Section Type of Question Marks Total Marks Chapter Coverage

A MCQ (Q. 1 to 7) 1 7 LP (5) + OE (2)

A Assertion & Reason (Q. 8 & 9) 1 2 LP (1) + OE (1)

B VSA (Q. 10 to 12) 2 6 LP (2) + OE (1)

C SA (Q. 13 to 14) 3 6 LP (2)

D Case Study (Q. 15) 4 4 OE (1)

E LA (Q. 16) (Internal Choice) 5 5 LP (1)

LP = Life processes
Grand Total 30 LP (20 M) + OE (10 M)
OE = Our environment

Practice Question Paper-1 (30 Marks)

(SECTION-A)

1. The process of photolysis in photosynthesis involves the breaking down of:

(a) Glucose (b) CO2 (c) Water (d) ATP
2. Which component of human blood transports oxygen?
(a) Platelets (b) Plasma (c) WBC (d) Hemoglobin in RBCs
3. Where does the complete oxidation of glucose take place in an animal cell?
(a) Cytoplasm (b) Mitochondria (c) Ribosomes (d) Nucleus
4. The function of collecting ducts in the kidney is:
(a) Initial filtration of blood (b) Selective reabsorption of glucose
(c) Collection of urine (d) Removal of nitrogenous wastes
5. Bile juice secreted by the liver is stored in:
(a) Stomach (b) Pancreas (c) Gall Bladder (d) Duodenum
6. Which of the following is a decomposer?
(a) Grass (b) Hawk (c) Fungi (d) Goat
7. The 10% law of energy transfer in a food chain was proposed by:
(a) [Link] (b) Elton (c) Lindeman (d) Haeckel

Assertion & Reason

Directions: In the following questions, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R).
Choose the correct option.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.
8. Assertion (A): Valves are absent in arteries.
Reason (R): Blood flows in arteries under high pressure.
9. Assertion (A): Plastics are non-biodegradable materials.
Reason (R): Microorganisms cannot break down complex polymers present in plastics.
10. Draw a diagram of the human heart showing the flow of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. Label the
Aorta and Vena Cava.(2m)
11. What are stomata? State two functions of stomata. (2m)
12. Why are green plants called producers? Briefly explain their role in an ecosystem. (2m)
13. Differentiate between aerobic and anaerobic respiration based on the site of occurrence and the end products
formed in animals. (3)
14. Explain the necessity of Translocation in plants. Why is the transport of food carried out by phloem
bidirectional? (3)

15. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:

The Earth's atmosphere contains a layer of ozone in the stratosphere. This layer acts as a shield, absorbing the
harmful Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun. Excessive exposure to UV radiation can cause skin cancer,
cataract, and damage to the immune system in humans. The ozone layer has been gradually depleting,
especially over Antarctica, due to the release of synthetic chemicals like Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which
are used as refrigerants and in fire extinguishers. In 1987, the Montreal Protocol was signed to control the
production and use of CFCs globally.

(a) State the chemical formula of ozone. (1)

(b) Name any one negative impact of UV radiation on humans. (1)
(c) Name the chemicals primarily responsible for ozone depletion. (1)
(d) Why is it important to stop the depletion of the ozone layer? (1)

16. (a) Draw a well-labeled diagram of a nephron. (3)

(b) State the main function of the Glomerulus and the Tubule of the nephron. (2)
(OR)
(i) What is double circulation in humans? (2)
(ii) Explain the two main circulatory pathways (Pulmonary and Systemic) involved in double circulation.
(3)

Practice Question Paper - 2 (30 Marks)

(SECTION-A)

1. The breakdown of fatty acids and glycerol occurs in:

(a) Stomach (b) Large Intestine (c) Small Intestine (d) Liver
2. Lymph is different from blood because it lacks:
(a) Water (b) RBC and Platelets (c) WBCs (d) Plasma
3. The function of the Epiglottis in the human body is to:
(a) Filter air (b) Prevent food from entering the trachea
(c) Secrete mucus (d) Exchange gases
4. Which of the following events does NOT occur in the light-dependent reaction of photosynthesis?
(a) ATP formation (b) NADPH formation (c) CO2 fixation (d) Splitting of water
5. What is the product formed when glucose first breaks down in the cytoplasm?
(a) Lactic acid (b) Ethanol (c) Pyruvate (d) CO2
6. The maximum concentration of non-biodegradable chemicals accumulates at which trophic level?
(a) Producers (b) Primary consumers (c) Tertiary consumers (d) Secondary consumers
7. The functional unit of an ecosystem is called a:
(a) Biome (b) Trophic Level (c) Food Chain (d) Ecosystem

Assertion & Reason:

Directions: In the following questions, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R).
Choose the correct option.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.
8. Assertion (A): The left atrium and left ventricle have thicker walls than the right atrium and right ventricle.
Reason (R): The left ventricle has to pump blood to the entire body against gravity and high resistance.
9. Assertion (A): Excessive use of CFCs leads to global warming.
Reason (R): CFCs are potent greenhouse gases that trap heat.
10. Name the enzyme present in saliva. State its function. (2)
11. In the context of transport in plants, what is transpiration? State its significance. (2)
12. Differentiate between biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances with one example each. (2)
13. Explain why the process of digestion is necessary for life. Describe the role of Hcl in the stomach. (3)
14. How is the exchange of gases achieved at the level of the alveoli in the lungs? Draw a simple diagram to
illustrate this process. (3)
15. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
An ecosystem is defined as a biological community of interacting organisms (biotic components) and their
physical environment (abiotic components). The flow of energy is unidirectional, from the sun to the producers,
and then through consumers, with a loss of energy at each step. Matter, on the other hand, is constantly recycled
between biotic and abiotic components. Trophic levels in a food chain represent the different feeding positions
in an ecosystem. Herbivores (Primary Consumers) feed on producers, and Carnivores (Secondary/Tertiary
Consumers) feed on other animals.
(a) Give an example of an abiotic component in an ecosystem. (1)
(b) Why is the flow of energy described as unidirectional? (1)
(c) State the trophic level occupied by a goat. (1)
(d) Mention one process through which matter is recycled in an ecosystem. (1)

16. (a) List the four chambers of the human heart. (2)
(b) Explain how the structure of the left atrium and left ventricle ensures that oxygenated blood does not
mix with deoxygenated blood in the human heart. (3)
(OR)
(i) Draw a neat labeled diagram of human excretory system?(3)
(ii) Why do kidneys considered vital organs for survival? (2)
 Practice Question Paper - 3 (30 Marks)
(SECTION-A)
1. Which part of the alimentary canal receives bile juice from the liver?
(a) Stomach (b) Large Intestine (c) Oesophagus (d) Small Intestine
2. In the human respiratory system, what prevents the collapse of the trachea during the absence of air?
(a) Diaphragm (b) Alveoli (c) Cartilaginous rings (d) Lungs
3. The opening and closing of the stomatal pore is regulated by:
(a) Mesophyll cells (b) Guard cells (c) Epidermal cells (d) Cortical cells
4. Which of the following is the characteristic of the blood flowing through the Pulmonary Artery?
(a) Oxygenated blood, high pressure (b) Oxygenated blood, low pressure
(c) Deoxygenated blood, low pressure (d) Deoxygenated blood, high pressure
5. Digestion of starch starts in the:
(a) Stomach (b) Mouth (c) Small Intestine (d) Oesophagus
6. Which of the following is an example of a detritivore (organism feeding on dead organic matter)?
(a) Snake (b) Deer (c) Earthworm (d) Cactus
7. The flow of energy in an ecosystem is always:
(a) Cyclic (b) Unidirectional (c) Random (d) Bidirectional

Assertion & Reason:

Directions: In the following questions, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R).
Choose the correct option.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.
8. Assertion (A): The process of ultrafiltration occurs in the glomerulus and Bowman's capsule.

Reason (R): The afferent arteriole is narrower than the efferent arteriole, creating high pressure in the
glomerulus capillaries.

9. Assertion (A): The concentration of harmful chemicals like DDT increases with every successive trophic
level.
Reason (R): The movement of energy in a food chain is unidirectional.
10. Name the functional unit of the human kidney. Briefly describe the steps involved in urine formation. (2)
11. Why are the walls of the small intestine highly folded? What are these folds called? State their function. (2)
12. Distinguish between a food chain and a food web. Give an example of a four-step food chain. (2)
13. The human heart has four chambers. Briefly explain how this four-chambered structure helps to make the
human circulatory system highly efficient. (3)
14. State the three necessary raw materials for photosynthesis. Explain how plants acquire these materials. (3)

15. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:

The accumulation of non-biodegradable pesticides like DDT at various trophic levels is a matter of great
concern. This phenomenon is known as Biomagnification. The highest concentration of these harmful
chemicals is found in the organisms at the highest trophic level in a food chain. For instance, if contaminated
water contains a small amount of DDT, it is absorbed by algae (producers). Small fish (primary consumers) eat
the algae, and large fish (secondary consumers) eat the small fish. The concentration increases exponentially at
each step, posing a serious threat to the survival and health of organisms at the top, including birds and humans.
 (a) Define the term Biomagnification. (1)
(b) Which trophic level will have the lowest concentration of the harmful chemical? (1)
(c) Why is the accumulation highest at the tertiary consumer level? (1)
(d) What is one major source of such non-biodegradable chemicals entering the food chain? (1)

16. (a) Draw a neat, labeled diagram of the Human Excretory System. (3)
(b) Give two reasons why the separation of metabolic waste from the body is essential. (2)
(OR)
(i) List the major events that occur during the process of photosynthesis. (3)
(ii) Describe the mechanism by which the exchange of CO2 and O2 takes place in the plant leaf. (2)

Practice Question Paper - 4 (30 Marks) - Application Focus

(SECTION-A)
1. A runner often experiences muscle cramps after a vigorous run. This is because:
(a) The runner's body produces excess ethanol.
(b) The runner's cells switch to anaerobic respiration, producing lactic acid.
(c) The runner's body utilizes only fats for energy.
(d) The runner's circulatory system fails to pump blood effectively.
2. If the salivary amylase is suddenly deactivated, the digestion of which food component will be immediately
affected?
(a) Proteins (b) Fats (c) Complex Carbohydrates (Starch) (d) Vitamins
3. A patient is diagnosed with damaged glomerulus capillaries. Which substance is most likely to be found in
his urine that is usually absent in a healthy person?
(a) Urea (b) Water (c) Proteins (Albumin) (d) Excess salts
4. Why do most desert plants open their stomata during the night?
(a) To release O2 when it is cooler.
(b) To absorb sunlight effectively.
(c) To prevent excessive water loss (transpiration) during the hot day.
(d) To aid in the translocation of food.
5. If the valves in the veins malfunction, what immediate physiological problem would arise?
(a) Blood pressure would increase dramatically.
(b) Backflow of blood would occur, leading to swelling.
(c) Oxygen transport capacity would be reduced.
(d) The heart rate would slow down significantly.
6. Which of the following activities will NOT help in reducing the problem of non-biodegradable waste in our
environment?
(a) Composting fruit peels. (b) Using paper bags instead of plastic bags.
(c) Burning plastic waste in an open area. (d) Segregating household waste into two bins.
7. A food chain starts with Grass to Grasshopper to Frog to Snake to Hawk. If the population of Frogs suddenly
declines due to a disease, what is the most likely immediate effect?
(a) The population of Grass will decrease. (b) The population of Grasshoppers will increase.
(c) The population of Snakes will remain constant. (d) The Hawk population will increase.
Assertion & Reason:
Directions: In the following questions, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R).
Choose the correct option.

(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.
8. Assertion (A): The movement of water in the xylem tissues of plants is largely driven by Transpiration Pull.
Reason (R): Transpiration creates a suction force that pulls water from the roots up to great heights.
9. Assertion (A): Introducing a new apex predator to an ecosystem may lead to the collapse of the food web.
Reason (R): A stable ecosystem should have complex food webs, not simple linear food chains.

10. In the absence of bile juice, the digestion of which nutrient will be highly inefficient? State the physical
process that bile performs to facilitate the action of pancreatic enzymes. (2)
11. Explain why the blood in the arteries flows in pulses (throbbing) while the blood in the capillaries flows
smoothly. (2)
12. Give one reason why most decomposers are located beneath the ground or in dark, moist places. Why are
decomposers vital for maintaining the health of an ecosystem? (2)
13. Design a simple experiment to prove that CO2 is essential for the process of photosynthesis. Name the
chemical agent you would use to absorb CO2 in your setup. (3)
14. How is the structure of the small intestine adapted to maximize the absorption of digested food? Mention
two structural features that contribute to this function. (3)

15. Read the following information about the energy pyramid and answer the questions that follow:

The pyramid of energy graphically represents the amount of energy at each trophic level in a food chain. It is
always upright because, according to the 10% law, only about 10% of the energy is transferred from one trophic
level to the next higher one, and the remaining 90% is lost primarily as heat during respiration and other life
processes. Consider a simplified aquatic ecosystem where Phytoplankton (Producers) to Zooplankton (Primary
Consumers) to Small Fish (Secondary Consumers) to Large Fish (Tertiary Consumers).

(a) If the Large Fish (Tertiary Consumers) contain 10 kJ of energy, how much energy was available to the
Phytoplankton (Producers)? (1)

(b) Why is the energy transfer always limited to 10% and not higher? (1)

(c) If humans consume the Small Fish instead of the Large Fish, which choice is more energy efficient for the
human population, and why? (1)

(d) The energy pyramid is rarely inverted. State one major reason why. (1)

16. (a) Describe the journey of a food particle from the mouth to the small intestine, mentioning the major
enzyme/juice and its function in the Stomach. (3)
(b) What are the final products of carbohydrate and protein digestion? (2)
(OR)
(i) A person is undergoing dialysis. Define the condition that necessitates this procedure. (2)
(ii) Describe the basic principle and working mechanism of an artificial kidney (dialyzer). (3)
 Practice Question Paper - 5 (30 Marks) - HOT
(SECTION-A)

1. A laboratory test on a plant shows that it can absorb water but is unable to translocation the synthesized
sugars to its roots. Which tissue is most likely dysfunctional in this plant?
(a) Xylem (b) Phloem (c) Cortex (d) Epidermis

2. If the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is reduced, how would this primarily affect the rate of
photosynthesis in the short term?
(a) The rate would decrease because CO2 is a key reactant.
(b) The rate would increase because there is less competition.
(c) The rate would remain unchanged as light is the limiting factor.
(d) The rate of transpiration would increase sharply.

3. A doctor advises a patient to reduce salt intake. This is primarily to protect which life process or organ?
(a) Excretion/Kidneys (b) Digestion/Liver (c) Respiration/Lungs (d) Photosynthesis

4. Which single process generates the high concentration of hydrogen ions H+ necessary for ATP synthesis
during cellular respiration?
(a) Glycolysis (b) Conversion of Pyruvate
(c) The Electron Transport Chain (d) Anaerobic fermentation
5. Why are the heart's walls completely separated by septa in birds and mammals, unlike in amphibians?
(a) To maintain a constant body temperature.
(b) To ensure no mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood for high energy efficiency.
(c) To reduce the total volume of blood in the body.
(d) To increase the time blood spends in the heart.

6. Which of the following best explains why the food chain length is generally limited to 3 or 4 trophic levels?
(a) Lack of suitable prey at higher levels. (b) Significant loss of energy at each transfer.
(c) High rate of decomposition at the tertiary level. (d) Increased bioaccumulation at lower levels.

7. If all green plants disappeared, which group of organisms would be affected first?
(a) Decomposers (b) Primary Consumers (c) Secondary Consumers (d) Tertiary Consumers

Assertion & Reason:

Directions: In the following questions, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R).
Choose the correct option.

(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.

8. Assertion (A): Human beings cannot obtain energy by breaking down cellulose.
Reason (R): The pH in the human digestive tract is not suitable for cellulose digestion.
9. Assertion (A): Sustainable management of resources is essential for environmental balance.
Reason (R): Using paper cups instead of plastic cups to serve tea is a step toward making the environment
more sustainable.
10. A science teacher placed a potted plant in a dark room for 72 hours. Why is this destarching step necessary
before conducting any experiment on photosynthesis? (2)
11. Explain the dual role of the pancreas in the context of digestion and overall body homeostasis. (2)
12. A farmer uses pesticides in his field. Explain, using the concept of 10% energy transfer, why the residual
concentration of these pesticides is a greater threat to humans who eat meat compared to humans who
eat only vegetables. (2)
13. If the alveoli were covered with a thick membrane instead of a thin one, what specific problem would occur
in the respiratory process, and why? Name the process by which gases move across the alveolar
membrane. (3)

14. Compare the mechanism of transport of water in xylem with the transport of food in phloem, highlighting
the difference in the force driving the movement and the nature of the movement. (3)

15. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:

The stability of an ecosystem is highly dependent on the decomposers, which include bacteria and fungi. They
break down complex dead organic matter into simpler, reusable inorganic substances. The output of the
decomposers serves as raw material for the producers. This recycling of materials is what distinguishes the flow
of matter from the unidirectional flow of energy in an ecosystem. Without this continuous nutrient cycling, the
producers would eventually exhaust the available soil nutrients, halting the entire food chain.

(a) State the role of decomposers in nutrient cycling. (1)

(b) If decomposers suddenly stopped working, which nutrient cycle would be most immediately affected? (1)
(c) Give one reason why fungi are called saprotrophs in the context of decomposition. (1)
(d) How does the recycling of matter ensure the long-term survival of an ecosystem? (1)

16. (a) Explain how the structure of the glomerulus in the nephron is specially adapted for its function of
ultrafiltration. (3)
(b) What is the significance of selective reabsorption that occurs in the tubular part of the nephron? (2)
(OR)
(i) During a meal, a person accidentally swallows a piece of food the wrong way and begins choking. Name
the specific structure that failed to function correctly. (1)
(ii) Describe the complete path of air from the nostrils until it reaches the site of gas exchange. Mention the
structural feature at the site of exchange that maximizes efficiency. (4)

Practice Question Paper-6 : Our Environment (30 Marks)

(SECTION-A)
1. Which of the following statements is true regarding the flow of energy in an ecosystem?
(a) Energy is recycled among the different trophic levels.
(b) The energy available to the decomposers is the greatest.
(c) Energy flow is unidirectional, starting from the sun.
(d) Tertiary consumers receive more energy than primary consumers.
2. If all the algae (producers) are removed from an aquatic ecosystem, which group of organisms will show an
immediate and sharp decrease in population?
(a) Decomposers (b) Primary consumers (Zooplankton)
(c) Tertiary consumers (Large fish) (d) Secondary consumers (Small fish)
3. In the context of waste management, which of the following is an example of an inorganic, non-
biodegradable substance?
(a) Wood shavings (b) Cotton cloth (c) Polythene bag (d) Vegetable peels
4. The primary consequence of using Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) is:
(a) Global warming due to the greenhouse effect. (b) Acid rain damaging monuments.
(c) Damage to the stratospheric ozone layer. (d) Increased biological magnification in food chains.
5. A pond ecosystem is a type of:
(a) Artificial ecosystem (b) Natural aquatic ecosystem
(c) Forest ecosystem (d) Terrestrial ecosystem
6. Which trophic level in a grassland ecosystem is occupied by a snake that feeds on a frog, which in turn feeds
on an insect?
(a) First Trophic Level (b) Second Trophic Level
(c) Third Trophic Level (d) Fourth Trophic Level
7. Why is it scientifically recommended to burn biodegradable waste in a controlled environment instead of
allowing it to decompose in open pits?
(a) Burning produces more useful byproducts than decomposition.
(b) Open decomposition releases methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas.
(c) Open pits lead to rapid spread of infectious diseases.
(d) Burning is a faster process than decomposition.
Assertion & Reason:
Directions: In the following questions, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R).
Choose the correct option.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.
8. Assertion (A): The concentration of non-biodegradable chemicals is highest in the bodies of top carnivores.
Reason (R): Toxins accumulate at successive trophic levels because they cannot be metabolized or excreted.

9. Assertion (A): Creating large monocultures (fields with a single crop) leads to an unstable ecosystem.
Reason (R): A simple food chain with few organisms is more prone to disturbance than a complex food web.

10. Define a food web. Give one reason why a food web provides more stability to an ecosystem compared to a
simple, linear food chain. (2)

11. Explain the difference between Producers and Decomposers in an ecosystem based on their role in the flow
of matter. (2)
12. The Ozone layer is often called a "Good Ozone" layer, while Ozone in the lower atmosphere (troposphere)
is called a "Bad Ozone" layer. Justify this nomenclature. (2)

13. List three simple, common practices (3 R's) for effective waste management and give one example of how
each practice helps the environment. (3)
14. Study the food web given below:
Grass to Rabbit to Fox
Grass to Deer to Lion
Grass to Mouse to Snake to Hawk
If a disease wipes out the entire Mouse population, analyze the expected short-term impact on the
population of:
(i) Grass (ii) Fox (iii) Hawk (3)
15. Read the following data on the concentration of a persistent pesticide (DDT) in an aquatic food chain
and answer the questions that follow:

Trophic Level Organism DDT Concentration (ppm)

T1 Producers (Algae) 0.003
T2 Primary Consumers (Zooplankton) 0.04
T3 Secondary Consumers (Small Fish) 0.5
T4 Tertiary Consumers (Large Fish) 2.0
T5 Apex Consumer (Fish-eating Bird) 25.0

(a) Name the phenomenon illustrated by the data above. (1)

(b) Explain why the concentration of DDT is much higher in the T5 organism compared to the T1 organism.
(1)
(c) If humans consume organisms from T3 and T5, which choice poses a greater health risk, and why? (1)
(d) Name one characteristic of DDT that allows this phenomenon to occur. (1)

16. Draw a diagram to illustrate the structure of the Pyramid of Numbers for a Grassland Ecosystem. Explain
the three limitations of a simple Pyramid of Numbers in representing the true relationship between
organisms. (5)
(OR)
Describe the causes and effects of the depletion of the Ozone Layer. What steps were taken internationally to
address this problem? (5)

Practice Question Paper-7 (30 Marks)

(SECTION-A)
1. Which component of saliva initiates the chemical digestion of carbohydrates in the human mouth?
(a) Pepsin (b) Lipase (c) Bile (d) Salivary amylase
2. Where does the majority of water reabsorption take place in the human excretory system?
(a) Glomerulus (b) Bowman's Capsule (c) Renal Tubule (d) Ureter
3. The correct pathway for the transport of O2 rich blood in the human body is:
(a) Left Atrium to Left Ventricle to Lungs (b) Right Atrium to Right Ventricle to Aorta
(c) Left Atrium to Left Ventricle to Aorta (d) Right Atrium to Lungs to Left Atrium
4. In the overall reaction of photosynthesis, the role of sunlight is to primarily:
(a) Convert CO2 into Glucose. (b) Split water molecules (Photolysis).
(c) Transport water to the leaves. (d) Create NADPH.

5. The end product of anaerobic respiration in Yeast is:

(a) Lactic acid and H2O (b) Pyruvate and CO2 (c) Ethanol and CO2 (d) Acetyl-CoA and ATP
6. Which of the following is a tertiary consumer in a forest ecosystem?
(a) Grass (Producer) (b) Deer (Primary Consumer)
(c) Fox (Secondary Consumer) (d) Lion/Tiger (Tertiary Consumer)
7. The continuous transfer of energy from one trophic level to the next results in a pyramid structure because:
(a) Lower levels produce less biomass (b) Energy is lost as heat at each transfer
(c) Higher levels have more individuals (d) CO2 is recycled only by producers

Assertion & Reason:

Directions: In the following questions, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R).
Choose the correct option.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.

8. Assertion (A): The large intestine does not play any role in the digestion of food.
Reason (R): The large intestine mainly absorbs water and some salts and stores undigested waste.

9. Assertion (A): The construction of a food web is a more accurate representation of an ecosystem than a food
chain.
Reason (R): A food web shows complex interactions where one organism can feed on, or be fed upon by,
multiple types of organisms at different trophic levels.

10. State the function of villi in the small intestine. Why is the small intestine much longer in herbivores than in
carnivores? (2)
11. What is Transpiration? Mention one major benefit and one major drawback of transpiration for a plant. (2)
12. Explain how the proper disposal of non-biodegradable household waste can help in controlling the problem
of biomagnification. (2)
13. Describe the sequential steps involved in the formation of ATP during aerobic respiration in the cell's
cytoplasm and mitochondria. (3)
14. How do the two pressure differences created by the heart's pumping and glomerular filtration contribute to
the function of the human body? (3)

15. Read the following passage about human impact on the environment and answer the questions that
follow:

The ozone layer in the stratosphere acts as a natural shield against harmful ultraviolet (UV radiation). In the
1980s, scientists discovered that human-made chemicals, particularly Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), used in
aerosol sprays, refrigeration, and air conditioning, were causing significant depletion of this protective layer.
This depletion leads to an increase in UV radiation reaching Earth's surface, posing risks like skin cancer and
cataract in humans, and damaging phytoplankton in oceans. International treaties like the Montreal Protocol
were established to phase out the production of CFCs, a successful example of global environmental
cooperation.

(a) What is the chemical formula of the substance that forms the ozone layer? (1)
(b) Name the primary category of compounds responsible for ozone layer depletion. (1)
(c) List one harmful effect of increased UV radiation on human health. (1)
(d) Explain why the depletion of phytoplankton due to increased UV radiation is a major environmental
concern.
(OR)
Explain the main reason why the Montreal Protocol is considered a major success story in environmental
policy. (1)

16. (a) Draw a neat, labeled diagram of the structure of a Nephron. Label Bowman's Capsule, Glomerulus, and
the Collecting Duct. (3)
(b) Why is the initial filtration step in the nephron considered a non-selective process? (2)
(OR)
(i) Describe the role of the Pancreas and the Liver in the digestion of food in the small intestine. (3)
(ii) Explain how the body protects the inner lining of the stomach from the corrosive action of its own acid.
(2)