CAREERS360

Maharashtra HSC
Biology Syllabus
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Biology (56)
Std. XI and XII

Introduction Objectives
Higher secondary is the most crucial stage The prescribed syllabus is expected to
of education because at this juncture specialized
Promote the inherent skill of observation.
disciplines of science are introduced. The
Assist to understand the underlying
present syllabus reinforces the concepts principles of biological sciences and
introduced in lower classes. Recently, the thereby develop scientific attitude towards

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science of biology has undergone a paradigm biological phenomena.
shift that has transformed it from a collection
Help students to understand the functioning

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of loosely related facts into a modern applied of organisms.
science.
Make students aware of issues of global
Living organisms exhibit extremely importance.
complex functional system. Organisms seldom
Guide students to perform easy

into populations and biological communities.

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occur as isolated individuals. They are organized experiments for better understanding of
biological principles and to develop
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Organisms, communities, ecosystems and experimental skills required in practical
environment constitute unique set of natural work.
resources of great importance.
Create awareness about the contribution
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Knowledge of biology helps us to of biology to human welfare.

understand a common thread which holds all
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these components together. Understanding of Std. – XI

biology will help in the sustainable development Section I - Botany
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of the environment and will also ensure the

existence of earth with all its amazing diversity. Unit 1 Diversity in Living World:
Chapter 1- Diversity in organisms :
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This syllabus is designed to prepare

students for various examinations conducted at 1. Diversity in living organisms-Brief idea.
state and national level. Hence it has been 2. Systematic and binomial system of
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prepared in accordance with the guidelines nomenclature - meaning of the terms

shown in the final version of common core taxonomy, systematics, classification and
syllabi of COBSE, Delhi. Accordingly some nomenclature, Need of classification.
additional topics from state Board syllabus Three domains of life, Concept of
have been deleted whereas the lacking topics species.
have been added. The entire unit “Ecology and Taxonomic hierarchy with examples.
Environment” has now been added under Binomial nomenclature explanation,
Botany and Zoology sections. significance and examples.
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3. Classification of living organisms (five Unit 4 Plant Physiology

Kingdom classification) – Major groups Chapter 6 - Plant Water Relations and
and principles of classification for each Mineral Nutrition :
Kingdom with examples. 1. Movement of water, food, nutrients and
4. Lichens - Meaning, characters, examples gases - Absorption of water and
and importance. minerals,Apoplast and Symplast
5. Viruses and viroids - Definitions, Pathways. Active and passive absorption
characters, types with examples, Economic in brief.
importance and list of viral diseases. 2. Guttation
Chapter 2 - Kingdom Plantae : Ascent of sap, root pressure concept and

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1. Salient features of major plant groups - cohesion - tension theory.
Algae, Bryophyta, Pteridophyta, Translocation of sugars through phloem

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Gymnosperms and Angiosperms brief account.
(Dicotyledons and Monocotyledons). Three Transpiration – structure of stomata,
to five salient features and two examples mechanism of opening and closing of
of each category. stomata, Role of K+ ions
2. Botanical gardens and herbaria - Meaning, S
importance and list of gardens and herbaria
3. Role of water and minerals -
macronutrients and micronutrients and their
in India. role. Mineral deficiency symptoms,
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Unit 2 Structure and function of cell : Mineral toxicity, Elementary idea of
Chapter 3 - Biochemistry of cell : Hydroponics, Nitrogen Metabolism
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1. Basic chemical constituents of living (nitrogen cycle, biological nitrogen

bodies. fixation)
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2. Structure and function of carbohydrates, Chapter 7 - Plant Growth and Development:

proteins, lipids and nucleic acids in brief. Seed dormancy
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3. Enzymes - Definition, Types, general Germination - Hypogeal, epigeal and

properties, Enzyme action and factors viviparous.
affecting enzyme activity in brief. Definition and characteristics of growth.
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Chapter 4 Cell Division : Phases of growth, Conditions of growth,

1. Cell cycle Differentiation, de- differentiation,
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2. Mitosis redifferentiation
3. Meiosis Sequence of developmental process in a
Unit 3 Structural organization in plants plant cell
Chapter 5 - Morphology of Plants : Growth regulators - auxins, gibberellins,
1. Morphology, anatomy and functions of cytokinines, ethylene and abscissic acid
different parts - Root, stem, leaf, (role in brief) Photoperiodism,
inflorescence, flower, fruit and seed. (To Photomorphogenesis including brief
be dealt along with the relevant account of Phytochromes (Elementary
practicals of the practical syllabus) idea)
2. Plant tissues. Vernalization.
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Std. - XI Unit 3 Structural organization in

Section II – Zoology Animals:
Unit 1 Diversity in Living World Chapter 10- Study of Animal Tissues :
Chapter 8 - Kingdom Animalia 1. Animal tissues - types
1. Salient features of major phyla under a) Epithelial tissues - simple epithelium
kingdom Animalia. Classification of (squamous, cuboidal, columnar,
following phyla with three to five salient Ciliated, glandular). - compound
features and two examples of each epithelium (stratified).
category: Porifera, co elenterata b) Connective tissue - (Areolar, Adipose,
ctenophora, Platyhelminthes, Nemathel- Tendons, Ligaments, Cartilage and

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minthes, Annelida, Arthropoda, Mollusca, Bone).
Echinodermata and Hemichordata. c) Muscular tissue - (Smooth, striated

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Classification of phylum chordata upto and cardiac).
class level with three to five salient features d) Nervous tissue (Neurons, glial cells
and two examples of each category: and types of neurons).
Urochordata, Cephalochordata, Chapter 11- Study of Animal Type
Cyclostomata, Chondrichthyes,
Osteichthyes, Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves and
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digestive, circulatory, respiratory,
nervous, and reproductive systems of
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Mammalia.
2. Zoological parks and Museums - General cockroach (Brief account only)
idea with list. Unit 4 Human Physiology
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Unit 2 Structure and function of cell Chapter 12- Human Nutrition

Chapter 9 - Organization of Cell i) Digestive system in brief
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1. Cell theory - brief account ii) Physiology of digestion, gastrointestinal

2. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell - structure hormones, Peristalsis. Calorific value of
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and examples. proteins, carbohydrates and fats

3. Plant cell and animal cell. iii) Absorption, assimilation and egestion
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4. Nuclear organization - Nucleus, nucleolus iv) Nutritional and digestive disorders – PEM,
and nucleoplasm. indigestion, constipation, Jaundice,
vomiting and diarrhoea
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5. Cell wall and cell membrane - (fluid

mosaic model). Chapter 13- Human Respiration
6. Cell organelles: Plastids, Mitochondria, Respiratory organs in animals (Recall only)
Golgi complex, Lysosomes, Endoplasmic i) Respiratory system in brief
reticulum, Vacuoles, Ribosome and ii) Breathing- inspiration and expiration.
Centrioles (ultrstructure and functions). iii) Exchange of gases, transport of CO2 and
Microbodies, cytoskeleton, cilia and O2 and tissue respiration.
flagella. Regulation of Respiration, Respiratory
volumes.
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iv) Respiratory disorders- Asthma, 4. Study of plasmolysis in epidermal peels.

Emphysema and occupational lung 5. Study of osmosis by Potato osmometer
diseases. 6. Study of structure and distribution of
Chapter 14 - Human skeleton and stomata in upper and lower surface of
Locomotion: leaf.
Brief account of human skeleton: 7. To test the presence of sugar, starch,
A] Axial Skeleton proteins and fats from suitable plant and
B] Appendicular Skeleton animal materials.
(Details to be dealt with the relevant 8. To study the digestion of starch by salivary
practical) amylase under different conditions of

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Types of joints - synarthroses, temperature and pH.
amphiarthroses, and diarthroses. (B) Study/ Observation of the following

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Types of diarthroses - ball and socket, (Spotting):
hinge, condyloid, pivot, saddle and gliding 1. Study of specimens and identification with
joints. reasons:
Types of Movement- Ciliary, Flagellar, Bacteria, Amoeba, Oscillatoria, Spirogyra,
Muscular
Mechanism of muscle movement:
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Funaria, Nephrolepis, Cycas, sunflower
Contractile proteins and Muscle and maize.
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contraction. Skeletal and muscular 2. Comparative study of rates of transpiration
disorders – Myasthenia gravis, in upper and lower surface of leaf.
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Osteoporosis, arthritis, muscular dystrophy 3. Study of different modifications of root

tetany and gout. (fusiform root, parasitic root, epiphytic
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root and pneumatophores).

Std. XI - Biology Practicals Syllabus 4. Study of different modifications of stem
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(A) List of experiments: (stem tuber, runner, and tendril).

1. Study of parts of compound microscope. 5. Study of different modifications of leaf
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2. Preparation of T. S. of dicot (sunflower) (leaflet and stipular tendril), leaf Spines,

and monocot roots and stem to study phyllode).
6.. Study of imbibition of seeds/raisins.
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different plant tissues.

3. Study and describe three locally available 7. Study and identification of different types
flowering plants from the families- of inflorescence.
Solanaceae, Fabaceae and Liliaceae with 8. Study of tissues and diversity in shapes
respect to types of root-(tap and and sizes of plant and animal cells-
adventitious), stem (herbaceous and palisade cells, guard cells, parenchyma,
woody), leaf (arrangement, shape, venation, collenchyma, sclerenchyma, xylem,
simple and compound) and floral phloem, squamous epithelium, muscle
characters. fibres, mammalian blood smear, through
temporary or permanent slides.
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9. Observation and comments on material, structure of DNA as given by

experimental set up on: Watson and Crick's model, DNA
a) Phototropism Packaging, semi conservative replication
b) Suction due to transpiration. of eukaryotic DNA.
c) Apical bud removal RNA: General structure, types and
10. Study of specimens and their identification functions.
with reasons – Sycon, Hydra, Pleurobrachia Protein Synthesis; central dogma,
Liverfluke, Ascaris, Leech, Earthworm, Transcription; Translation-Genetic Code,
Prawn, Silkworm, Honey bee , Snail, Gene Expression and Gene Regulation
Star-fish, Balanoglossus, Shark, Rohu, (The Lac operon as a typical model of

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Frog, Lizard, Pigeon and Rat. gene regulation).
11. Study of human skeleton (except skull, Unit 2: Biotechnology and its application:

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hand bones and foot bones) and different Chapter 3 - Biotechnology: Process and
types of joints (synovial, cartilaginous Application :
and fibrous joints with one suitable Genetic engineering (Recombinant DNA
example). technology):
12. Study of external morphology of
earthworm, cockroach and frog through
S Transposons, Plasmids, Bacteriophages;
Producing Restriction Fragments,
models. Preparing and cloning a DNA Library,
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13. Study of mitosis in onion root tips and Gene Amplification (PCR).
animal cells (grasshopper) from Application of Biotechnology in
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permanent slides. Agriculture – BT crops

Biosafety Issues (Biopiracy and patents)
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Std. - XII Biology Unit 3: Biology and Human Welfare :

Chapter 4 - Enhancement in Food
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Section I – BOTANY Production

Unit 1: Genetics and Evolution : Plant Breeding
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Chapter 1 - Genetic Basis of Inheritance: Tissue Culture: Concept of Cellular

Mendelian inheritance. Deviations from Totipotency,
Requirements of Tissue Culture (in brief),
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Mendelian ratio (gene interaction-

incomplete dominance, co-dominance, Callus Culture, Suspension Culture.
multiple alleles and Inheritance of blood Single Cell Protein. Biofortification.
groups), Pleiotropy, Elementary idea of Chapter 5 - Microbes in Human Welfare:
polygenic inheritance. Microbes in Household food processing.
Chapter 2 - Gene: its nature, expression Microbes in Industrial Production.
and regulation: Microbes in Sewage Treatment.
Modern concept of gene in brief-cistron, Microbes in Biogas (energy) Production.
muton and recon. DNA as genetic Microbes as Biocontrol Agents.
Microbes as Biofertilizers.
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Unit 4: Plant Physiology : Special modes-apomixis, parthenocarpy,

Chapter 6 - Photosynthesis polyembryony. Significance of seed and
Autotrophic nutrition fruit formation.
Site of Photosynthesis Unit 6: Ecology and Environment
Photosynthetic Pigments and their role. Chapter 9: Organisms and Environment -I :
Light-Dependent Reactions (Cyclic and Habitat and Niche
non-cyclic photophosphorylation) Ecosystems: Patterns, components,
Light-Independent Reactions (C3 and C4 productivity and decomposition, energy
Pathways) flow; pyramids of number, biomass,
Chemiosmotic hypothesis, Photores- energy; nutrient cycling (carbon and

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piration, Factors affecting Photosynthesis. phosphorous).
Law of limiting factors. Ecological succession, Ecological services-

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Chapter 7 - Respiration carbon fixation, pollination, oxygen
ATP as currency of Energy release. Environmental issues:
Mechanism of Aerobic (Glycolysis, TCA agrochemicals and their effects, solid waste
Cycle and Electron Transport System) management, Green house effect and
and Anaerobic Respiration. Fermentation
Exchange of gases
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deforestation, case studies (any two).
Amphibolic pathway. Respiratory quotient
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of Nutrients. Std. - XII Biology
Significance of Respiration. Section II - ZOOLOGY
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Unit 5: Reproduction in Organisms :

Chapter 8 - Reproduction in Plants Unit 1: Genetics and Evolution :
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Modes of Reproduction (Asexual and Chapter 10 - Origin and the Evolution of

Sexual). Life :
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Asexual reproduction; uniparental modes- Origin of Life: Early Earth, Spontaneous,

vegetative propagation, micropropagation assembly of organic compounds,
Evolution: Darwin’s contribution, Modern
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Sexual Reproduction: structure of flower

Development of male gametophyte, Synthetic Theory of evolution, Biological
Structure of anatropous ovule. Evidences, Mechanism of evolution;
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Development of female Gametophyte. Gene flow and genetic drift;Hardy-

Pollination: Types and Agencies. Weinberg principle; Adaptive radiation.
Outbreeding devices; pollen-pistil Origin and Evolution of Human being.
interaction. Chapter 11 - Chromosomal Basis of
Double Fertilization: Process and Inheritance
Significance. The Chromosomal Theory.
Post-fertilization changes (development of Chromosomes.
endosperm and embryo, development of Linkage and Crossing Over.
seed and formation of fruit) Sex-linked Inheritance (Haemophilia and
colour blindness).
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Sex Determination in Human being, birds, Blood Vessels.

honey bee.Mendelian disorders in Pulmonary and Systemic Circulation.
humans-Thalassemia. Chromosomal Heart beat and Pulse. Rhythmicity of Heart
disorders in human: Down’s syndrome, beat. Cardiac output, Regulation of
Turner’s syndrome and Klinfelter’s cardiac activity.
syndrome. Blood related disorders: Hypertension,
Unit 2: Biotechnology and its application: coronary artery disease, angina pectoris,
Chapter 12- Genetic Engineering and and heart failure.
Genomics ECG, Lymphatic System (Brief idea):
DNA Finger Printing. Composition of lymph and its functions.

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Genomics and Human Genome Project. Chapter 16- Excretion and osmoregulation
Biotechnological Applications in Health: Modes of excretion-Ammonotelism,

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Human insulin and vaccine production, ureotelism, uricotelism.
Gene Therapy. Transgenic animals. Excretory System.
Unit 3: Biology and Human Welfare Composition and formation of urine.
Chapter 13- Human Health and Diseases Role of Kidney in Osmoregulation.
Concepts of Immunology: Immunity Types,
Vaccines,
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angiotensin, atrial natriuretic factor,
Structure of Antibody, Antigen-Antibody ADH and Diabetes inspidus, role of
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Complex, Antigens on blood cells. other organs in excretion.
Pathogens and Parasites (Amoebiasis, Disorders; Kidney failure, Dialysis, Kidney
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Malaria, Filariasis, Ascariasis, Typhoid, stone (renal calculi). Transplantation.

Pneumonia, Common cold and ring worm). Uraemia, nephritis.
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Adolescence, drug and alcohol abuse. Chapter 17- Control and Co-ordination
Cancer and AIDS. Nervous System
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Chapter 14- Animal Husbandry Structure and functions of brain and

Management of Farms and Farm Animals. Spinal cord, brief idea about PNS and
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Dairy. ANS.
Poultry. Transmission of nerve impulse.
Animal Breeding. Reflex action.
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Bee-Keeping. Sensory receptors (eye and ear), Sensory

Fisheries. perception, general idea of other sense
Sericulture organs.
Lac culture Endocrine System
Unit 4: Human Physiology : Endocrine glands
Chapter 15- Circulation Hormones and their functions
Blood composition and coagulation, Blood Mechanism of hormone action.
groups. Hormones as messengers and regulators.
Structure and pumping action of Heart. Hormonal imbalance and diseases:
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Common disorders (Dwarfism,

Acromegaly, cretinism, goiter, Std. XII
exopthalmic goiter, Diabetes mellitus, (Upgraded) Biology Practicals
Addison’s disease) Experiments
Unit 5: Reproduction in Organisms : 1. Dissect the given flower and display
Chapter 18- Human Reproduction different whorls. Dissect anther and ovary
Reproductive system in male and female. to show number of chambers.
Histology of testis and ovary. 2. Study pollen germination on a slide.
Reproductive cycle. 3. Collect and study soil from at least two
Production of gametes, fertilization, different sites and study them for texture,

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implantation. moisture content, pH and water holding
Embryo development up to three germinal capacity of soil. Correlate with the kinds

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layers. of plants found in them.
Pregnancy, placenta, parturition and 4. Study of plant population density and
lactation (Elementary idea). frequency by quadrat method.
Reproductive health-birth control, 5. Prepare a temporary mount of onion root
Contraception and sexually transmitted
diseases.MTP, Amniocentesis; Infertility
S tip to study mitosis.
6. Separation of plant pigments by paper
and assisted reproductive technologies- chromatography.
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IVF, ZIFT, GIFT (elementary idea for 7 A) To study the rate of respiration in
general awareness). flower buds/leaf tissue and
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Unit 6: Ecology and Environment : germinating seeds.

Chapter 19-Organisms and B) Demonstration of anaerobic
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Environment-II : respiration.
Population and ecological adaptations: 8. Study the presence of suspended particulate
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population interactions-mutualism, matter in air at the two widely different

competition, predation, parasitism, Sites.
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population attributes- growth, birth rate 9. Collect water from two different water
and death rate, age distribution. bodies around you and study them for pH,
Biodiversity and its conservation- clarity and presence of any living
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Biodiversity- concept, patterns, importance, organisms.

loss. Threats to and need for biodiversity 10. To test the presence of urea and sugar in
conservation, Hotspots, endangered urine.
organisms,extinction,red data book, 11. To test the presence of albumin and bile
biosphere reserves, national parks and salts in urine.
sanctuaries. Environmental issues: air Study/observation of the following
pollution and its control, water pollution (Spotting):
and its control and radioactive waste 1 Study of flowers adapted to pollination by
management. (Case studies any two) different agencies (wind, insect)
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2. Study of pollen germination on stigma mammal).

through a permanent slide. 8. Study of V.S. of blastula through permanent
3 To Study Mendelian inheritance using slide.
seeds of different colour/size of any plant. 9. To study prepared pedigree charts of
4 Exercise on controlled pollination - genetic traits such as rolling of tongue,
Emasculation, tagging and bagging. Blood groups, widow’s peak, colour
5. Study meiosis in onion bud cell or grass blindness.
hopper testis through permanent slides. 10 To identify common disease causing
6. Study of plants found in xerophytic and organisms like Plasmodium, Entamoeba,
aquatic conditions with respect to their Ascaris and ring worm through permanent

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morphological adaptations.(Two plants slides or specimens. Comment on
each) symptoms of diseases that they cause.

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7. Study and identify stages of gamete 11 Study of animals found in xeric (desert)
development, i.e. T.S. of testis and T.S. and aquatic conditions with respect to
ovary through permanent slides (from any their morphological adaptations. (Two
animals each)
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