Use Code RITU to unlock free Special Classes

Evolutionary Biology is the study of history of life forms on earth. What exactly is evolution? To
understand the changes in flora and fauna that have occurred over millions of years on earth, we must
have an understanding of the context of origin of life, i.e., evolution of earth, of stars and indeed of the
universe itself. What follows is the longest of all the construed and conjectured stories. This is the story of
origin of life and evolution of life forms or biodiversity on planet earth in the context of evolution of earth
and against the background of evolution of universe itself.

7.1 ORIGIN OF LIFE

When we look at stars on a clear night sky we are, in a way, looking back in time. Stellar distances are
measured in light years. What we see today is an object whose emitted light started its journey millions of
year back and from trillions of kilometres away and reaching our eyes now. However, when we see
objects in our immediate surroundings we see them instantly and hence in the present time.
Therefore, when we see stars we apparently are peeping into the past.
The origin of life is considered a unique event in the history of universe. The universe is vast. Relatively
speaking the earth itself is almost only a speck. The universe is very
old – almost 20 billion years old. Huge clusters of galaxies comprise the universe. Galaxies contain stars
and clouds of gas and dust. Considering the size of universe, earth is indeed a speck. The Big Bang
theory attempts to explain to us the origin of universe. It talks of a singular huge explosion unimaginable
in physical terms. The universe expanded and hence, the temperature came down. Hydrogen and
Helium formed sometime later. The gases condensed under gravitation and formed the galaxies of the
present day universe. In the solar system of the milky way galaxy, earth was supposed to have been
formed about 4.5 billion years back. There was no atmosphere on early earth. Water vapour, methane,
carbondioxide and ammonia released from molten mass covered the surface. The UV rays from the sun
brokeup water into Hydrogen and Oxygen and the lighter H 2 escaped. Oxygen combined with ammonia
and methane to form water, CO 2 and others. The ozone layer was formed. As it cooled, the water vapor
fell as rain, to fill all the depressions and form oceans. Life appeared 500 million years after the
formation of earth, i.e., almost four billion years back. Did life come from outerspace? Some scientists
believe that it came from outside. Early Greek thinkers thought units of life called spores were
transferred to different planets including earth. ‘Panspermia’ is still a favourite idea for some
astronomers. For a long time it was also believed that life came out of decaying and rotting matter like
straw, mud, etc. This was the theory of spontaneous generation. Louis Pasteur by careful
experimentation demonstrated that life comes only from pre-existing life. He showed that in pre-
sterilised flasks, life did not come from killed yeast while in another flask open to air, new living
organisms arose from ‘killed yeast’. Spontaneous generation theory was dismissed once and for all.
However, this did not answer how the first life form came on earth.
 Oparin of Russia and Haldane of England proposed that the first form
of life could have come from pre-existing non-living organic molecules (e.g. RNA, protein, etc.) and that
formation of life was preceded by chemical evolution, i.e., formation of diverse organic molecules from
inorganic constituents. The conditions on earth were – high temperature, volcanic storms, reducing
atmosphere containing CH 4 , NH 3 , etc. In 1953, S.L. Miller, an American scientist created similar
conditions in a laboratory scale (Figure 7.1). He created electric discharge in a closed flask containing

CH 4 , H 2 , NH 3 and water vapour at 800 C. He observed formation of amino

acids. In similar experiments others observed, formation of sugars, nitrogen bases, pigment and fats.
Analysis of meteorite content also revealed similar compounds indicating that similar processes are
occurring elsewhere in space. With this limited evidence, the first part of
the conjectured story, i.e., chemical evolution was more or less accepted.
We have no idea about how the first self replicating metabolic capsule
of life arose. The first non-cellular forms of life could have originated 3 billion years back. They would
have been giant molecules (RNA, Protein,
 Polysaccharides, etc.). These capsules reproduced their
molecules perhaps. The first cellular form of life did not
possibly originate till about 2000 million years ago.
These were probably single-cells. All life forms were in
water environment only. This version of a biogenesis, i.e.,
the first form of life arose slowly through evolutionary
forces from non-living molecules is accepted by majority.
However, once formed, how the first cellular forms of life
could have evolved into the complex biodiversity of today
is the fascinating story that will be discussed below.

Figure 7.1 Diagrammatic representation of Miller’s experiment

7.2 EVOLUTION OF LIFE FORMS – A THEORY

Conventional religious literature tells us about the theory of special creation. This theory has three
connotations. One, that all living organisms (species or types) that we see today were created as such.
Two, that the diversity was always the same since creation and will be the same in future also. Three,
that earth is about 4000 years old. All these ideas were strongly challenged during the nineteenth
century. Based on observations made during a sea voyage in a sail ship called H.M.S. Beagle round the
world, Charles Darwin concluded that existing living forms share similarities to varying degrees not
only among themselves but also with life forms that existed millions of years ago. Many such life forms
do not exist any more.
There had been extinctions of different life forms in the years gone by just as new forms of life arose at
different periods of history of earth. There has been gradual evolution of life forms. Any population
has built in variation in characteristics. Those characteristics which enable some to survive better in
natural conditions (climate, food, physical factors, etc.) would outbreed others that are less-endowed to
survive under such natural conditions. Another word used is fitness of the individual or population.
The fitness, according to Darwin, refers ultimately and only to reproductive fitness. Hence, those who
are better fit in an environment, leave more progeny than others. These, therefore, will survive more
and hence are selected by nature. He called it natural selection and implied it as a mechanism of
evolution. Let us also remember that Alfred Wallace, a naturalist who worked in Malay Archipelago had
also come to similar conclusions around the same time. In due course of time, apparently new types of
organisms are recognisable. All the existing life forms share similarities and share common ancestors.
However, these ancestors were present at different periods in the history of earth (epochs, periods and
eras). The geological history of earth closely correlates with the biological history of earth. A common
permissible conclusion is that earth is very old, not thousand of years as was thought earlier but
billions of years old.
7.3 WHAT ARE THE EVIDENCES FOR EVOLUTION?
Evidence that evolution of life forms has indeed taken place on earth has come from many quarters.
Fossils are remains of hard parts of life-forms found in rocks. Rocks form sediments and a cross-
section of earth's crust indicates the arrangement of sediments one over the other during the long
history of earth. Different-aged rock sediments contain fossils of different life-forms who probably died
during the formation of the particular sediment. Some of them appear similar to modern organisms
(Figure 7.2). They represent extinct organisms (e.g., Dinosaurs). A study of fossils in different sedimentary
layers indicates the geological period in which they existed.
The study showed that life-forms varied over time and certain life forms are restricted to certain
geological time- spans. Hence, new forms of life have arisen at different times in the history of earth. All
this is called paleontological evidence. Do you remember how the ages of the fossils are calculated?
Do you recollect the method of radioactive-dating and the principles behind the procedure?
Embryological support for evolution was also proposed by Ernst Heckel based upon the
observation of certain features during embryonic stage common to all vertebrates that are absent in
adult. For example, the embryos of all vertebrates including human develop a row of vestigial gill slit
just behind the head but it is a functional organ only in fish and not found in any other adult
vertebrates. However, this proposal was disapproved on careful study performed by Karl Ernst von Baer.
He noted that embryos never pass through the adult stages of other animals.
Comparative anatomy and morphology shows similarities and differences among organisms of
today and those that existed years ago.
 Such similarities can be interpreted to understand
whether common ancestors were shared or not. For
example whales, bats. Cheetah and human (all
mammals) share similarities in the pattern of bones
of forelimbs (Figure 7.3b). Though these forelimbs
perform different functions in these animals, they
have similar anatomical structure - all of them have
humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals and
phalanges in their forelimbs. Hence, in these
animals, the same structure developed along
different directions due to adaptations to different
needs. This is divergent evolution and these
structures are homologous. Homology indicates
Figure 7.2 A family tree of dinosaurs and their living modern day counterpart common ancestry. Other examples are vertebrate
organisms like crocodiles and birds
hearts or brains. In
plants also, the thorn and tendrils of Bougainvillea and Cucurbita represent homology (Figure 7.3a). Homology is
based on divergent evolution whereas analogy refers to a situation exactly opposite. Wings of butterfly and of
birds look alike. They are not anatomically similar structures though they perform similar functions. Hence,
analogous structures are a result of convergent evolution - different structures evolving for the same function and
hence having similarity. Other examples of analogy are the eye of the octopus and of mammals or the flippers of
Penguins and Dolphins. One can say that it is the similar habitat that has resulted in selection of similar adaptive
features in different groups of organisms but toward the same function: Sweet potato (root modification) and
potato (stem modification) is another example for analogy. In the same line of argument. similarities in proteins
and genes performing a given function among diverse organisms give clues to common ancestry. These
biochemical similarities point to the same shared ancestry as structural similarities among diverse organisms.
Man has bred selected plants and animals for agriculture, horticulture, sport or security. Man has domesticated
many wild animals and crops. This intensive breeding programme has created breeds that differ from other
breeds (e.g., dogs) but still are of the same group. It is argued that if within hundreds of years, man could create
new breeds, could not nature have done the same over millions of years?

Another interesting observation supporting evolution by natural selection comes from England. In a collection of
moths made in 1850s. Le.. before industrialisation set in. It was observed that there were more white-winged
moths on trees than dark-winged or melanised moths. However, in the collection carried out from the same area,
but after Industrialisation, Le.. In 1920, there were more dark-winged moths in the same area, Le., the proportion
was reversed.
Figure 7.3 Example of homologous organs in 3) Plants and (b) Animals
 (a) (b)

Figure 7.4 Figure showing white-winged moth and dark-winged moth (melanised) on a tree trunk (a) In unpolluted area (b) In polluted area
The explanation put forth for this observation was that predators will spot a moth against a contrasting
background'. During post Industrialisation period, the tree trunks became dark due to industrial smoke
and soots. Under this condition the white-winged moth did not survive due to predators, dark-winged
or melanised moth survived. Before Industrialisation set in, thick growth of almost white-coloured
lichen covered the trees in that background the white winged moth survived but the dark-coloured
moth were picked out by predators. Do you know that lichens can be used as industrial pollution
indicators? They will not grow in areas that are polluted. Hence, moths that were able to camouflage
themselves. i.e.. hide in the background. survived (Figure 7.4). This understanding is supported by the
fact that in areas where industrialisation did not occur e.g.. in rural areas, the count of melanic moths
was low. This showed that in a mixed population, those that can better-adapt, survive and increase in
population size. Remember that no variant is completely wiped out.

Similarly, excess use of herbicides, pesticides, etc., has only resulted in selection of resistant varieties in
a much lesser time scale. This is also true for microbes against which we employ antibioties or drugs
against eukaryotic organisms/cell. Hence, resistant organisms/cells are appearing in a time scale of
months or years and not centuries. These are examples of evolution: by anthropogenic action. This also
tells us that evolution is not a directed process in the sense of determinism. It is a stochastic process
based on chance events in nature and clince mutation in the organisms.
7.4 WHAT IS ADAPTIVE RADIATION?
During his journey Darwin went to Galapagos Islands. There he observed an amazing diversity of creatures. Of
particular interest, small black birds later called Darwin's Finches amazed him. He realised that there were many

7.4 WHAT IS ADAPTIVE RADIATION? During his journey Darwin went to Galapagos Islands. There he observed an amazing diversity of creatures. Of
particular interest, small black birds later called Darwin's Finches amazed him. He realised that there were many

varieties of finches in the same island. All the varieties, he conjectured, evolved on the island itself. From the
original seed-eating features, many other forms with altered beaks arose, enabling them to become insectivorous
and vegetarian finches (Figure 7.5). This process of evolution of different species in a given geographical area
starting from a point and literally radiating to other areas of geography (habitats) is called adaptive radiation.
Darwin's finches represent one of the best examples of this phenomenon. Another example is Australian
marsupials. A number of marsupials, each different from the other (Figure 7.6) evolved from an ancestral stock,
but all within the Australian island continent.
When more than one adaptive radiation appeared to have occurred in an isolated geographical area (representing
different habitats), one can call this convergent
evolution. Placental mammals in Australia also
exhibit adaptive radiation in evolving into
varieties of such placental mammals each of
which appears to be 'similar to a
corresponding marsuplal (e.g., Placental wolf
and Tasmanian wolf-marsupial). (Figure 7.7).

7.5 BIOLOGICAL EVOLUTION

Evolution by natural selection, in a true sense
would have started when cellular forms of life
with differences in metabolic capability
originated on earth.
 The essence of Darwinian theory about evolution is natural selection. The
rate of appearance of new forms is linked to the life cycle or the life span.
Microbes that divide fast have the ability to multiply and become millions of
Individuals within hours. A colony of bacteria (say A) growing on a given
medium has built-in variation in terms of ability to utilise a feed component.
A change in the medium composition would bring out only that part of the
population (say B) that can survive under the new conditions. In due course
of time this variant population outgrows the others and appears as new
species. This would happen within days. For the same thing to happen in a
fish or fowl would take million of years as life spans of these animals are in
years. Here we say that fitness of B is better than that of A under the new
conditions. Nature selects for fitness. One must remember that the so-called
fitness is based on characteristics which are inherited.
Hence, there must be a genetic basis for getting selected and to evolve.
Another way of saying the same thing is that some organisms are better
adapted to survive in an otherwise hostile environment. Adaptive ability is
inherited. It has a genetic basis. Fitness is the end result of the ability to
adapt and get selected by nature.
Branching descent and natural selection are the two key concepts of
Darwinian Theory of Evolution (Figures 7.7 and 7.8).
Even before Darwin, a French naturalist Lamarck had said that evolution of
life forms had occurred but driven by use and disuse of
Figure 7.7 Picture showing convergent evolution of
Australian Marsupials and placental mammals
organs. He gave the examples of Giraffes who in an attempt to forage leaves on tall trees had to adapt by
elongation of their necks. As they passed on this acquired character of elongated neck to succeeding generations,
Giraffes, slowly, over the years, came to acquire long necks. Nobody believes this conjecture any more.
Is evolution a process or the result of a process? The world we see, inanimate and animate, is only the success
stories of evolution. When we describe the story of this world we describe evolution as a process. On the other
hand when we describe the story of life on earth, we treat evolution as a consequence of a process called natural
selection. We are still not very clear whether to regard evolution and natural selection as processes or end result
of unknown processes. It is possible that the work of Thomas Malthus on populations influenced Darwin. Natural
selection is based on certain observations which are factual. For example, natural resources are limited,
populations are stable in size except for seasonal fluctuation, members of a population vary in characteristics
(infact no two individuals are alike) even though they look superficially similar, most of variations are inherited
etc. The fact that theoretically population size will grow exponentially if everybody reproduced maximally (this
fact can be seen in a growing bacterial population) and the fact that population sizes in reality are limited, means
that there had been competition for resources. Only some survived and grew at the cost of others that could not
flourish. The novelty and brilliant insight of Darwin was this: he asserted that variations, which are heritable and
which make resource utilisation better for few (adapted to habitat better) will enable only those to reproduce and
leave more progeny. Hence for a period of time, over many generations, survivors will leave more progeny and
there would be a change in population characteristic and hence new forms appear to arise.
7.6 MECHANISM OF EVOLUTION
What is the origin of this variation and how does speciation occur? Even though Mendel had talked of inheritable
'factors' influencing phenotype, Darwin either ignored these observations or kept silence. In the first decade of
twentieth century, Hugo deVries based on his work on evening primrose brought forth the idea of mutations –
large difference arising suddenly in a population. He believed that it is mutation which causes evolution and not
the minor variations (heritable) that Darwin talked about. Mutations are random and directionless while
Darwinian variations are small and directional. Evolution for Darwin was gradual while deVries believed mutation
caused speciation and hence called it saltation (single step large mutation). Studies in population genetics, later,
brought out some clarity.
7.7 HARDY-WEINBERG PRINCIPLE
In a given population one can find out the frequency of occurrence of alleles of a gene or a locus. This frequency
is supposed to remain fixed and even remain the same through generations. Hardy-Weinberg principle stated it
using algebraic equations.
This principle says that allele frequencies in a population are stable and is constant from generation to generation.
The gene pool (total genes and their alleles in a population) remains a constant. This is called genetic equilibrium.
Sum total of all the allelic frequencies is 1. Individual
 frequencies, for example, can be named p, q, etc. In a
diploid, p and q represent the frequency of allele A and
allele a. The frequency of AA individuals in a population
is simply p2. This is simply stated in another ways, i.e.,
the probability that an allele A with a frequency of p
appear on both the chromosomes of a diploid individual
is simply the product of the probabilities, i.e., p2.
Similarly of aa is q2, of Aa 2pq. Hence, p2+2pq+q2=1.
This is a binomial expansion of (p+q)2. When frequency
measured, differs from expected values, the difference
(direction) indicates the extent of evolutionary change.
Disturbance in genetic equilibrium, or Hardy- Weinberg
equilibrium, i.e., change of frequency of alleles in a
population would then be interpreted as resulting in
evolution. Five factors are known to affect Hardy-
Weinberg equilibrium. These are gene migration or gene
flow, genetic drift, mutation, genetic recombination and
natural selection. When migration of a section of
population to another place and population occurs, gene
Figure 7.8 Diagrammatic representation of the operation of natural selection on different traits :
frequencies change in the original as well as in the new
(a) Stabilising (b) Directional and (c) Disruptive population.
New genes/alleles are added to the new population and these are lost from the old population. There would be a
gene flow if this gene migration, happens multiple times. If the same change occurs by chance, it is called genetic
drift. Sometimes the change in allele frequency is so different in the new sample of population that they become
a different species. The original drifted population becomes founders and the effect is called founder effect.
Microbial experiments show that pre-existing advantageous mutations when selected will result in observation of
new phenotypes. Over few generations, this would result in Speciation. Natural selection is a process in which
heritable variations enabling better survival are enabled to reproduce and leave greater number of progeny. A
critical analysis makes us believe that variation due to mutation or variation due to recombination during
gametogenesis, or due to gene flow or genetic drift results in changed frequency of genes and alleles in future
generation. Coupled to enhance reproductive success, natural selection makes it look like different population.
Natural selection can lead to stabilisation (in which more individuals acquire mean character value), directional
change (more individuals acquire value other than the mean character value) or disruption (more individuals
acquire peripheral character value at both ends of the distribution curve) (Figure 7.8).
7.8 A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF EVOLUTION
About 2000 million years ago (mya) the first cellular forms of life appeared on earth. The mechanism of how non-
cellular aggregates of giant macromolecules could evolve into cells with membranous envelop is not known. Some
of these cells had the ability to release O2. The reaction could have been similar to the light reaction in
photosynthesis where water is split with the help of solar energy captured and channelised by appropriate light
harvesting pigments. Slowly single-celled organisms became multi-cellular life forms.
By the time of 500 mya, invertebrates were formed and active.
Jawless fish probably evolved around 350 mya. Sea weeds and
few plants existed probably around 320 mya. We are told that
the first organisms that invaded land were plants. They were
widespread on land when animals invaded land. Fish with stout
and strong fins could move on land and go back to water. This
was about 350 mya. In 1938, a fish caught in South Africa
happened to be a Coelacanth which was thought to be extinct.
These animals called lobefins evolved into the
 first amphibians that lived on both land and water. There are
no specimens of these left with us. However, these were
ancestors of modern day frogs and salamanders. The
amphibians evolved into reptiles. They lay thick shelled eggs
which do not dry up in sun unlike those of amphibians. Again
we only see their modern day descendents, the turtles,
tortoises and crocodiles. In the next 200 millions years or so,
reptiles of different shapes and sizes dominated on earth.
Giant ferns (pteridophytes) were present but they all fell
to form coal deposits slowly. Some of these land reptiles
went back into water to evolve into fish like reptiles
probably 200 mya (e.g. Ichthyosaurs). The land reptiles
were, of course, the dinosaurs. The biggest of them, i.e.,
Tyrannosaurus rex was about 20 feet in height and had
huge fearsome dagger like teeth. About 65 mya, the
dinosaurs suddenly disappeared from the earth. We do
not know the true reason. Some say climatic changes
killed them. Some say most of them evolved into birds.
The truth may live in between. Small sized reptiles of that
era still exist today.
Figure 7.10 Representative evolutionary history
of vertebrates through geological periods
 The first mammals were like shrews. Their fossils are small sized.
Mammals were viviparous and protected their unborn young inside the mother’s body. Mammals were
more intelligent in sensing and avoiding danger at least. When reptiles came down mammals took over
this earth. There were in South America mammals resembling horse, hippopotamus, bear, rabbit, etc.
Due to continental drift, when South America joined North America, these animals were overridden by
North American fauna. Due to the same continental drift pouched mammals of Australia survived
because of lack of competition from any other mammal.
Lest we forget, some mammals live wholly in water. Whales, dolphins, seals and sea cows are some
examples. Evolution of horse, elephant, dog, etc., are special stories of evolution. You will learn about
these in higher classes. The most successful story is the evolution of man with language skills and self-
consciousness.
A rough sketch of the evolution of life forms, their times on a geological scale are indicated in (Figure
7.9 and 7.10).

7.9 ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF MAN

About 15 mya, primates called Dryopithecus and Ramapithecus were existing. They were hairy and
walked like gorillas and chimpanzees. Ramapithecus was more man-like while Dryopithecus was
more ape-like. Few fossils of man-like bones have been discovered in Ethiopia and Tanzania (Figure
7.11). These revealed hominid features leading to the belief that about 3-4 mya, man-like primates
walked in eastern Africa. They were probably not taller than 4 feet but walked up right. Two mya,
Australopithecines probably lived in East African grasslands. Evidence shows they hunted with stone
weapons but essentially ate fruit. Some of the bones among the bones discovered were different. This
creature was called the first human-like being the hominid and was called Homo habilis.
 The brain capacities were between 650-800cc. They probably
did not eat meat. Fossils discovered in Java in 1891 revealed the
next stage, i.e., Homo erectus about 1.5 mya. Homo erectus had
a large brain around 900cc.
Homo erectus probably ate meat. The Neanderthal man with a brain
size of 1400cc lived in near east and central Asia between 1,00,000-
40,000 years back. They used hides to protect their body and buried
their dead. Homo sapiens arose in Africa and moved across
continents and developed into distinct races. During ice age between
75,000-10,000 years ago modern Homo sapiens arose. Pre-historic
cave art developed about 18.000 years ago. One such cave paintings
by Pre-historic humans can be seen at Bhimbetka rock shelter in
Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. Agriculture came around 10.000
years back and human settlements started. The rest of what
happened is part of human history of growth and decline of
civilisations.

Figure 7.11 A comparison of the skulls of adult modern human being, baby
chimpanzee and adult chimpanzee. The skull of baby chimpanzee is more like
adult human skull than adult chimpanzee skull
Origin in
life
1. From his experiments S.L. Miller produced amino acids by mixing the
following in a closed flask?

a) CH4, H2, NH3 and water vapor at 800oC

b) CH3, H2, NH4 and water vapor at 800oC
c) CH4, H2, NH3 and water vapor at 600oC
d) CH3, H2, NH3 and water vapor at 600oC

(NEET 2020)
 2. Which of the following is the correct sequence of events in the origin of life?

I. Formation of protobionts
II. Synthesis of organic monomers
III. Synthesis of organic polymers
IV. Formation of DNA-based genetic systems

a) I, II, III, IV
b) I, III, II, IV
c) II, III, I, IV
d) II, III, IV, I
(NEET-II 2016)
 3. Following are the two statements regarding the origin of life?

A) The earliest organisms that appeared on the earth were non-green and
presumably anaerobes.
B) The first autotrophic organisms were the chemoautotrophs that never
released oxygen of the above statements which one of the following options
is correct?

a) Both (A) and (B) are correct.

b) Both (A) and (B) are false
c) (A) is correct but (B) is false
d) (B) is correct but (A) is false
(NEET-I 2016)
4. Which one of the following is incorrect about the characteristics of
protobionts (coacervates and microspheres) as envisaged in the abiogenic
origin of life?

a) They were partially isolated from the surroundings

b) They could maintain an internal environment
c) They were able to reproduce
d) They could separate combinations of molecules from the surroundings

(2008)
5. The concept of chemical evolution is based on?

a) interact of water, air and clay under intense heat

b) effect of solar radiation on chemicals
c) possible origin of life by combination of chemicals under suitable
environmental conditions
d) crystallization of chemicals.

(2007)
6. Which of the following amino acids was not found to be synthesized in
Miller’s experiment?

a) Alanine
b) Glycine
c) Aspartic acid
d) Glutamic acid

(2006)
7. Which one of the following experiments suggests that simplest living
organisms could not have originated spontaneously from non-living matter?

a) Larvae could appear in decaying organic matter.

b) Microbes did not appear in stored meat
c) Microbes appeared from unsterilized organic matter
d) Meat was not spoiled, when heated and kept sealed in a vessel.

(2005)
8. According to Oparin, which one of the following was not present in the
primitive atmosphere of the earth?

a) Methane
b) Oxygen
c) Hydrogen
d) Water vapour

(2004)
9. There is no life on moon due to the absence of?

a) O2
b) water
c) light
d) temperature

(2002)
10. Most abundant organic compound on earth is?

a) protein
b) cellulose
c) lipids
d) steroids

(2001)
11. 1st life on earth was?

a) cyanobacteria
b) chemoheterotrophs
c) autotrophs
d) photoautotrophs

(2001)
12. The correct sequence for the manufacture of molecules/organic
compounds on the primitive earth is?

a) NH3, nucleic acid, protein and carbohydrate

b) protein, carbohydrate, water and nucleic acid
c) NH3, protein, carbohydrate and nucleic acid
d) NH3, water, nucleic acid and protein

(1996)
13. The first organisms were?

a) chemoautotrophs
b) chemoheterotrophs
c) autotrophs
d) eukaryotes

(1992)
14. Which was absent in the atmosphere at the time of origin of life?

a) NH3
b) H2
c) O2
d) CH4

(1991)
 Evolution of
life forms-A Theory
15. Which one of the following sequences was proposed by Darwin and Wallace
for organic evolution?

a) Overproduction , variations , constancy of population size , natural selection

b) Variation, constancy of population size, overproduction, natural selection
c) Overproduction , constancy of population size, variations , natural selection
d) Variations , natural selection , overproduction , constancy of population size

(2003)
16. Darwin’s theory of pangenesis shows similarity with theory of inheritance
of acquired characters then what shall be correct according to it?

a) Useful organs becomes strong and developed while useless organs

become extinct.
b) Size of organs increase with aging.
c) Development of organs is due to will power.
d) There should be some physical basis of inheritance.

(2001)
What are Evidences for Evolution?
17. Which of the following refer to correct example (s) of organisms which
have evolved due to changes in environment brought about by anthropogenic
action?

1) Darwin’s Finches of Galapagos islands.

2) Herbicide resistant weeds.
3) Drug resistant eukaryotes.
4) Man-created breeds of domesticated animals like dogs.

a) only(1)
b) (1) and (3)
c) (2), (3) and (4)
d) Only (4)
(NEET 2020)
18. Embryological support for evolution was disapproved by?

a) Karl Ernst von Baer

b) Alfred Wallace
c) Charles Darwin
d) Oparin

(NEET 2020)
19. Flippers of penguins and dolphins are examples of?

a) adaptive radiation
b) convergent evolution
c) industrial melanism
d) natural selection

(NEET 2020)
20. The similarity of bone structure in the forelimbs of many vertebrates is an
example of?

a) homology
b) analogy
c) convergent evolution
d) adaptive radiation

(NEET 2018)
21. Among the following sets of examples for divergent evolution, select the
incorrect option?

a) Forelimbs of man, bat and cheetah

b) Heart of bat, man and cheetah
c) Brain of bat, man and cheetah
d) Eye of octopus, bat and man

(NEET 2018)
22. Which of the following structure is homologous to the wing of a bird?

a) Hindlimb of rabbit
b) Flipper of whale
c) Dorsal fin of a shark
d) Wing of a moth

(NEET-I 2016)
23. Analogous structures are a result of?

a) shared ancestry
b) stabilising selection
c) divergent evolution
d) convergent evolution

(NEET-I 2016)
24. The wings of a bird and the wings of an insect are?

a) phylogenetic structures and represent divergent evolution

b) homologous structures and represent convergent evolution
c) homologous structures and represent divergent evolution
d) analogous structures and represent convergent evolution

(2015)
25. Industrial melanism is an example of?

a) mutation
b) Neo-Lamarckism
c) Neo-Darwinism
d) natural selection

(2015)
26. Forelimbs of cat, lizard used in walking; forelimbs of whale used in
swimming and forelimbs of bats used in flying are an example of?

a) analogous organs
b) adaptive radiation
c) homologous organs
d) convergent evolution

(2014)
27. Which one of the following are analogous structures?

a) Wings of bat and wings of pigeon

b) Gills of prawn and lungs of man
c) Thorns of Bougainvillea and tendrils of Cucurbita
d) Flippers of dolphin and legs of horse

(2014)
28. The process by which organisms with different evolutionary history
evolve similar phenotypic adaptations in response to a common
environmental challenge, is called?

a) non-random evolution
b) adaptive radiation
c) natural selection
d) convergent evolution

(NEET 2013)
29. The eye of octopus and eye of cat show different patterns of structure,
yet they perform similar function. This is an example of?

a) analogous organs that have evolved due to convergent evolution.

b) analogous organs that have evolved due to divergent evolution.
c) homologous organs that have evolved due to convergent evolution.
d) homologous organs that have evolved due to divergent evolution.

(NEET 2013)
30. Which one of the following options gives one correct example each of
convergent evolution and divergent evolution?

Convergent evolution Divergent evolution

a) Eyes of octopus and mammals Bones of forelimbs of vertebrates
b) Thorns of Bougainvillea and Wings of butterflies and bird
tendrils of Cucurbita
c) Bones of forelimbs of vertebrates Wings of butterfly and birds
d) Thorns of bougainvillea and Eyes of octopus and mammals
tendrils of Cucurbita

(2012)
31. Given below are four statements (A-D) each with one or two blanks. Select the option
which correctly fills up the blanks in two statements.
Statements:
A) Wings of butterfly and birds look alike and are the results of (i) evolution.
B) Miller showed that CH4, H2, NH3 and (i) when exposed to electric discharge in a flask
resulted in formation of (ii).
C) Vermiform appendix is a (i) organ and an (ii) evidence of evolution.
D) According to Darwin evolution took place due to (i) and (ii) of the fittest.

a) (D) – (i) small variations , (ii) survival,

(A) – (i) convergent
b) (A) – (i) convergent
(B) – (i) oxygen, (ii) nucleosides
c) (B) – (i) water vapour , (ii) amino acids
(C) – (i) rudimentary, (ii) anatomical
d) (C) – (i) vestigial , (ii) anatomical
(D) – (i) mutations , (ii) multiplication
(Mains 2010)
32. Peripatus is a connecting link between?

a) mollusca and Echinodermata

b) Annelida and arthropoda
c) coelenterata and porifera
d) ctenophora and platyhelminthes.

(2009)
33. In the case of peppered moth (Biston betularia) the black –colored form
became dominant over the light-colored from in England during industrial
revolution. This is an example of?

a) appearance of the darker colored individuals due to very poor sunlight

b) protective mimicry
c) inheritance of darker color character acquired due to the darker
environment
d) natural selection whereby the darker forms were selected.
(2009)
34. Thorn of Bougainvillea and tendril of Cucurbita are examples of?

a) vestigial organs
b) retrogressive evolution
c) analogous organs
d) homologous organs

(2008)
35. Which one of the following pairs of items correctly belongs to the
category of organs mentioned against it?

a) Nephridia of earthworm and Malpighian tubules of cockroach – excretory

organs
b) Wings of honeybee and wings of crow – homologous organs
c) Thorn of Bougainvillea and tendrils of Cucurbita – analogous organs
d) Nictitating membrane and blind spot in human eye – vestigial organs

(2008)
36. Which one of the following statements is correct?

a) There is no evidence of the existence of gills during embryogenesis of

mammals.
b) All plant and animal cells are totipotent.
c) Ontogeny repeats phylogeny.
d) Stem cells are specialized cells.

(2007)
37. When two species of different genealogy come to resemble each other as
a result of adaptation, the phenomenon is termed?

a) Microevolution
b) Co-evolution
c) Convergent evolution
d) Divergent evolution

(2007)
38. An important evidence in favour of organic evolution is the occurrence
of?

a) homologous and analogous organs

b) homologous and vestigial organs
c) analogous and vestigial organs
d) homologous organs only

(2006)
39. Which one of the following is not a living fossil?

a) Peripatus
b) King crab
c) Sphenodon
d) Archaeopteryx

(2006)
40. Which of the following is the relatively most accurate method for dating
of fossils?

a) Radio-carbon method
b) Potassium-argon method
c) Electron-spin resonance method
d) Uranium-lead method

(2005)
41. Age of fossils in the past was generally determined by radio-carbon
method and other methods involve radioactive elements found in the rocks.
More precise methods, which were used recently and led to the revision of
the evolutionary periods for different groups of organisms, includes?

a) study of carbohydrates/proteins in fossils

b) study of the conditions of fossilization
c) electron spin resonance (ESR) and fossil DNA
d) study of carbohydrates/ proteins in rocks.
(2004)
42. Convergent evolution is illustrated by?

a) rat and dog

b) bacterium and protozoan
c) starfish and cuttle fish
d) dogfish and whale

(2003)
43. Industrial melanism is an example of?

a) drug resistance
b) darkening of skin due to smoke from industries
c) protective resemblance with the surroundings
d) defensive adaptation of skin against ultraviolet radiations.

(2003)
44. Which one of the following describes correctly the homologous
structures?

a) Organs with anatomical similarities, but performing different functions

b) Organs with anatomical dissimilarities, but performing same function
c) Organs that have no function now, but had an important function in
ancestor
d) Organs appearing only in embryonic stage and disappearing later in the
adult
(2003)
45. Which of the following are homologous organs?

a) Wings of birds and locust

b) Wings of birds and pectoral fins of fish
c) Wings of bat and butterfly
d) Legs of frog and cockroach

(2002)
46. Sequence of which of the following is used to know the phylogeny?

a) mRNA
b) rRNA
c) tRNA
d) DNA

(2002)
47. Half life period of 14C is?

a) 500 years
b) 5000 years
c) 50 years
d) 5×104 years

(2001)
48. In Lederberg’s replica plating experiment what shall be used to obtain
streptomycin resistant strain?

a) Minimal medium and streptomycin

b) Complete medium and streptomycin
c) Only minimal medium
d) Only complete medium

(2001)
49. Similarities in organism with different genotype indicates?

a) microevolution
b) macroevolution
c) convergent evolution
d) divergent evolution

(2001)
50. Which is not a vestigial organ in man?

a) Third molar
b) Nails
c) Segmental muscles of abdomen
d) Coccyx

(2000)
51. Phenomenon of ‘Industrial melanism’ demonstrates?

a) geographical isolation
b) reproductive isolation
c) natural selection
d) induced mutation

(1999)
52. Which of the following are homologous organs?

a) Wings of bird and hands of human

b) Nails of human being and claws in animals
c) Wings of bird and wings of insect
d) Wings of bat and wings of cockroach

(1999)
53. Evolutionary convergence is characterized by?

a) development of dissimilar characteristics in closely related groups

b) development of a common set of characteristics in groups of different
ancestry
c) development of characteristics by random mating
d) replacement of common characteristics in different groups.

(1997)
54. Which of the following is the correct group of vestigial organs in man?

a) Nictitating membrane , ear muscles, eyelids and coccyx

b) Appendix , coccyx, ear muscles and elbow joint
c) Wisdom tooth, coccyx, body hair and ear muscles
d) Wisdom tooth, body hairs, nictitating membrane and vermiform appendix

(1996)
55. Which of the following isotopes is most dangerous to homo sapiens?

a) Phosphorus-32
b) Strontium-90
c) Caesium-137
d) Iodine-131

(1995)
56. The change of the lighter-colored variety of peppered moth (Biston
betularia) to its darker variety (Biston carbonaria) is due to?

a) mutation
b) regeneration
c) genetic isolation
d) temporal isolation

(1995)
57. The homologous organs are those that show similarity in?

a) appearance
b) function
c) origin
d) size

(1995)
58. The presence of gill slits, in the embryos of all vertebrates, supports the
theory of?

a) metamorphosis
b) biogenesis
c) organic evolution
d) recapitulation

(1995)
59. The earliest fossil form, in the phylogeny of horse, is?

a) Equus
b) Mesohippus
c) Eohippus
d) Merychippus

(1994)
60. Which of the following is a pair of homologous organs?

a) Pectoral fin of rohu and forelimb of horse

b) Wings of grasshopper and wings of crow
c) Lungs of rabbit and gills of rohu
d) Wings of bat and wings of butterfly

(1994)
61. Evolutionary convergence is development of?

a) common set of characters in group of different ancestry

b) dissimilar characters in closely related group
c) common set of characters in closely related group
d) random mating

(1993)
62. Study of fossil is?

a) palaeontology
b) herpetology
c) saurology
d) organic evolution

(1991)
63. Parallelism is?

a) adaptive divergence
b) adaptive divergence of widely separated species
c) adaptive convergence of widely different species
d) adaptive convergence of closely related group.

(1990)
64. Basic principle of embryonic development were pronounced by?

a) Von Baer
b) Weismann
c) Haeckel
d) Morgan

(1990)
What is Adaptive Radiation?
 65. Match List-I with List-II.

List-I List-II
p) Adaptive radiation i) Selection of resistant varieties due to exchange use of herbicides and pesticides
q) Convergent evolution ii) Bones of forelimbs in man and whale
r) Divergent evolution iii) Wings of butterfly and bird
s) Evolution by anthropogenic action iv) Darwin finches

Choose the correct answer from options given below.

p q r s
a) (i) (iv) (iii) (ii)
b) (iv) (iii) (ii) (i)
c) (iii) (ii) (i) (iv)
d) (ii) (i) (iv) (iii)
(NEET 2021)
66. The finch species of Galapagos islands are grouped according to their
food sources. Which of the following is not a finch food?

a) Carrion
b) Insects
c) Tree buds
d) Seeds

(Karnataka NEET 2013)

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

a) adaptive radiation
b) natural selection
c) migration
d) divergent evolution

(2012)
68. Darwin’s finches are a good example of?

a) industrial melanism
b) connecting link
c) adaptive radiation
d) convergent evolution

(2010,2008)
69. The finches of Galapagos islands provide an evidence in favour of?

a) evolution due to mutation

b) retrogressive evolution
c) biogeographical evolution
d) special creation

(2007)
70. Adaptive radiation refers to?

a) evolution of different species from a common ancestor

b) migration of members of a species to different geographical areas
c) power of adaptation in an individual to a variety of environments
d) adaptations due to geographical isolation.

(2007)
71. Which evidence of evolution is related to Darwin’s finches?

a) Evidences from biogeographical distribution

b) Evidences from comparative anatomy
c) Evidences from embryology
d) Evidences from paleontology

(2000)
72. The diversity in the type of beaks of finches adapted to different feeding
habits on the Galapagos islands, as observed by Darwin, provides evidence
for?

a) intraspecific competition
b) interspecific competition
c) origin of species by natural selection
d) intraspecific variations.

(1998)
73. Theory of Natural Selection dwells on?

a) role of environment in evolution

b) natural selection acting on favourable variations
c) changes in gene complex resulting in heritable variations
d) none of these

(1993)
74. Humming-birds and Hawk illustrate?

a) convergent evolution
b) homology
c) adaptive radiation
d) parallel evolution

(1988)
75. Which one of the following scientist’s name is correctly matched with the
theory put forth by him?

a) De Vries –– Natural selection

b) Mendel –– Theory of Pangenesis
c) Weismann –– Theory of continuity of germplasm
d) Pasteur –– Inheritance of acquired characters

(2008)
76. Which one of the following phenomena supports Darwin’s concept of
natural selection in organic evolution?

a) Development of transgenic animals

b) Production of ‘Dolly’, the sheep by cloning
c) Prevalence of pesticide resistant insects
d) Development of organs from ‘stem cells’ for organs transplantation

(2005)
77. Darwin in his “Natural Selection Theory” did not believe in any role of
which one of the following in organic evolution?

a) Parasites and predators as natural enemies

b) Survival of the fittest
c) Struggle for existence
d) Discontinuous variations

(2003)
78. Nicotiana sylvestris flowers only during long days and N . tabacum flowers only
during short days. If raised in the laboratory under different photoperiods, they can
be induced to flower at the same time and can be cross-fertilized to produce self-
fertile offspring. What is the best reason for considering N . Sylvestris and N .
Tabacum to be separate species?

a) They cannot interbreed in nature.

b) They are reproductively distinct.
c) They are physiologically distinct.
d) They are morphologically distinct.
(2003)
79. Which of the following is most important for speciation?

a) Seasonal isolation
b) Reproductive isolation
c) Behavioural isolation
d) Tropical isolation

(2002)
80. Some bacteria are able to grow in streptomycin containing medium due
to?

a) natural selection
b) induced mutation
c) reproductive isolation
d) genetic drift

(2002)
81. Reason of diversity in living being is?

a) mutation
b) long term evolutionary change
c) gradual change
d) short term evolutionary change

(2001)
82. Which is the most important factor for continuity of a species from
evolutionary point of view?

a) Replication of genetic material

b) Formation of gametes
c) Synthesis of proteins
d) None of these

(2000)
83. Species occurring in different geographical area are called as?

a) sympatric
b) allopatric
c) sibling
d) neopatric

(1998)
84. Which of the following evidences does not favour the Lamarckian
concept of inheritance of acquired characters?

a) Lack of pigment in cave-dwelling animals

b) Melanisation in peppered moth
c) Absence of limbs in snakes
d) Presence of webbed toes in aquatic birds

(1994)
85. Weismann cut off tails of mice generation after generation after
generation but tails neither disappeared nor shortened showing that?

a) Darwin was correct

b) tail is an essential organ
c) mutation theory is wrong
d) Lamarckism was wrong in inheritance of acquired characters.

(1993)
86. Evolution is?

a) progressive development of a race

b) history and development of race along with variations
c) history of race
d) development of race

(1989)
87. “continuity of germplasm” theory was given by?

a) De Vries
b) Weismann
c) Darwin
d) Lamarck

(1989)
88. Theory of inheritance of acquired characters was given by?

a) Wallace
b) Lamarck
c) Darwin
d) De Vries

(1989)
89. ‘Origin of species’ was written by?

a) Oparin
b) Weismann
c) Lamarck
d) Darwin

(1989)
90. Variations caused by mutation, as proposed by Hugo de Vries, are?

a) small and directionless

b) random and directional
c) random and directionless
d) small and directional

(NEET 2019)
91. according to Hugo de Vries, the mechanism of evolution is?

a) multiple step mutations

b) saltation
c) phenotypic variations
d) minor mutations

(NEET 2018)
92. The idea of mutations was brought forth by?

a) Hugo de Vries who worked on evening primrose

b) Gregor Mendel who worked on Pisum sativum
c) Hardy-Weinberg who worked on allele frequencies in a population
d) Charles Darwin who observed a wide variety of organisms during sea
voyage.

(Mains 2012)
93. De Vries gave his mutation theory on organic evolution while working
on?

a) Pisum sativum
b) Drosophila melanogaster
c) Oenothera Lamarckian a
d) Althea rosea

(2005)
94. The factor that leads to Founder effect in a population is

a) genetic drift
b) natural selection
c) genetic recombination
d) mutation.

(NEET 2021)
95. A gene locus has two alleles A , a. if the frequency of dominant allele A is
0.4, then what will be the frequency of homozygous dominant, heterozygous
and homozygous recessive individuals in the population?

a) 0.16(AA); 0.36(Aa); 0.48(aa)

b) 0.36(AA); 0.48(Aa); 0.16(aa)
c) 0.16(AA); 0.24(Aa); 0.36(aa)
d) 0.16(AA); 0.48(Aa); 0.36(aa)

(NEET 2019)
96. In a species, the weight of newborn ranges from 2 to 5 kg. 97% of the
newborn with an average weight between 3 to 3.3 kg survive whereas 99%
of the infants born with weights from 2 to 2.5 or 4.5 to 5 kg die. Which type
of selection process is taking place?

a) Cyclical selection
b) Directional selection
c) Stabilizing selection
d) Disruptive selection
(NEET 2019)
97. Artificial selection to obtain cows yielding higher milk output represents

a) directional as it pushes the mean of the character in one direction

b) disruptive as it splits the population into two one yielding higher output
and the other lower output
c) stabilizing followed by disruptive as it stabilizes the population to produce
higher yielding cows
d) stabilizing selection as it stabilizes this character in the population.

(NEET 2017)
98. Genetic drift operates in

a) small isolated population

b) large isolated population
c) non-reproductive population
d) slow reproductive population

(NEET-II 2016, 2002)

99. In Hardy-Weinberg equation, the frequency of heterozygous individual is
represented by

a) p2
b) 2pq
c) pq
d) q2

(NEET-II 2016)
100. In a population of 1000 individuals 360 belong to genotype AA,480 to
Aa and the remaining 160 to aa. Based on this data, the frequency of allele A
in the population is

a) 0.4
b) 0.5
c) 0.6
d) 0.7

(2014)
101. The tendency of population to remain in genetic equilibrium may be
disturbed by

a) lack of mutations
b) lack of random mating
c) random mating
d) lack of migration

(NEET 2013)
102. Variation in gene frequencies within populations can occur by chance
rather than by natural selection. This is referred to as

a) random mating
b) genetic load
c) genetic flow
d) genetic drift

(NEET 2013)
103. Random unidirectional change in allele frequencies that occurs by
chance in all populations and especially in small populations is known as

a) migration
b) natural selection
c) genetic drift
d) mutation

(Karnataka NEET 2013)

104. Genetic variation in a population arises due to

a) recombination only
b) mutation as well as recombination
c) reproductive isolation and selection
d) mutations only

(Karnataka NEET 2013)

105. At a particular locus, frequency of A allele is 0.6 and that of a is 0.4.
What would be the frequency of the heterozygotes in a random mating
population at equilibrium?

a) 0.36
b) 0.16
c) 0.24
d) 0.48

(2005)
106. Which of the following is not true for a species?

a) Members of a species can interbreed

b) Gene flow does not occur between the population of a species
c) Each species is reproductively isolated from every other species
d) Variations occur among members of a species.

(2005)
107. Random genetic drift in a population probably results from

a) highly genetically variable individuals

b) interbreeding within this population
c) constant low mutation rate
d) large population size

(2003)
108. In which condition, the gene ratio remains constant for any species
population?

a) Sexual selection
b) Random mating
c) Mutation
d) Gene flow

(2002)
109. Forthcoming generation are less adaptive than the parental generation
due to

a) natural selection
b) mutation
c) genetic drift
d) adaptation

(2001)
110. In the developmental history of mammalian heart, it is observed that it
passes through a two chambered fish like heart, three chambered frog like
heart and finally four chambered stage. To which hypothesis can this above
cited statement be approximated?

a) Lamarck’s principle
b) Mendelian principles
c) Biogenetic law
d) Hardy-Weinberg law
(1998)
111. Genetic drift operates only in

a) Larger populations
b) Mendelian populations
c) island populations
d) smaller populations

(1998)
112. Genetic drift is change of

a) gene frequency in same generation

b) appearance of recessive genes
c) gene frequency from one generation to next
d) none of these

(1993)
113. Dinosaurs dominated the world in which of the following geological
eras?

a) Cenozoic
b) Jurassic
c) Mesozoic
d) Devonian

(Karnataka NEET 2013)

114. Jurassic period of the Mesozoic era is characterized by

a) flowering plants and first dinosaurs appear

b) gymnosperms are dominant plants and first birds appear
c) radiation of reptiles and origin of mammal like reptiles
d) dinosaurs become extinct and angiosperms appear

(2006)
115. Diversification in plant life appeared

a) due to long periods of evolutionary changes

b) due to abrupt mutations
c) suddenly on earth
d) by seed dispersal

(2004)
116. In which era reptiles were dominant?

a) Coenozoic era
b) Mesozoic era
c) Palaeozoic era
d) Archaeozoic era

(2002)
117. Which statements is correct about centre of origin of plants?

a) More diversity in improved variety

b) Frequency of dominant gene is more
c) Climatic condition more favourable
d) None of these

(2001)
118. Which period is dubbed as the age of prokaryotic microbes?

a) Precambrian
b) Phanerozoic
c) Archean
d) Proterozoic

(1995)
119. Correct order is

a) Palaeozoic → Archaeozoic → Coenozoic

b) Archaeozoic → Palaeozoic → Proterozoic
c) Palaeozoic → Mesozoic → Coenozoic
d) Mesozoic → Archaeozoic → Proterozoic

(1991)
Origin and Evolution of Men
120. Match the hominids with their correct brain size.

A) Homo habilis i) 900cc

B) Homo neanderthalensis ii) 1350 cc
C) Homo erectus iii) 650-800cc
D) Homo sapiens iv) 1400cc

Select the correct option.

A B C D
a) (iv) (iii) (i) (ii)
b) (iii) (i) (iv) (ii)
c) (iii) (ii) (i) (iv)
d) (iii) (iv) (i) (ii) (NEET 2019)
121. Which of the following statements is correct about the origin and
evolution of men?

a) Agriculture came around 50,000 years back.

b) The Dryopithecus and Ramapithecus primates existing 15 million years
ago, walked like men.
c) Homo habilis probably ate meat
d) Neanderthal men lived in Asia between 1,00,000 and 40,000 years back

(Odisha NEET 2019)

122. The chronological order of human evolution from early to the recent is

a) Australopithecus → Ramapithecus → Homo habilis → Homo erectus

b) Ramapithecus → Australopithecus → Homo habilis → Homo erectus
c) Ramapithecus → Homo habilis → Australopithecus → Homo erectus
d) Australopithecus → Homo habilis → Ramapithecus → Homo erectus

(NEET 2016)
123. Which of the following had the smallest brain capacity?

a) Homo neanderthalensis
b) Homo habilis
c) Homo erectus
d) Homo sapiens

(2015 Cancelled)
124. What was the most significant trend in the evolution of modern man
(Homo sapiens) from his ancestors?

a) Shortening of jaws
b) Binocular vision
c) Increasing cranial capacity
d) Upright posture

(2012,2011)
125. The extinct human who lived 1,00,000 to 40,000 years ago, in Europe,
Asia and parts of Africa, with short stature, heavy eyebrows, retreating fore
heads, large jaws with heavy teeth, stocky bodies, a lumbering gait and
stooped posture was

a) Homo habilis
b) Neanderthal human
c) Cro-Magnon human
d) Ramapithecus
(2012)
126. The most apparent change during the evolutionary history of homo
sapiens is traced in

a) loss of body hair

b) walking upright
c) shortening of the jaws
d) remarkable increase in the brain size

(Mains 2010)
127. There are two opposing views about origin of modern man. According
to one view Homo erectus in Asia were the ancestors of modern man. A
study of variation of DNA however suggested African origin of modern man.
What kind of observation on DNA variation could suggest this?

a) Greater variation in Asia than in Africa

b) Greater variation in Africa than in Asia
c) Similar variation in Africa and Asia
d) Variation only in Asia and no variation in Africa
(2005)
128. What kind of evidence suggested that man is more closely related with
chimpanzee than with other hominoid apes?

a) Evidence from DNA extracted from sex chromosomes only

b) Comparison of chromosomes morphology only
c) Evidence from fossil remains, and the fossil mitochondrial DNA alone
d) Evidence from DNA extracted from sex chromosomes, autosomes.

(2004)
129. In recent years, DNA sequences (nucleotide sequence) of mt DNA and Y
chromosomes were considered for the study of human evolution, because

a) they are small and therefore, easy to study

b) they are uniparental in origin and do not take part in recombination
c) their structure is known in greater detail
d) they can be studied from the samples of fossil remains.

(2003)
130. According to fossils discovered up to present time origin and evolution
of man started from

a) France
b) Java
c) Africa
d) China

(2002)
131. Which of the following is closest relative of man?

a) Chimpanzee
b) Gorilla
c) Orangutan
d) Gibbon

(2001)
132. Which of the following is correct order of the evolutionary history of
man?

a) Peking man, Homo sapiens, Neanderthal man, Cromagnon man

b) Peking man, Heidelberg man, Neanderthal man Cromagnon man
c) Peking man, Neanderthal man, Homo sapiens, Cromagnon man
d) Peking man, Neanderthal man, Homo sapiens, Heidelberg man

(2001)
133. Homo sapiens have evolved in

a) Paleocene
b) Pleistocene
c) Oligocene
d) Holocene

(2000)
134. Character which is closely related to human evolution is

a) disappearance of tail
b) reduction in size of jaws
c) binocular vision
d) flat nails.

(2000)
135. Who is directly related to man?

a) Gorilla
b) Rhesus
c) Gibbon
d) Orangutan

(2000)
136. Which one of the following statements is correct?

a) Australopithecus is the real ancestor of modern man.

b) Neanderthal man is the direct ancestor of Homo sapiens.
c) Homo erectus is the ancestor of man.
d) Cro-Magnon man’s fossil has been found in Ethiopia.

(1998)
137. The age of the fossil of Dryopithecus on the geological time scale is

a) 2.5 × 106 years back

b) 50 × 106 years back
c) 75 × 106 years back
d) 25 × 106 years back

(1998)
138. Which of the following statements is correct regarding evolution of
mankind?

a) Homo erectus is preceded by Homo habilis.

b) Neanderthal man and Cro-Magnon man were living at the same time.
c) Australopithecus was living in Australia
d) None of these

(1997)
139. Common origin of man and chimpanzee is best shown by

a) binocular vision
b) chromosome number
c) dental formula
d) cranial capacity

(1997)
140. Which of the following changes for man in the course of evolution is
probably useless?

a) Development of being erect

b) Development of cranial capacity
c) Loss of tail
d) Development of opposable thumb

(1996)
141. Which of the following is the direct ancestor of Homo sapiens?

a) Australopithecus
b) H. sapiens Neanderthals
c) Homo erectus
d) Homo sapiens fossils

(1996)
142. The first domesticated animal by primitive man was

a) cat
b) cow
c) dog
d) horse

(1996)
143. Which one of the following changes involved is irrelevant, in the
evolution of man?

a) Perfection of hand for tool making

b) Changes of diet from hard nuts and hard roots to soft food
c) Loss of tail
d) Increase in the ability to communicate with others and develop
community behaviour

(1994)