I.

Multiple Choice Questions:

1.​ A Mendelian experiment consisted of breeding tall pea plants bearing
violet flowers with short pea plants bearing white flowers. In the
progeny all bore violet flowers, but almost half of them are short. This
suggests that the genetic make-up of the tall parent can be depicted
as:
○​ a. TTWW
○​ b. TTww
○​ c. TtWW
○​ d. TtWw Answer: d. TtWw​
Explanation: The tall pea plants are heterozygous for height (Tt), and
the flowers are heterozygous for color (Ww).
2.​ The number of chromosomes present in human beings is:
○​ a. 46
○​ b. 36
○​ c. 45
○​ d. 47 Answer: a. 46​
Human beings have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs), including sex
chromosomes.
3.​ Males have this combination of sex chromosomes:
○​ a. XX
○​ b. XY
○​ c. XYY
○​ d. XXY Answer: b. XY​
Males have one X and one Y chromosome.
4.​ The monohybrid cross involves:
○​ a. Cross between two individuals with two pairs of contrasting
characters
○​ b. Cross between two individuals with any numbers of contrasting
characters
○​ c. None of these
○​ d. a or b Answer: a. Cross between two individuals with two
pairs of contrasting characters​
A monohybrid cross involves the inheritance of a single trait.
5.​ The scientific name of the garden pea plant is:
○​ a. Pisum sativum
 ○​ b. Pisum indica
○​ c. Mangifera indica
○​ d. None of these Answer: a. Pisum sativum​
The scientific name of the garden pea is Pisum sativum.

II. Very Short Answer Type Questions:

1.​ Define variation.​
Variation refers to the differences in the characteristics of individuals of the
same species.
2.​ All the variations in a species do not have equal chances of survival.
Why?​
Some variations may provide better survival advantages, such as
resistance to diseases or better adaptation to the environment, while
others may not.
3.​ Name two human traits which show variation.​
Eye color and height are examples of human traits that show variation.
4.​ What is a gene?​
A gene is a unit of heredity that is made up of DNA and is responsible for
the inheritance of a particular trait.
5.​ What is DNA?​
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the molecule that carries the genetic
instructions for the growth, development, and functioning of all living
organisms.
6.​ Why do mice whose tails were surgically removed just after birth for
generations, continue to produce mice with tails?​
The removal of tails in mice is an acquired trait, not a hereditary one, so it
is not passed down to future generations.
7.​ What is a Monohybrid cross?​
A monohybrid cross is a genetic cross between two individuals differing in
one trait (such as flower color or height).
8.​ Who is the father of genetics?​
Gregor Mendel is considered the father of genetics for his work on
inheritance patterns in pea plants.
9.​ Why is the progeny always tall when a tall pea plant is crossed with a
short pea plant?​
 The tall pea plant is heterozygous (Tt), so when crossed with a short pea
plant (tt), all offspring will inherit the dominant allele (T), making them tall.
10.​ Name the branch of science that deals with heredity and variation.​
The branch of science that deals with heredity and variation is Genetics.

Short Answer Type Questions:

1.​ Why is variation beneficial for the species, but not necessarily for the
individual?​
Variation helps a species adapt to changes in the environment and
increase the chances of survival. However, individual variations may not
always benefit a particular individual, depending on the circumstances.
2.​ Define variation in relation to a species.​
Variation refers to the differences in characteristics among individuals of
the same species. It can be caused by genetic differences and
environmental factors.
3.​ Why is variation beneficial to the species?​
Variation allows a species to adapt to environmental changes, increase
genetic diversity, and reduce the likelihood of extinction.
4.​ Why did Mendel select pea plants for conducting his experiments on
inheritance?​
Mendel selected pea plants because they have distinct, easily observable
traits, such as flower color and seed shape, and they can be easily
cross-bred.
5.​ What are chromosomes? Where are they located in the cell?​
Chromosomes are thread-like structures made of DNA and proteins that
carry genetic information. They are located in the nucleus of the cell.
6.​ What is a sex chromosome?​
Sex chromosomes are the chromosomes that determine the sex of an
individual. In humans, females have two X chromosomes (XX), and males
have one X and one Y chromosome (XY).
7.​ The sex of the children is determined by what they inherit from their
father and not their mother – Justify.​
A mother always provides an X chromosome, while a father can provide
either an X or a Y chromosome. The presence of the Y chromosome
 determines male offspring (XY), and the absence of the Y chromosome
results in female offspring (XX).
8.​ Write any two differences between acquired traits and inherited traits.
○​ Inherited traits are passed down from parents to offspring through
genes, while acquired traits are gained due to environmental
influences or personal experiences.
○​ Inherited traits remain in the population through generations,
whereas acquired traits do not get passed to the offspring.
9.​ Why do all gametes formed in human females have an
X-chromosome?​
Human females have two X chromosomes (XX), and during gamete
formation, each egg cell carries one X chromosome.
10.​ In human beings, the statistical probability of getting either a male
or female child is 50:50. Give a suitable explanation.​
The probability of having a male or female child is 50:50 because the sex
of the child is determined by whether the father provides an X or a Y
chromosome. The mother can only provide an X chromosome, so it
depends on whether the sperm carries an X or a Y chromosome.

Long Answer Type Questions:

1.​ Explain how sexual reproduction gives rise to more viable variations
than asexual reproduction. How does this affect the evolution of
those organisms that reproduce sexually?​
Sexual reproduction involves the combination of genetic material from two
parents, leading to the production of genetically diverse offspring. This
increases the potential for beneficial mutations and adaptations in the
population. In contrast, asexual reproduction produces genetically identical
offspring, which limits the variation. Sexual reproduction allows for more
diverse traits, enhancing the species' ability to adapt to changing
environments and facilitating evolution.
2.​ Explain Monohybrid cross in detail with the help of diagrams.​
A Monohybrid cross involves two organisms that differ in a single
characteristic. For example, crossing a plant with round seeds (RR) with
one having wrinkled seeds (rr). The first-generation offspring (F1) will all be
heterozygous (Rr). In the second-generation (F2), the phenotypic ratio will
 be 3 round seeds to 1 wrinkled seed.​
Punnett Square for Monohybrid Cross:
3.​ Explain Dihybrid cross in detail with the help of diagrams.​
A Dihybrid cross involves two traits, each with two contrasting forms. For
example, crossing plants that are round yellow seeds (RRYY) with wrinkled
green seeds (rryy). The F1 generation will be all heterozygous (RrYy), and
the F2 generation will show a 9:3:3:1 ratio.​
Punnett Square for Dihybrid Cross:
4.​ We cannot pass onto our progeny the experiences and qualifications
earned during our lifetime – Justify the statement giving reasons and
examples.​
Traits acquired during an individual's lifetime, such as muscle strength
gained from exercise or learned skills, are not passed on to offspring
because they do not affect the genetic material (DNA). Hereditary traits are
passed through genes, not life experiences. For example, if a person
learns to play the piano, their child will not inherit the ability to play without
learning it themselves.
5.​ It is a matter of chance whether a couple will have a male or female
child – Justify this statement by drawing a flow chart.​
The sex of the child is determined by the sperm from the father. The father
can contribute either an X chromosome (resulting in a female child) or a Y
chromosome (resulting in a male child). The mother can only contribute an
X chromosome. Hence, the probability of having a male or female child is
50:50.​
Flowchart: