Class-XII, Chapter-6 Test Question Answers (Set-A)
1. Hardy–Weinberg equation conveys genetic equilibrium, i.e., sum total of all allelic frequencies is 1.
2. Homologous. Divergent evolution.
3. It is an ancestor of amphibians.
4. Wings of butterfly and birds are not anatomically similar structures though they perform similar
functions. Hence, they are called analogous structures. Analogous organs result from convergent
evolution.
5. Hardy–Weinberg principle states that allele frequencies in a population are stable and remain constant
from generation to generation.
Genetic drift refers to change in allele frequencies of a population occurring by chance.
The change in allele frequency may be so different that the population becomes a different species.
6. ----
7. Anthropogenic Action (Due to human action): Excess use of herbicides, pesticides, etc. has only
resulted in selection of resistant variety in a much lesser time scale which is equally true for microbes
against which we employ antibiotics or drugs against eukaryotic organisms/cells. As a result of which
resistant organisms/cells are appearing in a time scale of months or years and not centuries.
For example, when the 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 resistance
just like natural selection.
8. Darwin’s theory of natural selection:
Varying degrees of similarities can be observed between existing life forms and those existing
millions of years ago.
There has been gradual evolution of life forms with new forms arising at different periods of history.
Any population has built-in variations in characteristics which adapt it better to the environment.
The characteristics which enable some populations or individuals to survive better in natural
conditions (climate, food, physical factors) would out-breed others (Survival of the fittest).
Those populations which are better fit (reproductively fit) in an environment will be selected by nature
and will survive more (Natural selection).
Adaptability is inherited and fitness is the end result of ability to adapt and get selected by nature.
9. (a) Primates called Dryopithecus and Ramapithecus lived 15 million years ago. Their characteristic
features are:
(i) They were hairy and walked like gorillas and chimpanzees.
(ii) Ramapithecus was more man-like.
(iii) Dryopithecus was more ape-like.
(b) (i) First man-like animal was found in Ethiopia and Tanzania.
(ii) The order of appearance from the earliest to the latest is:
Homo habilis, Homo erectus, Neanderthals.
The brain capacity of Homo habilis is 650–800 cc, of Homo erectus is 900 cc and of Neanderthals is
1400 cc.
iii) Modern Homo sapiens appeared between 75,000–10,000 years ago.
Class-XII, Chapter-6 Test Question Answers (Set-B)
1. (a) Dryopithecus and Ramapithecus (b) Homo habilis
2. Mutation
3. It is an ancestor of amphibians.
4. (i) The first form of life could have come from pre-existing non-living organic molecule like RNA, protein, etc. (ii)
Formation of life was preceded by chemical evolution that resulted in the formation of diverse organic molecules
from inorganic constituents.
5. The thorn of Bougainvillea and tendril of cucurbita are homologous organs because they have the same origin but
perform different functions. Thorns prevent plant from herbivores while as tendrils help in climbing. It represents a
case of divergent evolution. In this case the function of organs diversified and become different from the common
ancestor.
6. Ll
7. Ll
8. Kk
Ramapithecus 14-15 mya More man-like, walked more erect, teeth like modern man.
Dryopithecus 20-25 mya Ape-like, hairy arms and legs of same length, large brain,
ate soft foods and fruits.
Homo sapiens 100,000-40,000 Fossils found in east and central Asia, used hides protect
(Neanderthal ya body, buried their dead, brain size was 1400 cc.
man)
9. (a)
(b) The analogous structures from the list are :
(i) Wings of butterfly and birds
(iv) Tubers of sweet potato and potato
Class-XII, Chapter-6 Test Question Answers (Set-C)
1. They are similar in function. Thus we infer that these organs are analogous which has resulted in convergent evolution.
2. Dryopithecus/Ramapithecus.
3. Mutation.
4. It is the evolutionary process in which same structure develops along different directions due to adaptations to different
needs. The thorns of Bougainvillea and the tendrils of Cucurbita are homologous, as they are modified stems.
5. Darwin during his journey to Galapagos Islands observed that there were many varieties of small black birds later called
Darwin’s finches.
All the varieties he conjectured, evolved on the island itself.
From the original seed-eating features, many other forms with altered beaks arose, enabling them to become
insectivorous and vegetarian finches.
This process of evolution of different species in a given geographical area starting from a point and literally radiating to
other areas of geography (habitats) is called adaptive radiation.
6. Hardy–Weinberg principle states that allele frequencies in a population are stable and remain constant from generation to
generation.
Genetic drift refers to change in allele frequencies of a population occurring by chance.
The change in allele frequency may be so different that the population becomes a different species.
7. The theory of biogenesis states that a living organism arises from another living organisms.
Experimental evidence of chemical evolution/Miller’s experiment
Experiment was performed by S.L. Miller and H.C. Urey in 1953.
Experimental set-up: In a closed flask containing CH 4, H2, NH3 and water vapour at 800°C, 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.
8. 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.
9. Fitness is based on certain characteristics which are inherited and the ability to adapt to the changing environment. It is the
end result of adaptation because a fit individual survives and unfit individuals are eliminated from the population.
Individuals continuously compete with each other in a population for food, space and light. The one which is better
adapted and naturally selected by nature survives and reproduces.
For example, industrial evidence: It is a case of natural selection. In England, it was observed before industrialisation that
white-winged moth were more than dark-winged moth. But the situation became reversed after industrialisation. It was
found that predators will spot and pick a moth against a contrasting background. During pre-industrialisation, the tree
trunks were covered by white lichens and on white-background dark coloured moth can be picked up. During post
industrialisation, the tree trunks were covered by dark, dust, coal particles and became dark, on which white moth can
easily be picked up. Thus, it was found that industrial melanism supports evolution by natural selection.
