Sankalp Kota Classes

Subject : Biology Paper Set : 1

Standard : 12 CWT Evolution Date : 08-05-2026
Total Mark : 400 Time : 0H:0M

(9) Due to the absence of which of the following,life does not

............. Biology - Section A (MCQ) .............
exist on the Moon?
(A) O2 (B) Water
(1) The formation of a new species is associated with which
trait? (C) Light (D) Temperature
(A) Evolution (10) A: Placental wolf and Tasmanian wolf (a marsupial) show
convergent evolution.
(B) Variation
R: Like marsupials,placental mammals in other parts of the
(C) Metabolism world also exhibit adaptive radiation in evolving into
varieties of such placental mammals,each of which appears
(D) Adaptation
to be similar to a corresponding marsupial.
(2) The highest cranial capacity is/was present in: (A) Assertion and Reason both are correct and Reason is the
(A) Java man (B) Peking man correct explanation of Assertion.
(C) Handy man (D) Modern man (B) Assertion and Reason both are correct but Reason is not
the correct explanation of Assertion.
(3) Homologous structures are based on which type of
evolution? (C) Assertion is correct,but Reason is incorrect.
(A) Convergent
(D) Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
(B) Divergent
(11) The ultimate source of organic evolution is
(C) Chemical (A) Natural selection
(D) Abiotic (B) Sexual reproduction
(4) The finches of Galapagos islands provide evidence in favor (C) Hormonal action
of which of the following?
(D) Mutations
(A) Special creation
(B) Evolution due to mutation (12) The weakest point of Darwinism was that it could not
explain which of the following?
(C) Retrogressive evolution
(A) Struggle for existence
(D) Biogeographical evolution
(B) Survival of the fittest
(5) Which scientists experimentally proved that organic (C) Variations
molecules were produced based on evolution?
(A) Oparin and Haldane (B) Louis Pasteur (D) High rate of reproduction

(C) Urey and Miller (D) Darwin (13) Select the incorrect statements:
I. Natural selection is essential for evolution.
(6) Ape-like ancestors of humans appeared in which epoch? II. Natural selection does not include variations.
(A) Pleistocene (B) Pliocene III. The concept of natural selection was given by Hugo de
(C) Miocene (D) Oligocene Vries.
IV. Mutation is a sudden inheritable change.
(7) Oparin and Haldane’s theory is also called V. The synthetic theory is also called the Neo-Darwinism
(A) Chemical theory of origin of life theory of evolution.
(B) Modern theory of origin of life (A) I, II and III (B) II, III and IV

(C) Naturalistic theory (C) III, IV and V (D) II and III

(D) All of the above (14) When more than one adaptive radiation appears to have
occurred in an isolated geographical area,it is called ...... .
(8) If a population of a species is transported to a more (A) Natural selection
favorable environment,it will show:
(A) Protection against enemies (B) Divergent evolution

(B) Higher survival of organisms (C) Convergent evolution

(C) Increased reproductive rate (D) Survival of the fittest

(D) Unlimited food supply (15) The pangenesis hypothesis was proposed by whom?

1
 (A) Weismann (B) Galton disprove?
(C) Wagner (D) Darwin (A) Synthetic theory
(16) Which evidence of evolution is related to Darwin’s finches? (B) Natural selection
(A) Evidence from biogeographical distribution (C) Germplasm theory
(B) Evidence from comparative anatomy (D) Inheritance of acquired characters
(C) Evidence from embryology (26) Which technique is used to prove that antibiotic-resistant
bacterial mutants are pre-existing and not induced by the
(D) Evidence from paleontology
environment?
(17) The replica plating experiment was performed by: (A) Replica plating (B) Serial dilution
(A) Haeckel (B) Lederberg (C) Southern blotting (D) P CR amplification
(C) Lamarck (D) Darwin (27) A starfish with six arms may be a case of
(18) Which of the following statements stands in favour of (A) Variation
abiogenesis?
I. Spontaneous generation (B) Evolution
II. Origin of viruses and microbes (C) Autotomy
III. Origin of life from living organism
IV. Origin of life from non-living organism (D) Mutation
The correct combination is (28) Ancestral amphibians were tetrapods that evolved during
(A) I and II (B) II and III (A) Jurassic period (B) Cretaceous period
(C) III and IV (D) I and IV (C) Devonian period (D) Carboniferous period
(19) A certain animal possesses shelled eggs,hair,and mammary (29) Which one illustrates palaeontological evidence in favour of
glands,and also has a cloaca. It acts as a connecting link organic evolution?
between which of the following? (A) Duck-billed platypus
(A) Reptiles and Birds (B) Birds and Mammals
(B) Peppered moth
(C) Reptiles and Mammals (D) None of these
(C) Archaeopteryx
(20) Darwinian theory was unable to explain:
(A) The significance of minute variations (D) Darwin’s finches
(30) Which of the following is a connecting link showing organic
(B) Presence of vestigial or useless organs
evolution?
(C) The presence of over-specialized organs (A) Plumnaeus (B) Pontobdella
(D) All of the above (C) Macropus (D) Peripatus
(21) Deviation of homologues is caused by (31) Which of the following is a result of geographical isolation?
(A) Time consequence along (A) No changes in the animals of the separated region
(B) Gradual changes in structure (B) Prevention of speciation
(C) Drastic changes in structure (C) Speciation through reproductive isolation
(D) No changes in basic structure (D) Random production of new species
(22) What do micro-mutations or changes involve? (32) What is hybrid breakdown a failure of?
(A) Satellite region of the chromosome (A) Development of hybrid zygote into offspring

(B) Mini-chromosomes (B) Hybrid adult to produce fertile offspring

(C) Small bodies (C) Failure of fusion between egg and sperm of two species

(D) Single genes (D) All of the above

(23) When a mutation at one locus is neutralized by a mutation (33) How many of the following are fully aquatic mammals?
at another locus, either on the same or a different Whale,Dog,Dolphin,Seal,Shark,Sea cow,Elephant
chromosome, it is called: (A) 3 (B) 4
(A) Gibberish mutation (C) 2 (D) 1
(B) Suppressor mutation (34) A: Theory of biogenesis explains that life arises from
pre-existing life. R: Louis Pasteur finally disapproved the
(C) Crossing over
theory of spontaneous generation of life.
(D) Neutral mutation (A) Assertion and Reason both are correct and Reason is the
(24) The connecting link between Annelida and M ollusca is: correct explanation of Assertion.
(A) Neopilina (B) Nautilus (B) Assertion and Reason both are correct but Reason is not
the correct explanation of Assertion.
(C) Glochidium larva (D) Veliger larva
(25) A scientist kept 69 generations of Drosophila in the dark,yet (C) Assertion is correct,but Reason is incorrect.
the flies still had normal eyes. Which theory does this (D) Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect.

2
(35) A: Mutations are non-directional. (43) The first human-like being is
R: Darwin’s small variations are directional. (A) Homo sapiens (B) Homo erectus
(A) Assertion and Reason both are correct and Reason is the
(C) Homo menthus (D) Homo habilis
correct explanation of Assertion.
(B) Assertion and Reason both are correct but Reason is not (44) The fossil of P ithecanthropus erectus was found in:
the correct explanation of Assertion. (A) China (B) Japan
(C) Assertion is correct,but Reason is incorrect. (C) Java (D) Texas
(D) Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect. (45) What was the cranial capacity of Java Man (in cc)?
(36) Which of the following is not a vestigial organ in humans? (A) 400 (B) 650
(A) Coccyx (C) 900 (D) 1450
(B) Nails (46) How many years ago did abiogenesis occur?
(C) Nictitating membrane (A) 3.5 billion years (B) 3.0 billion years

(D) Vermiform appendix (C) 2.5 billion years (D) 3.2 billion years

(37) In a population exhibiting random mating,the frequency of a (47) Who demonstrated that life comes only from pre-existing
disease-causing recessive allele is 80%. What will be the life?
frequency of carrier individuals in the population (in %)? (A) Urey (B) Miller
(A) 64 (B) 32 (C) Oparin (D) Louis Pasteur
(C) 16 (D) 100 (48) What did Stanley Miller synthesize in his experiment?
(38) The origin of life took place in/on: (A) Viruses (B) Proteins
(A) Water (B) Air (C) Amino acids (D) Cells
(C) Mountains (D) Land
(49) Chemical mutagens are considered more dangerous than
(39) Which of the following is not a vestigial organ in human radiations because:
beings? (A) Chemical exposure is more persistent.
(A) Rudimentary ear muscles,third molars (wisdom
(B) Organisms have protective mechanisms against
teeth),and body hair
radiations,but not against chemicals.
(B) Coccygeal tail vertebrae and scalp muscles
(C) Chemically induced mutations often show more
(C) Vermiform appendix and nictitating membrane of the frequent deletions.
eye
(D) Chemicals are synthetic.
(D) Ear pinna,patella,and olecranon process
(50) Proper burial of dead bodies,for the first time started in
(40) How did the metabolic capsules of life originate? which prehistoric man’s period?
(A) Through spontaneous generation from inorganic matter. (A) Peking man (B) Java man
(B) Through the formation of complex organic molecules (C) Neanderthal man (D) Cro-Magnon man
like RN A,proteins,and polysaccharides.
(51) What was the temperature maintained in Miller’s
(C) We do not know how the first self-replicating metabolic experiment (in ◦ C)?
capsules of life originated.
(A) 800 (B) 400
(D) Through the direct creation of cellular life by an external
(C) 100 (D) 1000
force.
(41) Archaeopteryx is considered a connecting link because: (52) Two or more species occupying identical or overlapping
areas are known as
(A) It possesses characteristics of both reptiles and birds.
(A) Sympatric species
(B) It possesses characteristics of both reptiles and
(B) Allopatric species
mammals.
(C) Sibling species
(C) It is a reptile but not a bird.
(D) Polytypic species
(D) It possessed characteristics of both chordates and
non-chordates. (53) Which of the following methods was considered the most
(42) Evolutionary convergence is characterized by accurate for determining the age of fossils?
(A) Development of characteristics by random mating (A) Radio-carbon dating method
(B) Replacement of common characteristics in different (B) Potassium-Argon dating method
groups
(C) Electron spin resonance method
(C) Development of dissimilar characteristics in closely
(D) Uranium-Lead dating method
related groups
(D) Development of a common set of characteristics in (54) Which one of the following is IN CORRECT with respect
groups of different ancestry to genetic drift?

3
 (A) It is any alteration in allele frequency. (63) Which one of the following sequences was proposed by
Darwin and Wallace for organic evolution?
(B) It occurs in a population by pure chance.
(A) Variations, natural selection, overproduction, constancy
(C) They are random or directionless. of population size.
(D) Effect of genetic drift has no significance in small (B) Overproduction, variations, constancy of population
populations. size, natural selection.
(55) Darwin’s finches refers to (C) Variations, constancy of population size,
(A) Fossils of birds collected by Darwin at Galapagos islands overproduction, natural selection.
(B) A type of birds present on Galapagos islands (D) Overproduction, constancy of population size,
variations, natural selection.
(C) Migratory birds collected by Darwin at Galapagos
islands (64) The most important condition for the origin of life is the
presence of
(D) Fossils of reptiles collected by Darwin at Galapagos
island (A) Water (B) Oxygen
(56) The name of P ithecanthropus erectus (often referred to as (C) Nitrogen (D) Carbon
P ithecanthropus) is associated with which of the (65) What was the final product of Miller’s experiment?
following?
(A) Sugars (B) Amino acids
(A) Java man (B) Cro-Magnon man
(C) Pigments (D) All of the above
(C) Peking man (D) Ape man
(57) The first organisms that invaded land were (66) S.L. Miller conducted an experiment in 1953 to support the:
(A) Amphibians (B) Fishes (A) Theory of spontaneous generation

(C) Plants (D) Reptiles (B) Biogenesis

(58) The presence of four horns instead of two in a goat is an (C) Chemical evolution of life
example of what?
(D) Natural selection
(A) Continuous variations
(67) Which is the basis of evolution?
(B) Discontinuous variations
(A) Cell (B) Individual
(C) Genetic variations
(C) Population (D) Species
(D) Acquired variations
(68) In 1938,a coelacanth was found in
(59) Which of the following is N OT consistent with human (A) South America (B) South Africa
evolution?
(A) Precision of hands for making tools (C) Australia (D) England

(B) Shift from hard nut-based diet to soft food (69) The theory of evolution indicates that
(A) Man evolved from monkeys
(C) Increase in communication skills or development of
social behavior (B) Monkey evolved from man
(D) Absence of tail (C) Man evolved from dinosaurs
(60) Which statement regarding mammals is incorrect? (D) Man and apes had a common ancestors
(A) Mammals are viviparous. (70) Homo habilis is also called . . . . . . .
(B) Mammals were very intelligent in sensing and avoiding (A) Tool maker man
danger.
(B) Man with ape brain
(C) Mammals took over the Earth when reptiles declined.
(C) Java ape man
(D) South American mammals were overridden by North
American fauna after continental drift. (D) Heidelberg man
(61) The specific example of ...... is Darwin’s finches. (71) The most common chemical compounds formed in
(A) Adaptive radiation Urey-Miller’s experiment were
(A) amino acids (B) ammonia
(B) Seasonal variation
(C) methane (D) vitamins
(C) Brood parasitism
(72) Louis Pasteur succeeded in disproving the spontaneous
(D) Connecting links
generation theory because:
(62) Which of the following statements is correct? (A) He was lucky.
(A) Homo erectus is the ancestor of man
(B) He was ingenious in drawing out the neck of the glass
(B) Cro-magnon man’s fossil has been found in Ethiopia flasks so as to provide access to air but not to the
micro-organisms.
(C) Australopithecus is the real ancestor of modern man
(C) The sample of yeast taken by him was dead.
(D) Cro-magnon man is the most recent ancestor of Homo
sapiens (D) Of the clean surroundings of his laboratory.

4
(73) The flippers of the Penguins and Dolphins are an example of: (A) Reptiles (B) Mammals
(A) Natural selection (B) Convergent evolution
(C) Amphibians (D) All of the above
(C) Divergent evolution (D) Adaptive radiation
(83) The evolution of man was made possible primarily because
(74) Which of the following is a placental mammal and not a our ape-like ancestors possessed:
marsupial?
(A) Migratory instinct
(A) Wombat (B) Bobcat
(B) Developed brain
(C) Bandicoot (D) Tasmanian tiger cat
(C) Binocular vision
(75) What is correct for the given figure?
(D) Large cranial capacity

(84) A.I. Oparin wrote

(A) Origin of Species
(B) Origin of Life
(C) Philosophie Zoologique
(D) The Planet
(A) Analogous organs (B) Homologous organs (85) Which one of the following scientist’s name is correctly
(C) Convergent evolution (D) All are correct matched with the theory put forth by him?
(76) The complex organic compounds that may have first (A) De Vries → Natural selection
evolved in the direction of origin of life on earth,may have (B) Mendel → Theory of Pangenesis
been
(A) Proteins and amino acids (C) Weismann → Theory of continuity of germplasm

(B) Proteins and nucleic acids (D) Pasteur → Inheritance of acquired characters

(C) Urea and nucleic acids (86) The branch of zoology dealing with the study of similarities
and differences between individuals related by descent is
(D) Urea and amino acids known as:
(77) The first vertebrates appeared in a period of the P alaeozoic (A) Genetics
era,called:
(B) Eugenics
(A) Silurian (B) Ordovician
(C) Evolution
(C) Devonian (D) Mississippian
(78) Changes in the body form of some planktonic animals with (D) Ecology
seasonal changes in temperature are grouped under
(87) Coelacanth fish are found in the waters of ........
(A) Anamorphosis (A) South America (B) South Africa
(B) Cyclomorphosis (C) North America (D) North Africa
(C) Metamorphosis
(88) The age of gymnosperms is known as the:
(D) Heteromorphosis (A) Cenozoic era (B) Mesozoic era
(79) From which group did the P rototheria evolve? (C) Palaeozoic era (D) Proterozoic era
(A) Birds (B) Eutheria
(89) Which type of animals first evolved from lobefins?
(C) Amphibians (D) Reptiles (A) Aves (B) Reptiles
(80) Which of the following examples of variation is not
(C) Amphibians (D) Mammals
important from an evolutionary standpoint?
(A) Genetic differences between individual organisms (90) Which of the following revolutionary concepts in biology is
comprising the population associated with Charles Darwin’s ’The Origin of Species’?

(B) Inherited differences between individual organisms (A) Genetic mutation

comprising the population (B) Use and disuse of organs
(C) Both (A) and (B) (C) Theory of germplasm
(D) Differences due to diet,health,age,and accident that (D) Natural selection leading to survival of the fittest
have no effect on an individual’s ability to survive and
reproduce (91) Identify the correct pair.
(81) What does the similarity in organisms with different (A) Darwin - Mutation Theory
genotypes indicate? (B) De Vries - Panspermia
(A) Microevolution (B) Macroevolution
(C) Flippers of Penguin and Dolphin - Analogous organ
(C) Convergent evolution (D) Divergent evolution
(D) All correct
(82) Which of the following animals lay eggs that dry up in the
presence of sunlight? (92) H.J.M uller was awarded the Nobel Prize for:

5
 (A) Discovering that ionising radiations can cause mutation
(B) Gene mapping in Drosophila
(C) Reduction in nuclear weapons
(D) Discovering that chemicals can cause gene mutation
(93) What does ’b’ represent in the given diagram?

(A) CH4 , N H2 , H2 S, He
(B) CH4 , N H3 , H2 O, H2
(C) CH4 , N H3 , He, H2
(D) CH4 , CO2 , H2 O, H2
(94) Which of the following is N OT included in the M esozoic
era?
(A) Triassic (B) Devonian
(C) Cretaceous (D) Jurassic
(95) The germplasm theory was proposed by . . . . . . .
(A) Stanley Miller (B) Carl Woese
(C) Charles Darwin (D) August Weismann
(96) What are the hard parts of life forms found in rocks called?
(A) Dead bodies (B) Fossils
(C) Manure (D) Metals
(97) Anthropogenic actions that lead to evolution are the use of:
(A) Herbicides
(B) Pesticides
(C) Antibiotics
(D) All of these
(98) When did dinosaurs originate?
(A) After the evolution of mammals
(B) Along with mammals
(C) Before mammals
(D) Before mammals and then they evolved
(99) The hand of a man,the wing of a bat,and the flipper of a seal
represent:
(A) Vestigial organs (B) Analogous organs
(C) Evolutionary organs (D) Homologous organs
(100) Which one of the following is N OT a character of disruptive
natural selection?
(A) More number of individuals acquire peripheral value at
ends of distribution curve.
(B) Two peaks are formed in distribution of traits.
(C) It tends to favour the intermediate forms.
(D) Nature selects extreme phenotypes.

6
 Sankalp Kota Classes
Subject : Biology Paper Set : 1
CWT Evolution Date : 08-05-2026
Standard : 12
Total Mark : 400 (Answer Key) Time : 0H:0M

Biology - Section A (MCQ)

1-A 2-D 3-B 4-D 5-C 6-C 7-D 8-B 9-B 10 - A

11 - D 12 - C 13 - D 14 - C 15 - D 16 - A 17 - B 18 - D 19 - C 20 - D
21 - B 22 - D 23 - B 24 - A 25 - D 26 - A 27 - D 28 - C 29 - C 30 - D
31 - C 32 - B 33 - A 34 - A 35 - B 36 - B 37 - B 38 - A 39 - D 40 - C
41 - A 42 - D 43 - D 44 - C 45 - C 46 - A 47 - D 48 - C 49 - B 50 - C
51 - A 52 - A 53 - B 54 - D 55 - B 56 - A 57 - C 58 - B 59 - B 60 - D
61 - A 62 - D 63 - D 64 - A 65 - B 66 - C 67 - C 68 - B 69 - D 70 - A
71 - A 72 - B 73 - B 74 - B 75 - B 76 - B 77 - B 78 - B 79 - D 80 - D
81 - C 82 - C 83 - B 84 - B 85 - C 86 - A 87 - B 88 - B 89 - C 90 - D
91 - C 92 - A 93 - B 94 - B 95 - D 96 - B 97 - D 98 - C 99 - D 100 - C

7
 Sankalp Kota Classes
Subject : Biology Paper Set : 1
CWT Evolution Date : 08-05-2026
Standard : 12
Total Mark : 400 (Solutions) Time : 0H:0M

(4) The finches of Galapagos islands provide evidence in favor

............. Biology - Section A (MCQ) .............
of which of the following?
(A) Special creation
(1) The formation of a new species is associated with which
trait? (B) Evolution due to mutation
(A) Evolution (C) Retrogressive evolution
(B) Variation (D) Biogeographical evolution
(C) Metabolism
Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
(D) Adaptation
(D) The finches of the Galapagos islands are a classic
example of Adaptive Radiation.
Solution:(Correct Answer:A) Charles Darwin observed that many varieties of finches
(A) The formation of a new species is known as speciation. were present on the same island.
Speciation is a fundamental process in Evolution. It occurs All these varieties evolved from a single original seed-eating
when populations of a species become reproductively ancestral species that migrated to the island from the
isolated and accumulate genetic V ariations over time, mainland.
eventually leading to the emergence of a new, distinct Over time, they underwent adaptive changes in their beak
species. While V ariation is the raw material and structures to suit different feeding habits (e.g.,
Adaptation plays a role, the overall process of the origin of insectivorous, vegetarian).
new species is a core aspect of Evolution. This process of evolution of different species in a given
geographical area starting from a point and radiating to
(2) The highest cranial capacity is/was present in: other areas of geography is called Adaptive Radiation.
(A) Java man (B) Peking man This is a clear evidence of Biogeographical evolution as it
demonstrates how species adapt to different ecological
(C) Handy man (D) Modern man niches within a specific geographical region.

Solution:(Correct Answer:D) (5) Which scientists experimentally proved that organic

(D) The cranial capacity of Java man molecules were produced based on evolution?
(Homo erectus erectus) is 900 c.c. (A) Oparin and Haldane (B) Louis Pasteur
The cranial capacity of Peking man
(Homo erectus pekinensis) is 1075 c.c. (C) Urey and Miller (D) Darwin
The cranial capacity of Handy man (Homo habilis) is 700 c.c.
The cranial capacity of Modern man Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
(Homo sapiens sapiens) is 1400 − 1450 c.c. (C) In 1953,S.L. Miller and H.C. Urey experimentally proved
Therefore, Modern man has the highest cranial capacity the Oparin-Haldane hypothesis of the chemical origin of life.
among the given options. They created a laboratory setup mimicking the conditions of
the primitive atmosphere,such as high temperature,volcanic
(3) Homologous structures are based on which type of storms,and a reducing atmosphere containing
evolution? CH4 ,N H3 ,H2 ,and water vapor. They observed the
(A) Convergent formation of amino acids,which are the building blocks of
organic molecules,thereby providing experimental evidence
(B) Divergent for the chemical evolution of life.
(C) Chemical
(6) Ape-like ancestors of humans appeared in which epoch?
(D) Abiotic
(A) Pleistocene (B) Pliocene
Solution:(Correct Answer:B) (C) Miocene (D) Oligocene
(B) Homologous structures are those organs that have the
same basic structural plan and embryonic origin but perform Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
different functions in different organisms. (C) The ape-like ancestors of humans,such as Dryopithecus
This phenomenon is known as divergent evolution,where and Ramapithecus,appeared during the M iocene epoch.
organisms with a common ancestor evolve to adapt to The P liocene epoch saw the emergence of early hominids
different environments,leading to structural modifications like Australopithecus,while the genus Homo (humans)
while retaining the underlying anatomical similarity. appeared during the P leistocene epoch.

8
(7) Oparin and Haldane’s theory is also called Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
(A) Chemical theory of origin of life (A) Adaptive radiation refers to the process of evolution of
different species in a given geographical area starting from
(B) Modern theory of origin of life a point and radiating to other areas of geography (habitats).
(C) Naturalistic theory When more than one adaptive radiation appears to have
occurred in an isolated geographical area (representing
(D) All of the above different habitats),one can call this convergent evolution.
Solution:(Correct Answer:D) Placental mammals in Australia also exhibit adaptive
(D) The correct answer is D. All of the above. radiation in evolving into varieties of such placental
Oparin and Haldane’s theory,which explains the origin of life mammals,each of which appears to be similar to a
on Earth,is known by several names: corresponding marsupial (e.g.,Placental wolf and Tasmanian
1. Chemical theory of origin of life: It suggests that life wolf).
originated from non-living organic molecules through a Thus,both the Assertion and the Reason are correct,and the
series of chemical reactions. Reason provides the correct explanation for the Assertion.
2. Modern theory of origin of life: It is considered the most
widely accepted modern scientific explanation for the origin (11) The ultimate source of organic evolution is
of life.
(A) Natural selection
3. Naturalistic theory: It explains the origin of life through
natural processes rather than supernatural intervention. (B) Sexual reproduction
Therefore,all the given options are correct.
(C) Hormonal action
(8) If a population of a species is transported to a more (D) Mutations
favorable environment,it will show:
(A) Protection against enemies
Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
(B) Higher survival of organisms (D) Organic evolution relies on the presence of genetic
(C) Increased reproductive rate variation within a population.
Mutations are sudden,heritable changes in the DN A
(D) Unlimited food supply sequence that introduce new alleles into a gene pool.
While natural selection acts upon these
Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
variations,mutations are the primary and ultimate source of
(B) When a population of a species is moved to a more new genetic material,providing the raw material for
favorable environment,the environmental resistance evolution to occur over time.
decreases.
This leads to better survival conditions for the individuals.
As a result,more organisms survive to reach reproductive (12) The weakest point of Darwinism was that it could not
age,leading to an increased survival rate and population explain which of the following?
growth. (A) Struggle for existence
(9) Due to the absence of which of the following,life does not (B) Survival of the fittest
exist on the Moon?
(C) Variations
(A) O2 (B) Water
(D) High rate of reproduction
(C) Light (D) Temperature
Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
(B) Life requires specific conditions to exist,including the
(C) Darwin’s theory of natural selection,as proposed in his
presence of an atmosphere,liquid water,and a suitable
book ’On the Origin of Species’,successfully explained how
temperature range. The Moon lacks an atmosphere,which
natural selection acts on existing variations to favor the
means it lacks essential gases like O2 (oxygen) and H2 O
survival of the fittest. However,Darwin could not provide a
(water vapor). Among the given options,the absence of
satisfactory explanation for the origin and inheritance of
water is the most critical factor for the lack of life on the
these variations. He was unaware of the mechanisms of
Moon,as water is the universal solvent and essential for all
genetics and the role of mutations,which were later
known biological processes.
explained by the Neo-Darwinian synthesis (Modern
(10) A: Placental wolf and Tasmanian wolf (a marsupial) show Synthetic Theory). Therefore,the inability to explain the
convergent evolution. source of variations remains the weakest point of his theory.
R: Like marsupials,placental mammals in other parts of the
world also exhibit adaptive radiation in evolving into (13) Select the incorrect statements:
varieties of such placental mammals,each of which appears I. Natural selection is essential for evolution.
to be similar to a corresponding marsupial. II. Natural selection does not include variations.
(A) Assertion and Reason both are correct and Reason is the III. The concept of natural selection was given by Hugo de
correct explanation of Assertion. Vries.
IV. Mutation is a sudden inheritable change.
(B) Assertion and Reason both are correct but Reason is not
V. The synthetic theory is also called the Neo-Darwinism
the correct explanation of Assertion.
theory of evolution.
(C) Assertion is correct,but Reason is incorrect. (A) I, II and III (B) II, III and IV
(D) Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect. (C) III, IV and V (D) II and III

9
 Solution:(Correct Answer:D) (17) The replica plating experiment was performed by:
(D) Statement I is correct: Natural selection is a (A) Haeckel (B) Lederberg
fundamental mechanism of evolution.
(C) Lamarck (D) Darwin
Statement II is incorrect: Natural selection acts upon the
variations present in a population. Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
Statement III is incorrect: The concept of natural selection (B) The replica plating experiment was performed by Joshua
was proposed by Charles Darwin,whereas Hugo de Vries Lederberg and Esther Lederberg in 1952.
proposed the Mutation Theory. This experiment provided direct evidence for the existence
Statement IV is correct: Mutations are sudden,stable,and of pre-existing mutations in bacterial populations.
inheritable changes in the genetic material. It demonstrated that mutations occur randomly and are not
Statement V is correct: The Modern Synthetic Theory of induced by the environment,supporting the Darwinian view
evolution is often referred to as Neo-Darwinism. of natural selection.
Therefore,the incorrect statements are II and III.
(18) Which of the following statements stands in favour of
(14) When more than one adaptive radiation appears to have
abiogenesis?
occurred in an isolated geographical area,it is called ...... .
I. Spontaneous generation
(A) Natural selection II. Origin of viruses and microbes
(B) Divergent evolution III. Origin of life from living organism
IV. Origin of life from non-living organism
(C) Convergent evolution The correct combination is
(D) Survival of the fittest (A) I and II (B) II and III

Solution:(Correct Answer:C) (C) III and IV (D) I and IV

(C) When more than one adaptive radiation appears to have Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
occurred in an isolated geographical area,it is called (D) Abiogenesis refers to the natural process by which life
convergent evolution. has arisen from non-living matter,such as simple organic
This phenomenon occurs when different species,originating compounds.
from different ancestral lineages,evolve similar traits or I. Spontaneous generation is the hypothetical process by
adaptations to survive in similar environmental conditions. which living organisms develop from non-living matter.
Adaptive radiation refers to the process of evolution of IV. Origin of life from non-living organism is the
different species in a given geographical area starting from fundamental definition of abiogenesis.
a point and radiating to other areas of geography (habitats). Therefore,statements I and IV support the concept of
When two or more adaptive radiations occur in the same abiogenesis.
area,they lead to convergent evolution because the
organisms adapt to similar niches. (19) A certain animal possesses shelled eggs,hair,and mammary
glands,and also has a cloaca. It acts as a connecting link
(15) The pangenesis hypothesis was proposed by whom?
between which of the following?
(A) Weismann (B) Galton
(A) Reptiles and Birds (B) Birds and Mammals
(C) Wagner (D) Darwin
(C) Reptiles and Mammals (D) None of these
Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
(D) The pangenesis hypothesis was proposed by
Charles Darwin in 1868 as a mechanism for inheritance. (C) The animal described is the P latypus (or
According to this theory,every part of the body emits Ornithorhynchus).
minute particles called ’gemmules’ or ’pangenes’ that 1. It lays shelled eggs,which is a characteristic feature of
migrate to the reproductive organs and are passed on to reptiles.
the offspring,thereby explaining the inheritance of acquired 2. It possesses hair and mammary glands,which are
characters. characteristic features of mammals.
3. The presence of a cloaca is a primitive feature found in
(16) Which evidence of evolution is related to Darwin’s finches? reptiles and monotreme mammals.
(A) Evidence from biogeographical distribution Therefore,the P latypus serves as a connecting link between
reptiles and mammals.
(B) Evidence from comparative anatomy
(20) Darwinian theory was unable to explain:
(C) Evidence from embryology
(A) The significance of minute variations
(D) Evidence from paleontology
(B) Presence of vestigial or useless organs
Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
(C) The presence of over-specialized organs
(A) Darwin’s finches,observed by Charles Darwin in the
Galapagos Islands,provide a classic example of adaptive (D) All of the above
radiation.
These birds evolved from a common ancestral species into Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
various forms with different beak shapes to suit different (D) Darwin’s theory of natural selection,while
food sources on different islands. revolutionary,had several limitations.
This phenomenon is a direct consequence of geographical 1. It could not explain the origin of variations or the
isolation and environmental adaptation,which falls under mechanism of inheritance (as the work of Mendel was not
the category of evidence from biogeographical distribution. known at that time).

10
 2. It failed to explain the significance of small or minute Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
variations that do not provide an immediate survival (A) connecting link is an organism that exhibits
advantage. characteristics of two distinct taxonomic groups,suggesting
3. It could not explain the presence of vestigial organs,which an evolutionary relationship between them.
are reduced or non-functional in the current organism. N eopilina is a primitive mollusk that possesses segmented
4. It also could not account for the evolution of body structures,a characteristic feature of Annelida,while
over-specialized organs (like the massive antlers of the Irish also exhibiting typical molluscan features like a shell and a
deer) that might seem detrimental to survival. mantle. Therefore,it serves as a connecting link between
Therefore,all the given options represent aspects that Annelida and M ollusca.
Darwinian theory could not adequately explain.
(25) A scientist kept 69 generations of Drosophila in the dark,yet
(21) Deviation of homologues is caused by the flies still had normal eyes. Which theory does this
(A) Time consequence along disprove?
(A) Synthetic theory
(B) Gradual changes in structure
(B) Natural selection
(C) Drastic changes in structure
(C) Germplasm theory
(D) No changes in basic structure
(D) Inheritance of acquired characters
Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
(B) Homologous organs are those that share a common
ancestral origin but perform different functions due to (D) The experiment described is famously associated with
adaptation to different environments. August Weismann.
This divergence in form and function,known as divergent By keeping Drosophila in the dark for 69 generations,the
evolution,occurs over long periods of time. scientist tested the Lamarckian hypothesis of the
It is driven by the accumulation of gradual changes in the ’Inheritance of acquired characters’.
structure of these organs to suit specific survival needs in According to Lamarck,if an organ is not used,it gradually
different habitats. disappears or weakens over generations,and these acquired
changes are passed to offspring.
Since the flies still possessed normal eyes after 69
(22) What do micro-mutations or changes involve?
generations,it proved that the lack of use did not lead to
(A) Satellite region of the chromosome the loss of the trait,thereby disproving the theory of the
(B) Mini-chromosomes ’Inheritance of acquired characters’.

(C) Small bodies (26) Which technique is used to prove that antibiotic-resistant
(D) Single genes bacterial mutants are pre-existing and not induced by the
environment?
Solution:(Correct Answer:D) (A) Replica plating (B) Serial dilution
(D) Micro-mutations,as proposed by Hugo de Vries,refer to (C) Southern blotting (D) P CR amplification
small,gradual,and continuous variations that occur within a
population. These changes typically involve alterations in Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
single genes (point mutations) or small segments of (A) The experiment used to prove that antibiotic-resistant
DN A,which contribute to the process of natural selection bacterial mutants are pre-existing and not induced by the
and evolution over time. environment is the Replica plating technique.
This experiment was performed by Joshua Lederberg and
(23) When a mutation at one locus is neutralized by a mutation Esther Lederberg.
at another locus, either on the same or a different In this process,a master plate containing bacterial colonies is
chromosome, it is called: pressed onto a velvet-covered block and then transferred to
a new plate containing an antibiotic (like streptomycin).
(A) Gibberish mutation
The colonies that grow on the antibiotic plate correspond
(B) Suppressor mutation exactly to the positions of the colonies on the master
plate,proving that the resistance was already present in the
(C) Crossing over
population before exposure to the antibiotic.
(D) Neutral mutation
(27) A starfish with six arms may be a case of
Solution:(Correct Answer:B) (A) Variation
(B) Suppressor mutation is a genetic change that hides or
(B) Evolution
suppresses the effect of another mutation. This occurs
when a second mutation at a different locus restores the (C) Autotomy
phenotype to the wild type, effectively neutralizing the
(D) Mutation
original mutation. This can happen on the same
chromosome or a different chromosome. Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
(D) Starfish typically exhibit pentamerous (five-armed) radial
(24) The connecting link between Annelida and M ollusca is: symmetry. The presence of six arms in a starfish is a
(A) Neopilina (B) Nautilus deviation from the normal body plan. This change in the
(C) Glochidium larva (D) Veliger larva genetic makeup or the expression of genes during

11
 development that results in an abnormal number of Eventually,these genetic differences become significant
appendages is classified as a mutation. While variation enough that even if the populations were to come into
refers to differences between individuals,a specific contact again,they would be unable to interbreed.
structural anomaly like an extra arm is best described as a This process leads to reproductive isolation,which is a key
mutation. mechanism in the formation of new species,known as
speciation.
(28) Ancestral amphibians were tetrapods that evolved during
(A) Jurassic period (B) Cretaceous period (32) What is hybrid breakdown a failure of?
(A) Development of hybrid zygote into offspring
(C) Devonian period (D) Carboniferous period
(B) Hybrid adult to produce fertile offspring
Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
(C) The first amphibians evolved from lobe-finned fish (C) Failure of fusion between egg and sperm of two species
during the Devonian period. These ancestral amphibians (D) All of the above
were the first tetrapods to transition from aquatic to
semi-terrestrial environments. Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
(B) Hybrid breakdown is a type of reproductive isolation
(29) Which one illustrates palaeontological evidence in favour of where the F1 hybrids are viable and fertile,but their
organic evolution? offspring (the F2 generation) are feeble or sterile.
(A) Duck-billed platypus This means the failure occurs in the ability of the hybrid to
produce viable and fertile offspring in subsequent
(B) Peppered moth generations.
(C) Archaeopteryx Therefore,it is a failure of the hybrid adult to produce fertile
offspring.
(D) Darwin’s finches
(33) How many of the following are fully aquatic mammals?
Solution:(Correct Answer:C) Whale,Dog,Dolphin,Seal,Shark,Sea cow,Elephant
(C) Palaeontological evidence refers to evidence obtained (A) 3 (B) 4
from fossils.
Archaeopteryx is a classic example of a connecting link (C) 2 (D) 1
between reptiles and birds,found in the fossil record.
Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
It possesses features of both classes,such as teeth and a
long tail (reptilian) and feathers and wings (avian). (A) To identify the fully aquatic mammals from the given list:
Therefore,it serves as direct palaeontological evidence for 1. Whale: Fully aquatic mammal.
organic evolution. 2. Dog: Terrestrial mammal.
3. Dolphin: Fully aquatic mammal.
(30) Which of the following is a connecting link showing organic 4. Seal: Semi-aquatic mammal (spends time on land and
evolution? water).
(A) Plumnaeus (B) Pontobdella 5. Shark: Fish (not a mammal).
6. Sea cow (Manatee): Fully aquatic mammal.
(C) Macropus (D) Peripatus 7. Elephant: Terrestrial mammal.
Therefore,the fully aquatic mammals are Whale,Dolphin,and
Solution:(Correct Answer:D) Sea cow. The total count is 3.
(D) P eripatus is a classic example of a connecting link that
exhibits characteristics of both Annelida (such as (34) A: Theory of biogenesis explains that life arises from
segmented body,thin cuticle,and segmental nephridia) and pre-existing life. R: Louis Pasteur finally disapproved the
Arthropoda (such as tracheal respiration,open circulatory theory of spontaneous generation of life.
system,and jointed appendages). This provides evidence for (A) Assertion and Reason both are correct and Reason is the
organic evolution by suggesting a common ancestry correct explanation of Assertion.
between these two phyla.
(B) Assertion and Reason both are correct but Reason is not
(31) Which of the following is a result of geographical isolation? the correct explanation of Assertion.
(A) No changes in the animals of the separated region (C) Assertion is correct,but Reason is incorrect.
(B) Prevention of speciation (D) Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
(C) Speciation through reproductive isolation Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
(D) Random production of new species (A) The theory of biogenesis states that living organisms
arise only from pre-existing living organisms.
Solution:(Correct Answer:C) Louis Pasteur,through his famous swan-neck flask
(C) Geographical isolation refers to the physical separation experiment,demonstrated that in pre-sterilized flasks,life
of populations of a species by barriers such as did not come from killed yeast,while in flasks open to
mountains,rivers,or oceans. air,new living organisms arose from life existing in the air.
When populations are geographically isolated,they cannot This experiment finally disproved the theory of spontaneous
interbreed. generation (abiogenesis).
Over time,due to different environmental pressures and Since the theory of biogenesis is the scientific alternative
genetic drift,these populations accumulate distinct genetic that replaced the theory of spontaneous generation,the
variations. Reason correctly explains the Assertion.

12
(35) A: Mutations are non-directional. Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
R: Darwin’s small variations are directional. (A) According to the Oparin-Haldane hypothesis,life
(A) Assertion and Reason both are correct and Reason is the originated in the primitive oceans (water) through a process
correct explanation of Assertion. of chemical evolution. The early Earth’s atmosphere was
reducing,and the synthesis of organic molecules occurred in
(B) Assertion and Reason both are correct but Reason is not
the aqueous environment of the primordial soup.
the correct explanation of Assertion.
(C) Assertion is correct,but Reason is incorrect.
(39) Which of the following is not a vestigial organ in human
(D) Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect. beings?
Solution:(Correct Answer:B) (A) Rudimentary ear muscles,third molars (wisdom
(B) According to the Hugo de V ries mutation teeth),and body hair
theory,mutations are random and non-directional.
(B) Coccygeal tail vertebrae and scalp muscles
In contrast,Charles Darwin proposed that evolution
occurs through small,continuous,and directional variations (C) Vermiform appendix and nictitating membrane of the
that provide a survival advantage. eye
Therefore,both the Assertion and the Reason are correct,but
(D) Ear pinna,patella,and olecranon process
the Reason does not explain the mechanism of mutations
mentioned in the Assertion.
Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
(36) Which of the following is not a vestigial organ in humans?
(D) Vestigial organs are anatomical structures that have lost
(A) Coccyx most or all of their ancestral function in a given species.
(B) Nails A,B,and C contain examples of vestigial structures in
humans,such as the appendix,wisdom teeth,and nictitating
(C) Nictitating membrane membrane.
(D) Vermiform appendix D is the correct answer because the ear pinna (external
ear),patella (kneecap),and olecranon process (part of the
Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
ulna bone) are fully functional,non-vestigial structures in
(B) Vestigial organs are anatomical structures that have lost humans.
their original ancestral function through the course of
evolution.
A. The coccyx (tailbone) is a vestigial remnant of the tail. (40) How did the metabolic capsules of life originate?
B. Nails are functional structures in humans used for (A) Through spontaneous generation from inorganic matter.
protection and grasping; they are not vestigial.
C. The nictitating membrane (third eyelid) is a vestigial fold (B) Through the formation of complex organic molecules
in the corner of the human eye. like RN A,proteins,and polysaccharides.
D. The vermiform appendix is a vestigial structure that was (C) We do not know how the first self-replicating metabolic
once used for cellulose digestion in ancestors. capsules of life originated.
Therefore,nails are the only functional organs among the
given options. (D) Through the direct creation of cellular life by an external
force.
(37) In a population exhibiting random mating,the frequency of a
disease-causing recessive allele is 80%. What will be the
frequency of carrier individuals in the population (in %)? Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
(A) 64 (B) 32 (C) We do not know how the first self-replicating metabolic
capsules of life originated. It is believed that the first
(C) 16 (D) 100 non-cellular form of life could have originated 3 billion years
Solution:(Correct Answer:B) ago.
(B) According to the Hardy-Weinberg principle,the genetic These would have been giant molecules
equilibrium is represented by the equation (RN A,proteins,polysaccharides,etc.). These capsules likely
(p + q)2 = p2 + 2pq + q 2 = 1,where p is the frequency of the reproduced themselves. The first cellular form of life did not
dominant allele and q is the frequency of the recessive allele. evolve until about 2000 million years ago. These were
Given that the frequency of the recessive allele (q) is probably single-celled.
80%,we have q = 0.8. All life forms were in the water environment only. Thus,it is
Consequently,the frequency of the dominant allele (p) is generally accepted that the first living cell came into
p = 1 − q = 1 − 0.8 = 0.2. existence through a slow evolutionary process from
Carrier individuals are those who are heterozygous for the non-living molecules,as per the theory of biogenesis.
recessive trait,represented by the term 2pq in the
Hardy-Weinberg equation.
(41) Archaeopteryx is considered a connecting link because:
Substituting the values: 2pq = 2 × 0.2 × 0.8 = 0.32.
Converting this to a percentage: 0.32 × 100 = 32%. (A) It possesses characteristics of both reptiles and birds.
Therefore,the frequency of carrier individuals in the (B) It possesses characteristics of both reptiles and
population is 32%. mammals.
(38) The origin of life took place in/on: (C) It is a reptile but not a bird.
(A) Water (B) Air
(D) It possessed characteristics of both chordates and
(C) Mountains (D) Land non-chordates.

13
 Solution:(Correct Answer:A) (46) How many years ago did abiogenesis occur?
(A) Archaeopteryx is a classic example of a connecting link (A) 3.5 billion years (B) 3.0 billion years
in evolutionary biology. It exhibits features of both reptiles
(C) 2.5 billion years (D) 3.2 billion years
(such as teeth in the jaws,a long tail,and claws on the digits)
and birds (such as the presence of feathers and wings). Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
Therefore,it serves as a transitional fossil between reptiles (A) Abiogenesis,also known as spontaneous
and birds,indicating that birds have evolved from reptilian generation,refers to the theory that life originated from
ancestors. non-living matter.
According to current scientific understanding and
(42) Evolutionary convergence is characterized by evolutionary biology,the first forms of life on Earth are
(A) Development of characteristics by random mating estimated to have emerged approximately 3.5 billion years
ago.
(B) Replacement of common characteristics in different
Therefore,the correct option is A.
groups
(C) Development of dissimilar characteristics in closely (47) Who demonstrated that life comes only from pre-existing
related groups life?
(A) Urey (B) Miller
(D) Development of a common set of characteristics in
groups of different ancestry (C) Oparin (D) Louis Pasteur

Solution:(Correct Answer:D) Solution:(Correct Answer:D)

(D) Evolutionary convergence,also known as convergent (D) Louis Pasteur successfully demonstrated the theory of
evolution,is the process whereby organisms not closely biogenesis,which states that life originates only from
related independently evolve similar traits as a result of pre-existing life.
having to adapt to similar environments or ecological niches. He performed a famous experiment using swan-necked
This leads to the development of analogous flasks to show that in sterilized flasks,life did not arise from
structures,which perform similar functions but have killed yeast,while in flasks exposed to air,new organisms
different evolutionary origins. appeared.
Therefore,it is characterized by the development of a This experiment effectively disproved the theory of
common set of characteristics in groups of different spontaneous generation.
ancestry.
(48) What did Stanley Miller synthesize in his experiment?
(43) The first human-like being is (A) Viruses (B) Proteins
(A) Homo sapiens (B) Homo erectus (C) Amino acids (D) Cells
(C) Homo menthus (D) Homo habilis Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
Solution:(Correct Answer:D) (C) In 1953,Stanley Miller and Harold Urey conducted an
(D) Homo habilis is considered the first human-like being. experiment to test the Oparin-Haldane hypothesis
They lived approximately 2.0 to 1.5 million years ago. regarding the origin of life.
They had a brain capacity between 650 − 800 cc and were They created a closed system simulating the conditions of
the first to use tools. the primitive Earth,which included a mixture of gases like
methane (CH4 ),ammonia (N H3 ),hydrogen (H2 ),and water
(44) The fossil of P ithecanthropus erectus was found in: vapor (H2 O) at high temperatures.
They provided energy through electric discharges to
(A) China (B) Japan
simulate lightning.
(C) Java (D) Texas After a week,they observed the formation of simple organic
compounds,specifically amino acids like glycine,alanine,and
Solution:(Correct Answer:C) aspartic acid,in the condensed liquid.
(C) P ithecanthropus erectus,now commonly classified as Thus,the experiment demonstrated that organic molecules
Homo erectus erectus,is famously known as the Java Man. could be synthesized from inorganic precursors under
The fossil remains of this early human ancestor were prebiotic conditions.
discovered by Eugene Dubois in 1891 on the island of
Java,Indonesia. (49) Chemical mutagens are considered more dangerous than
radiations because:
(45) What was the cranial capacity of Java Man (in cc)? (A) Chemical exposure is more persistent.
(A) 400 (B) 650 (B) Organisms have protective mechanisms against
(C) 900 (D) 1450 radiations,but not against chemicals.

Solution:(Correct Answer:C) (C) Chemically induced mutations often show more

frequent deletions.
(C) Java Man,scientifically known as Homo erectus
erectus,is an extinct subspecies of Homo erectus. (D) Chemicals are synthetic.
Fossil evidence indicates that Java Man had a cranial
capacity of approximately 900 cc. Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
In comparison,Homo habilis had a capacity of about (B) Chemical mutagens are considered more dangerous than
650 − 800 cc,while modern humans (Homo sapiens) have radiations because organisms have evolved certain
an average cranial capacity of about 1350 − 1450 cc. biological mechanisms to protect themselves against

14
 natural radiations (such as sunlight or cosmic rays). (B) The Radio − carbon dating method is primarily used for
However,many chemical mutagens persist in the relatively recent organic materials (up to 50, 000 years).
environment for a long time,and organisms lack specific However,for determining the age of ancient fossils and
protective mechanisms to counteract them,making them geological strata,the P otassium − Argon (K − Ar) dating
more harmful. method is considered highly accurate and reliable.
It measures the decay of radioactive P otassium − 40 into
(50) Proper burial of dead bodies,for the first time started in Argon − 40 within volcanic rocks associated with the
which prehistoric man’s period? fossils,allowing scientists to date samples that are millions
(A) Peking man (B) Java man of years old.

(C) Neanderthal man (D) Cro-Magnon man (54) Which one of the following is IN CORRECT with respect
to genetic drift?
Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
(A) It is any alteration in allele frequency.
(C) N eanderthal man (Homo neanderthalensis) lived
between 100, 000 and 40, 000 years ago. (B) It occurs in a population by pure chance.
They were the first prehistoric humans to exhibit complex
(C) They are random or directionless.
social behavior,including the practice of burying their dead
with tools,flowers,and other artifacts,suggesting a belief in (D) Effect of genetic drift has no significance in small
an afterlife or ritualistic culture. populations.

(51) What was the temperature maintained in Miller’s Solution:(Correct Answer:D)

experiment (in ◦ C)? (D) Genetic drift refers to the change in allele frequency of a
(A) 800 (B) 400 population due to random sampling of organisms.
It occurs by pure chance and is directionless.
(C) 100 (D) 1000 Genetic drift has a significant impact on small populations
Solution:(Correct Answer:A) because random fluctuations in allele frequencies can lead
to the fixation or loss of alleles more rapidly than in large
(A) In 1953,Stanley Miller and Harold Urey conducted an
populations.
experiment to simulate the conditions of the primitive Earth.
Therefore,the statement that it has no significance in small
They created a closed system containing a mixture of gases
populations is incorrect.
like methane (CH4 ),ammonia (N H3 ),and hydrogen (H2 ) in
the ratio of 2 : 1 : 2,along with water vapor (H2 O). (55) Darwin’s finches refers to
To simulate the high-energy environment of early Earth,they
maintained a temperature of 800◦ C using electrodes to (A) Fossils of birds collected by Darwin at Galapagos islands
create electric discharges. (B) A type of birds present on Galapagos islands
This experiment successfully demonstrated the synthesis of
amino acids from simple inorganic molecules,supporting the (C) Migratory birds collected by Darwin at Galapagos
chemical evolution theory. islands
(D) Fossils of reptiles collected by Darwin at Galapagos
(52) Two or more species occupying identical or overlapping island
areas are known as
(A) Sympatric species Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
(B) Darwin’s finches are a group of small birds that Charles
(B) Allopatric species Darwin observed on the Galapagos Islands during his
(C) Sibling species voyage on the HM S Beagle.
These birds exhibited a remarkable diversity in their beak
(D) Polytypic species shapes and sizes,which were adapted to different feeding
habits.
Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
This phenomenon is a classic example of adaptive
(A) Species that inhabit the same or overlapping radiation,where species from a common ancestor evolve
geographical areas are referred to as Sympatric species. into different forms to occupy various ecological niches.
Allopatric species are those that inhabit Therefore,they are a type of bird present on the Galapagos
different,non-overlapping geographical areas. Islands.
Sibling species are morphologically similar but
reproductively isolated species. (56) The name of P ithecanthropus erectus (often referred to as
P olytypic species are species that consist of two or more P ithecanthropus) is associated with which of the
subspecies. following?
(A) Java man (B) Cro-Magnon man
(53) Which of the following methods was considered the most
accurate for determining the age of fossils? (C) Peking man (D) Ape man
(A) Radio-carbon dating method Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
(B) Potassium-Argon dating method (A) The name P ithecanthropus erectus (Java man) was
given by Eugene Dubois in 1891 for the fossils discovered in
(C) Electron spin resonance method
Java,Indonesia.
(D) Uranium-Lead dating method P ithecanthropus is derived from the Greek words pithekos
(ape) and anthropos (man),meaning ’ape-man’.
Solution:(Correct Answer:B) Therefore,it is historically associated with Java man.

15
(57) The first organisms that invaded land were (A) Mammals are viviparous.
(A) Amphibians (B) Fishes
(B) Mammals were very intelligent in sensing and avoiding
(C) Plants (D) Reptiles danger.

Solution:(Correct Answer:C) (C) Mammals took over the Earth when reptiles declined.
(C) According to the evolutionary history of life on (D) South American mammals were overridden by North
Earth,plants were the first organisms to colonize land. American fauna after continental drift.
Before animals could move onto land,plants had already
established themselves,providing the necessary food and
Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
oxygen-rich environment for subsequent animal life. This
transition occurred during the Ordovician period,long (D) The incorrect statement is D. While South American
before amphibians or reptiles evolved. mammals were indeed affected by continental drift,the
historical record shows that when South America joined
North America,the North American fauna (which were more
(58) The presence of four horns instead of two in a goat is an
competitive) migrated south and largely replaced or
example of what?
’overrode’ the South American fauna. The statement in the
(A) Continuous variations option is slightly ambiguous but generally refers to the
(B) Discontinuous variations faunal interchange where South American species were
displaced. However,in the context of standard biology
(C) Genetic variations questions,D is the intended answer as it misrepresents the
(D) Acquired variations direction of the faunal dominance during the Great
American Biotic Interchange.
Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
(B) Variations can be classified as continuous or (61) The specific example of ...... is Darwin’s finches.
discontinuous.
Continuous variations are small,quantitative differences (A) Adaptive radiation
that show a range of phenotypes (e.g.,height in humans). (B) Seasonal variation
Discontinuous variations are distinct,qualitative differences
that do not show a range of phenotypes,often controlled by (C) Brood parasitism
a single gene or a small set of genes. (D) Connecting links
The presence of four horns instead of two is a
clear,distinct,and qualitative trait that does not show
intermediate forms,thus it is an example of discontinuous Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
variation. (A) Darwin’s finches are a classic example of
Adaptive radiation.
(59) Which of the following is N OT consistent with human When a species evolves from a single ancestral form into a
evolution? variety of new forms to adapt to different environmental
(A) Precision of hands for making tools niches,it is known as adaptive radiation.
Charles Darwin observed these finches in the Galapagos
(B) Shift from hard nut-based diet to soft food Islands,where they had evolved different beak shapes to
(C) Increase in communication skills or development of suit their specific diets,such as seeds,insects,or cactus fruits.
social behavior
(D) Absence of tail (62) Which of the following statements is correct?
(A) Homo erectus is the ancestor of man
Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
(B) Cro-magnon man’s fossil has been found in Ethiopia
(B) Human evolution is characterized by several key
adaptations. (C) Australopithecus is the real ancestor of modern man
1. A is correct: The development of a precision grip allowed
(D) Cro-magnon man is the most recent ancestor of Homo
for the creation and use of complex tools.
sapiens
2. B is incorrect: Human evolution involved a transition
from a diet of tough,fibrous plant material to a more varied
diet,but the shift was not specifically from ’hard nuts’ to ’soft Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
food’ as a primary evolutionary driver; rather,it involved the (D) Cro-magnon man was the most recent ancestor of
use of fire and cooking,which softened food. However,in today’s man.
the context of evolutionary biology questions,the option It was discovered by MacGregor in 1868 from Cro-magnon
describing a shift from ’hard nut-based diet’ to ’soft food’ is rocks of France.
often considered a distractor or scientifically inaccurate It was about 180 cm in height with a large skull,broad
compared to the other evolutionary milestones. face,rounded forehead,narrow nose,and prominent chin.
3. C is correct: The expansion of the brain,particularly the The cranial capacity was about 1680 cc.
cerebral cortex,facilitated complex language and social They were omnivorous and expressed themselves through
structures. sculpture and painting.
4. D is correct: The loss of the tail is a characteristic trait of
the hominoid lineage (apes and humans).
(63) Which one of the following sequences was proposed by
(60) Which statement regarding mammals is incorrect? Darwin and Wallace for organic evolution?

16
 (A) Variations, natural selection, overproduction, constancy pre-existing non-living organic molecules.
of population size. In 1953,S.L. Miller conducted an experiment to test this
hypothesis by creating a laboratory environment that
(B) Overproduction, variations, constancy of population simulated the conditions of the primitive Earth (high
size, natural selection. temperature,volcanic storms,and a reducing atmosphere
(C) Variations, constancy of population size, containing CH4 ,N H3 ,H2 ,and H2 O).
overproduction, natural selection. He observed the synthesis of amino acids in his
apparatus,which provided experimental evidence for the
(D) Overproduction, constancy of population size, chemical evolution of life.
variations, natural selection.
(67) Which is the basis of evolution?
Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
(A) Cell (B) Individual
(D) Darwin and Wallace’s theory of natural selection follows
a logical sequence: (C) Population (D) Species
1. Overproduction: Organisms tend to produce more Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
offspring than the environment can support. (C) The correct answer is C. Evolution occurs through
2. Constancy of population size: Despite high reproductive changes in the allele frequencies within a population over
rates, population sizes remain relatively stable due to time. Genetic variations appearing among the members of a
limited resources. population provide the raw material for natural
3. V ariations: Individuals within a population exhibit selection,which acts upon the population,making it the
variations in their traits. fundamental unit of evolution.
4. N atural selection: Individuals with advantageous
variations are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading (68) In 1938,a coelacanth was found in
to evolutionary change over time. (A) South America (B) South Africa
Therefore, the correct sequence is
(C) Australia
Overproduction, constancy of population size, variations, natural selection. (D) England
Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
(64) The most important condition for the origin of life is the (B) In 1938,a living coelacanth was discovered off the coast
presence of of South Africa. This fish was named Latimeria and is
(A) Water (B) Oxygen considered a living fossil. It is significant in evolutionary
(C) Nitrogen (D) Carbon biology as it represents a group that was thought to be
extinct and is often discussed in the context of the
Solution:(Correct Answer:A) transition from fishes to tetrapods (amphibians).
(A) Life originated in the primitive oceans,which provided
(69) The theory of evolution indicates that
the necessary aqueous environment for the synthesis of
complex organic molecules. Water acts as a universal (A) Man evolved from monkeys
solvent and is essential for all biochemical reactions,making (B) Monkey evolved from man
it the most critical condition for the origin of life.
(C) Man evolved from dinosaurs
(65) What was the final product of Miller’s experiment? (D) Man and apes had a common ancestors
(A) Sugars (B) Amino acids
Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
(C) Pigments (D) All of the above (D) The theory of evolution,specifically regarding human
Solution:(Correct Answer:B) ancestry,states that humans and modern apes (such as
(B) Stanley Miller and Harold Urey conducted an experiment chimpanzees,gorillas,and orangutans) share a common
in 1953 to test the Oparin-Haldane hypothesis regarding the ancestor that lived millions of years ago.
origin of life. Humans did not evolve directly from monkeys or apes;
They created a closed system containing CH4 , N H3 , H2 , rather,both lineages diverged from a common primate
and water vapor at a temperature just below 100 C. ◦ ancestor through the process of natural selection and
Electric discharges were passed through the mixture to adaptive radiation.
simulate lightning. (70) Homo habilis is also called . . . . . . .
After a week, they observed the formation of simple organic
(A) Tool maker man
compounds, primarily Amino acids such as glycine, alanine,
and aspartic acid. (B) Man with ape brain
Therefore, the correct answer is Amino acids.
(C) Java ape man
(66) S.L. Miller conducted an experiment in 1953 to support the: (D) Heidelberg man
(A) Theory of spontaneous generation Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
(B) Biogenesis (A) Homo habilis is known as the ’handy man’ or ’tool maker
man’ because they were the first hominids to create and use
(C) Chemical evolution of life
stone tools. Their brain capacity was between 650 − 800 cc.
(D) Natural selection
(71) The most common chemical compounds formed in
Solution:(Correct Answer:C) Urey-Miller’s experiment were
(C) The chemical evolution theory,proposed by Oparin and (A) amino acids (B) ammonia
Haldane,suggests that the first forms of life originated from (C) methane (D) vitamins

17
 Solution:(Correct Answer:A) Bandicoot, and T asmanian tiger cat are all marsupials,
(A) In 1953,Stanley Miller and Harold Urey conducted an which are mammals that give birth to relatively
experiment to simulate the conditions of the primitive undeveloped young that then continue their development
Earth’s atmosphere. in a pouch. The Bobcat (Lynx ruf us) is a placental mammal.
They used a mixture of CH4 ,N H3 ,H2 ,and water vapor in a
closed flask and provided energy through electric (75) What is correct for the given figure?
discharges.
After a week,they observed the formation of simple organic
compounds,most notably amino acids such as
glycine,alanine,and aspartic acid.
These amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and
were crucial in the chemical evolution theory.

(72) Louis Pasteur succeeded in disproving the spontaneous

generation theory because:
(A) He was lucky. (A) Analogous organs (B) Homologous organs

(B) He was ingenious in drawing out the neck of the glass (C) Convergent evolution (D) All are correct
flasks so as to provide access to air but not to the
Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
micro-organisms.
(B) The figure shows the thorns of Bougainvillea and the
(C) The sample of yeast taken by him was dead. tendrils of Cucurbita.
(D) Of the clean surroundings of his laboratory. Both thorns and tendrils are modifications of the axillary
bud,meaning they share a common anatomical origin
Solution:(Correct Answer:B) (homology).
(B) Louis Pasteur is famous for his swan-neck flask Homologous organs are structures that have a common
experiment. evolutionary origin but perform different functions.
He boiled nutrient broth in glass flasks and then drew out Therefore,these are examples of homologous organs,which
the necks of the flasks into a long,S-shaped curve represent divergent evolution,not convergent evolution.
(swan-neck). Since option B is correct and options A and C are
This design allowed air to enter the flask,which was incorrect,option D cannot be correct. Thus,the correct
necessary for life according to proponents of spontaneous answer is B.
generation,but the S-shaped curve trapped dust particles
and micro-organisms from the air in the neck. (76) The complex organic compounds that may have first
As a result,the broth remained sterile for a long evolved in the direction of origin of life on earth,may have
period,proving that micro-organisms do not arise been
spontaneously from non-living matter but come from (A) Proteins and amino acids
pre-existing life. (B) Proteins and nucleic acids
(73) The flippers of the Penguins and Dolphins are an example of: (C) Urea and nucleic acids
(A) Natural selection (B) Convergent evolution (D) Urea and amino acids
(C) Divergent evolution (D) Adaptive radiation
Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
Solution:(Correct Answer:B) (B) According to the Oparin-Haldane hypothesis,the origin
(B) The correct answer is option (B),because the flippers of of life on Earth involved the formation of simple organic
the Penguins and Dolphins perform similar functions molecules from inorganic precursors,which then
(swimming) but they are not anatomically similar structures. polymerized to form complex organic compounds.
This is an example of analogous structures. Proteins and nucleic acids are considered the fundamental
- Option (A) is incorrect as natural selection is a mechanism complex organic compounds that were essential for the
of evolution,not a pattern of structural similarity. development of the first living systems (protobionts).
- Option (C) is incorrect as divergent evolution results in These macromolecules provided the necessary structural
the formation of homologous structures,where organs share and catalytic functions (proteins) and genetic information
a common origin but perform different functions. storage (nucleic acids) required for life.
- Option (D) is incorrect as adaptive radiation is the process
of evolution of different species in a given geographical area (77) The first vertebrates appeared in a period of the P alaeozoic
starting from a single point and radiating to other areas. era,called:
(A) Silurian (B) Ordovician
(74) Which of the following is a placental mammal and not a
marsupial? (C) Devonian (D) Mississippian
(A) Wombat (B) Bobcat Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
(C) Bandicoot (D) Tasmanian tiger cat (B) The first vertebrates,which were jawless fish
(ostracoderms),appeared during the Ordovician period of
Solution:(Correct Answer:B) the P alaeozoic era.
(B) placental mammal is a mammal that completes its These primitive vertebrates evolved from invertebrate
embryonic development within the uterus, nourished by a ancestors and marked a significant milestone in the history
placenta. Among the given options, the W ombat, of life on Earth.

18
(78) Changes in the body form of some planktonic animals with arises due to similar selective pressures in the environment.
seasonal changes in temperature are grouped under This process leads to the development of analogous
(A) Anamorphosis structures.

(B) Cyclomorphosis (82) Which of the following animals lay eggs that dry up in the
(C) Metamorphosis presence of sunlight?
(A) Reptiles (B) Mammals
(D) Heteromorphosis
(C) Amphibians (D) All of the above
Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
(B) Cyclomorphosis refers to a seasonal polymorphism Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
frequently observed in planktonic organisms (C) Amphibians are animals that typically lay their eggs in
(e.g.,dinoflagellates,rotifers,and Daphnia). water or moist environments.
It is exhibited primarily by organisms that reproduce Their eggs lack a protective,waterproof shell (like the
throughout most of the year by asexual or parthenogenetic amniotic egg found in reptiles and birds).
means,giving rise to genetically homogeneous clones. Therefore,if these eggs are exposed to direct sunlight or dry
These morphological changes are often triggered by conditions,they lose moisture rapidly and dry up,leading to
environmental factors such as temperature or predation the death of the embryo.
pressure. Thus,amphibians are dependent on water for their
reproductive cycle.
(79) From which group did the P rototheria evolve?
(A) Birds (B) Eutheria (83) The evolution of man was made possible primarily because
our ape-like ancestors possessed:
(C) Amphibians (D) Reptiles (A) Migratory instinct
Solution:(Correct Answer:D) (B) Developed brain
(D) The P rototheria are the most primitive group of
(C) Binocular vision
mammals,which include egg-laying mammals like the
platypus and echidna and echidna. Evolutionary studies (D) Large cranial capacity
indicate that mammals evolved from mammal-like reptiles
known as T herapsids. Therefore,P rototheria evolved from Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
reptiles. (B) The evolution of man is a complex process,but the
primary factor that enabled the transition from ape-like
(80) Which of the following examples of variation is not ancestors to modern humans was the development of a
important from an evolutionary standpoint? more complex and larger brain. While binocular vision and
(A) Genetic differences between individual organisms other traits were present in primates,the significant increase
comprising the population in cranial capacity allowed for higher cognitive
functions,tool making,language development,and complex
(B) Inherited differences between individual organisms social structures,which are the hallmarks of human
comprising the population evolution.
(C) Both (A) and (B)
(84) A.I. Oparin wrote
(D) Differences due to diet,health,age,and accident that
(A) Origin of Species
have no effect on an individual’s ability to survive and
reproduce (B) Origin of Life

Solution:(Correct Answer:D) (C) Philosophie Zoologique

(D) Evolutionary changes are based on variations that are (D) The Planet
heritable and can be passed on to the next generation.
Differences arising from diet,health,age,or accidents are Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
somatic (acquired) variations. (B) A.I. Oparin is a famous scientist known for his theory on
These changes do not affect the organism’s genetic material the chemical evolution of life. He authored the book titled
(DN A). ”The Origin of Life” in 1924.
Therefore,they are not transmitted to offspring and are not Matching the other options:
significant from an evolutionary standpoint. 1. ”Origin of Species” was written by Charles Darwin.
2. ”Philosophie Zoologique” was written by Jean-Baptiste
(81) What does the similarity in organisms with different Lamarck.
genotypes indicate? 3. ”The Planets” (or related works on planetary science) is
(A) Microevolution (B) Macroevolution often associated with H.C. Urey.
(C) Convergent evolution (D) Divergent evolution (85) Which one of the following scientist’s name is correctly
Solution:(Correct Answer:C) matched with the theory put forth by him?
(C) Convergent evolution occurs when organisms that are (A) De Vries → Natural selection
not closely related independently evolve similar traits as a (B) Mendel → Theory of Pangenesis
result of having to adapt to similar environments or
ecological niches. (C) Weismann → Theory of continuity of germplasm
Even if the genotypes are different,the phenotypic similarity (D) Pasteur → Inheritance of acquired characters

19
 Solution:(Correct Answer:C) (90) Which of the following revolutionary concepts in biology is
(C) : The Theory of continuity of germplasm was proposed associated with Charles Darwin’s ’The Origin of Species’?
by August Weismann. (A) Genetic mutation
According to this theory,only the characters that influence
the germ cells are inherited. (B) Use and disuse of organs
There is a continuity of germplasm,whereas the (C) Theory of germplasm
somatoplasm is not transmitted to the next generation;
hence,it does not carry characters to the next generation. (D) Natural selection leading to survival of the fittest

(86) The branch of zoology dealing with the study of similarities Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
and differences between individuals related by descent is (D) Charles Darwin,in his seminal work ’On the Origin of
known as: Species’ (1859),proposed the theory of evolution by natural
(A) Genetics selection.
(B) Eugenics He argued that individuals with variations that are better
suited to their environment are more likely to survive and
(C) Evolution reproduce,a concept often summarized as ’survival of the
(D) Ecology fittest’.
Option A refers to Hugo de Vries’ mutation theory.
Solution:(Correct Answer:A) Option B refers to Jean-Baptiste Lamarck’s theory of
inheritance of acquired characters.
(A) Genetics is the branch of biology that deals with the
Option C refers to August Weismann’s germplasm theory.
study of heredity and the variation of inherited
Therefore,the correct answer is D.
characteristics. It specifically focuses on the similarities and
differences between individuals who are related by
descent,explaining how traits are passed from parents to
(91) Identify the correct pair.
offspring and why variations occur.
(A) Darwin - Mutation Theory
(87) Coelacanth fish are found in the waters of ........ (B) De Vries - Panspermia
(A) South America (B) South Africa (C) Flippers of Penguin and Dolphin - Analogous organ
(C) North America (D) North Africa (D) All correct

Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
(B) Coelacanths are lobe-finned fish that were thought to Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
be extinct for millions of years until a living specimen was (C) . Darwin proposed the Theory of Natural Selection,not
discovered in 1938. These fish are primarily found in the Mutation Theory. Mutation Theory was proposed by Hugo
deep waters off the coast of South Africa and the Comoros de Vries.
Islands. They are considered ’living fossils’ because they B. De Vries proposed Mutation Theory,not Panspermia.
have remained largely unchanged for millions of years. Panspermia is a hypothesis suggesting that life exists
throughout the Universe.
(88) The age of gymnosperms is known as the: C. Flippers of Penguins (birds) and Dolphins (mammals) are
(A) Cenozoic era (B) Mesozoic era analogous organs. They perform the same function
(swimming) but have different anatomical structures and
(C) Palaeozoic era (D) Proterozoic era embryonic origins,representing convergent evolution.
Therefore,the only correct pair is C.
Solution:(Correct Answer:B)
(B) The M esozoic era is often referred to as the ’Age of
Gymnosperms’ or the ’Age of Reptiles’. (92) H.J.M uller was awarded the Nobel Prize for:
During the M esozoic era,gymnosperms (such as
(A) Discovering that ionising radiations can cause mutation
conifers,cycads,and ginkgoes) were the dominant land
plants,flourishing across the globe before the rise of (B) Gene mapping in Drosophila
angiosperms in the Cretaceous period.
(C) Reduction in nuclear weapons

(89) Which type of animals first evolved from lobefins? (D) Discovering that chemicals can cause gene mutation
(A) Aves (B) Reptiles
(C) Amphibians (D) Mammals Solution:(Correct Answer:A)
(A) H.J.M uller was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology
Solution:(Correct Answer:C) or Medicine in 1946 for his discovery that mutations can be
(C) Lobefins were fish with stout and strong fins that could induced by X-rays. This groundbreaking work
move on land and go back to water. demonstrated that ionising radiation acts as a
In 1938,a fish caught in South Africa happened to be a mutagen,significantly advancing our understanding of
Coelacanth,which was thought to be extinct. genetics and the mechanisms of evolution.
These animals,called lobefins,evolved into the first
amphibians that lived on both land and water.
Therefore,the correct answer is C (Amphibians). (93) What does ’b’ represent in the given diagram?

20
 (97) Anthropogenic actions that lead to evolution are the use of:
(A) Herbicides
(B) Pesticides
(C) Antibiotics
(D) All of these
Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
(D) Anthropogenic actions refer to human-induced activities
that influence the environment and biological processes.
Evolution can be accelerated by human activities through
the process of natural selection.
When humans use herbicides,pesticides,or antibiotics,they
(A) CH4 , N H2 , H2 S, He create a strong selective pressure on the target organisms
(weeds,pests,or bacteria).
(B) CH4 , N H3 , H2 O, H2 Organisms that possess natural resistance to these
(C) CH4 , N H3 , He, H2 chemicals survive and reproduce,passing on their resistant
genes to the next generation.
(D) CH4 , CO2 , H2 O, H2 Over time,this leads to the evolution of resistant
Solution:(Correct Answer:B) populations,such as antibiotic-resistant bacteria or
(B) The diagram represents the Miller-Urey pesticide-resistant insects.
experiment,which simulated the conditions of the primitive Therefore,the use of herbicides,pesticides,and antibiotics
Earth’s atmosphere. are all examples of anthropogenic actions that lead to
In this experiment,a mixture of gases was used in the spark evolution.
discharge chamber (labeled ’b’). (98) When did dinosaurs originate?
The gases used were methane (CH4 ),ammonia
(N H3 ),water vapor (H2 O),and hydrogen (H2 ). (A) After the evolution of mammals
Therefore,’b’ represents the mixture of these gases. (B) Along with mammals
(94) Which of the following is N OT included in the M esozoic (C) Before mammals
era? (D) Before mammals and then they evolved
(A) Triassic (B) Devonian
Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
(C) Cretaceous (D) Jurassic
(C) According to the geological time scale,the Mesozoic Era
Solution:(Correct Answer:B) is known as the ’Age of Reptiles’.
(B) The M esozoic era is divided into three geological Dinosaurs originated during the Triassic period of the
periods: T riassic,Jurassic,and Cretaceous. Mesozoic Era,approximately 230 million years ago.
The Devonian period belongs to the P aleozoic era. Mammals evolved much later,primarily diversifying after the
Therefore,Devonian is not included in the M esozoic era. extinction of dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous period.
Therefore,dinosaurs originated before mammals.
(95) The germplasm theory was proposed by . . . . . . .
(A) Stanley Miller (B) Carl Woese (99) The hand of a man,the wing of a bat,and the flipper of a seal
represent:
(C) Charles Darwin (D) August Weismann
(A) Vestigial organs (B) Analogous organs
Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
(C) Evolutionary organs (D) Homologous organs
(D) The germplasm theory was proposed by
August W eismann in 1892. Solution:(Correct Answer:D)
According to this theory, the body of an organism is divided (D) Homologous organs are those organs that share a similar
into two types of protoplasm: somatoplasm and embryonic origin and basic anatomical structure (such as
germplasm. the pentadactyl limb pattern) but have evolved to perform
Somatoplasm constitutes the body cells and is not different functions due to divergent evolution. The hand of
inherited by the offspring. a man,the wing of a bat,and the flipper of a seal are classic
Germplasm constitutes the reproductive cells (gametes) examples of homologous organs because they share the
and is passed from one generation to the next, serving as same skeletal architecture
the physical basis of inheritance. (humerus,radius,ulna,carpals,metacarpals,and phalanges)
despite being adapted for different tasks like
(96) What are the hard parts of life forms found in rocks called? grasping,flying,and swimming.
(A) Dead bodies (B) Fossils
(100) Which one of the following is N OT a character of disruptive
(C) Manure (D) Metals natural selection?
Solution:(Correct Answer:B) (A) More number of individuals acquire peripheral value at
(B) The hard parts of life forms (such as bones,shells,or ends of distribution curve.
teeth) that are preserved in sedimentary rocks over (B) Two peaks are formed in distribution of traits.
geological time are known as fossils.
These provide direct evidence for the history of life on Earth (C) It tends to favour the intermediate forms.
and the process of evolution. (D) Nature selects extreme phenotypes.

21
Solution:(Correct Answer:C)
(C) In disruptive natural selection,extreme phenotypes are
selected,and intermediate forms are eliminated.
Stabilizing natural selection is the type that favours
intermediate forms,while disruptive selection favours both
extremes.

22