Class 10 for MCQ Science Chapter 9 Heredity and Evolution

Question 1:
The sequence of gradual changes which takes place in the primitive organisms
over millions of years in which new species are produced is known as
(a) Evolution
(b) Heredity
(c) Generation
(d) Inheritance
Answer. (a) Evolution
Question 2:
Human teeth and elephant’s tusk are
(a) Analogous organs
(b) Vestigeal organs
(c) Homologous organs
(d) Rudimentary organs
Answer: (c) Homologous organs
Question 3:
Heredity And Evolution Class 10 MCQ Question 1. Process of selecting
individuals with desired characters by man is called
(a) Hybridization
(b) Reproduction
(c) Artificial selection
(d) Natural selection
Answer: (c) Artificial selection
Question 4:
If a normal cell of human body contains 46 pairs of chromosomes then the
numbers of chromosomes in a sex cell of a human being is most likely to be:
(a) 60
(b) 23
(c) 22
(d) 40
Answer: (b) 23
Question 5:
Independent inheritance of two separate traits, shape and colour of seeds in
Mendel’s cross on pea plants resulted in a observable ratio of:
(a) 3 : 1
(b) 9 : 3 : 3 : 1
(c) 1 : 1
(d) 9 : 4 : 2 : 1
Answer: (b) 9 : 3 : 3 : 1
Question 6:
Which one of the following pairs are homologous organs?
(a) Forelimbs of a bird and wings of a bat.
(b) Wings of a bird and wings of a butterfly.
(c) Pectoral fins of a fish and forelimbs of a horse.
(d) Wings of a bat and wings of a cockroach.
Answer: (a) Forelimbs of a bird and wings of a bat.
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Question 7:
In the human blood grouping, the four basic blood types are type A, type B, type
AB, and type O. They are:
(a) Simple dominant and recessive traits
(b) Co-dominant traits
(c) Recessive traits
(d) Inherited traits
Ans: (b) Co-dominant traits
Question 8:
Which of these is not a vestigial organ in human beings?
(a) Appendix
(b) Wisdom tooth
(c) Nictitating membrane
(d) Gall bladder
Answer: (d) Gall bladder
Question 9:
The theory of evolution of species by natural selection was given by
(a) Mendel
(b) Darwin
(c) Lamarck
(d) Weismann
Answer: (b) Darwin
Question 10:
A pregnant woman has an equal chance of her baby being blood group A or
blood group AB. Which one of the following shows the possible genotypes of the
woman and the father of her child?
(a) IA IA and IB IO
(b) IA IB and IB IO
(c) IA IO and IB IO
(d) IO IB and IA IO
Answer. (a) IA IA and IB IO
Question 11:
Evolution of wild cabbage is an example of:
(a) Artificial selection
(b) Natural selection
(c) Mutation
(d) Genetic drift
Answer: (a) Artificial selection
Question 12:
A cross between a tall pea-plant (TT) and a short pea-plant (tt) resulted in
progenies that were all tall plants because
(a) tallness is the recessive trait.
(b) shortness is the dominant trait.
(c) height of pea-plant is not governed by gene T or t.
(d) tallness is the dominant trait.
Answer: (b) shortness is the dominant trait.
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Question 13:
What will be the number of chromosomes present in each gamete produced by
the plants if the palisade cells of a species of plant contain 28 chromosomes in
all?
(a) 56
(b) 28
(c) 14
(d) 4
Answer. (c) 14
Question 14:
The modern day Human species has evolved from its earliest ancestors who lived
in:
(a) Asia
(b) Australia
(c) Africa
(d) China
Answer: (c) Africa
Question 15:
The number of pairs of sex chromosomes in the zygote of a human being is
(a) 2
(b) 3
(c) 1
(d) 4
Answer: (c) 1
Question 16:
A cross between a tall plant (TT) and short plant (tt) resulted in progeny that were
all tall plants as:
(a) Tallness is the dominant trait
(b) Shortness is the dominant trait
(c) Tallness is the recessive trait
(d) Height of plant is not governed by gene t or t
Answer. (a) Tallness is the dominant trait
Question 17:
Two pink coloured flowers on crossing resulted in 1 red, 2 pink and 1 white flower
progeny. The nature of the cross will be
(a) double fertilisation
(b) self pollination
(c) cross-fertilisation
(d) no fertilisation
Answer: (b) self pollination
Question 18:
A zygote that has an X-chromosome inherited from the father will develop into a
(a) girl
(b) boy
(c) either boy or girl
(d) X-chromosome does not influence the sex of a child.
Answer: (a) girl
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Question 19:
In peas, a pure tall plant (TT) is crossed with a pure short plant (tt). The ratio of
pure tall plants to pure short plants in F2 generation will be:
(a) 1 : 3
(b) 3 : 1
(c) 1 : 1
(d) 2 : 1
Answer. (c) 1 : 1
Question 20:
Which of the following statement is incorrect?
(a) For every hormone there is a gene.
(b) For every protein there is a gene.
(c) For production of every enzyme there is a gene.
(d) For every molecule of fat there is a gene
Answer: (d) For every molecule of fat there is a gene
Question 21:
A man with blood group A marries a woman having blood group O. What will be
the blood group of the child?
(a) O only
(b) A only
(c) AB
(d) Equal chance of acquiring blood group A or blood group O.
Answer: (d) Equal chance of acquiring blood group A or blood group O.
Question 22:
In human males, all the chromosomes are paired perfectly except one. These
unpaired chromosomes are:
(i) Large chromosome
(ii) Small chromosome
(iii) Y chromosome
(iv) X chromosome
(a) (i) and (ii)
(b) (iii) and (ii)
(c) (iii) and (iv)
(d) (ii) and (iv)
Answer. (c) (iii) and (iv)
Question 23:
If a round, green seeded pea plant (RR yy) is crossed with wrinkled, yellow
seeded pea plant (rr YY), the seeds produced in F1 generation are
(a) round and yellow
(b) round and green
(c) wrinkled and green
(d) wrinkled and yellow
Answer: (a) round and yellow
Question 24:
What does the progeny of a tall plant with round seeds and a short plant with
wrinkled seeds look like?
(a) All are tall with round seeds.
(b) All are short with round seeds.
(c) All are tall with wrinkled seeds.
(d) All are short with wrinkled seeds.
Answer: (a) All are tall with round seeds.
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Question 25:
Which of the following determines the sex of a child?
(a) The length of the mother’s pregnancy
(b) The length of time between ovulation and copulation
(c) The presence of an X chromosome in an ovum
(d) The presence of a Y chromosome in a sperm
Answer. (d) The presence of a Y chromosome in a sperm
Question 26:
In human males all the chromosomes are paired perfectly except one. This/these
unpaired chromosome is/are
(i) large chromosome
(ii) small chromosome
(iii) Y-chromosome
(iv) X-chromosome
(a) (i) and (ii)
(b) (iii) only
(c) (iii) and (iv)
(d) (ii) and (iv)
Answer: (c) (iii) and (iv)
Question 27:
If a round, green seeded pea-plant (RRyy) is crossed with a wrinkled yellow
seeded pea- plant (rrYY), the seeds produced in F 1 generation are
(a) round and green
(b) round and yellow
(c) wrinkled and green
(d) wrinkled and yellow
Answer: (b) round and yellow
Question 28:
Which is the one characteristic of the parents that can be inherited by their
children?
(a) Deep scar on chin
(b) Snub nose
(c) Technique of swimming
(d) Cut nose
Answer. (b) Snub nose
Question 29:
New species may be formed if
(i) DNA undergoes significant changes in germ cells
(ii) chromosome number changes in the gamete
(iii) there is no change in the genetic material
(iv) mating does not take place
(a) (i) and (ii)
(b) (i) and (iii)
(c) (ii), (iii) and (iv)
(d) (i), (ii) and (iii)
Answer: (a) (i) and (ii)
Question 30:
The human species has genetic roots in
(a) Australia
(b) Africa
(c) America
(d) Indonesia
Answer: (b) Africa
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Question 31:
What could be the reason for the fossil of an organism to be found in the deeper
layers of the earth?
(a) The extinction of organism has occurred few years back
(b) The extinction of organism has occurred thousands of years ago
(c) The position of fossil in the layers of earth is not related to its time of
extinction
(d) Time of extinction cannot be determined.
Answer. (b) The extinction of organism has occurred thousands of years ago
Question 32:
Two pea plants one with round green seeds (RRyy) and another with wrinkled
yellow (rrYY) seeds produce F1 progeny that have round, yellow (RrYy) seeds.
When F1 plants are selfed, the F2 progeny will have new combination of
characters. Choose the new combination from the following:
(i) Round, yellow
(ii) Round, green
(iii) Wrinkled, yellow
(iv) Wrinkled, green

(a) (i) and (ii)

(b) (i) and (iv)
(c) (ii) and (iii)
(d) (i) and (iii)
Answer: (b) (i) and (iv)
Question 33:
Which of the following is the ancestor of ‘Broccoli’?
(a) Cabbage
(b) Cauliflower
(c) Wild cabbage
(d) Kale
Answer: (c) Wild cabbage
Question 34:
The organs present in two organisms indicate that they are derived from the
same ancestor are:
(a) Analogous Organs
(b) Respiratory Organs
(c) Sense organs
(d) Homologous Organs
Answer. (d) Homologous Organs
Question 35:
A basket of vegetables contains carrot, potato, radish and tomato. Which of them
represent the correct homologous structures?
(a) Carrot and potato
(b) Carrot and tomato
(c) Radish and carrot
(d) Radish and potato
Answer: (c) Radish and carrot
Question 36:
The process of evolution of a species whereby characteristics which help
individual organisms to survive and reproduce are passed on to their offspring
and those characteristics which do not help are not passed on is called
(a) Artificial selection
(b) Speciation
(c) Hybridization
(d) Natural selection
Answer: (d) Natural selection
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Question 37:
Which of the following pair of organ is not homologous?
(a) Forelimbs in humans and lizard
(b) Forelimbs in lizard and frog
(c) Wings in butterfly and bat
(d) None of these
Answer. (c) Wings in butterfly and bat
Question 38:
If the fossil of an organism is found in the deeper layers of Earth, then we can
predict that
(a) the extinction of organism has occurred recently
(b) the extinction of organism has occurred thousands of years ago
(c) the fossil position in the layers of Earth is not related to its time of extinction
(d) time of extinction cannot be determined
Answer: (b) the extinction of organism has occurred thousands of years ago
Question 39:
Identify the two organisms which are now extinct and are studied from their
fossils.
(a) white tiger and sparrow
(b) dinosaur and fish (Knightian)
(c) ammonite and white tiger
(d) trilobite and white tiger
Answer: (b) dinosaur and fish (Knightian)
Question 40:
Two pink colored flowers on crossing resulted in 1 and 2 pink and 1 white flower
progeny. The nature of cross will be :
(a) Double fertilization
(b) Self pollination
(c) Cross pollination
(d) No fertilization
Answer: (c) Cross pollination
Question 41:
A trait in an organism is influenced by
(a) paternal DNA only
(b) maternal DNA only
(c) both maternal and paternal DNA
(d) neither by paternal nor by maternal DNA
Answer: (c) both maternal and paternal DNA
Question 42:
Pure-bred pea plant A is crossed with purebred pea plant B. It is found that the
plants which look like A do not appear in Fj generation but re-emerge in F2
generation. Which of the plants A and B are tall and dwarf?
(a) A are tall and B are dwarf.
(b) A are tall and B are also tall.
(c) A are dwarf and B are also dwarf
(d) A are dwarf and B are tall
Answer: (d) A are dwarf and B are tall
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Question 43:
Select the incorrect statement :
(a) Frequency of certain genes in a population change over several generations
resulting in evolution
(b) Reduction in weight of organism due to starvation is genetically controlled
(c) Low weight parents can have heavy weight progeny
(d) Traits which are not inherited over generation do not cause evolution
Answer: (b) Reduction in weight of organism due to starvation is genetically
controlled
Question 44:
Select the group which shares maximum number of common characters.
(a) two individuals of a species
(b) two species of a genus
(c) two genera of a family
(d) two genera of two families
Answer: (a) two individuals of a species
Question 45:
A cross between two individuals results in a ratio of 9 : 3 : 3 :1 for four possible
phenotypes of progeny. This is an example of a
(a) Monohybrid cross
(b) Dihybrid cross
(c) Test cross
(d) F1 generation
Answer: (b) Dihybrid cross
Question 46:
The maleness of a child is determined by ___.
(a) X chromosome in zygote
(b) Y chromosome in zygote
(c) The cytoplasm of germ cells which determines the sex
(d) Sex is determined by chance
Answer: (b) Y chromosome in zygote
Question 47:
According to the evolutionary theory, formation of a new species is generally due
to
(а) sudden creation by nature
(b) accumulation of variations over several generations
(c) clones formed during asexual reproduction
(d) movement of individuals from one habitat to another
Answer: (b) accumulation of variations over several generations
Question 48:
Select the statements that describe characteristics of genes
(i) genes are specific sequence of bases in a DNA molecule
(ii) a gene does not code for proteins
(iii) in individuals of a given species, a specific gene is located on a particular
chromosome
(iv) each chromosome has only one gene

(a) (i) and (ii)

(b) (i) and (iii)
(c) (i) and (iv)
(d) (ii) and (iv)
Answer: (b) (i) and (iii)
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Question 49:
Which of the following characters can be acquired but not inherited?
(a) Colour of skin
(b) Size of body
(c) Colour of eyes
(d) Texture of hair
Answer: (b) Size of body
Question 50:
Those organs which have different basic structure but have similar appearance
and perform similar functions are called
(a) Analogous organs
(b) Homologous organs
(c) Vestigial organs
(d) None of these
Answer: (a) Analogous organs
Question 51:
The exchange in genetic material takes place in _____.
(a) vegetative propagation
(b) Asexual reproduction
(c) sexual reproduction
(d) budding
Answer: (c) sexual reproduction
Question 52:
___is used for studying human evolution .
(a) Excavating
(b) Time dating
(c) Determining DNA sequence
(d) All
Answer: (d) All
Question 53:
The preserved traces of living organisms are called ________.
(a) Fossils
(b) Species
(c) Non living materials
(d) None
Answer: (a) Fossils
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Question 54:
Some dinosaurs had feathers although they could not fly but birds have feathers
that help them to fly. In the context of evolution this means that
(a) reptiles have evolved from birds
(b) there is no evolutionary connection between reptiles and birds
(c) feathers are homologous structures in both the organisms
(d) birds have evolved from reptiles
Answer: (d) birds have evolved from reptiles
Question 55:
The remaps (or impressions) of dead animals or plant that lived in the remote
past are known as
(a) extinct species
(b) fossils
(c) naturally selected species
(d) none of the above
Answer: (b) fossils
Question 56:
Which of the following is an example of genetic variation?
(a) One person has a scar, but his friend does not.
(b) One person is older than another.
(c) Reeta eats meat, but her sister Geeta is a vegetarian.
(d) Two children have different eye colors.
Answer: (d) Two children have different eye colors.
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Question 58:
What is the difference between genetic drift and change due to natural selection?
(a) Genetic drift does not require the presence of variation.
(b) Genetic drift never occurs in nature, natural selection does.
(c) Genetic drift does not involve competition between members of a species.
(d) There is no difference
Answer: (c) Genetic drift does not involve competition between members of a
species.
Question 59:
Heredity And Evolution MCQ Question 31. Wild cabbage has evolved into new
varieties like cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower by
(a) genetic drift
(b) natural selection
(c) reproductive isolation
(d) artificial selection
Answer: (d) artificial selection
Question 60:
DNA is the information source for making ___in cells .
A) fats
B) vitamins
C) proteins
D) all
Answer: C) proteins
Heredity and Evolution Class 10 Important Questions with Answers
Science Chapter 9
July 15, 2022 by Bhagya

We have given these Important Questions for Class 10 Science Chapter 9

Heredity and Evolution to solve different types of questions in the exam. Previous
Year Questions & Important Questions of Heredity and Evolution Class 10
Science Chapter 9 will help the students to score good marks in the board
examination.

Important Questions of Heredity and Evolution Class 10 Science

Chapter 9

Question 1.
All the variations in a species do not have equal chances of survival. Why?
(Foreign 2014)
Answer:
All the variations do not have equal chances of survival in the environment in
which they live. Depending on the nature of variations, different individuals would
have different kinds of advantages. The organisms which are most adapted to the
environment will survive.

Question 2.
“Only variations that confer an advantage to an individual organism will survive
in a population.” Justify this statement. (Foreign 2011)
Answer:
Variations are the structural, functional or behavioural changes from the normal
characters developed in the living organisms. Inheritable variations participate in
evolution. According to Darwin, natural selection sorts out individuals with
favourable variations. Such organism will survive, reproduce more and thus, will
leave more progenies. Hence, useful variations get established in nature.

Question 3.
Assertion (A) : The sex of a child in human beings will be determined by the type
of chromosome he/she inherits from the father.
Reason (R) : A child who inherits ‘X’ chromosome from his father would be a girl
(XX), while a child who inherits a ‘Y’ chromosome from the father would be a boy
(XY).
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of the assertion (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of the assertion
(A).
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is, false.
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true. (2020)
Answer:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of the assertion (A).

Question 4.
A Mendelian experiment consisted of breeding pea plants bearing violet flowers
with pea plants bearing white flowers. What will be the result in F 1 progeny?
(2018)
Answer:
According to the Mendelian experiment, violet coloqr (VV) is a dominant trait
while white colour (ww) is a recessive trait. Hence, the colour of the flower in
F1 progeny will be violet (Vw).

Question 5.
Name the information source for making proteins in the cells. (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) present in the chromosomes of cell nucleus is the
information source for making proteins.
Question 6.
What is a gene? (AI 2014)
Answer:
A gene is a unit of DNA on a chromosome which governs the synthesis of
particular protein that controls specific characteristics (or traits) of an organism.

Question 7.
What is heredity? (AI 2014)
Answer:
The inheritance of characters (or trails) from the parents to their offsprings is
called heredity.

Question 8.
Why is the progeny always tall when a tall pea plant is crossed with a short pea
plant? (Foreign 2014)
Answer:
When a tall pea plant is crossed with a short pea plant, the resultant progeny is
always tall because tall is dominant trait and short is recessive trait. Therefore,
dominant trait expresses itself in the progeny.

Question 9.
Write a difference between inherited traits and acquired traits giving one example
of each. (Delhi 2013C)
Answer:
A trait (or characteristic) of an organism which is ‘not inherited’ but develops in
response to the environment is called an acquired trait. For example, if a group of
mice are normally bred, all their progeny will have tails. Now, if the tails of these
mice are cut by surgery in each generation, tail-less mice will not be produced.
This is so because removal of tail is an acquired character.

A trait (or characteristic) of an organism which is caused by a change in its genes

(or DNA) is called an inherited trait. Inherited traits can be passed on to the
progeny of the organism because they have produced changes in the genes (or
DNA) of the organism. For example, skin colour in human beings.

Question 10.
(a) Why did Mendel carry out an experiment to study inheritance of two traits in
garden pea?
(b) What were his findings with respect to inheritance of traits in F 1 and
F2 generation?
(c) State the ratio obtained in the F2 generation in the above mentioned
experiment. (2020)
Answer:
(a) Mendel carried out crosses with two traits to see the interaction and basis of
inheritance between them. In a dihybrid cross given by Mendel, it was observed
that when two pairs of characters were considered each trait expressed
independent of the other.
(b) For example, a cross between round yellow and wrinkled green parents.

In F1 generation, all plants are with round yellow seeds. But in F 2 generation, we
find all types of plants : Round yellow, Round green, Wrinkled yellow, Wrinkled
green.
F2 generation ratio : Round-yellow = 9 : Round- green = 3 : Colour of stem in
F1 progeny Wrinkled- yellow = 3 : Wrinkled-green = 1

Question 11.
A green stemmed rose plant denoted by GG and a brown stemmed rose plant
denoted by gg are allowed to undergo a cross with each other.
(a) List your observations regarding :
(i) Colour of stem in their F1 progeny
(ii) Percentage of brown stemmed plants in F2 progeny if plants are self
pollinated.
(iii) Ratio of GG and Gg in the F2 progeny.
(b) Based on the findings of this cross, what conclusion can be drawn? (2020)
Answer:
(a) (i) Colour of stem in F1 progeny:
The colour in the F1 progeny is green stemmed as green stem colour is dominant.

(ii) F1 progeny on self pollination:

F2 generation Green stemmed: Brown stemmed

14 or 25% of F2 progeny are brown stemmed rose plant.
(iii) Ratio of GG and Gg in F2 progeny:
Genotype of F2 progeny – GG : Gg
1:2

(b) This is a monohybrid cross. This shows that out of two contrasting traits only
one dominant trait appears in F1 generation and the trait which does not express
is recessive. On selfing the F1 plants, both the traits appear in next generation but
in a definite proportion.

Question 12.
(a) Why is the F1 progeny always of tall plants when a tall plant is crossed with a
short pea plant?
(b) How is F2 progeny obtained by self-pollination of F1 progeny different from
F1 progeny? Give reason for this observation.
(c) State a conclusion that can be drawn on the basis of this observation. (2020)
Answer:
(a) When a tall plant (TT) is crossed with a short tea plant (tt), only tall plants are
obtained in F1 progeny. It is because out of two contrasting traits only one
appears in the progeny of first generation. This means that the trait which
appears in F1 generation is dominant and the trait which does not express is
recessive. The character TT for tall plant is dominant, so all the plants are tall.

(b) On selfing F1 progeny

In F2 generation we obtained both tall and dwarf plants. Appearance of

suppressed recessive trait in individuals of F2 generation in Mendelian cross
indicates that characters of recessive traits are not lost. When the F 1 generation
plants were allowed to self-fertilise both the parental trait were expressed in
definite proportion in F2 generation.

(c) Above observation shows that only one dominant allele is expressed. This is
called law of dominance. In a heterozygous individual, two dissimilar alleles
remain together and do not get mixed up. At the time of gamete formation, they
separate so that each gamete receives only one allele is always pure. This is
called “law of purity of gametes”.

Question 13.
Name the plant Mendel used for his experiment. What type of progeny was
obtained by Mendel in F1 and F2 generations when he crossed the tall and short
plants? Write the ratio he obtained in F2 generation plants. (Delhi 2019)
Answer:
Mendel selected garden pea (Pisum sativum) for his series of hybridisation
experiments.
He first selected two pureline plants (tall plant having gene TT and short plant
having gene tt) and then crossed such plants having contrasting characters. In
the F1 generation, he observed that only one of the two contrasting character
appeared, he called this character as dominant and the one which does not get
expressed in F1 was called as recessive. He later selfed the F1 plants and
observed that both the traits appear in next generation but in a definite
proportion. This can be explained by the following cross :

So, the plants of F1 generation will be all tall plants and after selfing the ratio of
tall and dwarf plants that Mendel obtained in F 2 generation plants is 3 : 1.

Question 14.
How did Mendels experiments show that different traits are inherited
independently? Explain. (Delhi 2017)
Answer:
In a dihybrid cross given by Mendel, it was observed that when two pairs of traits
or characters were considered, each trait expressed independent of the other.
Thus, Mendel was able to propose the Law of Independent Assortment which
says about independent inheritance of traits. This could be explained clearly from
the given cross:
F2 generation ratio : Round-yellow = 9 : Round- green = 3: Wrinkled-yellow = 3:
Wrinkled-green = 1

Question 15.
How did Mendel explain that it is possible that a trait is inherited but not
expressed in an organism? (AI 2017)
Answer:
Mendel first selected two pure line plants. He then crossed such plants having
contrasting characters. In the F1 generation, he observed that only one of the two
contrasting character appeared, he called it dominant and the one which does not
get expressed in F1 was recessive. He later selfed the F1 plants and observed that
both the traits appear but in a definite proportion. It can be explained by the
following cross :
This is how Mendel explained that a trait may be inherited but not expressed in
the plant.

Question 16.
In one of his experiments with pea plants Mendel observed that when a pure tall
pea plant is crossed with a pure dwarf pea plant, in the first generation, F 1 only
tall plants appear.
(a) What happens to the traits of the dwarf plants in this case?
(b) When the F, generation plants were self- fertilised, he observed that in the
plants of second generation, F2 both tall plants and dwarf plants were present.
Why it happened? Explain briefly. (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
(a) Mendel’s monohybrid cross indicated that out of two contrasting traits only
one appears in the progeny of first generation. This implies that the trait which
appears in F1 generation is dominant and the trait which does not express is
recessive. We can also say that gene controlling the dominant trait is dominant
gene or allele and gene controlling the recessive trait is recessive gene or allele.

In F1 progeny although the dominant trait is expressed but genes for both
dominant and recessive traits are present in a heterozygous condition. The
recessive trait has a chance to express in next generation only if recessive genes
come in homozygous condition. This can be illustrated by the given cross:

(b) Appearance of suppressed recessive trait in individuals of F 2 generation in

Mendelian cross indicates that the characters of recessive traits are not lost even
when they are not expressed. When the F1 generation plants were allowed to self-
fertilise, both the parental traits were expressed in definite proportion in
F2 generation. This could be explained by the given cross by selfing the gametes
obtained in F1 generation.

Question 17.
How did Mendel interpret his result to show that traits may be dominant or
recessive? Describe briefly. (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
Mendel crossed the pea plant for two contrasting characters under consideration.
The trait that expressed itself in F1 generation was dominant and the one not
expressed in F1 generation was recessive. He later selfed the plants of
F1 generation and recovered, both parental traits in a definite proportion in
F2 generation. Mendel interpreted his results as, the trait that expressed itself in
F1 was dominant and the one that reappeared in F2 generation was recessive. It
can be demonstrated by the following cross:

Question 18.
In a monohybrid cross between tall pea plants (TT) and short pea plants (tt) a
scientist obtained only tall pea plants (Tt) in the F 1 generation. However, on
selfing the F1 generation pea plants, he obtained both tall and short plants in
F2 generation. On the basis of above observations with other angiosperms also,
can the scientist arrive at a law? If yes, explain the law. If not, give justification for
your answer. (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
In the situation discussed in the question the scientist can arrive at two different
laws, i.e., law of dominance and law of segregation (or law of purity of gametes).
This can be explained with the help of following crosses:

In F1 hybrid two dissimilar alleles are present for one character, i.e., height T is for
tallness and t is for dwarfness, out of which only one allele called dominant allele
expresses itself and the one which remains unexpressed is called recessive
allele. This is called “law of dominance”.
Also the two dissimilar alleles that remain together in a heterozygous individual
do not get mixed up and keep their distinct identity. Hence, at the time of gamete
formation they separate so that each gamete receives only one allele and is
always pure which enables reappearance of recessive trait in F 2 progenies when
the two recessive alleles come together. This is called “law of purity of gametes.”

Question 19.
How do Mendel’s experiment show that traits are inherited independently? (AI
2016)
Answer:
Refer to answer 14.

Question 20.
With the help of an example justify the following statement: “A trait may be
inherited, but may not be expressed.” (AI 2016)
Answer:
A trait may be inherited but may not be expressed, this could be explained by the
given example. When a tall pea plant was crossed with a dwarf pea plant, then
F1 generation plants were all tall. When F1 plants were selfed, then F2 generation
plants were both tall and dwarf. This shows that the F 1 plants had inherited both
the parental traits but did not express dwarfness or recessive trait in the
presence of the trait for tallness or dominant trait. This could be explained by the
given cross :

Question 21.
List two differences in tabular form between dominant trait and recessive traits.
What percentage/proportion of the plants in the F2 generation/progeny were
round, in Mendel’s cross between round and wrinkled pea plants? (Foreign 2016)
Answer:
Differences between dominant traits and recessive trait are given below:
Dominant trait Recessive trait

(i) It is the trait controlled by It is the trait controlled by recessive

dominant allele. allele.

It is the trait which remains

(ii) It is the trait which is expressed
suppressed in F1 generation and
in F1 generation.
appears in F2 generation.

Out of total 4 genotypes possible in F2 generation 31 genotypes result in

phenotypic expression of round seeds. So, the percentage of plants with round
seeds will be 75%. This can be illustrated as follows:

Question 22.
Explain Mendel’s experiment with peas on inheritance of characters considering
only one visible contrasting character. (Foreign 2016, 2014)
Answer:
Mendel crossed a pure tall pea plant with pure dwarf pea plant. All the plants
obtained in F1 generation were tall. When Mendel selfed plants from F 1 generation
then he obtained both tall and dwarf plants in F 2 generation in the ratio of 3 : 1.
This can be illustrated as follows :

This explains that for each pair of contrasting characters there are two alleles.
The trait which is expressed in F1 is dominant trait and is controlled by dominant
allele and the trait which remains unexpressed in F 1 is the recessive trait and is
controlled by recessive gene. When both the contrasting alleles are present
together in F1 individuals, no mixing of alleles occurs and they again segregate at
the time of gamete formation Therefore, when the recessive alleles come together
they result in reappearance of recessive trait in F2 generation.

Question 23.
“It is a matter of chance whether a couple will have a male or a female child.”
Justify this statement by drawing a flow chart. (Foreign 2015)
Answer:
Sex is determined at the time of fertilisation when male and female gametes fuse.
Male produces two types of gametes, i.e., having X or Y chromosome and female
produces same type of gametes containing X chromosomes. The sex of the child
is determined at the time of fertilisation when male and female gametes fuse to
form zygote.

If a sperm (male gamete) carrying X chromosome fertilises an egg or ovum

(female gamete) carrying X chromosome, then the offspring will be a girl (female).
This is because the offspring will have XX combination of sex chromosomes.

If a sperm (male gamete) carrying Y chromosome fertilises an egg or ovum

(female gamete) which has X chromosome, then the offspring will be a boy
(male). This is because the offspring will have XY combination of sex
chromosomes.
Therefore, there are 50% chance of a male child and 50% chance of a female
child.

Question 24.
“It is possible that a trait is inherited but may not be expressed.” Give a suitable
example to justify this statement. (Foreign 2015)
Answer:
Refer to answer 20.

Question 25.
A cross was made between pure breeding pea plants, one with round and green
seeds and the other with wrinkled and yellow seeds.
(a) Write the phenotype of F1 progeny. Give reason for your answer.
(b) Write the different types of F2 progeny obtained along with their ratio when
F1 progeny was selfed. (Delhi 2014, Delhi 2013C)
Answer:
(a) The given cross was made between pure breeding pea plants, one with round
and green seeds and the other with wrinkled and yellow seeds.
Yellow seed colour and round seed shape is dominant over green seed colour
and wrinkled seed shape. In F1 generation, dominant traits express itself, whereas
recessive traits get suppressed.

Therefore, the phenotype of F1 progeny is round and yellow.

(b) The different types of F2 progeny obtained along with their ratio when
F1 progeny was selfed could be illustrated by the given cross.

Phenotypic ratio : 9 : 3 : 3 : 1
Round yellow seeds – 9 ; Round green seeds – 3;
Wrinkled yellow seeds – 3; Wrinkled green seeds – 1

Question 26.
(a) Mendel crossed tall pea plants with dwarf pea plants in his experiment. Write
his observations giving reasons on the F1 and F2 generations.
(b) List any two contrasting characters other than height that Mendel used in his
experiments in pea plants. (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
(a) The possible cross of Mendel’s experiment is:
Hence, tall (T) is dominant whereas dwarf (t) is recessive. In F 1 generation, only
dominant trait expresses itself, whereas recessive trait gets suppressed.

In F2 generation, both traits, i.e., dominant and recessive express themselves. In

this way, Mendels experiment showed that the traits (tall and dwarf) are inherited
independently.

(b) The two contrasting characters other than height that Mendel used in his
experiment in pea plants are round/wrinkled seeds and violet/white flowers.

Question 27.
“A trait may be inherited, but may not be expressed”. Justify this statement with
the help of a suitable example. (AI 2014)
Answer:
Refer to answer 20.

Question 28.
“The sex of a newborn child is a matter of chance and none of the parents may be
considered responsible for it”. Justify this statement with the help of flow chart
showing determination of sex of a new born. (Delhi 2013)
Answer:
Refer to answer 23.

Question 29.
A blue colour flower plant denoted by BB is cross-bred with that of white colour
flower plant denoted by bb.
(a) State the colour of flower you would expect in their F 1 generation plants.
(b) What must be the percentage of white flower plants in F 2 generation if flowers
of F1 plants are self-pollinated?
(c) State the expected ratio of the genotypes BB and Bb in the F 2 progeny. (Delhi
2012)
Answer:
(a) The colour of the flower in F1 generation will be blue.
(b) If the flowers of F1 generation are self pollinated, then the percentage of white
flowers in F2 generation must be 25%.
(c) The expected ratio of the genotypes BB and Bb in the F 2 generation progeny is
1 : 2.
The above results could be depicted by the given cross:

Question 30.
If we cross pure-breed tall (dominant) pea plant with pure-breed dwarf (recessive)
pea plant we will get pea plants of F1 generation.
If we now self-cross the pea plant of F1 generation, then we obtain pea plants of
F2 generation.
(a) What do the plants of F1 generation look like?
(b) State the ratio of tall plants to dwarf plants in F 2 generation.
(c) State the type of plants not found in F1 generation but appeared in
F2 generation, mentioning the reason for the same. (AI 2012)
Answer:
(a) The plants of F1 generation will be all tall plants.
(b) The ratio of tall plants to dwarf plants in F 2 generation is 3 : 1.
(c) Dwarf plants are not found in F1 generation but appeared in F2 general ion.
This is so because in F1 generation only dominant trait (tall) expresses itself and
recessive trait (dwarf) gets suppressed. The dwarf plants appeared in
F2 generation, because the traits whether dominant or recessive are
independently inherited. In others words, a single copy of (T) is enough to make
the plant tall, while both copies have to be (t) for the plant to be dwarf.

Question 31.
With the help of a flow chart explain in brief how the sex of a newborn is
genetically determined in human beings. Which of the two parents, the mother or
the father, is responsible for determination of sex of a child? (Foreign 2012)
Answer:
Refer to answer 23.

Question 32.
How is the sex of the child fixed during the fertilisation, step in human beings?
Explain. (Foreign 2011)
Answer:
Human beings have 23 pairs chromosomes (22 pairs of autosomes +1 pair of sex
chromosome). A male has one X chromosome and one Y chromosome whereas a
female has two X chromosomes. Sex of a child depends on the two conditions
which takes place during fertilisation. The two conditions are given below:

 If a sperm carrying X chromosome fertilises an ovum which carries X

chromosome, then the child born will be girl.
 If a sperm carrying Y chromosome fertilises an ovum which carries X
chromosome, then the child born will be a boy.
Question 33.
How do Mendels experiments show that
(a) traits may be dominant or recessive?
(b) inheritance of two traits is independent of each other? (Delhi 2017)
Answer:
(a) Mendel first crossed pure-bred tall pea plants with pure-bred dwarf pea plants
and found that only tall pea plants were produced in the first generation (F 1). He
then self crossed the tall pea plants of the F1 generation and found that tall plants
and dwarf plants were obtained in the second generation or (F 2) in the ratio of 3 :
1. Mendel said that the trait of dwarfness of one of the parent pea plant had not
been lost, it was merely concealed or suppressed in the first generation to re-
emerge in the second generation. He called the suppressed trait of ‘dwarfness as
‘recessive trait’ and the expressed trait of ‘tallness’ as the ‘dominant trait’. In this
way, Mendel’s experiments with tall and dwarf pea plants showed that the traits
may be dominant or recessive.
Hence this could be explained by the given cross :

(b) Mendel observed two combinations of characteristics in seeds, round-yellow

and wrinkled-green, and two new combinations of characteristics had appeared
in the F2 generation, round-green and wrinkled- yellow. According to Mendel’s
second law of inheritance more than one pair of traits are considered in a cross
simultaneously, the factors responsible for each pair of trait are distributed
independently to the gametes.
The cross given below showing dihybrid cross explains that the inheritance of
two traits is independent of each other.

Question 34.
(a) Why did Mendel choose garden pea for his experiments ? Write two reasons.
(b) List two contrasting visible characters of garden pea Mendel used for his
experiment.
(c) Explain in brief how Mendel interpreted his results to show that the traits may
be dominant or recessive. (Foreign 2016)
Answer:
(a) Mendel choose garden pea for his experiments because:
(i) It was easy to grow and it shows some clear contrasting traits like some pea
plants are tall whereas others are dwarf.
(ii) Pea plants are self pollinating and many generation of pea plants can be
produced in comparatively less time.

(b) The contrasting characters of garden pea plant studied by Mendel are:

Plant

Character

Dominant Recessive

1. Plant height Tall Yellow

2. Colour of the seed Dwarf Green

(c) Refer to answer 17.

Question 35.
Give the respective scientific terms used for studying:
(a) the mechanism by which variations are created and inherited and
(b) the development of new type of organisms from the existing ones. (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
(a) Heredity is the mechanism by which variations are created and inherited.
(b) Evolution is the process in which development of new type of organisms
takes place from the existing ones.

Question 36.
Write the contribution of Charles Darwin in the field of evolution. (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
‘Lhe contribution of Charles Darwin in the field of evolution is that only the
organism which can adapt; to the changing environmental conditions can survive
and he also stated that the natural selection is a process which plays an
important role in evolution of plants and animals by selecting the organisms with
traits favourable to the environment.

Question 37.
Why do mice whose tails were surgically removed just after birth for generations,
continue to produce mice with tails? (Foreign 2014)
Answer:
A group of mice are normally bred and all their progeny possess tail. Now, if the
tails of these mice are surgically removed in each generation, tail¬less mice will
not be produced. This is so because removal of tail during the life cycle of mice is
an acquired character which is not transferred to future generations. The removal
of the tail cannot change the genes of the germ cells of the mice.

Question 38.
List two differences between acquired traits and inherited traits by giving an
example of each. (Delhi 2019)
Answer:
Differences between the inherited traits and acquired traits are as follows :

Inherited traits Acquired traits

(i) These are passed from These are developed during the life of an

the parent to offspring. individual.

(ii) These are genetic

These are somatic variations.
variations.

(iii) These develop due to

These develop due to use and disuse of organs
crossing over phenomenon
and direct effect of environment.
and mutations.

(iv) These are passed on

These traits die with the death of the
from one generation to
individual.
the other.

(v) Example: Skin colour, Example: If a group of mice are normally bred,

eye colour, form of hair, all their progenies will have tails. Now, if the

polydactyly (extra fingers), tails of these mice are removed surgically in

 each generation, tailless mice will not be
free and attached ear
produced. It is so because removal of tail is an
lobes, blood groups of
acquired character and it will not bring change
human beings.
in the genes of the germ cells of the mice.

Question 39.
Define genetics. Why is decrease in the number of surviving tigers a cause of
concern from the point of view of genetics? Explain briefly. (AI 2019)
Answer:
Genetics is the branch of biology that deals with the study of heredity and
variations. The term genetics’ was coined by William Bateson in 1906. When a
population is small, the number and scope of variations is limited and hence
diversity and traits are reduced. Small numbers of surviving tigers are a cause of
worry from the point of genetics because of the following reasons:

 Their loss would cause a loss of gene pool, i.e., many genes will be eliminated
from a gene pool.
 Tigers are surviving in limited numbers, so if some natural calamity kills these
small population of tigers, they will suddenly become extinct as per genetic
drift phenomenon,
 A disease may wipe out the leftover population, if the entire population is
susceptible to the disease. This can cause sudden extinction of the tiger
species and loss of their genes forever, thus, adversely affecting the diversity
of nature.
Question 40.
Distinguish between the acquired traits and the, inherited traits in tabular form,
giving one example for each. (Delhi 2017)
Answer:
Refer to answer 38.

Question 41.
With the help of two suitable examples, explain why certain experiences and
traits earned by people during their lifetime are not passed on to their next
generations. When can such traits be passed on? (AI 2017)
Answer:
Certain experiences and traits earned by people during their lifetime are not
passed on to their next generations because all these characters are acquired by
the man during his lifetime. The man is not born with these traits and he cannot
pass on these traits to his children. These could be better explained by the given
examples:
(i) Child of a very good swimmer may not know how to swim. This is so because
the technique of swimming is not inherited from parents but it is learnt by the
person himself or herself.

(ii) A person may have a scar on the face from a cut he got in an accident. This is
also an example of acquired trait which cannot be passed to the next generation.

Traits can be passed on to future generations in which changes have occurred in

the genes present in the reproductive cells of the parent organisms. These traits
or characters are known as inherited traits.

Question 42.
List three distinguishing features, in tabular form, between acquired traits and the
inherited traits. (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
Refer to answer 38.

Question 43.
“We cannot pass on to our progeny the experience and qualifications earned
during our lifetime.” Justify the statement giving reason and examples. (Delhi
2015)
Answer:
Refer to answer 41.

Question 44.
List in tabular form, two distinguishing features between the acquired traits and
the inherited traits with one example of each. (Delhi 2015, AI 2012)
Answer:
Refer to answer 38.

Question 45.
Distinguish between inherited and acquired traits by giving one example of each.
Give reason why the traits acquired during the lifetime of an individual are not
inherited. (Foreign 2014)
Answer:
Refer to answers 38 and 41.

Question 46.
With the help of suitable examples, explain why certain traits cannot be passed
on to the next generation? What are such traits called? (AI 2014)
Answer:
Refer to answer 41.

Question 47.
Tabulate two distinguishing features between acquired traits and inherited traits
with one example of each. (Delhi 2013)
Answer:
Refer to answer 38.
Question 48.
“An individual cannot pass on to its progeny the experiences of its life-time”.
Justify the statement with the help of an example and also give reason for the
same. (Foreign 2012)
Answer:
If we breed a group of mice, all the progeny of mice will have tails just like their
parents. Now, if we remove the tails surgically and again breed them, we still get
new mice with tails. This is because cutting the tails of mice does not change the
genes of their reproductive cells (or gametes). And since the acquired trait of‘cut
tails’ does not bring about a change in the genes of mice, this trait cannot be
passed on to their next generations. From this we conclude that the experiences
acquired by an individual during his lifetime (called acquired traits) cannot be
passed on to its progeny, and hence cannot lead to evolution because they are
not caused by the change in genes.

Question 49.
Describe any three ways in which individuals with a particular trait may increase
in population. (AI 2011)
Answer:
Three ways in which individuals with a particular trait may increase in population
are:
(i) Genetic drift : It is the random change in gene frequency occurring by chance
fluctuations. In this phenomenon, an event may increase the frequency of a
particular trait having little adaptive value and survival advantage.

(ii) Natural selection : It is the phenomenon wherein nature selects traits

favourable to the species in the environment. Thus, a particular trait selected by
the nature increases in number.

(iii) Geographical isolation : Interbreeding populations are geographically isolated

by barriers such as mountain ranges, rivers and sea. This geographical isolation
leads to reproductive isolation and thus there is no gene flow between separated
groups of population and therefore, population with particular character
increases.

Question 50.
(a) What is the law of dominance of traits? Explain with an example.
(b) Why are the traits acquired during the life time of an individual not inherited?
Explain. (2020)
Answer:
(a) Mendel’s law of dominance states that for a particular trait one gene is usually
expressed over the other. The dominant allele expresses itself and the one which
remains unexpressed is called recessive allele. This is called “law of dominance”.
E.g., for height, there are two alleles, T for tallness and t for dwarfness.

(b) Refer to answer 41.

Question 51.
What is speciation?
Answer:
The process by which new species develop from the existing species is known as
speciation.

Question 52.
What is speciation? Explain in brief the role of natural selection and genetic drift
in this process. (Foreign 2016)
Answer:
‘Hie process by which new species develop from the existing species is known as
speciation. Both natural selection and genetic drift play a very important role in
speciation. By natural selection traits favourable to the species in the given
environment are selected by the nature.

Example, beetles develop colour variation during reproduction. Consequently, in

the progeny, one beetle develops green body colour instead of normal red colour.
This beetle can inherit this variation in colour on to its progeny so that all its
offspring are green in colour. Crows cannot easily locate green-coloured beetles
on the green leaves of bushes and continue to eat red beetles which are easily
located on green leaves. As a result, in population of green beetles increases in
each generation.
Genetic drift is the elimination of the genes of certain traits from the small
population when a section of population dies of natural calamity or migrates to
other region. It alters the gene frequency of the remaining population.

Suppose in sexually reproducing red beetle population, a colour variation arises

wherein one beetle develops blue body colour instead of red. This beetle can also
pass this colour variation to its progeny so that all its offspring are blue coloured
beetles. As the population of beetles expand, initially there would be few blue
coloured beetles among the majority of red coloured beetles. At this point, an
elephant comes by and stamps on the bushes where the beetles live.
Consequently, most of the beetles get killed. By chance, most of the survived
beetles are of blue colour. This population again slowly multiply and will contain
mostly blue coloured beetles over a period of time. Survival of more blue beetles
in the population changed the coloured characteristic from normal red to blue
over a period of time. In small population, accidents can change the frequency of
some genes in a population, even if it does not give any survival advantage to the
possessors.

Question 53.
What is speciation? List four factors responsible for speciation. (Delhi 2015)
Answer:
The process by which new species develop from the existing species is known as
speciation. The four factors responsible for speciation are:
 Geographical isolation of a population leads to reproductive isolation and
hence speciation.
 Genetic drift leads to the formation of new species by causing drastic
changes in the frequencies of particular gene by chance alone.
 Natural selection wherein nature in the wild selects traits favourable to the
species in the given environment.
 Random mating resulting in genetic variations in genotype frequencies within
the population.
Question 54.
Explain the following:
(a) Speciation
(b) Natural selection. (Al 2015, Delhi 2011)
Answer:
(a) Speciation : Origin of new species from existing one due to reproductive
isolation of a part of its population is called speciation.
Suppose a large population of beetle living in an area gets split into two sub
populations due to geographical barriers like river, mountain, sea, etc. Then
members of these sub-populations will not be able to interbreed. Hence, there will
be no gene flow between the members of these populations. After few
generations, genetic drift will accumulate different variations in each of the two
geographically separated sub-populations. Natural selection may also operate
simultaneously in a different way in these geographically isolated sub-
populations. This makes geographically isolated sub-populations to become
more and more different from each other and ultimately reproductive isolation
occurs between individuals of these groups and they transform into new species.

(b) Natural selection is the phenomenon wherein nature, in the wild, selects traits
favourable to the species in its environment.
Also refer to answer 52.

Question 55.
List three main factors responsible for the speciation and briefly describe each
one of them. (AI 2014)
Answer:
Speciation is the process by which new species develop from the existing
species.

The three important factors responsible for the speciation are:

(i) Geographical isolation of a population caused by various types of barriers
such as mountain ranges, rivers and sea. Geographical isolation is the major
factor in the speciation of sexually reproducing animals because it causes
reproductive isolation and interrupts the flow of genes between their isolated
populations through the gametes.

(ii) Genetic drift is the elimination of the genes of certain traits from the small
population when a section of population dies of natural calamity or migrates to
other region. It alters the gene frequency of the remaining population.
(iii) Variations introduced by random mating and hybridisation. Random fusion of
gametes adds new alleles and it result in formation of new species.

Question 56.
List three main factors responsible for the rise of a new species giving a brief
description about each. (Foreign 2014)
Answer:
Refer to answer 55.

Question 57.
What is meant by the term speciation? List four factors which could lead to
speciation. (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
Refer to answer 53.

Question 58.
(a) Classify the following as homologous or analogous pairs:
(i) Broccoli and cabbage
(ii) Ginger and radish
(iii) Forelimbs of birds and lizard
(iv) Wings of a bat and wings of a bird
(b) State the main feature that categorises a given pair of organs as homologous
or analogous. (2020)
Answer:
(a) (i) Broccoli and cabbage – Homologous organs
(ii) Ginger and radish – Analogous organs
(iii) Forelimbs of birds and lizard – Homologous organs
(iv) Wings of bat and wings of a bird – Analogous organs

(b) Homologous organs have the same fundamental structure but different in
function, while analogous organs have different internal structure but similar
functions.

Question 59.
“During the course of evolution, organs or features may be adapted for new
functions”. Explain this fact by choosing an appropriate example. (2020)
Answer:
Evolution is the sequence of gradual changes from simple life forms to complex
life form. During the evolution process, many organs are adapted for new
functions.
The organs which perform different functions in different species but have similar
basic structure and similar embryonic origin are called homologous organs.
Homologous structures are a result of divergent evolution. Homology indicates
common ancestry.
For example, the forelimbs of a frog, a lizard, a bird and a human being show
similarity in basic structure. However, these organs perform entirely different
functions.

The given figures showing homologous organs :

The forelimbs of a frog help the animal to prop up the front end of the body at
rest, and also act as shock absorbers when the animal lands on the ground after
a leap; the forelimbs of a lizard are modified for creeping movements; the
forelimbs of a bird are modified for flying purposes, while the forelimbs of a
human being are used for grasping. The basio similarity in the forelimbs of these
different vertebrates indicates that all these vertebrates had common ancestry,
i.e., they have evolved from a common ancestor who had ‘five digited’ or
‘pentadactyl’ limbs (basic plan of limbs).

This means that these vertebrates have modified according to the special needs
of the subsequent generations during the course of evolution.

Question 60.
Explain with the help of an example each, how the following provide evidences in
favour of evolution:
(a) Homologous organs
(b) Analogous organs
(c) Fossils (Delhi 2017, AI 2015, Delhi 2011)
Answer:
(a) Homologous organs perform different functions in different species but have
similar basic structure and similar embryonic origin. For example, forelimbs of a
frog, lizard, bird and human being show similarity in basic structure. However,
these organs perform entirely different functions but the basic similarity in the
forelimbs of these different vertebrates indicates common ancestry. This means
that these vertebrates have modified according to the special needs of the
subsequent generations during the course of evolution.

(b) Analogous organs are different in fundamental structure and embryonic origin
but have similar appearance and perform similar functions. For example, the
wings of an insect and a bird have different structures but they perform the same
function of flying. The presence of these organs indicates that they are not
derived from common ancestors but they can still evolve to perform similar
functions to survive, flourish and keep on evolving in the prevailing environment.
This provides a mechanism for evolution.

(c) Fossils are the remains or impressions of the dead animals and plants that
lived in the remote past. The fossils provide evidence for evolution. For example,
a fossil bird called Archaeopteryx have characters of both reptiles and birds. It
had feathers, fused bones and beak which are exclusive characters of birds and
had teeth in the jaws, claws on fingers, a long tail, etc like reptiles. Thus,
Archaeopteryx is a connecting link between the reptiles and birds, and hence
suggests that the birds have evolved from the reptiles through the process of
continuous evolution.

Question 61.
“Evolution and classification of organisms are interlinked”. Give reasons to
justify this statement. (AI 2017)
Answer:
Evolution is the process by which newer types of organisms are developed from
the pre-existing ones through modifications. Classification is the arrangement of
organisms into a series of groups based on physiological, biological, anatomical
or other relationships. All systems of classification are hierarchial. The more
closely two species are related, the more recently they have a common ancestor.
Classification of organisms necessarily involves organising them in different
groups, based on the similarities and differences of characteristics. It helps in the
recognisation of the basic arrangement of a hierarchical structure among diverse
species. It facilitates studies or research of wide variety associated with
organisms effortlessly. Thus, classification of species is infact a reflection of
their evolutionary relationship or we can say that evolution and classification are
interlinked.

Question 62.
“Two areas of study namely evolution’ and classification are interlinked”. Justify
this statement. (AI 2016)
Answer:
Refer to answer 61.

Question 63.
List three factors that provide evidences in favour of evolution in organisms and
state the role of each in brief. (Foreign 2016)
Answer:
Some of the important sources which provide evidences for evolution are
homologous organs, analogous organs and fossils.
Also refer to answer 60.
Question 64.
(a) Planaria, insects, octopus and vertebrates all have eyes. Can we group eyes of
these animals together to establish a common evolutionary origin? Justify your
answer.
(b) “Birds have evolved from reptiles”. State evidence to prove the statement.
(Delhi 2015)
Answer:
(a) Planaria, insects, octopus and vertebrates cannot be grouped together on the
basis of eye. Eyes of insects, octopus, Planaria and vertebrates are analogous
organs which have developed over generation as an adaptation for similar
function. They represent convergent evolution where distantly related groups
develop similar functional structure as an adaptation for same function.

(b) Fossil bird Archaeopteryx had features like feathers, fused bones, beak which
are the characteristic features of birds. It also had some features of reptiles, like,
teeth in jaws, claws on free fingers, a long tail, etc. Thus, it represents a
connecting link between reptiles and birds. This example provides a clue that
birds have evolved from reptiles.

Question 65.
(a) Cite the evidence on the basis of which it is concluded that birds have evolved
from reptiles.
(b) Insects, octopus, Planaria and vertebrates also possess eyes. Can these
animals be grouped together on the basis of the eyes they possess. Why or why
not ? Give reason to justify your answer. (Foreign 2015)
Answer:
(a) Refer to answer 64(b).
(b) Refer to answer 64(a).

Question 66.
(a) Give the evidence that the birds have evolved from reptiles.
(b) Insects, octopus, Planaria and vertebrates possess eyes. Can we group these
animals together on the basis of eyes that they possess? Justify your answer
giving reason. (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
(a) Refer to answer 64(b).
(b) Refer to answer 64(a).

Question 67.
What are fossils? How do they help in the study of evolution? (Delhi 2013C, AI
2011)
Answer:
Refer to answer 60(c).

Question 68.
Distinguish between homologous organs and analogous organs. In which
category would you place wings of a bird and wings of a bat? Justify your answer
giving a suitable reason. (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
Those organs which have the same basic structure and similar embryonic origin
but different functions are called as homologous organs.

These organs follow same basic plant of organisation during development, but in
adults got modified to perform different function as an adaptation to different
environments. Those organs which have different basic structure and embryonic
origin but perform similar functions are called analogous organs.

The wings of bird and wings of bat are analogous organs because the basic
structure or design of the wings of bird and bat are different but they perform the
similar function of flying.

Question 69.
How are fossils formed? Describe, in brief, two methods of determining the age of
fossils. (AI 2012)
Answer:
When organisms like plants or animals die, their bodies get decomposed by the
action of microorganisms in the presence of oxygen, moisture, etc. Sometimes
the conditions in the environment are such (like absence of oxygen, moisture,
etc.), which do not let the body of the organism to get decompose completely. It
is the body (or body part) of an organism which we get as fossil on digging the
earth. In many cases the soft parts of the organisms get decomposed and we get
skeleton of hard parts (like teeth, bones, etc.) as fossil. Even the soft parts of the
plants and animals (which usually decompose quickly) are sometimes preserved
as fossils in the form of their impressions inside the rocks. For example, if a dead
leaf gets caught in mud, it will not decompose quickly. The mud around the leaf
will set around it as a mould,’gradually harden to form a rock and retain the
impression of the leaf. This forms a leaf fossil which can be dug out from the
earth a after a long time period.

The age of fossils can be determined in two ways as given below:

(i) By the relative method: When we dig into the earth, we find fossils at different
depths. The fossils which we find in layers closer to the surface of the earth are
more recent and those fossils which are found in deeper layers are older;
whereas the fossils found in the deepest layers of earth are the oldest ones.

(ii) Carbon dating method: When a living object dies and forms fossil, its carbon-
14 radioactivity goes on decreasing gradually. By this method, the age of fossils
is found by comparing the carbon-14 radioactivity left in fossils with the carbon-
14 radioactivity present in living objects today.

Question 70.
(a) We see eyes in Planaria, insects, octopus and vertebrates. Can eyes be
grouped together in case of the above-mentioned animals to establish a common
evolutionary origin? Why?
(b) State one evidence to prove that birds have evolved from reptiles. (Foreign
2012)
Answer:
(a) Refer to answer 64 (a).
(b) Refer to answer 64 (b).

Question 71.
Explain how evolutionary relationship can be traced by the study of homologous
organs. (Foreign 2011)
Answer:
Homologous organs provide morphological and anatomical evidences of
evolution. There are number of organs in different groups of animals or plants
which have similar basic design but are used for different purposes. These are
termed as homologous organs. For example, the forelimbs of frog, lizard, bird
and human beings show similarity in basic structure. The basic similarity of
forelimbs of these different vertebrates indicates that all these have evolved from
a common ancestor who had five digited or pentadactyle limbs which became
modified according to the special needs of subsequent generations during the
course of evolution. Hence, homologous organs depict divergent evolution or
adaptive radiation.

Question 72.
(a) How do the following provide evidences in favour of evolution in organisms?
Explain with an example for each.
(i) Homologous organs
(ii) Analogous organs
(iii) Fossils
(b) Explain two methods to determine the age of fossils. (AI 2019)
Answer:
(a) Refer to answer 60.
(b) Refer to answer 69.

Question 73.
Define evolution. How does it occur?
Describe how fossils provide us evidence in support of evolution. (AI 2016)
Answer:
Evolution is the sequence of gradual changes, from simple life forms to complex
life form, i.e., from primitive organisms that lived over millions of years ago to
new organisms that exist today. Evolution occurs by changes, improvement and
modification of simple life forms. Fossils are the remains or impressions of
organisms that lived in the remote past. Fossils provide the evidence that the
present animal have originated from previously existing ones through the
process of continuous evolution. Fossils can be used to reconstruct evolutionary
history of an organism. The distribution pattern of fossils shows that the ancient
fossils present in the bottom rocks are simple, while the most recent fossils
found in the upper strata are more highly evolved. It means fossils form and
become more and more complex as we proceed from earliest to recent rocks. It
gives us an idea of time in history when different species were formed or became
extinct. Thus, fossils provide us evidences in support of evolution.

Question 74.
What are fossils? How are they formed? List two methods of determining the age
of fossils. Explain in brief the importance of fossils in deciding the evolutionary
relationships. (Foreign 2016)
Answer:
Refer to answers 60(c) and 69.