CLASS X – SCIENCE

BIOLOGY – PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION

80 Marks | 3 Hours | 39 Questions
General Instructions:
1. All questions are compulsory. Internal choices are provided in selected questions.
2. The paper contains 39 questions divided into five sections – A to E.
3. Section A consists of 20 questions of 1 mark each: Questions 1–16 are MCQs and Questions 17–20 are Assertion–
Reason questions.
4. Section B consists of 6 questions of 2 marks each.
5. Section C consists of 7 questions of 3 marks each.
6. Section D consists of 3 questions of 5 marks each.
7. Section E consists of 3 source/case-based questions of 4 marks each.
8. Draw neat, labelled diagrams wherever asked. Use appropriate biological terms.
SECTION A
Objective Type Questions — 20 × 1 = 20 marks
1. Observe the figure given below and identify the incorrect step for the activity set-up : [1]

(A) Both plants are kept in the dark room for three days before placing them in separate glass jars.
(B) Both plants are covered with separate wooden bell-jars.
(C) Use vaseline to seal the bottom of the jars with the glass plates.
(D) Both potted plants were kept in sunlight for a few hours before the iodine test for the presence of starch.
2. Organisms of a higher trophic level which feed on several types of organisms belonging to a lower trophic level form
the : [1]
(A) Food web
(B) Ecosystem
(C) Ecological pyramid
(D) Food chain
3. In a synapse, the chemical signal is transmitted from : [1]
(A) Dendritic end of one neuron to axonal end of another neuron.
(B) Axon to cell body of the same neuron.
(C) Cell body to axonal end of the same neuron.
(D) Axonal end of one neuron to dendritic end of another neuron.
4. The growth of tendrils in grapes plants is due to : [1]
(A) Effect of light
(B) Effect of gravity
(C) Rapid cell division in tendril cells in contact with the support
(D) Rapid cell division in tendril cells that are away from the support
5. In accumulation of toxic substances at higher trophic levels of an ecosystem through the food chain, which of the
following organisms is affected the most ? [1]
(A) Small aquatic plants
CLASS X – BIOLOGY PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION
 (B) Human beings
(C) Small fish
(D) Large fish
6. In plants, the role of cytokinin is to/in : [1]
(A) promote cell division
(B) wilting of leaves
(C) promote opening of stomatal pore
(D) growth of stem
7. A plant growth inhibitor hormone which causes wilting of leaves is called : [1]
(A) Auxin (B) Cytokinin
(C) Abscisic acid (D) Gibberellin

8. Pravin was given a list of characteristics associated with the process of anaerobic respiration in humans, in the table
given below:
Characteristic (i): Muscle Cell
Characteristic (ii): Requires presence of Oxygen (O₂) and Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
Characteristic (iii): 3-Carbon molecules
Which of the above characteristics is/are related to the above process? [1]
(A) (i) and (ii)
(B) (i) and (iii)
(C) (ii) and (iii)
(D) (i) only
9. Walking in a straight line and riding a bicycle are activities which are possible due to coordination of which part of the
brain? [1]
(A) Fore-Brain — Cerebrum
(B) Mid-Brain — Cerebellum
(C) Hind-Brain — Cerebellum
(D) Hind-Brain — Medulla
10. Select the correct option from the following statements about the functioning of the human heart. [1]
(A) Right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from different parts of the body and sends it to pulmonary veins.
(B) Left atrium sends oxygenated blood to right ventricle which pumps it to different parts of the body.
(C) Right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body and sends it to the right ventricle.
(D) Left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the pulmonary arteries and sends it to the left ventricle.
11. Observe the given figures A and B. When chhui-mui (sensitive) plant is touched, its leaves fold. This is due to : [1]

(A) Hormonal effect

(B) Thermal effect
(C) Change in amount of water in cells
CLASS X – BIOLOGY PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION
 (D) Electromagnetic effect
12. One-cell thick blood vessels are known as : [1]
(A) Alveoli
(B) Capillaries
(C) Arteries
(D) Veins
13. Which of the following is the correct sequence of parts of female reproductive system of flowering plants in terms of
their placement ? [1]
(A) Stigma, ovule, ovary, style
(B) Ovule, stigma, ovary, style
(C) Style, stigma, ovule, ovary
(D) Stigma, style, ovary, ovule
14. The plants that can be raised by the method of vegetative propagation are : [1]
(A) Sugarcane, roses, grapes (B) Sugarcane, mustard, potato
(C) Banana, orange, mustard (D) Papaya, mustard, potato

15. Identify from the following a group containing all non-biodegradable substances. [1]
(A) Leather, Glass, Plastic
(B) Cotton, Wood, Nylon
(C) DDT, Polyester, Glass
(D) Leather, Silk, Wool
16. Which one of the following is not a natural ecosystem? [1]
(A) Pond ecosystem
(B) Grassland ecosystem
(C) Forest ecosystem
(D) Cropland ecosystem
For Questions 17–20, choose the correct option:
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
17. Assertion (A): Animals will not get energy if they eat (consume) coal as food.
Reason (R): Specific enzymes are needed for the breakdown of a particular food. [1]
18. Assertion (A): The basic filtration unit in the kidneys, like in the lungs, is a cluster of very thin-walled blood
capillaries.
Reason (R): Each capillary cluster in the kidney is associated with the cup-shaped end of a coiled tube called Bowman’s
capsule. [1]
19. Assertion (A): Ozone (O₃) gas at higher levels of atmosphere is a product of UV radiation acting on Oxygen (O₂).
Reason (R): The amount of ozone in the atmosphere began to drop sharply in 1980s. [1]
20. Assertion (A): Green plants trap only 1% of the energy of sunlight that falls on their leaves.
Reason (R): All green plants are the producers in a food chain. [1]

CLASS X – BIOLOGY PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION

 SECTION B
Very Short Answer Questions — 6 × 2 = 12 marks
21. (a) We need to water the soil in plants on a regular basis. But it ultimately reaches the leaves of the plant. Explain how
this takes place. [2]
OR
(b) Name the type of nutrition exhibited by Amoeba. Explain how food is taken in and digested by this organism. [2]
22. What kind of respiration provides more energy and why ? [2]
23. Separation of right side and left side of the heart is useful to keep oxygenated and deoxygenated blood from mixing.
Various organisms have different types of heart.

(i) Fill in the blanks (i) to (iii) correctly according to the type of organisms and their evolution in terms of blood
circulation:

Organisms: Fish — Number of chambers in heart: (i) ______ — Type of blood circulated: Mixed — Type of circulation:
Single.

Organisms: (ii) ______ — Number of chambers: 3-chambered — Type of blood circulated: Mixed — Type of circulation:
Incomplete double circulation.

Organisms: Birds and Mammals — Number of chambers: 4-chambered — Type of blood circulated: Separated — (iii)
______ circulation path of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.

(ii) Which type of circulation is most efficient ? [2]

24. In the following food chain, 5 J of energy is available to man. Calculate, how much energy was available at the
producer level. Why ?

Plant → Goat → Man [2]

25. A person is making a list to purchase few things from a nearby market. Explain how the fore-brain plays an important
role in performing this activity. [2]
26. In a seed, write one function each of the following parts:
(i) Seed coat
(ii) Cotyledon
(iii) Plumule
(iv) Radicle [2]
SECTION C
Short Answer Questions — 7 × 3 = 21 marks
27. (a) What is meant by reflex arc ? Where are they formed in the human body ?
(b) Why have reflex arcs evolved in animals ? [3]
28. In xylem tissue, vessels and tracheids of the roots, stems and leaves are interconnected to form a continuous system of
water-conducting channels reaching all parts of the plant. Explain how this is achieved. [3]
29. (a) Define hormones.
(b) “The timing and the amount of hormone secreted by a gland are important.” Explain this statement with the help of
feedback mechanism. [3]
30. (a) Define hormone.
(b) “Hormones should be secreted in precise quantities. We have a feedback mechanism through which this is done.” With
the help of an example justify the statement. [3]
31. Differentiate between food chain and food web. In a food chain consisting of deer, grass and tiger, if the population of
deer decreases, what will happen to the population of organisms belonging to the first and third trophic levels ? [3]
32. Name a plant growth hormone synthesized at the shoot tip. Explain its effect on the growth of a plant in response to
light. [3]
33. Some harmful chemicals get accumulated in human bodies through the food chain. Name this phenomenon. Explain
the reason of maximum concentration of these chemicals found in our bodies. [3]
SECTION D
CLASS X – BIOLOGY PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION
 Long Answer Questions — 3 × 5 = 15 marks
34. Attempt either (A) or (B): [5]
(A) (a) Draw a labelled diagram showing open and closed stomatal pore.
(b) List the main events that occur during the process of photosynthesis.
(c) Write a balanced chemical equation showing photosynthesis in plants.

OR

(B) (a) Draw a well-labelled diagram of nephron and label at least 4 of its parts.
(b) Write the role of capillary cluster inside Bowman’s capsule.
(c) What is meant by selective reabsorption ?

35. Attempt either (A) or (B): [5]

(A) (i) Define a reflex arc. Why have reflex arcs evolved in animals ? Trace the sequence of events which occur, when
you suddenly touch a hot object.
(ii) Name the part of nervous system which helps in communication between the central nervous system and other parts
of the body. What are the two components of this system ?

OR

(B) (i) Leaves of chhui-mui plant begin to fold up and droop in response to a stimulus. Name the stimulus and write the
cause for such a rapid movement. Is there any growth involved in the movement ?
(ii) Define geotropism in plants. What is meant by positive and negative geotropism ? Give one example of each type.

36. Attempt either (a) or (b): [5]

(a) Observe the given diagram and answer the questions that follow :

(i) Give the name and type of reproduction shown in the above diagram.

(ii) Comment on the processes taking place in stage P.

(iii) Name an organism which reproduces by the above mentioned method.

(iv) Name the method that can be used to raise plants that have lost their capacity to produce seeds. List any two
advantages of growing plants by such a method.

OR

(b) Observe the given diagram and answer the questions that follow :

CLASS X – BIOLOGY PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION

 (i) Give the name of the structure and type of reproduction shown in the above diagram.

(ii) State one advantage and one disadvantage of the above mentioned method of reproduction.

(iii) List any two advantages of asexual reproduction over sexual reproduction.

(iv) Name and explain any one mode of asexual reproduction observed in Hydra.

SECTION E
Source/Case-Based Questions — 3 × 4 = 12 marks
37. When a girl is born, the ovaries already contain thousands of immature eggs. On reaching puberty, some of
these start maturing. One matured egg is released every month by one of the ovaries. The two oviducts unite into an
elastic bag-like structure known as uterus.
(a) Write the site of fertilization in human female. [1]
(b) How does the uterus prepare itself to receive and nurture the growing embryo ? Explain. [1]
(c) What happens when the egg is not fertilized ? [2]
OR
(d) How does the developing embryo get nutrition from the mother’s blood ? Explain. [2]
38. The maintenance functions of all living organisms must go on even when they are not doing anything particular.
Even when we are just sitting in a class or even asleep, this maintenance job has to go on. These maintenance
processes require energy to prevent damage and break-down of cells and tissues, which is obtained by the
individual organism from the food prepared by the autotrophs, called producers.
(a) Name and define the process by which green plants prepare food. [1]
(b) Write chemical equation involved in the above process. [1]
(c) State in proper sequence the events that occur in synthesis of food by desert plants. [2]
OR
(d) Explain giving reasons what happens to the rate at which the green plants will prepare food (I) during cloudy weather,
and (II) when stomata get blocked due to dust. [2]
39. Pollination is an important process in sexual reproduction of plants. It is an essential process that facilitates
fertilisation in plants. Pollinating agents can be wind, water, insects and birds. Several changes take place in the
flower after the fertilization has taken place.
(a) Write the main difference between self-pollination and cross-pollination. [1]
(b) Name the part of the flower which attracts insects for pollination. What happens to this part after fertilisation ? [1]
(c) Define fertilisation. What is the fate of ovules and the ovary in a flower after fertilisation ? [2]
OR
(d) In a germinating seed, which parts are known as future shoot and future root ? Mention the function of cotyledon. [2]

CLASS X – BIOLOGY PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION

 ANSWER KEY / MARKING GUIDE

Section A – Correct Options

Q1 B Q2 A Q3 D Q4 D Q5 D
Q6 A Q7 C Q8 B Q9 C Q10 C
Q11 C Q12 B Q13 D Q14 A Q15 C
Q16 D Q17 A Q18 D Q19 B Q20 B

Section B – Marking Points

Q21. (a) Water is transported from roots to leaves through xylem due to root pressure and transpiration pull. (b) Amoeba
shows holozoic nutrition; food is engulfed by pseudopodia and digested inside the food vacuole.
Q22. Aerobic respiration provides more energy because glucose is completely oxidised in the presence of oxygen,
releasing more energy.
Q23. (i) Fish – 2 chambers; (ii) Amphibians; (iii) complete double circulation. Most efficient: four-chambered double
circulation in birds and mammals.
Q24. By 10% law: 5 J at man → 50 J at goat → 500 J at producer level.
Q25. Fore-brain/cerebrum is involved in thinking, memory, reasoning and decision-making required for planning the
purchase list.
Q26. Seed coat – protection; cotyledon – stored food/nutrition; plumule – future shoot; radicle – future root.
Section C – Marking Points

Q27. Reflex arc: receptor → sensory neuron → relay neuron/spinal cord → motor neuron → effector; reflex arcs provide a
quick response to stimuli and help protect the body.
Q28. Xylem vessels/tracheids form a continuous conducting network through roots, stems and leaves, allowing water to
reach all parts of the plant.
Q29. Hormones are chemical messengers. Their secretion is regulated by feedback mechanisms so that the amount and
timing remain appropriate.
Q30. Hormones are chemical messengers. Their secretion must be regulated precisely through feedback mechanisms;
example: blood glucose regulation by insulin/glucagon or thyroxine regulation by feedback.
Q31. Food chain is a linear sequence; food web is an interconnected network of food chains. If deer decrease, grass
increases and tiger population decreases.
Q32. Auxin is produced at the shoot tip; it promotes cell growth. Unequal auxin distribution causes phototropic bending
toward light.
Q33. Biomagnification. Non-biodegradable chemicals accumulate and become increasingly concentrated at successive
trophic levels.
Section D – Marking Points

Q34(A). Open/closed stomata diagram with labels; main events of photosynthesis; balanced equation: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O →
C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ (in presence of sunlight/chlorophyll).
Q34(B). Nephron diagram with at least four labels; glomerular filtration; selective reabsorption of useful substances; role
of Bowman’s capsule/glomerulus.
Q35(A). Reflex arc definition and sequence: receptor → sensory neuron → relay neuron/spinal cord → motor neuron →
effector. Peripheral nervous system connects CNS with body; cranial and spinal nerves.
Q35(B). Chhui-mui responds to touch due to change in water/turgor pressure in cells; no growth is involved. Geotropism:
growth response to gravity; roots positive, shoots negative.

CLASS X – BIOLOGY PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION

Q36(a). Diagram shows multiple fission in a cyst; repeated nuclear/cell division at stage P; example: Plasmodium. Tissue
culture can raise plants that have lost the capacity to produce seeds; advantages include rapid multiplication.
Q36(b). Diagram shows vegetative propagation through adventitious buds in Bryophyllum; advantage: rapid reproduction;
disadvantage: limited diversity among offspring. Asexual reproduction is useful for rapid multiplication; budding in Hydra
is a mode of asexual reproduction in which a bud develops on the parent and eventually separates.
Section E – Marking Points

Q37. (a) Fallopian tube/oviduct. (b) Uterine lining becomes thick and richly supplied with blood vessels. (c)(i)
Menstruation occurs when fertilisation does not occur. OR (c)(ii) Embryo receives nutrients and oxygen through placenta
from maternal blood.
Q38. (a) Photosynthesis: process by which green plants prepare food using CO₂ and water in presence of
sunlight/chlorophyll. (b) 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂. (c) Events in sequence; or rate decreases in cloudy weather
and when stomata are blocked due to reduced light/CO₂ entry.
Q39. (a) Self-pollination occurs within the same flower/plant; cross-pollination between flowers of different plants. (b)
Petals attract insects; after fertilisation petals generally wither/fall. (c)(i) Fusion of male and female gametes; ovules
become seeds and ovary becomes fruit. OR (c)(ii) Plumule = future shoot, radicle = future root; cotyledon stores/provides
food.

CLASS X – BIOLOGY PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION