings of an insect are:

    • homologous structures and represent divergent evolution

    • analogous structures and represent convergent evolution

    • phylogenetic structures and represent divergent evolution

    • homologous structures and represent convergent evolution

    Solution

    B.

    analogous structures and represent convergent evolution

    The wings of a bird and the wings of an insect are analogous structures and represent convergent evolution. 
     Analogous organs have the same function and are superficially alike only. However their fundamental structures are quite different in morphology, anatomy and embryonic origin. 
    Analogy is an example of convergent evolution. 

    Question 176
    CBSEENBI12002251

    Industrial melanism is an example of

    • Neo Darwinism

    • Natural selection

    • Mutation

    • Neo Lamarckism

    Solution

    B.

    Natural selection

    Within a period of years in industrial or polluted areas, the dark species has almost replaced the light species. This is called industrial melanism because of its association with the sooty atmosphere of industry. It is an example of natural selection.

    Question 177
    CBSEENBI12002291

    Evolution of different species in a given area starting from a point and spreading to other geographical areas is known as

    • Adaptive radiation

    • Natural selection

    • Migration

    • divergent evolution

    Solution

    A.

    Adaptive radiation

    The diversification of an ancestral group into two or more species in different habitats is called divergent evolution. When this involves large number of species to occupy different ritches, this is called adaptive radiation. Adaptive radiation is the process of evolution of different species in a given geographical area starting from a species of animals or plants and literally radiating to other areas of geography (habitats). Darwin's finches represent one of best examples of this phenomenon. Australian marsupials are another example of adaptive radiation. 

    Question 178
    CBSEENBI12002323

    Which is the right option for Convergent and Divergent Evolution

    • Convergent Evolution Divergent Evolution
      Eyes of Octopus and mammals Bones of forelimbs of vertebrates

    • Convergent Evolution Divergent Evolution
      Thorns of Bougainvillia and tendrils of Cucurbita Wings of butterflies and birds

    • Convergent Evolution Divergent Evolution
      Bones of forelimbs of vertebrates Wings of butterfly and birds

    • Convergent Evolution Divergent Evolution
      Thorns of Bougainvillia and tendrils of Cucurbita Eyes of Octopus and mammals

    Solution

    A.

    Convergent Evolution Divergent Evolution
    Eyes of Octopus and mammals Bones of forelimbs of vertebrates


    Convergent evolution involves the independent development of similar structures in organisms that are not directly related. It is represented by analogous organs. e.g., eyes of Octopus and mammals evolution, same basic organ becomes adapted by specialisation to perform different functions. It is represented by homologous organs, e.g., fore limbs of vertebrates (like seal's flipper, bat's wing, cat's paw horse's front leg and human hand), thorns of Bougainvillia and tendrils of Cucurbita.

    Question 179
    CBSEENBI12002326

    What was the most significant trend in the evolution of modern man (Homo sapiens) from his ancestors?

    • Shortening of jaws

    • Binocular vision

    • Increasing cranial capacity

    • Upright posture

    Solution

    C.

    Increasing cranial capacity

    Modern man (Homo sapiens) is most evolved. The most significant trend in the evolution of modern man (Homo sapiens) from his ancestors is the gradual increase in the cranial capacity. Cranial capacity of modern man is an average of 1450 cc.

    Question 180
    CBSEENBI12002348

    The extinct human who lived 1,00,000 to 40,000 years ago, in Europe, Asia and parts of Africa, with short stature, heavy eye brows, retreating for heads, large jaws with heavy teeth, stocky bodies, a lumbering gait and stooped posture was

    • Homo habilis

    • Neanderthal human

    • Cro-magnon humans

    • Ramapithecus

    Solution

    B.

    Neanderthal human

    Neanderthal man with a brain size of 1400cc lived in near East and Central Asia, Europe and North Africa between 100000 to 40000 years back. It had slightly prognathus face sloping forehead eye brow ridges, smaller or no chin, large receding jaws, thick-boned skul and high domed head. They used hides to protect their body and buried their dead. 

    Question 181
    CBSEENBI12002349

    If one strand of DNA has the nitrogenous base sequence as ATCTG, what would be the complentary RNA strand sequence?

    • TTAGU

    • UAGAC

    • AACTG

    • ATCGU

    Solution

    B.

    UAGAC

    If one strand of DNA has the nitrogenous base sequence as ATCTG, the complementary sequence of mRNA will be UAGAC.

    Question 182
    CBSEENBI12002364

    In a population of 1000 individuals 360 belongs to genotype AA, 480 to Aa and the remaining 160 to aa. Based on this data, the frequency of allele A in the population is

    • 0.4

    • 0.5

    • 0.6

    • 0.7

    Solution

    C.

    0.6

    According to Hardy - Weinberg principle 
    (p+q)2 = p2 +2pq + q2 = 1
    Where, p = the frequency of allele 'A'
    q= the frequency of allele 'a'
    p2 = the frequency of individual 'AA'
    q2 = the frequency of individual 'aa'
    2pq = the frequency of individual Aa
    (AA)p2 = 360 out of 1000 individual 
    or
    p2 = 36 out of 100
    q2 = 160 out of 1000 or q2 = 16 out of 100.
    So, q = 0.161/2 = 0.4
    As p+q = 1
    so, p is 0.6

    Question 183
    CBSEENBI12002369

    Forelimbs of cat, lizard used in walking forelimbs of whale used in swimming and forelimbs of bats used in flying are an example of 

    • analogous organs

    • adaptive radiation

    • homologous organs

    • convergent evolution

    Solution

    C.

    homologous organs

    Homologous organs, are those organs which have a common fundamental anatomical plan and similar embryonic origin but perform varied functions. Forelimbs of cat, lizard used in walking, forelimbs of bats used in flying are the example for homologous organs. All are the modified forelimbs, with the same type of bones. They have become different due to the adaptions to the different habitat.

    Question 184
    CBSEENBI12002370

    Which one of the following are analogous structures?

    • Wings of bat and wings of pigeon

    • Gills of prawn and lungs of man

    • Thorns of Bougainvillea and tendrils of Cucurbita

    • Flippers of dolphin and legs of horse

    Solution

    B.

    Gills of prawn and lungs of man

    Analogous organs are the structures of different species having similar or corresponding functions but different structure. They do not belong to the same evolutionary origins.
    Wings of bat are skin folds stretched mainly between elongated fingers but the wing of birds are a feather covering all along the arm. They look similar because they have a common use for flying but their origin is not common.

    Question 185
    CBSEENBI12002438

    Which of the following had the smallest brain capacity?

    • Homo erectus

    • Homo sapiens

    • Homo neanderthalensis

    • Homo habilis

    Solution

    D.

    Homo habilis

    Homo habilis had the smallest brain capacity. Homo habilis also called the 'tool maker' or 'hand man' had a brain capacity of 700 cc.
    Homo erectus had a brain or cranial capacity of 800-1300 cc.
    Homo sapiens or modern man showed a slight reduction in brain/cranial capacity, i.e. 1300-1600 cc will be an average of 1450 cc. 

    Question 186
    CBSEENBI12002439

    A population will not exist in Handy - Weinberg equilibrium if

    • individuals mate selectively

    • there are no mutations

    • there is no migration

    • the population is large

    Solution

    A.

    individuals mate selectively

    Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium exists in population only when following conditions are present.
    No mutation
    No gene flow
    No genetic drift
    No genetic recombination
    No natural selection pressure.
    If the individuals in the population mate selectively, it will had to mutation thus shifting the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

    Question 187
    CBSEENBI12002491

    What was the most significant trend in the evolution of modern man (Homo sapiens) from his ancestors? 

    • shortening of jaws

    • Binocular vision

    • Increasing brain capacity 

    • Upright posture

    Solution

    C.

    Increasing brain capacity 

    The first human- like being was the hominid, called Homo habilis. The brain capacities were between 650 - 800 cc. They probably did not eat meat. Fossils discovered in Java in 1891 revealed the next stage, i.e, Homo erectus. Homo erectus had a large brain and probably ate meat. The Neanderthal man with a brain size of 1400 cc lived in near east and central Asia between 1,00,000-40,000 year back. They used hides to protect their body and buried their dead. Homo sapiens arose in Africa and moved across continents and developed into distinct races. During ice age between 75,000 - 10,000 years back modern HOmo sapiens arose

    Question 188
    CBSEENBI12002561

    Darwin's finches are a good example of 

    • industrial melanism

    • connecting link

    • adaptive radiation

    • convergent evolution

    Solution

    C.

    adaptive radiation

    Darwin's finches are a good example of adaptive radiation. It is an evolutionary process starting from a point in the geographical area, giving rise to new species depending upon habitat. Main Darwin finch was in South America, some flew to Galapagos islands and some variations got selected and gave rise to new species.

    Question 190
    CBSEENBI12002593

    The most apparent change during the evolutionary history of Homo sapiens is traced in

    • loss of body hair

    • walking upright

    • shortening of the jaws

    • the remarkable increase in the brain size

    Solution

    D.

    the remarkable increase in the brain size

    Rounding and enlargement of cranium, ie, gradual increase in the brain size is the most apparent change during the evolutionary history of Homo sapiens

    Question 191
    CBSEENBI12002616

    In the case of peppered moth (Biston betularia), the black-coloured form became dominant over the light-coloured form in England during the industrial revolution. This is an example of

    • natural selection whereby the darker forms were selected

    • the appearance of the darker coloured individuals due to very poor sunlight

    • protective mimicry

    • inheritance of darker environment

    Solution

    A.

    natural selection whereby the darker forms were selected

    The given case in an example of natural selection. As a result of the struggle for existence only those organisms could survive, which have favourable variations to adapt environmental conditions on with so many variations in populations of species the struggle for existence results in survival of the fittest. The survival of the fittest is the result of selection and proliferation of only those organisms, which were most suitably adapted the environment and most successful in mating, ie, natural selection.

    Question 192
    CBSEENBI12002679

    Darwin's finches are an excellent example of 

    • adaptive radiation

    • seasonal migration

    • brood parasitism

    • connecting links

    Solution

    A.

    adaptive radiation

    Adaptive radiation represents the evolution of new forms is several directions from the common anxcestral type. In 1831 Darwin got an opportunity to travel by H M S beagle for a voyage of world exploration. Beagle sailed to the Galapagos Islands, here Darwin found a living laboratory of evolution. The common birds of Galapagos Islands, the finches were markedly different from the finches of the main land. The closely related species of finches has beaks of different shapes and sizes and adapted for feeding on completely different diet showing adaptive radiation.

    The transitional fossil forms, which show the characteristic of two different groups of living animals is called connecting links, eg, Archaeopteryx, Seymouria etc.

    Question 193
    CBSEENBI12002701

    Which one of the following is incorrect about the characteristics of protobionts  (coacervates and microspheres) as envisaged in the abiogenic origin of life? 

    • They were able to reproduce

    • They could separate combinations of molecules from the surroundings

    • They were partially isolated from the surroundings

    • They could maintain an internal environment

    Solution

    D.

    They could maintain an internal environment

    Homoeostasis is keeping the internal environment of the body constant. It is necessary for normal life processes. Microspheres are molecular aggregates of proteinoids. Oparin and Sydney Fox held that large organic molecules synthesized abiotically on primitive earth formed large colloidal aggregates due to the intermolecular attraction. These colloidal particles were called coacervates. Oparin called giant nucleoprotein poid molecules as protobionts. These reproduce either by budding a binary fission but do not exhibit homoeostasis.

    Question 194
    CBSEENBI12002713

    One of the important consequences of geographical isolation is

    • no change in the isolated fauna

    • preventing speciation

    • speciation through reproductive isolation

    • random creation of new species

    Solution

    D.

    random creation of new species

    Speciation is the formation of new species and the development of species diversity occurs when gene flow within the common pool is interrupted by an isolating mechanism. The isolation can occur through geographical separation of population, known as allopatric speciation.

    Question 195
    CBSEENBI12002716

    Among the human ancestors the brain size was more that 1000 CC in

    • Homo neander-thalensis

    • Homo erectus

    • Ramapithecus

    • Homo habilis

    Solution

    A.

    Homo neander-thalensis

    The cranial capacity of Homo neanderthalensis was about 1450 CC, roughly equal to that of Modern Man. 

    Question 196
    CBSEENBI12002718

    The concept of chemical evolution is based on

    • cyrstallization of chemicals

    • interaction of water, air and clay under intense heat

    • effect of solar radiation on chemicals

    • possible origin of life by combination of chemicals under suitable environmental conditions

    Solution

    D.

    possible origin of life by combination of chemicals under suitable environmental conditions

    The concept of chemical evolution is based on possible origin of life by combination of chemicals under suitable environmental conditions.

    Question 197
    CBSEENBI12002721

    Industrial melanism as observed in peppered moth proves that

    • The true black melanic forms arise by a recurring random mutation.

    • The melanic form of the moth has no selective advantage over lighter form in industrial area

    • The lighter-form moth has no selective advantage either in polluted industrial area or non-polluted area

    • Melanism is a pollution-generated feature

    Solution

    A.

    The true black melanic forms arise by a recurring random mutation.

    Industrial melanism is a term used to describe the evolutionary process in which darker individuals come to predominate over lighter individuals since the industrial revolution as a result of natural selection. In 1848 a black form of the moth was recorded in Manchester and by 1895,  98% of the peppered moth population in Manchester was black. This black 'melanic' form arose by a recurring random mutation, but its phenotypic appearance had a strong selective advantage in industrial areas. 

    Question 198
    CBSEENBI12002729

    About 98 percent of the mass of every living organism is composed of just six elements including carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and

    • phosphorus and sulphur

    • sulphur and magnesium

    • magnesium and sodium

    • calcium and phosphorus

    Solution

    A.

    phosphorus and sulphur

    About 98% of the mass of every living organisms including bacterium and human beings is composed of just six elements i.e., Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O), Phosphorus (P) and Sulphur (S).

    Question 199
    CBSEENBI12002741

    The finches of Galapagos islands provide an evidence in favour of

    • special creation

    • evolution due to mutation

    • retrogressive evolution

    • biogeographical evolution

    Solution

    D.

    biogeographical evolution

    Darwin's finches of Galapagos islands had common ancestors lateron whose beaks modified according to their feed habit. These provide evidence of geographical distribution. 

    Question 200
    CBSEENBI12002746

    Which one of the following statement is correct?

    • Stem cells are specialize cells

    • There is no evidence of the existence of gills during embryogensis of mammals

    • All plant and animal cells are totipotent

    • Ontogeny repeats phylogeny

    Solution

    D.

    Ontogeny repeats phylogeny

    Recapitulation theory or Biogenetic law states that ontogeny (development of embryo) is recapitulation of phylogeny (ancestral sequence)

    Question 201
    CBSEENBI12002748

    What is common to whale, seal and shark?

    • Seasonal migration

    • Thick subcutaneous fat

    • Convergent evolution

    • Homeothermy

    Solution

    C.

    Convergent evolution

    Distantly related animals (as whale, seal and shark) inhabiting similar habitats often develop similarly morphological features that make them look similar. This is termed adaptive convergence or convergent evolution.

    Question 202
    CBSEENBI12002750

    Adaptive radiation refers to

    • adaptations due to geographical isolation

    • evolution of different species from a common ancestor

    • migration of members of a species to different geographical areas

    • power of adaptation in an individual to a variety of environments

    Solution

    B.

    evolution of different species from a common ancestor

    Adaptive radiation is the development of different functional structures from a common ancestral form.

    Question 203
    CBSEENBI12002752

    When two species of different genealogy come to resemble each other as a result of adaptation, the phenomenon is termed

    • divergent evolution

    • microevolution

    • co-evolution

    • convergent evolution

    Solution

    D.

    convergent evolution

    In convergent evolution lineages show similar morphology under the influence of similar environmental factors.

    Question 204
    CBSEENBI12002760

    Which one of the following amino acids was not found to be synthesized in Miller's experiment?

    • Glycine

    • Aspartic acid

    • Glutamic acid

    • Alanine

    Solution

    C.

    Glutamic acid

    Miller and Urey were the two scientists who recreated the conditions of primitive earth in laboratory and abiotically synthesized amino acids and bases. They synthesized glycine, aspartic acid and alanine in abundance quantities while glutamic acid is not synthesized in their experiment.

    Question 205
    CBSEENBI12002781

    An important evidence in favour of organic evolution is the occurrence of

    • homologous and vestigial organs

    • analogous and vestigial organs

    • homologous organs only

    • homologous and analogous organs

    Solution

    A.

    homologous and vestigial organs

    An important evidence in favour of organic evolution is the occurrence of homologous and vestigial organs. Homologous organs are those which have the common origin and are built on the same fundamental pattern but they perform different functions and have different appearances e.g., whale's flipper, bat's wings, cat's paw, horse's front leg, bird's wing, ox's front leg and human hand.
    Vestigial organs in animals are those having no function now, in them, but had important functions in their ancestors.
    Analogous organs are quite different in fundamental structure and embryonic origin but perform the same function. The study of analogous organs illustrates the occurrence of convergent evolution.

    Question 206
    CBSEENBI12002785

    Jurassic period of the Mesozoic era is characterised by

    • gymnosperms are dominant plants and first birds appear

    • radiation of reptiles and origin of mammal like reptiles

    • dinosaurs become extinct and angiosperms appear

    • flowering plants and first dinosaurs appear

    Solution

    A.

    gymnosperms are dominant plants and first birds appear

    Jurassic period is the second geological period of Mesozoic era. In this period, the gymnosperms were dominant and the plants included ferns, cycads, Ginkgo, rushes and conifers. Among animals, important invertebrates included ammonites, corals, brachiopods, bivalves and echinoids. Reptiles dominated the vertebrates and the first flying reptiles the pterosaurs appeared.
    The first primitive bird, Archaeopteryx, also made its appearance.

    Question 207
    CBSEENBI12002837

    A woman has an X-linked condition on one of her X chromosomes. This chromosome can be inherited by

    • Only daughters

    • Only sons

    • Both sons and daughters

    • Only grandchildren

    Solution

    C.

    Both sons and daughters

    (i) Woman is a carrier
    (ii) Both son & daughter inherit X–chromosome
    (iii) Although only son be the diseased\

    XcX    x    XY           XcX     XcY     XX     XY

    Question 208
    CBSEENBI12002838

    According to Hugo de Vries, the mechanism of evolution is

    • Multiple step mutations

    • Saltation

    • Minor mutations

    • Phenotypic variations

    Solution

    B.

    Saltation

    As per mutation theory given by Hugo de Vries, the evolution is a discontinuous phenomenon or saltatory phenomenon.

    Question 209
    CBSEENBI12002840

    Among the following sets of examples for divergent evolution, select the incorrect option :

    • Forelimbs of man, bat and cheetah

    • Heart of bat, man and cheetah

    • Eye of octopus, bat and man

    • Brain of bat, man and cheetah

    Solution

    C.

    Eye of octopus, bat and man

    Divergent evolution demonstrates how species can have common (homologous) anatomical structures.Divergent evolution occurs in the same structure, example - forelimbs, heart, brain of vertebrates which have developed along different directions due to adaptation to different needs whereas eye of octopus, bat and man are examples of analogous organs showing convergent evolution.

    Question 210
    CBSEENBI12002843

    The similarity of bone structure in the forelimbs of many vertebrates is an example of

    • Homology

    • Analogy

    • Adaptive radiation

    • Convergent evolution

    Solution

    A.

    Homology

    In different vertebrates, bones of forelimbs are similar but their forelimbs are adapted in a different way as per their adaptation.
    Bird and bat wings are analogous, as forelimb is homologous.

    Question 211
    CBSEENBI12002905

    The appearance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is an example of

    • adaptive radiation

    • transduction

    • Pre-existing variation

    • divergent evolution in the population

    Solution

    C.

    Pre-existing variation

    Post-mitotic gap phase is characterised by all except the synthesis of histone proteins. Histone proteins are synthesised in S-phase. S-phase is called invisible phase of the cell cycle as replicated chromosomes are not visible at this stage.

    Question 212
    CBSEENBI12002907

    Which one of the following graphs correctly describes disruptive selection? When studying fitness level associated with body size?

    Solution

    D.

    Disruptive selection occurs when an environmental change may produce selection pressure that favours two extreme characteristics. Selection acts on the phenotype, physical biochemical and behavioural traits oft he an organism. It indirectly adapts of population to its environment by selecting and maintaining favourable genotypes in their given pool

    Question 213
    CBSEENBI12002940

    Ancestor of man who first stood erect was

    • Australopithecus

    • Cro-magnon

    • Java-ape man

    • Peaking man

    Solution

    A.

    Australopithecus

    Australopithecus is considered as connecting link between ape and man. They were the ancestors of the man who first stood erect. Their cranial capacity was 300-500 cc.

    Question 214
    CBSEENBI12002954

    Origin of life occurred in

    • Precambrian

    • Coenozoic

    • Palaeozoic

    • Mesozoic

    Solution

    D.

    Mesozoic

    The first living form is named as protocell or eobiont or protobiont, which evolved into the prokaryotic cell. These were originated about 3900-3500 million years ago, during the Precambrian era.

    Question 215
    CBSEENBI12002973

    The most recent and direct pre-historic ancestor is

    • Cro-magnon

    • Neanderthal

    • Pre-neaderthal

    • None of these

    Solution

    A.

    Cro-magnon

    The Cro-magnon man (Home sapiens fossils) is the most recent and direct prehistoric ancestor of the present man. It arose about 3,40,000 years ago.

    Question 216
    CBSEENBI12002976

    Darwins finches represent

    • Morphological variations

    • Geographical isolations

    • Climate variations

    • Reproductive isolation

    Solution

    B.

    Geographical isolations

    There are thirteen types of finches described by Darwin, they are geographically isolated and found in Galapagos islands of South Pacific.

    Question 217
    CBSEENBI12002977

    Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is known to be affected by gene flow, genetic drift, mutation, genetic recombination and

    • Evolution

    • Limiting factors

    • Saltation

    • Natural selection

    Solution

    D.

    Natural selection

    Hardy-Weinberg law states that the genes and the genotypic frequencies in the Mendelian populations remain constant generations after generations of there is no selection, mutation, migration or random drift.

    Question 218
    CBSEENBI12002978

    Which one of the following in birds indicates their reptilian ancestry?

    • Scales on their hindlimbs

    • Four-chambered heart

    • Two special chambers crop and gizzards in their digestive tract 

    • Egg with a calcareous shell

    Solution

    D.

    Egg with a calcareous shell

    The birds have evolved from reptiles. Both birds and reptiles lay eggs which are large and telo lecithal with thick hard calcareous shell le.cleiodic eggs.

    Question 219
    CBSEENBI12002979

    Darwinism explains all the following except

    • Within each species, there are variations

    • Organisms tend to produce more number of offspring that can survive

    • Offspring with better traits that overcome competition are best suited for the environment

    • Variations are inherited from parents to offspring through genes

    Solution

    D.

    Variations are inherited from parents to offspring through genes

    Variation is one of the main postulates of Darwinism. Darwin recognised two types of variations-continuous and dis-continuous variation but he could not explain the inheritance of variations.

    Question 220
    CBSEENBI12002984

    Theory of pangenesis was given by

    • Darwin

    • Lamarck

    • Hugo de Vries

    • Oparin

    Solution

    A.

    Darwin

    Darwin proposed the theory of pangenesis to explain the inheritance of characteristics from parents to offsprings. According to this theory, every somatic cell produces gemmules and the actual germ cells are the sites of a collection of gemmules coming from different somatic
    cells.

    Question 221
    CBSEENBI12003012

    The best description on natural selection is

    • The reproductive success of the members of a population best adapted to an environment

    • It acts when the resources are unlimited

    • A change in the proportion of variations within a population

    • It follows Hardy-Weinberg principle

    Solution

    A.

    The reproductive success of the members of a population best adapted to an environment

    Natural selection is show by the reproductive success of the members of a population best adapted to the environment. The organisms which adapt useful variation successfully survive in changing the environment and reproduce.

    Question 222
    CBSEENBI12003017

    Golden ages of reptiles and fishes are respectively

    • Mesozoic and Devonian

    • Jurassic and Permian

    • Triassic and Silurian

    • Palaeozoic and Mesozoic

    Solution

    A.

    Mesozoic and Devonian

    Mesozoic period was golden age for reptiles. In this period reptiles were dominant species, like dinosaurs. Devonian period was golden age for fishes due to their abundance and diversity.

    Question 223
    CBSEENBI12003028

    Which one of the following human ancestors is known as tool maker?

    • Homo erectus

    • Java man

    • Homo habilis

    • Heidelberg man

    Solution

    C.

    Homo habilis

    Homo habilis was also known as toolmaker because it was the first human who made weapons and tools from rocks.

    Question 224
    CBSEENBI12003035

    The term ‘prebiotic’ soup’ for organic water containing mixture of simple organic compounds was given by

    • Richter

    • Haldane

    • Arrhenius

    • Miller

    Solution

    B.

    Haldane

    The term 'prebiotic soup' is used by Haldane for organic water containing a mixture of simple organic compounds during the early stage of origin of life.

    Question 225
    CBSEENBI12003043

    Which of the following is the most primitive ancestor of man?

    • Ramapithecus

    • Homo habilis

    • Australopithecus

    •  Homo sapiens neanderthalensis

    Solution

    A.

    Ramapithecus

    Ramapithecus was the most primitive hominid. It is fossils were obtained from Asia and Africa. Its features suggested that they were the beginning of the linkages leading to human.

    Question 226
    CBSEENBI12003052

    During which geological period of evolution did the greatest diversification of life occurred on the earth?

    • Permian

    • Jurassic

    • Cambrian

    • Ordovician

    Solution

    C.

    Cambrian

    The Cambrian explosion in the Cambrian period marks the occurrence of greatest diversification on the earth. 

    Most major phyla appeared (indicated by fossil study) divergence of modern Metazoan phyla occurred and major diversification of other organisms.

    Before this period, most organisms were simple however, this changed after Cambrian period, the diversification rate accelerated and the diversity of life began to resemble that of today.

    Question 227
    CBSEENBI12003056

    About how long ago was the earth formed

    • 3 billion years ago

    • 10 billion years ago

    • 4.6 billion years ago

    • 20 billion years ago

    Solution

    C.

    4.6 billion years ago

    On the basis of geological, chemical and physical data, the scientist has come to the conclusion that the solar system came into being about 4.57 billion years ago.

    Question 228
    CBSEENBI12003075

    Total number of bones in the hindlimb of a man is

    • 14

    • 21

    • 24

    • 30

    Solution

    D.

    30

    1 femur + 1 fibula + 1 tibia + 1 patella+ 7 tarsals > + 5 metatarsals + 14 phalanges make one hindlimb of man.

    Question 229
    CBSEENBI12003077

    The diversity in the type of beaks of finches adapted to different feeding habits on the Galapagos islands, as observed by Darwin, provides evidence for

    • Origin of species by natural selection

    • Intraspecific Variations

    • Intraspecific competition

    • Interspecific competition

    Solution

    A.

    Origin of species by natural selection

    Bird of Galapagos islands (Darwin's Finches) is believed to have evolved from ancestors on the South American mainland as a result of natural selection due to the different feeding niches available to them.

    Question 230
    CBSEENBI12003087

    Age of fishes is also known as

    • Permian Era

    • Silurian Era

    • Devonian Era

    • Ordovician Era

    Solution

    C.

    Devonian Era

    The Devonian Perioid is known as 'the age of fishes'. It is famous for the thousands of species of fish that developed in Devonian sea. The Devonian Period of Palacozonic Era lasted from 417 million years ago to 354 million years ago.

    Question 231
    CBSEENBI12003104

    Human ancestors who left cave paintings were

    • Neanderthal man

    • Cro- magnon man

    • Java ape man

    • Peking man

    Solution

    B.

    Cro- magnon man

    Human ancestor Characteristic feature
    Neanderthal man Believe in 'Immortality of soul', Make tools of bones, stones, quartz.
    Cro- magnon mam Cave painting, highest cranial capacity
    Java ape man Make use of fire
    Peking man Use nonsyllabic and non-articulate language.
    Question 232
    CBSEENBI12003106

    Pneumatic bones are expected to be found in

    • house lizard

    • flying fish

    • pigeon

    • tadpole of frog

    Solution

    C.

    pigeon

    Bones of Aves (eg, pigeon) are pneumatic. Pneumatic bones contain air cavities to reduce weight, which help in aerial mode of life.

    Question 233
    CBSEENBI12003111

    Which of the following is not a vestigial structure in Homo sapiens ?

    • Third molar

    • Epiglottis

    • Plica semilunaris

    • Pyrimidalis muscle

    Solution

    B.

    Epiglottis

    Vestigial organs are degenerate, non- functional and rudimentary organs correspond to fully developed and functional organs of related organism. Wisdom teeth (third molar) , Plica semilunaris and Pyrimidalis muscles are vestigial organs.

    Epiglottis is not a vestigial organ in man. It is the structure that prevents the entry of food into respiratory tract during swallowing in man.

    Question 234
    CBSEENBI12003118

    The presence of diversity at the junction of territories to two different habitats is known as

    • bottleneck effect

    • edge effect

    • junction effect

    • Pasteur effect

    Solution

    B.

    edge effect

    Edge effect are changes in population or community structures that occur at the boundary of two or more habitats.

    Bottleneck effect can be defined as the yearly or seasonal phenomenon in which size of a population is reduced severely. 

    Pasteur effect is defined as the reduction in the amount of breakdown of respiratory substrate and evolution of carbon dioxide when an anaerobically respiring material is brought in oxygen containing environment.

    Question 235
    CBSEENBI12003126

    Which of the following provides most evident proof of evolution?

    • Fossils

    • Morphology

    • Embryo

    • Vestigial organs

    Solution

    A.

    Fossils

    Fossils provide the direct evidences of organic evolution. It may be entire organisms buried in sediment or snow or a small part or impressions of ancient organisms on leaf or stem.

    Morphology is the study of form and structure in organisms. Study of homologous and analogous organs provide evidence of evolution.

    Embryology provides evidence of organic evolution which is based on basic laws of principles of embryonic development.

    Vestigial organs are degenerate, non- functional and rudimentary organs. These provide evidences for organic evolution.

    Question 236
    CBSEENBI12003131

    Which of the following is not vestigial in man?

    • Tail vertebrae

    • Nails

    • Nicitating membrane

    • Vermiform appendix

    Solution

    B.

    Nails

    Vestigial organs can be defined as the imperfectly developed, non- functional organs which when compared to ancestral forms were fully developed and functional.

    Eg, nicitating membrane, tail vertebrae, vermiform appendix.

    Question 237
    CBSEENBI12003157

    Pneumatic bones are expected to be found in

    • house lizard

    • flying fish

    • pigeon

    • tadpole of frog

    Solution

    C.

    pigeon

    Bones of Aves (eg, pigeon) are pneumatic. Pneumatic bones contain air cavities to reduce weight. These help in aerial mode of life.

    Question 238
    CBSEENBI12003159

    Presence of tail in a child is an example of

    • atavism

    • divergent evolution

    • convergent evolution

    • mutation

    Solution

    A.

    atavism

    Atavism is the phenomenon of appearance of ancestral character (not parental) in young ones after many generations, eg, presence of tail in a child.

    Question 239
    CBSEENBI12003162

    Mesozoic era is Golden period of

    • reptiles

    • Mollusca

    • fishes

    • amphibians

    Solution

    A.

    reptiles

    The Mesozoic era is known as 'Golden age of reptiles'.

    Question 240
    CBSEENBI12003187

    Organs which differ in origin but perform similar functions

    • analogous

    • homologous

    • vestigial

    • all of these

    Solution

    A.

    analogous

    The oragns which have similar function but are different in their structure and origin are called analogous organs. The organs which have same fundamental structure and origin but function may be similar or different, are called homologous organs. The organs which are present in reduced form and do not correspond to the fully developed functional organs to related animals are called vestigial organs

    Question 241
    CBSEENBI12003190

    Which one of the following phenomena supports Darwin's concept of natural selection in organic evolution?

    • Development of transgenic animals

    • Production of 'Dolly' the sheep by cloning

    • Prevalence of pesticide resistant insects

    • Development of organs from 'stem cells' for
      organ transplantation

    Solution

    C.

    Prevalence of pesticide resistant insects

    According to Darwin's concept of natural selection, the organisms which are provided with favourable variations would survive because, they are the fittest to face their surrounding while the organisms, which are unfit for surrounding variations are destroyed. Prevalence of pesticide resistant insects is due to adaptability of these insects for the changes in environment (due to use of pesticides).

    Question 242
    CBSEENBI12003192

    Which one of the following experiments suggests that simplest living organisms could not have originated spontaneously from non-living matter?

    • Microbes did not appear in stored meat

    • Larvae could appear in decaying organic matter

    • Microbes appeared from unsterilized organic matter

    • Meat was not spoiled, when heated and kept sealed in a vessel

    Solution

    D.

    Meat was not spoiled, when heated and kept sealed in a vessel

    Pasteur performed experiments in which he took sterilized (by boiling) yeast and sugar solution in a long necked, then he bent the neck of the flask like a neck of swan. After one month he observed that no life appeared in flask solution because the curved flask neck acts as a filter. He later on broken down the neck and observed the solution. He found that many micro-organisms were originated in solution.

    Question 243
    CBSEENBI12003193

    Example of analogous organs is :

    •  wings of bird and insect

    • forelimbs of horse and man

    • teeth of elephant and man

    • none of the above

    Solution

    A.

     wings of bird and insect

    Wings of bird and insects are analogous organs

    Question 244
    CBSEENBI12003194

    During starvation what will be sequence of ending of food stuffs ?

    • Carbohydrates - Fat- Protein

    • Carbohydrate - Protein - Fat

    • Fat - Protein - Carbohydrate

    • Fat - Carbohydrate- Protein

    Solution

    A.

    Carbohydrates - Fat- Protein

    During starvation cells use glucose present in blood. After depletion of glucose from blood, glycogen are released from liver(stored glycogen are enough to carry out the normal daily activity of a day) and broken down into glucose to be used as ATP source. After glycogen consumption, the body switches to fat as energy source. In extreme conditions when body runs out from stored glucose/glycogen and fats to uses protein as energy source.

    Question 245
    CBSEENBI12003201

    Which of the following as a living fossil 

    •  Pinus 

    • Gnetum

    • Ginkgo 

    • Riccia

    Solution

    C.

    Ginkgo 

    Linkgo, a member of order linkgoales, is called living fossil because all the others except Ginko biloba are now extinct.

    Question 246
    CBSEENBI12003232

    Which one is not correct?

    • Human - Ureotelic

    • Birds - Uricotelic

    • Lizards - Uricotelic

    • Whale - Ammonotelic

    Solution

    D.

    Whale - Ammonotelic

    The animals that excrete nitrogen in the form of urea are called ureotelic. Ureotelic animals include man and all other mammals and aquatic mammals like whales. So, whale is ureotelic and not ammonotelic.

    Question 247
    CBSEENBI12003248

    Which one of the following is vestigeal organ of human

    • Hair

    • Intestine

    • Wisdom teeth

    • Muscle of glottis

    Solution

    C.

    Wisdom teeth

    Vestigeal organs are present in reduced form and are of no use to the animal in which they are present. Man has 180 vestigeal organs. e.g., nictitating membrane, vermiform appendix, wisdom tooth, muscle of pinna and forhead, mammary glands in male etc.

    Question 248
    CBSEENBI12003256

    Stanley Miller performed an experiment to prove the origin of life. They took gases NH3 and H2 along with

    • Nand H2O

    • H2O and CH4

    • CH4 and N2

    • CO2 and NH3

    Solution

    B.

    H2O and CH4

    Stanley Miller using CH2 :NH3 :Hgases in the ratio of 2 : 2 : 1 and water vapours synthesised many simple organic compounds including amino acids, glycine, alanine and aspartic acid. According to him, life originated from NH3, CH2, H2 and H20.

    Question 249
    CBSEENBI12003281

    The first animal domesticated by primitive man was

    • dog

    • horse

    • cat

    • cow

    Solution

    A.

    dog

    Dog was the first animal to be domesticated by man.

    Question 251
    CBSEENBI12003289

    The correct sequence for the formation of chemicals on the primitive earth is

    • NH3, protein, carbohydrate and nucleic acid

    • NH3, water, nucleic acids and proteins

    • NH3, nucleic acids, protein and carbohydrate

    • protein, carbohydrate, water and nucleic acids

    Solution

    B.

    NH3, water, nucleic acids and proteins

    As the earth cooled, free atoms in the atmosphere formed inorganic molecules (including H2O and NH3) which interacted to form sugars and then proteins and nucleic acids.

    Question 252
    CBSEENBI12003297

    Which of the following evidences does not favour the Lamarckian concept of inheritance of acquired characters

    • Absence of limbs in snakes

    • Melanisation in peppered moth

    • Presence of webbed toes in aquatic birds

    • Lack of pigment in cave-dwelling animals

    Solution

    B.

    Melanisation in peppered moth

    Industrial melanism is an adaptation where the moths living in the industrial areas developed melanin pigments to match their body to the soot-covered surroundings. The phenomenon provides an excellent example of operation ofselection in natural conditions. Industrial melanism, therefore, presents an excellent example ofnatural selection (proposed by Darwin), but it is not the example of acquired characters proposed by Lamarck.
    In caves, due to absence of light, the body of the animal lacks pigmentation, e.g., Proteus anguinus. In pythons and related snakes rudimentary pelvic girdle and traces of hindlimb are present. They form small clawed projections externally, but internally there are vestiges of an ilium, femur, tibia and a claw. In aquatic birds and flying frog, the feet are webbed which sustain it in the prolonged leaps to which it is adapted

    Question 253
    CBSEENBI12003299

    Keystone species deserve protection because these

    • are capable of surviving in harsh environmental conditions

    • indicate presence of certain minerals in the soil

    • have become rare due to overexploitation

    • play an important role in supporting other species.

    Solution

    D.

    play an important role in supporting other species.

    Keystone species are species which have significant and disproportionately large influence on the community. Removal or decrease in their number causes disruption in structure and function of community. For example in intertidal regions starfish feeds on mussels. Removal of starfish leads to dominance of mussels that excludes algae and browsing species. In tropical rain forests, fig trees function as keystone species as they provide fruits to a number of animals during the period of food scarcity.

    Question 254
    CBSEENBI12003315

    Assertion: Chimpanzee is the closest relative of the present day humans.

    Reason: The banding pattern in some autosomes of man and chimpanzee is remarkably similar.

    • If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.

    • If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.

    • If assertion is true but reason is false.

    • If both assertion and reason are false.

    Solution

    A.

    If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.

    I has been observed that the banding pattern of some human chromosomes is very similar to the banding pattern of the corresponding chromosomes in apes. It shows common origin of man and chimpanzee and their close relatedness.

    Question 255
    CBSEENBI12003318

    Assertion: Analogous organs are a result of divergent evolution.

    Reason: Eye of octopus and of mammals depict divergent evolution.

    • If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.

    • If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.

    • If assertion is true but reason is false.

    • If both assertion and reason are false.

    Solution

    D.

    If both assertion and reason are false.

    The organs which have similar functions but are different in their structural details and origin are called analogous organs. The analogous structures are the result of convergent evolution. Eyes of octopus and of mammals show different patterns of structure. Yet they perform similar functions, so they depict convergent evolution.

    Question 256
    CBSEENBI12003323

    The correct sequence ofstages in the evolution of modern man (Homo sapiens), is

    • Homo erectus, Australopithecus, neanderthal man, cro-magnon man, modern man

    • Australopithecus, Homo erectus, neanderthal man, cro-magnon man, modern man

    • Neanderthal man, Australopithecus, cromagnon man, Homo erectus, modern man

    • Australopithecus, Neanderthal man, cromagnon man, Homo erectus, modern man

    Solution

    B.

    Australopithecus, Homo erectus, neanderthal man, cro-magnon man, modern man

    Australopithecus evolved around 4 million years ago in Eastern Africa.

    Homo erectus evolved around 1.8 million years ago and lived throughout Pleistocene geological epoch.

    Neanderthal man lived around 40,000 years ago. These are an extinct species of archaic humans in the genus Homo.

    Cro- magnon man were found in the year 1868.

    Modern man or Homo sapiens are found from the last 200,000 years.

    Question 257
    CBSEENBI12003347

    Which one ofthe following is reptilian ancestor of birds

    • Hesperornis

    • Archaeopteryx

    • Ichthyornis

    • Lycaenops

    Solution

    B.

    Archaeopteryx

    D.

    Lycaenops

    The first fossil birds found in the rocks of Jurassic period belonged to genera Archaeopteryx and Archaeornis. These are considered as reptilian ancestors of birds. It was about the size of a crow and possessed feathers and wings but had a long reptilian tail very much unlike the modern birds and a toothed beak. Fossils ofHesperornis, an aquatic diving bird, and Ichthyornis, a powerful flying bird, have been found from Cretaceous.

    Question 258
    CBSEENBI12003355

    Assertion: Darwin's finches are a classical example of natural selection.

    Reason: Darwin explained that the difference in size and shape of the beaks of the species was a result ofthe adaptation ofthe species to different food habits.

    • If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion. 

    • If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion. 

    • If assertion is true but reason is false. 

    • If both assertion and reason are false.

    Solution

    A.

    If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion. 

    Darwin's finches represent an excellent example of adaptive radiation. Darwin's finches showed wide variations in beak shape and size from island to island. Darwin deduced that these variations made the finches better adapted to take advantage of the food in their particular local environment - thin, sharp beaks prevailing where the birds' main food was insects and grubs, and large claw shaped beaks where their diet was buds, fruits and nuts.

    Question 260
    CBSEENBI12003391

    Select the correct sequence for Homo erectus

    • Erectus  homo  primata  chordata  animalia

    • Homo  erectus  primata  animalia  chordata

    • Homo  erectus  primata  chordata → animalia

    • Erectus homo animalia primatachordata

    Solution

    A.

    Erectus  homo  primata  chordata  animalia

    Taxonomical hierarchy shows arrangement in ascending order.

    Species  Genus  Family  Order  Division  Kingdom

    Question 261
    CBSEENBI12003408

    Assertion: Interspecific competition is the only potent force in organic evolution.

    Reason: Unexceptionally two closely related species competing for the same resources cannot co-exist indefinitely

    • If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.

    • If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.

    • If assertion is true but reason is false.

    • If both assertion and reason are false.

    Solution

    D.

    If both assertion and reason are false.

    Darwin was convinced that interspecific competition is a potent force in organic evolution. It is generally believed that competition occurs when closely related species compete for the same resources that are limiting, but it is not entirely true. Totally unrelated species could also compete for the same resource. Gause's 'Competitive Exclusion Principle' states that two closely related species competing for the same resources cannot co-exist indefinitely and the competitively inferior one will be eliminated eventually. This may be true if resources are limiting, but not otherwise.

    Question 262
    CBSEENBI12046870

    Delicate hair-like feathers which remain sparsely distributed over the body are

    • coverts

    • filoplumes

    • plumules

    • remiges

    Solution

    B.

    filoplumes

    Filoplumes are hair- like feathers with a few soft barbs near the tip. They are associated with contour feathers and may be sensory or decorative in function.

    Coverts is a feather covering the base of a main flight or tail feather of a bird.

    Plumules is a bird's down feather, numbers of which form an insulating layer under the contour feathers.

    Remiges are long, stiff, aymmetrically shaped but symmetrically paired feathers on the wings or tails of a bird.

    Question 263
    CBSEENBI12046871

    Homo erectus evolved during

    • pleistocene

    • miocene

    • pliocene

    • holocene

    Solution

    A.

    pleistocene

    Homo erectus appeared about 1.7 million years ago in middle pleistocene. H. erectus evolved from Homo habilis. He was about 1.5 - 1.8 metres tall. 

    Question 264
    CBSEENBI12046872

    Which of the following postulates is related with Neo-Darwinism?

    • Mutations are believed to help form new species

    • It incorporates isolation as an essential component of evolution.

    • It can explain the occurrence of unchanged forms over millions of years.

    • All of the above

    Solution

    D.

    All of the above

    Neo- Darwinian theory is also referred as Modern Synthetic theory of Evolution. It is a fusion of Mendelian genetics with Darwinian evolution.

    Question 265
    CBSEENBI12046884

    By all of the following ways bacteria become resistant to antibiotic except

    • making enzymes that inactivate the drug

    • becoming impermeable to the drug

    • modifying the target of the drug

    • moving away from the drug

    Solution

    D.

    moving away from the drug

    Bacteria become resistant to antibiotic by either producing enzymes or forming impermeable capsule and modifying the target of the drug.

    Question 266
    CBSEENBI12046889

    Two opposite forces operate in the growth and development of every population. One of them is related to the ability to reproduce at a given rate. The force opposite to it is called

    • fecundity

    • environmental resistances

    • biotic control

    • mortality.

    Solution

    B.

    environmental resistances

    The environmental factors which can check the growth of population size constitute the environmental resistance. These include predators, food, water, nesting sites, similar competitors, etc. All living things tend to reproduce until the point at which their environment becomes a limiting factor. No population, human or otherwise, can grow indefinitely; eventually, some biotic or abiotic variable will begin to limit population growth.

    Question 267
    CBSEENBI12046891

    What is a keystone species

    • A species which makes up only a small proportion of the total biomass of a community, yet has a huge impact on the community's organization and survival.

    • A common species that has plenty of biomass, yet has a fairly low impact on the community's organization.

    • A rare species that has minimal impact on the biomass and on other species in the community.

    • A dominant a large proportion of the biomass and which affects many other species.

    Solution

    A.

    A species which makes up only a small proportion of the total biomass of a community, yet has a huge impact on the community's organization and survival.

    Keystone species are those species which has significant and disproportionately large influence on the community structure and characteristics. It has often considerably low abundance and biomass as compared to dominant species. Removal of such species causes serious disruption in structure and function of community.

    Question 268
    CBSEENBI12046905

    Assertion : Bursa fabricii lies on the ventral side of the cloaca in birds.

    Reason : Bursa fabricii is related with flight adaptation.

    • If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion

    • If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion

    • If assertion is true but reason is false

    • If both assertion and reason are false

    Solution

    D.

    If both assertion and reason are false

    In birds, the bursa of Fabricius is the site of Hematopoisis, a specialized organ that is necessary for B cell development in birds. Bursa is a small, glandular, blind pouch of lymphatic tissue present on the dorsal side of the cloaca. It is lined with endoderm, and opens into the proctodaeum.

    In a young bird, bursa fabricii forms lymphocytes, and probably it produces antibodies and protects against local infection, but it atrophies in the adult before sexual maturity. It is also called cloacal thymus, because like thymus, it secretes lymphocytes. Thus, it is not related with flight adaptation, rather it helps in immunity.

    Question 269
    CBSEENBI12046912

    Assertion : The primitive atmosphere was reducing one i.e. without oxygen.

    Reason : In the primitive atmosphere, oxygen was involved in forming ozone layer.

    • If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion

    • If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion

    • If assertion is true but reason is false

    • If both assertion and reason are false

    Solution

    C.

    If assertion is true but reason is false

    The lightest atoms of nitrogen, carbon etc. formed the primitive atmosphere. Hydrogen atoms were most numerous and most reactive in primitive atmosphere. Hydrogen atoms combined with all oxygen atoms to form water leaving no free oxygen. Thus primitive atmosphere was reducing atmosphere (without free oxygen) unlike the present oxidising atmosphere (with free oxygen). Formation of ozone layer is the consequence of modern oxidizing atmosphere having plenty of free oxygen. As more oxygen accumulated in the atmosphere (due to photosynthesis) ozone began to appear in the top layers.

    Question 270
    CBSEENBI12046913

    Assertion : Jave Apeman, Peking man and Heidelberg man are the fossils of Homo erectus.

    Reason : Homo erectus evolved from Homo habilis.

    • If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion

    • If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion

    • If assertion is true but reason is false

    • If both assertion and reason are false

    Solution

    B.

    If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion

    The fossil of Java Apeman was discovered from pleistocene rocks in central Java. The fossil of Peking man was discovered from the lime stone caves of Choukoutien near Peking while that of Heidelberg man was discovered in mid pleistocene. All these three fossils come under the category of Homo erectus. Homo erectus appeared about 1.7 million years ago in middle pleistocene. It evolved from Homo habilis. Genral characteritics are as followed:

    (i) Height 1.5-1.8 metres tall.

    (ii) Erect posture.

    (iii) Skull was flatter than that of modern man.

    (iv) Protruding jaws, projecting brow ridges, small canines and large molar teeth.

    (v) Made tools of stones and bones.

    (vi) Hunted big game

    (vii) Knew use of fire.

    Question 271
    CBSEENBI12046918

    Nicotiana sylvestris flowers only during long days and N.tabacum flowers only during short days. If raised in the laboratory under different photoperiods, they can be induced to flower at the same time and can be cross-fertilized to produce self-fertile offspring. What is the best reason for considering N.sylvestris and N.tabacum to be separate species

    • They cannot interbreed in nature.

    • They are reproductively distinct.

    • They are physiologically distinct.

    • They are morphologically distinct.

    Solution

    D.

    They are morphologically distinct.

    Speciation can take place in two general ways. A single species may change over time into a new form that is different enough to be considered a new species. This process is known as anagenesis. More commonly, a species may become split into two groups that no longer share the same gene pool. This process is known as cladogenesis. There are several ways in which anagenesis and cladogenesis may take place. In all cases, reproductive isolation occurs.

    Question 272
    CBSEENBI12046930

    'Homo sapiens' implies

    • human race

    • human beings

    • modern man

    • none of these

    Solution

    B.

    human beings

    Humans, or human beings are bipedal primates belonging to the mammalian species Homo sapiens in the family Hominidae (the great apes). It includes both archaric and modern humans, as well as the subspecies Homo sapeins neanderthalensis, also known as the Neanderthals. They first started appearing about 500,000 or fewer years ago. It is one of the several species grouped into the genus Homo, but it is the only one that is not extinct.

    Question 273
    CBSEENBI12046932

    Wings of pigeon, mosquito and bat show

    • divergent evolution

    • atavism

    • convergent evolution

    • all of these

    Solution

    C.

    convergent evolution

    Wings of pigeon, mosquito and bat show convergent evolution. It is the evolutionary process whereby organisms not closely related, independently evolve similar traits to adapt to their environment.

    Atavism is the regaining of same structures after a certain gap of few generations.

    Divergent evolution is the process where member of a species become more different resulting into new species. Eg, humans bats and whales (pentadactyl limbs).

    Question 274
    CBSEENBI12046944

    Assertion : The earliest fossil form in the phylogeny of horse is eohippus.

    Reason : Eohippus lived during the early pliocene epoch.

    • If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion

    • If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion

    • If assertion is true but reason is false

    • If both assertion and reason are false

    Solution

    C.

    If assertion is true but reason is false

    The evolution of Horses include- small, terriero sized  Hydracotherium eohippus to the large modern horse, Equus eohippus, found in Eocene period.

    Eohippus was the earliest known horse. It is also known as Hyracotherium. It was only 2 feet long and 8 to 9 inches high at the shoulder. It had 4 hoofed toes on front feet and 3 hoofed ant on each hind foot. It had long skull with 44 long crowned teeth. 

    This horse was a herbivore that mainly ate soft leaves and plant shoots. It lived early during Eocene Epoch ie, 50 million years ago.

    Question 275
    CBSEENBI12046995

    Assertion: The earliest organisms that appeared on the Earth were non-green and presumably anaerobes.

    Reason: The first autotrophic organisms were the chemoautotrophs that never released oxygen.

    • If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion

    • If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion

    • If assertion is true but reason is false

    • If both assertion and reason are false.

    Solution

    B.

    If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion

    The first living organisms originated among organic molecules and in oxygen free atmosphere. They presumably obtained energy by fermentation of some of these organic molecules. They were non-green and anaerobes (capable of respiring in absence of oxygen). They depended on the existing organic molecules for their nutrition, hence they were heterotrophs.

    Then came autotrophs when the supply of existing organic molecules were exhausted. These organisms were capable of producing their own organic molecules by chemosynthesis. They synthesized food from inorganic molecules. Photoautotrophs were also anaerobic at first but later on oxygen releasing photosynthetic organism developed

    Question 276
    CBSEENBI12047018

    If the Bengal Tiger becomes extinct

    • hyenas and wolves will become scars

    • the wild areas will be safe for man and domestic animals

    • its gene pool will be lost forever

    • the populations of beautiful animals like deers will get stabilized.

    Solution

    C.

    its gene pool will be lost forever

    A large gene pool indicates extensive genetic diversity, which is associated with robust populations that can survive bouts of intense selection. Meanwhile, low genetic diversity (see inbreeding and population bottlenecks) can cause reduced biological fitness and an increased chance of extinction, although as explained by genetic drift new genetic variants, that may cause an increase in the fitness of organisms, are more likely to fix in the population if it is rather small.

    Question 277
    CBSEENBI12047031

    DNA is present in

    • chromosomes and dictyosomes

    • chloroplasts and lysosomes

    • mitochondria and chloroplasts

    • mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum.

    Solution

    C.

    mitochondria and chloroplasts

    Mitochondria and chloroplasts have striking similarities to bacteria cells. They have their own DNA, which is separate from the DNA found in the nucleus of the cell. And both organelles use their DNA to produce many proteins and enzymes required for their function.

    Question 278
    CBSEENBI12047032

    Potato and sweet potato

    • have edible parts which are homologous organs

    • have edible parts which are analogous organs

    • have been introduced in India from the same place

    • are two species of the same genus.

    Solution

    B.

    have edible parts which are analogous organs

    Analogous organs are the opposite of homologous organs, which have similar functions but different origins. An example of an analogous trait would be the wings of insects, bats and birds that evolved independently in each lineage separately after diverging from an ancestor without wings.

    Potato and sweet potato arc absolutely different in their origin as potato is modified underground stem (tuber), while sweet potato is tuberous root. It means both have edible parts, which are different organs.

    Question 279
    CBSEENBI12047040

    Assertion : Human ancestors never used their tails and so the tail expressing gene has disappeared in them.

    Reason : Lamarck's theory of evolution is popularly called theory continuity of germ plasm.

    • If both Assertion and Reason are true and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion

    • If both Assertion and Reason are true but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion

    • If Assertion is true but Reason is false

    • If both Assertion and Reason are false

    Solution

    D.

    If both Assertion and Reason are false

    Humans did not shared ancestry with other primates. If they would have then, there should be some common ancestry should be seen. 

    For example, tails: this characteristic is still exhibited occssionally in atavism.

    According to current evolutionary theory, the ancestors of humans lost their tails about 25 million years ago, when apes (tail-less primates) diverged from monkeys (tailed primates). Theory of the continuity of the germplasm was given by Weismann. He recognized that animals are made up of- body cells or somaplasm, which contain gamete-producing cells or germplasm. At each generation, the embryo that develops from the zygote not only sets aside some germplasm for the next generation but also produces the cells that will develop into the body, the soma, of the organism.

    Question 280
    CBSEENBI12047042

    Assertion : Comparative biochemistry provides a strong evidence in favour of common ancestry of living beings.

    Reason : Genetic code is universal

    • If both Assertion and Reason are true and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion

    • If both Assertion and Reason are true but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion

    • If Assertion is true but Reason is false

    • If both Assertion and Reason are false

    Solution

    B.

    If both Assertion and Reason are true but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion

    Convincing evidence of common ancestry comes from the similarities in the biochemical composition, reactions and physiological activities of living beings, like metabolic process, enzymes. cytochrome C, insulin, haemoglobin, blood and lymph etc.

    Genetic code is the sequence of DNA nucleotides that determines the amino acid sequence of the translated protein. It is read in triplets of bases called codons. It is applicable universally i.e. a codon specifies the same amino acid from a virus to a tree or human beings. The mRNA from chick oviduct introduced in E.coli produces an ovalbumen in the bacterium exactly similar to one formed in chick.

    Question 281
    CBSEENBI12047043

    Assertion : Darwin's finches show a variety of beaks suited for eating large seeds, flying insects and cactus seeds.

    Reason : Ancestral seed-eating stock of Darwin's finches radiated out from South American mainland to different geographical areas of the Galapagos Islands, where they found competitorfree new habitats.

    • If both Assertion and Reason are true and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion

    • If both Assertion and Reason are true but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion

    • If Assertion is true but Reason is false

    • If both Assertion and Reason are false.

    Solution

    A.

    If both Assertion and Reason are true and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion

    Darwin finches are an excellent example of the way in which the species gene pools have adapted in order for long term survival via their offspring. They were formed due to divergent evolution to avoid intcrspecific competition.

    The common birds of Galapagos islands, were different from the finches of main land. The closely related species of finches had beak of different shapes and sizes, and adapted for feeding on completely different diets. Darwin also found that fossils of Galapagos islands are most similar to living species of South America. The food supply increases in arithmetic ratio but the population increases in geometric ratio. With the study of this theory it struck to Darwin that there is struggle for existence among plants and animals. This concept or competition among the living beings for their survival offered the basis for the theory of natural selection. Apparently a single ancestral group can give rise to several different varieties of species.

    Question 282
    CBSEENBI12047062

    The early stage human embryo distinctly possesses

    • gills

    • gill slits

    • external ear (pinna)

    • eye brows

    Solution

    B.

    gill slits

    Both chick and human embryos go through a stage where they have slits and arches in their necks like the gill slits and gill arches of fish. These structures are not gills and do not develop into gills in chicks and humans, but the fact that they are so similar to gill structures in fish at this point in development supports the idea that chicks and humans share a common ancestor with fish. Thus, developmental characters, along with other lines of evidence, can be used for constructing phylogenies.

    Question 283
    CBSEENBI12047065

    Assertion: Coaccrvates are believed to be the precursors of life.

    Reason: Coaccrvates were self-duplicating aggregates of proteins surrounded by lipid molecules

    • If both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion

    • If both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion

    • If Assertion is true but Reason is false

    • If both Assertion and Reason are false.

    Solution

    C.

    If Assertion is true but Reason is false

    A coacervate is a spherical aggregation of lipid molecules making up a colliodal inclusion which is held together by hydrophobic forces. Coacervates measure 1 to 100 micrometers across, possess osmotic properties , and form spontaneously from certain weak organic solutions. Their name derives from the Latin coacervare, meaning to assemble together or cluster. It was suggested by Oparin that coacervates may have played a significant role in the evolution of cells.

    Question 284
    CBSEENBI12047068

    Assertion: Animals adopt different strategies to survive in hostile environment.

    Reason: Praying mantis is green in colour which merges with plant foliage

    • If both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion

    • If both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion

    • If Assertion is true but Reason is false

    • If both Assertion and Reason are false.

    Solution

    A.

    If both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion

    Praying mantids are camouflaged. This means they have adapted the colors of their surroundings that help them blend in.  Some also have body shapes that make them look like leaves or branches.

    Question 285
    CBSEENBI12047069

    Assertion: Among the primates. chimpanzee is the closest relative of the present day humans.

    Reason: The banding pattern in the autosome numbers 3 and 6 of man and chimpanzee is remarkably similar.

    • If both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion

    • If both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion

    • If Assertion is true but Reason is false

    • If both Assertion and Reason are false.

    Solution

    A.

    If both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion

    Carolus Linnaeus called humans as Homo sapiens or wise men and placed them along with apes and monkeys. There are certain similarities between human and chimpanzee. These are ­

    (i) RNA content of diploid cells is similar

    (ii) DNA matching shows that human similarity is 100 % with chimpanzee and

    (iii) banding pattern of chromosomes shows very little difference in chromosomes 3 and 6 between humans and chimpanzee. Thus it can be concluded that among the primates, chimpanzee is the closest relative of the present day humans

    Question 286
    CBSEENBI12047072

    Assertion: From evolutionary point of view, human gestation period is believed to be shortening.

    Reason: One major evolutionary trend in humans has been the larger head undergoing relatively faster growth rate in the foetal stage.

    • If both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion

    • If both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion

    • If Assertion is true but Reason is false

    • If both Assertion and Reason are false.

    Solution

    D.

    If both Assertion and Reason are false.

    The head size is increasing (especially the frontal brain) hence growth rate needs to increase but surprisingly most of the brain growth occurs after birth till 2 years (when the anterior fontanellae close at 18 months) and some more till 30 years when finally the cranial sutures close. Thus an increase in brain/ skull size would required increase in gestation period, hence both assertion and reason are false

    Question 288
    CBSEENBI12047083

    A force which acts against the achievement of highest possible level to population growth is known as

    • population pressure

    • saturation level

    • carrying capacity

    • environmental resistance

    Solution

    D.

    environmental resistance

    Environmental resistance factors are things that limit the growth of a population. They include biotic factors - like predators, disease, competition, and lack of food - as well as abiotic factors - like fire, flood, and drought. The biotic potential of a population is how well a species is able to survive

    Question 289
    CBSEENBI12047084

    Assertion : Bats and whales are classified as mammals.

    Reason : Bats and whales have four-chambered heart.

    • If both Assertion and Reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion

    • If both Assertion and Reason are true but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion

    • If Assertion is true statement but Reason is false

    • If both Assertion and Reason are false statements

    Solution

    B.

    If both Assertion and Reason are true but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion

    Bats and whales are classified as mammals as they possess the essential mammalian characteristics like presence of milk gland or mammae, presence of pinnae, viviparous nature, hair on body, presence of diaphragm etc.

    Though bats and whales have four chambered heart, it cannot be considered as the main characteristic of being mammals because it is also present in some reptiles (e.g. crocodile) and all birds.

    Question 290
    CBSEENBI12047092

    Assertion : Organochlorine pesticides are organic compounds that have been chlorinated.

    Reason : Fenitrothion is one of the organochlorine pesticides. 

    • If both Assertion and Reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion

    • If both Assertion and Reason are true but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion

    • If Assertion is true statement but Reason is false

    • If both Assertion and Reason are false statements

    Solution

    C.

    If Assertion is true statement but Reason is false

    Organochlorinc pesticides arc organic compounds or hydrocarbons to which are added several atoms of chlorine through the process called chlorination. Rate of degradation of organochlorines is very low. E.g. DDT, BHC.

    Fenitrothion is an organophosphate pesticide which is the organic ester of phosphoric acid and its derivatives. These pesticides arc very toxic but are not persistant. It is an inhibitor used as an insecticide. It is cheap and used worldwide.

    Question 291
    CBSEENBI12047093

    Assertion : Holoblastic cleavage with almost equal-sized blastomeres is a characteristic of placental animals.

    Reason : Eggs of most mammals, including humans, are of centrolecithal type.

    • If both Assertion and Reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion

    • If both Assertion and Reason are true but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion

    • If Assertion is true statement but Reason is false

    • If both Assertion and Reason are false statements

    Solution

    C.

    If Assertion is true statement but Reason is false

    In holoblastic cleavage, the cleavage furrows bisect the entire egg ie, entire egg divides by each cleavage furrow. Placental mammals have isolecithal or microlecithal egg, the holoblastic cleavage produces blastomeres of equal or approximately equal size.

    Centrolecithal eggs are found in insects and in some hydrozoa. In these yolk is concentrated at the centre of egg and the cytoplasm is present surrounding it. Meroblastic cleavage occurs in them.

    Question 292
    CBSEENBI12047095

    Assertion : All birds, except the ones like koel (cuckoo) build nests for retiring and taking rest during night time (day time for nocutrnal).

    Reason : Koel lays its eggs in the nests of tailor bird.

    • If both Assertion and Reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion

    • If both Assertion and Reason are true but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion

    • If Assertion is true statement but Reason is false

    • If both Assertion and Reason are false statements

    Solution

    C.

    If Assertion is true statement but Reason is false

    Koel or cuckoo need not build nests because they transfer their responsibilities to build nests, incubate eggs and nurture hatchlings to other birds specifically crows. Thus, they are called as brood parasites ie, they rely on others to raise their young ones. Being the brood parasite of the crow, the koel's breeding cycle synchronizes with that of crow. Both the koel's and crow's eggs are grey-green with rusty brown markings.

    Tailor bird is a garden bird which makes its nest by sewing, it has no direct relation with koel and cuckoo. Also it is a songbird found across tropical Asia.

    Question 293
    CBSEENBI12047096

    Assertion : Old age is not an illness. It is a continuation of life with decreasing capacity for adaptation.

    Reason : Cessation of mitosis is a normal genetically programmed event.

    • If both Assertion and Reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion

    • If both Assertion and Reason are true but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion

    • If Assertion is true statement but Reason is false

    • If both Assertion and Reason are false statements

    Solution

    C.

    If Assertion is true statement but Reason is false

    Old age is the result of ageing or senescence which is defined as the progressive deterioration in structure and function of the body cells, tissues, organs and organ systems of the organism with their advancing age. Also, the immune system loses its ability to effectively deal with the antigens. This reduces the resistance as well as adaptation of the body.

    Cessation of mitosis is not as such a genetically programmed event. During ageing, there is a decrease in multiplication of cells, though it differs in various tissues.

    Question 294
    CBSEENBI12047114

    Prototherians are the connecting links between:

    • amphibians and aves

    • reptiles and mammals

    • fishes and amphibians

    • reptiles and amphibinas

    Solution

    B.

    reptiles and mammals

    Prototherians is the sub- class of Order Monotremata. These contains egg laying animals, which are the most ancestral forms in the class Mammalia. These are the connecting links between repltiles and mammals. Connecting links are those extinct organisms which possess the characters of two different groups of organisms.

    Question 295
    CBSEENBI12047115

    The pioneers in the field of 'organic evolution' are:

    • Karl Landsteiner, Hugo de Vries, Malthus

    • Darwin, Hugo de Vries, Lamarck, Huxley

    • Lamarck, Karl Landsteiner, Malthus, Hugo de Vries

    • Darwin, Lamarck, Karl Landsteiner, Hugo de Vries

    Solution

    B.

    Darwin, Hugo de Vries, Lamarck, Huxley

    The theories in the field of 'organic evolution' were suggested by Darwin, Hugo de Vries, Lamarck and Huxley.

    Darwin in 1859 explained the theory of natural selection and wrote a book 'The origin of species'.

    Hugo de Vries, a Dutch botanist, propounded mutation theory in 1901.

    Lamarck explained the theory of organic evolution on the basis of inheritance of acquired character and wrote a book Philosophic zoologique.

    Huxley performed a number of experiments to remove the objections against Darwin's theory.

    Question 296
    CBSEENBI12047116

    Darwin finches are related to which of the following evidences ?

    • Fossils

    • Embryology

    • Anatomy

    • Geographical distribution

    Solution

    D.

    Geographical distribution

    The study of geographical distribution and factors controlling the organism is called biogeography. Darwin studied the biogeography of shape and size of the beak of birds. These birds are now called Darwin's finches.

    Question 297
    CBSEENBI12047117

    Allopatric speciation is due to :

    • geographical separation of population

    • hybridization between closely related species

    • migration of the members of a species from one to other population

    • both (b) and (c)

    Solution

    A.

    geographical separation of population

    Speciation is the formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution. Allopatric speciation is due to the geographical separation of a population. It is related to the groups of similar organisms that could interbreed and are geographically separated.

    Question 298
    CBSEENBI12047118

    Evolutionary convergence is characterized by:

    • development of characteristics by random mating

    • replacement of common characteristic in different related groups

    • development of dissimilar characteristics in closely related groups

    • development of a common set of characteristics in groups of different ancestry

    Solution

    D.

    development of a common set of characteristics in groups of different ancestry

    Evolutionary convergence is a phenomenon in different groups of animals  come to resemble each other through similarity of habit or environment. It is the development of common set of characteristics in groups of different ancestry.

    Question 299
    CBSEENBI12047119

    What is a key stone species ?

    • A rare species that has minimal impact on biomass and on other species in community

    • A dominant species that constitutes a large proportion of biomass, which affects many other species

    • A common species that has plenty of biomass, yet has a fairly low impact on the community's organization

    • A species which makes up only a small proportion of the total biomass of a community, yet has a huge impact on the community's organization and survival

    Solution

    D.

    A species which makes up only a small proportion of the total biomass of a community, yet has a huge impact on the community's organization and survival

    Key stone species is a apecies which makes up only a small proportion of the total biomass of a community, yet has a huge impact on the community's organization and survival.

    Eg, Elephants damage trees by browsing the lower branches, stripping the bark and uprooting them. It prevents the forest from encroaching on the grasslands, where grazing beasts flourish.

    Question 300
    CBSEENBI12047120

    In which of the following population, genetic drift operates?

    • Island

    • Smaller

    • Larger

    • Continental

    Solution

    B.

    Smaller

    Genetic drift is a mechanism of evolution in which allele frequencies of a population change over generations due to chance (sampling error). It occurs in all populations of non- infinite size but its effects are strongest in small populations.

    Question 301
    CBSEENBI12047136

    Lichens are important in the studies on atmospheric pollution because they

    • can grow in polluted atmosphere

    • can readily multiply in polluted atmosphere

    • efficiently purify the atmosphere

    • are very sensitive to pollutants like sulphur dioxide

    Solution

    D.

    are very sensitive to pollutants like sulphur dioxide

    Lichens are extremely sensitive to SO2 an could be regarded as indicator of SOpollution.

    Question 302
    CBSEENBI12047153

    Which is the closest pet of human being ?

    • Cat

    • Cow

    • Dog

    • Buffalo

    Solution

    C.

    Dog

    Th closest pets of human being are dogs and cats. Dog is one of the earliest animals to be domesticated. Therefore, dogs are the closest pet of human beings.

    Question 303
    CBSEENBI12047235

    The scientific name of Java man is

    • Homo habilis

    • Homo sapiens neandarthalensis

    • Homo erectus erects

    • Australopithecus bisei

    Solution

    C.

    Homo erectus erects

    Java man is the name given to fossils discovered in 1891 at Trinil Ngawai Regency on the banks of the Solo river in East Java in Indonesia. It was one of the first known specimens of Homo erectus. The scientific name Pithecanthropus erectus, a name derived from Greek and Latin roots meaning upright ape man.

    Question 304
    CBSEENBI12047238

    What are poikilothermic animals?

    Solution

    The organisms whose body temperature fluctuates considerably with that of their environment are called poikilothermic or cold blooded animals, eg, fishes, amphibians.

    Question 305
    CBSEENBI12047243

    Which is not applicable to the biological species concept

    • Hybridization

    • Natural population

    • Reproductive isolation

    • Gene pool

    Solution

    A.

    Hybridization

    The biological species concept gives an explanation of how species form (speciation). A biological species is a group of individuals that can breed together (panmixia). However, they cannot breed with other groups.

    Question 306
    CBSEENBI12047278

    Which one of the following is the most primitive ancestor of man?

    • Homo habilis

    • Australopithecus

    • Ramapithecus punjabicus

    • Homo neanderthalensis

    Solution

    C.

    Ramapithecus punjabicus

    The sequence of human evolution is

    Ramapithecus  Australopithecus  Homo habilis  Homo erectus erectus  Homo erectus pekinensis  Homo sapiens neanderthalensis  Homo sapiens fossilis  Homo sapiens sapiens.

    Question 307
    CBSEENBI12047285

    Which one of the following ancestors of man first time showed bipedal movement

    • Australopithecus

    • Cro-magnon

    • Java ape man

    • Peking mann

    Solution

    A.

    Australopithecus

    Australopithecus was the first ape man having fully bipedal locomotion. Its thighs and hips were adapted for erect standing, walking and running. This man lived from 4 to 1.5 million years ago in caves during Pleistocene period.

    Question 308
    CBSEENBI12047293

    The important gas which was absent during the formation of Earth is

    • oxygen

    • hydrogen

    • nitrogen

    • carbon dioxide

    Solution

    A.

    oxygen

    The primitive atmosphere of Earth was devoid of oxygen gas. In primitive atmosphere, hydrogen atoms were most numerous and most reactive. They combined· with all available oxygen atoms and formed water, which is very important for life.

    Question 309
    CBSEENBI12047296

    Homo erectus evolved during

    • Oligocene

    • Pliocene

    • Pleistocene

    • Miocene

    Solution

    C.

    Pleistocene

    Homo erectus lived from the end of Pliocene epoch to the later Pleistocene about 1.3 to 1.8 million years ago. This species originated in Africa and spread as far as India, China and Java. It walked erect over long legs, height 1.5 - 1.79 mt, brain size (cranial capacity) 775 - 1225 cm, prognathus face with prominent brow ridges, no chin, massive jaws and larger teeth. Use of tools made up of bones and stones, fire, acheulean hand axes and some primitive type of speech had developed.

    Question 310
    CBSEENBI12047311

    Mammals have originated from which of the following

    • Pisces

    • Amphibia

    • Reptilia

    • Aves

    Solution

    C.

    Reptilia

    Mammals evolved from the reptiles during Triassic period of Coenozoic era which is called the age of mammals.

    Question 311
    CBSEENBI12047318

    Bursa fabricius is an important organ of birds. This organ is associated with

    • generation of basophil

    • production of uric acid

    • metabolism of fatty acids

    • generation of B-cell

    Solution

    D.

    generation of B-cell

    Bursa of fabricius is a thymus like lymphoid organ found in birds. It is the site of B-cell maturation as bone marrow is absent in birds. It plays a central role in the development of the antibody- producing B- lymphocyte lineage in birds.

    Question 312
    CBSEENBI12047333

    Variation in gene frequencies within populations can occur by chance rather than by natural selection. This is referred to as

    • genetic flow

    • genetic drift

    • random mating

    • genetic load

    Solution

    B.

    genetic drift

    Genetic drift is a random change in allele frequencies over the generations. Gene flow or gene migration is the physical movement of alleles into and out of a population. The existence within the population of disadvantages alleles in heterozygous genotypes is known as genetic code. 

    Question 313
    CBSEENBI12047335

    The process by which organisms with different evolutionary history evolve similar phenotypic adaptations in response to a common environmental challenge, is called

    • natural selection

    • convergent evolution

    • non-random evolution

    • adaptive radiation

    Solution

    B.

    convergent evolution

    Convergent evolution occurs in unrelated group of organisms. It is the development of similar functional structures but in unrelated groups.

    The process of evolution of different species in a given geographical area starting from a point and literally radiating to other areas of geography is called adaptive radiation. Natural selection is the basis of evolution.

    Question 314
    CBSEENBI12047336

    The tendency of population to remain in genetic equilibrium may be disturbed by

    • random mating

    • lack of migration

    • lack of mutations

    • lack of random mating

    Solution

    D.

    lack of random mating

    According to Hardy-Weirberg principle, allele frequencies in a population are stable and is constant from generation to generation allele frequencies in a population will remain constant over generations only if the following condition are met

    (i) There is no mutation no gene flow and all mating is random.

    (ii) All genotypes reproduce equally well (i.e., no natural selection). But, all there conditions rarely met in nature.

    Question 315
    CBSEENBI12047358

    According to Darwin, the organic evolution is due to

    • intraspecific competition

    • interspecific competition

    • competition within closely related species

    • reduced feeding efficiency in one species due to the presence of interfering species

    Solution

    B.

    interspecific competition

    Darwin stated that, the organic evolution is due to interspecific competition. It is the competition between members of different species.

    lntraspecific competition occurs amongst members of the same species for obtaining optimum amounts of their food, shelter, mate, water, light, etc.

    Closely related species if compete cannot cause evolution.

    Reduced feeding efficiency in one species due to the presence of interfering species is due to struggle for existence.

    Question 316
    CBSEENBI12047359

    The· eyes of Octopus and eyes of cat show different patterns of structure, yet they perform similar function. This is an example of

    • homologous organs that have evolved due to convergent evolution

    • homologous organs that have evolved due to divergent evolution

    • analogous organs that have evolved due to convergent evolution

    • analogous organs that have evolved due to divergent evolution

    Solution

    C.

    analogous organs that have evolved due to convergent evolution

    The analogous organs are not anatomically similar structures through they perform similar functions. Hence, analogous structures are a result of convergent evolution; different structures evolving for the same function and hence, having similarity. On the other hand, homologous organs developed along different direction due to adaptations to different needs. This is divergent evolution and the structures are homologous.

    Question 317
    CBSEENBI12047377

    Industrial melanism is an

    • effect of industrial pollution

    • effect of mutation

    • evidence of survival of fittest

    • evidence of favour of natural selection

    Solution

    D.

    evidence of favour of natural selection

    Industrial melanism is an evidence of natural selection. It is the prevalence of dark-coloured varieties of animals (especially moths) in industrial areas where they are better camouflaged than paler or light forms. Hence, darker pigmented individuals have a higher chances of survival and is favoured by natural selection.

    Question 318
    CBSEENBI12047428

    Archaeopteryx is a connecting link between

    • pisces and amphibians

    • amphibians and reptiles

    • reptiles and birds

    • birds and mammals

    Solution

    C.

    reptiles and birds

    Archaeopteryx is a connecting link between birds and reptiles. They possessed long tail, teeth in jaws, long neck with cervical vertebrae, all are reptilian characters. Like birds, it had wings and beak. It was warm blooded. Hence, it is considered as a connecting link between reptiles and birds.

    Question 319
    CBSEENBI12047458

    Which of these gases was/were present in prebiotic atmosphere?

    • Ammonia

    • Methane

    • Oxygen

    • Hydrogen

    Solution

    A.

    Ammonia

    B.

    Methane

    D.

    Hydrogen

    Primitive atmosphere contained gases like CO2, CO, N, H2, NH3, etc. Water vapour and metallic carbites reacted to form CH4. There was no oxygen present at that time. With the addition of O2 in the atmosphere, it became oxidising in nature and CH4 and NH3 began to disappear as they got oxidised forming CO2 and N2 respectively.

    Question 320
    CBSEENBI12047470

    The direct ancestor of the living modern man is

    • Homo erechis

    • Homo neanderthalensis

    • Homo sapiens fossils

    • Homo sapiens sapiens

    Solution

    C.

    Homo sapiens fossils

    The direct ancestor of living modern man is Cro- magnon man or Homo sapiens fossils. It is so called, because its fossils were discovered in 1868 from Cro-Magnon rocks of trance by Mac Gregor. They emerged around 34000 years ago in Holocene epoch and are regarded as the most recent ancestor's of modern man.

    Question 321
    CBSEENBI12047472

    Consider the following statements given below.

    I. First living form originated from semi-arid land.

    II. Nucleic acid were the first sign of life and represented beginning of life.

    III. It was strongly beleived that prokaryotes evolved to from eukaryotes.

    Choose the correct option

    • I and II

    • II and III

    • Only III

    • I, II and III

    Solution

    C.

    Only III

    Out of all the three statements, only 3rd statement is correct. 

    First living form originated from primitive oceans. Nucleoproteins were the first sign of life and represented beginning of life.

    Question 322
    CBSEENBI12047489

    Parapatric speciation takes place when

    • a small segment of the original population becomes isolated reproductively

    • a part of the population becomes geographically isolated from the main population

    • a very different daughter species bud off from a semi- isolated peripheral population of ancestral species

    • a population of a species enters a new habitat

    Solution

    D.

    a population of a species enters a new habitat

    Parapatric speciation separates adjacent population. It takes place when a population of a species enters a new niche or habitat. It occurs only at the edge of the parent species range. No physical, but gene flow does not occur due to the occupancy of new niche.

    Question 323
    CBSEENBI12047490

    Evolution of horses occured in

    • Holocene epoch

    • Miocene epoch

    • Palaeocene epoch

    • Eocene epoch

    Solution

    D.

    Eocene epoch

    The history of the horse family, Equidae, began during the Eocene Epoch, which lasted from about 56 million to 33.9 million years ago. It was described by Othniel C Marsh in 1879.

    Question 324
    CBSEENBI12047506

    Reproductive isolation mechanism prevent interbreeding of naturally sympatric population. Given below are categories of isolating mechanisms. Choose the correct name for isolation when potential mates occupy overlapping ranges but reproduce at different times of the year.

    • Ecological isolation

    • Behavioural isolation

    • Temporal isolation

    • Mechanical isolation

    Solution

    C.

    Temporal isolation

    Temporal isolation is an evolutionary mechanism that keeps individuals of different species from interbreeding, even if they live in the same environment. It prevents species from mating because they breed at different times. These differences can be time of day, season, or even different years. Both plants and animals may exhibit temporal isolation, even if species are closely related and live in the same habitat.

    Question 325
    CBSEENBI12047511

    Darwin in the 'theory of natural selection' states that

    • characters acquired during the life of an individual are inherited by its offsprings

    • environment does not play any role in the evolution

    • natural selection acts on favourable variations, which appear among individuals of a species

    • heritable variations arises through changes in the gene complex of species

    Solution

    C.

    natural selection acts on favourable variations, which appear among individuals of a species

    In 1859, Darwin published 'the' origin of species. His views were published in his book Origin of Species by, natural selection. He stated that all living things on earth today are the descendants with modification of earlier species. He also proposed a mechanism natural selection to explain how evolution takes place. Darwin's theory of natural selection state that natural selection acts on favourable variation, which appears among individual of a species.

    Question 326
    CBSEENBI12047516

    The most ancient member of the genus Homo belonged to which of the following species or sub-species?

    • Fossilis 

    • Sapiens

    • Erectus

    • Habilis

    Solution

    D.

    Habilis

    Homo habilis species are considered as one of the earliest members of the genus Homo. The characteristic feature of this species includes a slightly larger brain case, i.e. it had cranial capacity about 700 cc and smalle face and teeth than Australopithecus

    Question 327
    CBSEENBI12047521

    Select the correct sequence of stages in the evolution of modern man (Homo sapiens)

    • Australopithecus, Homo habilis, Neanderthal, Cro-magnon man, Modern man

    • Homo habilis, Neanderthal, Australopithecus, Cro-magnon man, Modern man

    • Australopithecus, Neanderthal, Cro-magnon man, Homo habilis, Modern man

    • Neanderthal, Australopithecus, Cro-magnon man, Homo habilis, Modern man

    Solution

    A.

    Australopithecus, Homo habilis, Neanderthal, Cro-magnon man, Modern man

    The correct sequence is

    Australopithecus Homo habilis Neanderthal man Cro-magnon man Modern man

    The characteritics of the following are:-

    Australopithecus: Herbivorous, fully erect, canines and incisors small.

    Homo habilis: Carnivorous, canines small, earliest stone tools.

    Neanderthal man: Omnivorous, cave dweller, used hides as cloth, buried the dead

    Cro-magnon man: Omnivorous, strong jaws with teeth, cave dweller, paintings and carving in caves

    Modern man: Omnivorous, backbone with 4 curves, most intelligent, speech, language, domesticates animals.

    Question 328
    CBSEENBI12047523

    Which one of the given statement is not true for Archaeopteryx?

    • Each wing had three clawed digit

    • Hind feet with five digits

    • Long jointed lizard like tail

    • Thecodont teeth on both jaws

    Solution

    B.

    Hind feet with five digits

    Hind feets of Archaeopteryx had four digits. It is considered to be the first bird by many. It is actually intermediate between the birds that we see flying and the predatory dinosaur (connecting link between reptiles and birds).

    Question 329
    CBSEENBI12047534

    Which of the following assumption is not belonging to Hardy-Weinberg principle?

    • The population size is very large

    • Random mating is occurring

    • Natural selection takes place

    • No mutation occurs

    Solution

    C.

    Natural selection takes place

    In Hardy-Weinberg principle, the natural selection is not occurring as they explained the natural selection as the cause of failure of equilibrium of allele.

    Question 330
    CBSEENBI12047604

    Abundance of a species in a population, within habitat is called

    • niche density

    • absolute density

    • relative density

    • geographic density

    Solution

    A.

    niche density

    Niche density is the abundance of a species in a particular population within its habitat. 

    Absolute density is the number of organisms per unit area or volume.

    Relative density is the density of one species as a percent of total plant density.

    Question 331
    CBSEENBI12047621

    Which of the following is a mismatch?

    • Giraffe - Lamarck

    • Drosophila - Morgan

    • Galapagos island - Darwin's finches

    • Origin of species - Mendel

    Solution

    D.

    Origin of species - Mendel

    Origin of species is the publication of Darwin.

    Mendel is known as the Father of Genetics.

    Question 332
    CBSEENBI12047622

    Archaeopteryx is

    • a living fossil

    • a mammal

    • a connecting link between Annelida and Arthropoda

    • a connecting link between reptiles and birds

    Solution

    D.

    a connecting link between reptiles and birds

    Archaeopteryx (lizard bird) is a prin itive fossil bird, which existed on earth about some 150 million years back. It is a connecting link between reptiles and birds. 

    It characteristic feature are wings, feather, prolonged beak (birds), teeth in beak, keetless-sternum, long tail with unfused vertebrae, pygostyle absent, separate digits of wings and claws on fingers (reptiles).

    Question 333
    CBSEENBI12047638

    The cranial capacity of Peking man was about

    • 900 cc

    • 1660 cc

    • 1075 cc

    • 1450 cc

    Solution

    C.

    1075 cc

    Cranial capacity of Peking man was about 1075 cc.

    Question 334
    CBSEENBI12047657

    Beak is toothed in

    • pelican

    • kiwi

    • ostrich

    • Archaeopteryx

    Solution

    D.

    Archaeopteryx

    The upper and lower jaws of birds prolonged and modified into beak. The beak is toothed in Archaeopteryx whereas rest of the birds lack teeth. The Archaeopteryx is an extinct primitive bird.

    Question 335
    CBSEENBI12047660

    The earliest fossil form in phylogeny of horse is

    • Merychippus

    • Mesohippus

    • Eohippus 

    • Equus

    Solution

    C.

    Eohippus 

    Eohippus (dawn horse) is the earliest fossil form in phylogeny of horse. It appeared in the beginning of Eocene. It was small, browsing animal of size of fox-terrier.

    Question 336
    CBSEENBI12047662

    Haeckel's biogenetic law or recapitulation theory states that

    • life history of an animal reflects evolutionary history of the same

    • progeny resembles parents

    • mutations are acquired characters

    • all organisms begin their life from zygote

    Solution

    A.

    life history of an animal reflects evolutionary history of the same

    Biogenetic law or Theory of recapitulation states that the development of the embryo of an animal briefs its ancestral history. It was proposed by Ernst Haeckel.

    Question 337
    CBSEENBI12047664

    Cranial capacity of modern man is

    • 450-650 cc

    • 600-1000 cc

    • 900-1100 cc

    • 1200-1600 cc

    Solution

    D.

    1200-1600 cc

    The cranial capacity of modern man (Homo sapiens sapiens) is 1200-1600 cc.

    Question 338
    CBSEENBI12047667

    Name the ship on which Darwin got opportunity for a voyage of world.

    • Titanic

    • Vikrant

    • Vectoria

    • Beagle

    Solution

    D.

    Beagle

    In 1831, Darwin got opportunity to travel by H.M.S. Beagle for voygae of world exploration, planned by British Adminastry. The voygae tested for 45 years..

    Question 339
    CBSEENBI12047691

    Two or more species occupying same or ovarlapping areas are :

    • sympatric

    • sibling

    • sub species

    • allopatric

    Solution

    A.

    sympatric

    Sympatric species are the species having same or overlapping areas of geographical distribution.

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