

InterviewSolution
This section includes InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.
1201. |
What are we referring to? When we say ‘simple organisms’ or ‘complex organisms’. |
Answer» When we say simple or complex organisms we are talking in terms of evolutionary history of an Organism. A ‘simple organism’ is considered to be primitive and has simple thallus organisation; The level of complexity of metabolism is also low. On the other hand a ‘complex organism’ refers to a more evolved form forming higher levels of structural and functional complexities. They are believed to have arisen from simple organisms. |
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1202. |
Two organisms occupying a particular geographical are ( say desert ) show similar adaptive strategies. Taking examples, descrbe the phenomenon. |
Answer» This phenomenon indicated in the question is convergent evolution where by organism, not closely related, evolve similar traits independently as a result of adaptation to similar environment. , e.g., (i) Streamlined shape of sharks and dolphins. The former is a fish, while dolphin is a mammal, but both of them depend on swift movement through the water, so a stremlined shape is essential. Thus, it is the similar habitat that resulted in selection of similar adaptive features in different groups of organisms, but toward the same function. (ii) Spines ( modified leaves ) and thorns ( modified stems ), both look similar and provide protection to the plant, the plants to which they belong are distantly related. |
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1203. |
Two organisms occupying a particular geographical area (say desert) show similar adaptive strategies. Taking examples, describe the phenomenon. |
Answer» 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. Spins of Opuntia and cactus are modifications of leaves to prevent the loss of water in desert. |
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1204. |
What are we referring to when we say ‘simple organisms’ or ‘complex organisms’? |
Answer» These are the terms to classify organisms according to their evolutionary history. Simple organisms have simple structural and functional organisation and are considered primitive, whereas complex organisms have complex structural and functional organisation and are said to have arise from simple organisms. |
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1205. |
What was the composition of the primitive atmosphere that favoured abiotic origin of life on earth? |
Answer» The primitive earth or primordial earth contained large amounts of hydrogen, nitrogen, water vapour, ammonia and gases evolved from molten lava but no free oxygen was found. The primitive atmosphere was reducing which favoured abiotic origin of life. |
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1206. |
If abiotic origin of life is in progress on a planet other than earth, what should be the conditions there? |
Answer» Very high temperature, volcanic storms, Reducing atmosphere containing CH4, NH3, H2 and water vapours. |
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1207. |
In a particular habitat under natural conditions, only those organisms which are better adapted could reproduce more, outnumbering others who are less adapted. What is this phenomenon known as? |
Answer» Differential reproduction. |
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1208. |
The wings of a bird and the wings of an insect areA. Homologous structure and represent convergent evolutionB. Homologous structures and represent divergent evolutionC. Anelogous structures and repressent convergent evolutionD. Phylogenetic structures and represent divergent evolution. |
Answer» Correct Answer - C | |
1209. |
Following are the two statements regarding the origin of life (a) the earliest organisms that appeared on the earth were nongreen and presumably anaerobic The first autotrophic organisms were the chemoautotrophs that never released oxygen. Of the above statements which one of following options is correctA. Both a and b are falseB. a is correct but b is falseC. b is correct but a is falseD. Both a and b are correct. |
Answer» Correct Answer - D | |
1210. |
Following are the two statements regarding the origin of life (a) the earliest organisms that appeared on the earth were nongreen and presumably anaerobic The first autotrophic organisms were the chemoautotrophs that never released oxygen. Of the above statements which one of following options is correctA. II is correct but I is falseB. Both I and II are correctC. Both I and II are falseD. I is correct but II is false |
Answer» Correct Answer - B The earliest organisms that appeared on earth were anaerobic chemoautotrophs. Chemoautotrophs were the first autotrophic orgarnsms. They were unable to perform photolysis of water and never released oxygen, e.g. sulphur bacteria. |
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1211. |
Assertion (A) : The earliest organisms that appeared on the Earth were non-green and presumably anaerobis. Reason (R ) : The first autotrophic organisms were the chemoautotrophs that never released oxygen.A. If both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of AssertionB. If both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is not the correct explanation of AssertionC. If Assertion is true but Reason is false.D. If both Assertion and Reason are false |
Answer» Correct Answer - B | |
1212. |
Following are the 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 correctA. (b) is correct but (a) is falseB. Both (a)and (b) are correctC. Both (a)and (b) are falseD. (a) is correct but (b) is false |
Answer» Correct Answer - B | |
1213. |
Analogous structures are a result ofA. Shared ancestryB. Stabilizing selectionC. Divergent evolutionD. Convergent evolution |
Answer» Correct Answer - D Analogous structures are a result of convergent evolution. |
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1214. |
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 relesed 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 falseC. (a) is correct but (b) is false.D. (b) is correct but (a) is false. |
Answer» Correct Answer - A • The earliest organisms that appeared on the earth were non-green and presumably anaerobes. • The first autotrophic organisms were the chemautotrophs that never released oxygen. |
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1215. |
Which among these is correct combination of aquatic mammalsA. Dolphins , Seals, TrygonB. Whales, Dolphins, SealsC. Trygon, Whales, SealsD. Seals, Dolphins, Sharks |
Answer» Correct Answer - B Whales, Dolphins, sea cows and Seals are the aquatic mammals. |
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1216. |
Artificial selection to obtain cows yielding higher milk output representsA. Dierctional as it pushes the mean of the character in one directionB. Disruptive as it splits the populations 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 cowsD. Stabilizing selection as it stabilizes this character in the population |
Answer» Correct Answer - A Artificial selection to obtain cows yielding higher milk output represent directional as it pushes the mean of the character in one direction. |
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1217. |
Artificial selection to obtain cows yielding higher milk output representsA. directional as it pushes the mean of the character in one directionB. disruptive as it splits the population into two, one yielding higher output and the other lower outputC. stabilising followed by disruptive as it stabilises the population to produce higher yielding cowsD. stabilising selection as it stabilises as it stabilises this character in the population |
Answer» Correct Answer - A | |
1218. |
Artificial selection to obtain cows yielding higher milk output representsA. Stabilizing selection as it stabilizes a character in the population.B. Directional as it pushes the mean of a character in one directionC. Disruptive as it splits the population into the one yielding higher output and the other lower outputD. Stabilizing followed by disruptive as stabilizes the population to produce high yielding cows. |
Answer» Correct Answer - B | |
1219. |
Which one of the following correctly describes the homologous structures?A. Organs with anatomical similartities, but performing different functions.B. Organs with anatomical dissimilarities, but performng same function.C. Organs that have no function now, but had an important function in ancestors.D. Organs appearing only in embryonic stage and disappearing later in the adult. |
Answer» Correct Answer - A Homologous organs are those organs that have the same fundamental structures but are different in functions. These organs follow the same basic plan of oraganisation during their development. But in adult condition, these organs are modified to perform different functions as a result of divergent evolution. Homology indicates common ancestry. |
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1220. |
Which of the following pair is homologous organ?A. Wings of birds and locustB. Wings of birds (sparrow) and pectoral fins of fishC. Wings of bat and butterflyD. Legs of frog and cockroach |
Answer» Correct Answer - B Homologous organs are the organs which ha the same origin and similar basic structure but m differ in external appearance and function, wings birds and pectoral fins of fish are examples of ti same. Analogous organs are those organs which a anatomically different but functionally same |
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1221. |
Convergent evolution is illustrated byA. Rat and DogB. Bacterium and ProtozoanC. Starfish and Cuttle fishD. Dogfish and Whale |
Answer» Correct Answer - D Convergent evolution is illustrated by dogfish and whale. |
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1222. |
Which one of the following correctly describes the homologous structures?A. Organs appearing only in embryonic stage arid disappearing later in the adultB. Organs with anatomical similarities, but performing different functionsC. Organs with anatomical dissimilarities, but performing same functionsD. Organs that have no function now, but had an important function in ancestors |
Answer» Correct Answer - B Homologous structures are similar in origm l similar or dissimilar in function, such as pecto fins of fish and forelimbs of horse are similar structure but different in functions |
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1223. |
Random genetic drift in a population probably result fromA. large population sizeB. highly genetically variable individualsC. interbreeding within this populationD. constant low mutation rate |
Answer» Correct Answer - B Genetic drift or Sewall Wright effect is statically significant change in population gene frequencies resulting by chance and not from natural selection, emigration or immigration. In simple words, random loss of alleles is known as genetic drift. |
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1224. |
Convergent evolution is illustrated byA. dogfish and whaleB. rat and dogC. bacterium and protozoanD. starfish and cuttle fish |
Answer» Correct Answer - A Convergent evolution is the acquisition of same or similar charaters by distantly related lines of descent. Dogfish (pisces) and whale (mammals) have acquired aquatic charater though distantly related. |
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1225. |
Which one of the following sequence was proposed by Darwin and Wallace for organic evolution ?A. Overproduction, variations, constancy of population size, natural selectionB. Variations, constancy of population size, overproduction, natural selectionC. Overprocution, constancy of populations size, variations, natural selectionD. Variations, natural selection, overproduction, constancy of population size |
Answer» Correct Answer - C Sequences that was proposed by Darwin and wallace for-organic evolution: Overproduction, constancy of population size, variations and natural selection. |
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1226. |
Which one of the following sequences was propsoed by Darwin and Wallace for organic evolution?A. Variations, natural selection, overproduction, constancy of population sizeB. Overproduction, variations, constancy of population size, natural selectionC. Variations, constancy of population size, overproduction, natural selectionD. Overproduction, constancy of population size, variations, natural selection |
Answer» Correct Answer - B Though living organisms tend to multiply geometrically, the number of individuals of a species tend to remain constant over a long period of time. Out of heterogenous population (due to the variation) best adapted individuals are selected by nature. |
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1227. |
Which one of the following sequence was proposed by Darwin and Wallace for organic evolutionA. Variation, natural selection, overproduction, constancy of population sizeB. Overproduction, variations, constancy of population size, natural selectionC. Variations, constancy of population size, overproduction, natural selectionD. Overproduction, constancy of population size, variations, natural selection |
Answer» Correct Answer - D | |
1228. |
Which one of the following sequences was propsoed by Drawin and Wallace for organic evolution?A. Overproduction, variations, constancy of population size, natural selection.B. Variations, constancy of population size, over-production, natural selectionC. Overproduction, constancy of population size, variations, natural selectionD. Variations, natural selection, overproduction, contancy of population size. |
Answer» Correct Answer - C | |
1229. |
What do you infer from the resemblance between flying squirrel and flying phalanges with reference their evolution. |
Answer» Evolution of marsupial mammals has resulted in flying phalanger, through adaptive radiation. Evolution of placement has led to the evolution of a flying squirrel (independently). The resemblance between the two, proves convergent evolution. |
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1230. |
Mention the contribution of S.L. Miller experiments on Origin of life. |
Answer» S.L. Miller created an environment in a laboratory similar to the one that existed before life originate. In a closed flask containing CH4, H2, NH3 and water vapour at 800o C, electric discharge was created. The conditions were similar to those in primitive atmosphere. After a week, they observed presence of amino acids and complex molecules like sugar, nitrogen bases, pigments and fats in the flask. This provided experimental evidence for the theory of chemical origin. |
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1231. |
Select the homologous structures from the combinations given below: (i) Forelimbs of whale and bat(ii) Tuber of potato and sweet potato (iii) Thorns of Bougainvillea and tendrils of cucurbita. |
Answer» (i) Fore limbs of whale and bat and (ii) Thorns of Bougainvillaea are homologous organs. |
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1232. |
Write the similarity between the wing of a butterfly and the wing of a bat. What do you infer from the above with reference to evolution? |
Answer» Similar in function (fly) / different in structure and origin / analogous organs, convergent evolution. Detailed Answer : Wings of a bird and a bat perform the same function of flying despite their structural dissimilarity. This infers that they are analogous organs and are the result of convergent evolution. |
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1233. |
Name the scientist who influenced Darwin and how? |
Answer» Darwin was influenced by Thomas Malthus and his book "An essay on the principles of population" in which he discussed that there are 'positive checks' that control geometrically growing population. The work of Malthus on human population growth in{act influenced him. |
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1234. |
State the significance of the study of fossils in evolution. |
Answer» Fossils represent extinct organisms. Fossils show life forms restricted to certain geological time spans existing in the past. Fossils show ancestry of present day organisms. Some of the fossils are the connecting link between two groups of organism. |
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1235. |
Write about the ancestry and evolution of bat, horse and human on the basis of a comparative study of their forelimbs. What are these limbs categorized as ? |
Answer» The forelimbs of frog, lizard, pigeon, bat, whale and horse have the same basic structural plan as human hand. In each case, the forelimb consists of an upper arm, forearm, wrist, palm and fingers. The upper arm is made up of humerus, forearm is composed of radio-ulna, the wrist consists of carpals, and the palm contains metacarpals and digits. The forelimbs of all these vertebrates are categorized as homologous organs because these are similar in structure and arrangements but are different in shape and function because as they developed along different direction due to adaption to different needs. |
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1236. |
How did Miller demonstrate experimentally the chemical evolution that happened three billion years ago ? |
Answer» Miller's experiment - An electric discharge, was created in a closed flask containing CH4 - H2 - NH3, and water vapour at 800o C, thus creating condition of early earth with reducing environment high energy radiations and high energy radiations and high temperature, in the laboratory. This resulted in the formation of amino acids, supports chemical evolution of life. Miller's experiment does not support theory of Biogenesis it supports chemical evolution of life. Detailed Answer: Experimental set-up : In a closed flask containing CH4, H2, NH3 and water vapour at 800oC, electric discharge was created. The conditions were similar to those in primitive atmosphere. Observations : After a week, they observed presence of amino acids and complex molecules like sugars, nitrogen bases, pigments and fats in the flask. Conclusions : (i) It provides experimental evidence for the theory of chemical origin, (ii) It showed that the first non-cellular form of life was created about 3 billion years ago. (iii) It showed that non-cellular biomolecules exist in the form of DNA, RNA, polysaccharides and protein. |
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1237. |
What are fossils ? How are they an evidence for evolution? |
Answer» Fossil-remains/impression of hard parts of lifeforms existed in past, preserved in sedimentary rocks volcanic ash, peat etc. They are written documents of evolution. Study of fossils in different sedimentary layers indicates the geological periods in which they existed, and showed that life forms varied over time. This indicates that new forms of life have evolved at different geological times in the history of earth. |
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1238. |
Evolution is a change in gene frequencies in a population in response to changes in the environment in a time scale of years and not centuries. Justify this statement with reference to DDT. How does the theory of Hugo de Vries support this? |
Answer» When DDT was used for the first time, maximum mosquitoes died but few survived due to variation in a population. These mosquitoes show resistance to DDT and survived to reproduce successfully in the presence of DDT and gradually such mosquito population become DDT resistant within a time span of few years. According to Hugo de Vries, evolution is caused by sudden large differences in the population and not minor variations. |
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1239. |
Evolution is a change in gene frequencies in a population in response to changes in the environment in a time scale of years and not centuries. Justify this statement with references to DDT How does the theory of Hugo de Vries support this. |
Answer» The use of DDT for the first time resulted in the death of maximum number of mosquitoes but a few survived. Later on it was found that mosquitoes continue to survive and reproduce even in the presence of DDT. It is because the sustained use of DDT made the mosquitoes resistant to DDT within a few years due to variation and change in gene frequencies in their population in relation to changes in environment within a time span of few years only. According to Hugo de Vries the evolution is caused by a single step large mutation arising out suddenly in a population. |
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1240. |
How does the study of fossils help to understand evolution. |
Answer» The fossils are the written documents of evolution Study of fossils in different sedimentary layers indicates the geological period in which they existed and showed that life forms varied over time. This indicates that various forms of life have evolved at different geologic times and hence new forms of life similar to modern organisms have arisen at different times in history of earth and forms the study of fossil record it has been concluded that evolution has taken place from simple to complex in a gradual manner. |
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1241. |
Give two examples of evolution assisted by activities of man. |
Answer» (a) Development of DDT resistant mosquitoes. (b) Industrial melanism-Development of melanoid moth. |
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1242. |
What is chance mutation ? Explain this phenomenon using application of D.D.T as an example. |
Answer» DDT is an insecticide-kills most of the insects, but some become resistant varieties, in much less time scale of just month or years. It is a chance event in nature-so chance mutation. |
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1243. |
Assertion:Some babies have a tail Reason:This is just a freak of natureA. If both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of AssertionB. If both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is not the correct explanation of AssertionC. If Assertion is true but Reason is false.D. If both Assertion and Reason are false |
Answer» Correct Answer - C | |
1244. |
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 systemsA. I,II,III,IVB. I,III,II,IVC. II,III,I,IVD. II,III,IV,I |
Answer» Correct Answer - C The sequential manner of event of origin of life is as follows. `underset("IV. Formation of DNA- based genetic system.")underset(darr)underset("I. Formation of protobionts")underset(darr)underset("III. Synthesis of organic organic polymers.")underset(darr)underset("II.Synthesis of organic monomers.")` Thus, option (c) is correct. |
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1245. |
The chronological order of human evolution from early to the recent is:A. Australopithecus -Ramapitjecus - Homo habilis - Homo erectusB. Ramapithecus - ustralopithecus - Homo habilis - Homo erectusC. Ramapithecus- Homo habilis - Australopithecus - HomoerectusD. Australopithecus- Homo habilis- Ramapithecus - Homo erectus |
Answer» Correct Answer - B The fossils of Ramapithecus was discovered by Edward Levis from Pliocene rocks of Shivalik hills in India. They were present in Pliocene era nearly 14-15 million years ago (mya). Australopithocus was first ape man found in African Pliocene era rocks present 5 mya. Homo habdis were believed to be present in East Africa 2 mya in Pliocene era. Homo erectus appeared nearly 1.5 mya with cranial capacity of 800-1300 cc. Thus, the correct sequence is Ramapithecus `to` Australopithecus`to` Homo habilis `to` Homo erectus |
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1246. |
The chronological order of human evolution from early to the recent is:A. Australopithecus `to` Ramapithecus `to` homo habillis `to` Homo erectusB. Ramapithecus `to` Australopithecus `to` Homo habilis `to` Homo erectusC. Ramapithecus `to` Homo habilis `to` Australopithecus `to` Homo erectusD. Australopithecus `to` Homo habilis `to` Ramapithecus `to` Homo erectus ` |
Answer» Correct Answer - B | |
1247. |
The chronological order of human evolution from early to the recent is:A. Ramapithecus `rarr` Homo habilis `rarr` Australopithecus `rarr` Homo erectusB. Australopithecus `rarr` Homo habilis `rarr` Ramapithecus `rarr` Homo erectusC. Australopithecus `rarr` Ramapithecus `rarr` Homo habilis `rarr` Homo erectusD. Ramapithecus `rarr` Australopithecus `rarr` Homo habilis `rarr` Homo erectus |
Answer» Correct Answer - D | |
1248. |
In Hardy-Weinberg equation, the frequency of heterozygous individual is represented byA. pqB. `q^(2)`C. `p^(2)`D. 2pq |
Answer» Correct Answer - D | |
1249. |
Which is the most common mechanism of genetic varisation in the poplulation of a sexually-reproducing organismA. RecombinationB. TransductionC. Chromosomal aberrationsD. Genetic drift |
Answer» Correct Answer - A | |
1250. |
Forelmbs of cat, lizard used in walking, forelimbs of whale used in swimming and forelimbs of bats used in flying are an example ofA. convergent evolutionB. Analogous organsC. adaptive radiationD. Homologous organs |
Answer» Correct Answer - D | |