360 Chapterwise NEET­AIPMT SOLUTIONS

Chapter

29 Evolution
1. Genetic drift operates in 7. Following are the two statements regarding the
(a) small isolated population origin of life.
(b) large isolated population (A) The earliest organisms that appeared on the
(c) non­reproductive population earth were non­green and presumably
(d) slow reproductive population. anaerobes.
(NEET­II 2016) (B) The first autotrophic organisms were the
chemoautotrophs that never released
2. In Hardy­Weinberg equation, the frequency of
oxygen.
heterozygous individual is represented by
Of the above statements which one of the
(a) p2 (b) 2pq
following options is correct?
(c) pq (d) q2. (a) Both (A) and (B) are correct.
(NEET­II 2016) (b) Both (A) and (B) are false.
3. The chronological order of human evolution (c) (A) is correct but (B) is false.
from early to the recent is (d) (B) is correct but (A) is false.
(a) Australopithecus ® Ramapithecus ® (NEET­I 2016)
Homo habilis ® Homo erectus 8. The wings of a bird and the wings of an insect
(b) Ramapithecus ® Australopithecus ® are
Homo habilis ® Homo erectus (a) phylogenetic structures and represent
(c) Ramapithecus ® Homo habilis ® divergent evolution
Australopithecus ® Homo erectus (b) homologous structures and represent
(d) Australopithecus ® Homo habilis ® convergent evolution
Ramapithecus ® Homo erectus (c) homologous structures and represent
(NEET­II 2016) divergent evolution
(d) analogous structures and represent
4. Which of the following is the correct sequence convergent evolution. (2015)
of events in the origin of life?
I. Formation of protobionts 9. Industrial melanism is an example of
II. Synthesis of organic monomers (a) mutation (b) Neo­Lamarckism
III. Synthesis of organic polymers (c) Neo­Darwinism (d) natural selection.
IV. Formation of DNA­based genetic systems (2015)
(a) I, II, III, IV (b) I, III, II, IV 10. A population will not exist in Hardy­Weinberg
(c) II, III, I, IV equilibrium if
(d) II, III, IV, I (NEET­II 2016) (a) there is no migration
5. Which of the following structures is homologus (b) the population is large
to the wing of a bird? (c) individuals mate selectively
(a) Hindlimb of rabbit (d) there are no mutations. (2015 Cancelled)
(b) Flipper of whale 11. Which is the most common mechanism of genetic
(c) Dorsal fin of a shark variation in the population of a sexually
(d) Wing of a moth (NEET­I 2016) reproducing organism?
6. Analogous structures are a result of (a) Genetic drift
(a) shared ancestry (b) Recombination
(b) stabilising selection (c) Transduction
(c) divergent evolution (d) Chromosomal aberrations
(d) convergent evolution. (NEET­I 2016) (2015 Cancelled)
Evolution 361

12. Which of the following had the smallest brain (a) non­random evolution
capacity? (b) adaptive radiation
(a) Homo neanderthalensis (c) natural selection
(b) Homo habilis (d) convergent evolution. (NEET 2013)
(c) Homo erectus
20. The eye of octopus and eye of cat show different
(d) Homo sapiens (2015 Cancelled)
patterns of structure, yet they perform similar
13. In a population of 1000 individuals 360 belong function. This is an example of
to genotype AA, 480 to Aa and the remaining (a) analogous organs that have evolved due to
160 to aa. Based on this data, the frequency of convergent evolution.
allele A in the population is (b) analogous organs that have evolved due to
(a) 0.4 (b) 0.5 divergent evolution.
(c) 0.6 (d) 0.7. (2014) (c) homologous organs that have evolved due
14. Forelimbs of cat, lizard used in walking; forelimbs to convergent evolution.
of whale used in swimming and forelimbs of bats (d) homologous organs that have evolved due
used in flying are an example of to divergent evolution. (NEET 2013)
(a) analogous organs 21. Random unidirectional change in allele
(b) adaptive radiation frequencies that occurs by chance in all
(c) homologous organs populations and especially in small populations
(d) convergent evolution. (2014) is known as
15. Which one of the following are analogous (a) migration (b) natural selection
structures? (c) genetic drift (d) mutation.
(a) Wings of bat and wings of pigeon (Karnataka NEET 2013)
(b) Gills of prawn and lungs of man 22. Genetic variation in a population arises due to
(c) Thorns of Bougainvillea and tendrils of (a) recombination only
Cucurbita (b) mutation as well as recombination
(d) Flippers of dolphin and legs of horse (c) reproductive isolation and selection
(2014) (d) mutations only.
16. According to Darwin, the organic evolution is due (Karnataka NEET 2013)
to
23. Dinosaurs dominated the world in which of the
(a) competition within closely related species
following geological eras?
(b) reduced feeding efficiency in one species due
(a) Cenozoic (b) Jurassic
to the presence of interfering species
(c) Mesozoic (d) Devonian
(c) intraspecific competition
(d) interspecific competition. (NEET 2013) (Karnataka NEET 2013)
24. The finch species of Galapagos islands are
17. The tendency of population to remain in genetic grouped according to their food sources. Which
equilibrium may be disturbed by of the following is not a finch food?
(a) lack of mutations (a) Carrion (b) Insects
(b) lack of random mating
(c) Tree buds (d) Seeds
(c) random mating
(Karnataka NEET 2013)
(d) lack of migration. (NEET 2013)
25. Evolution of different species in a given area
18. Variation in gene frequencies within populations starting from a point and spreading to other
can occur by chance rather than by natural geographical areas is known as
selection. This is referred to as (a) adaptive radiation
(a) random mating (b) genetic load (b) natural selection
(c) genetic flow (d) genetic drift. (c) migration
(NEET 2013) (d) divergent evolution. (2012)
19. The process by which organisms with different
26. Which one of the following options gives one
evolutionary history evolve similar phenotypic
correct example each of convergent evolution and
adaptations in response to a common
divergent evolution?
environmental challenge, is called
362 Chapterwise NEET­AIPMT SOLUTIONS

Convergent Divergent (B) Miller showed that CH4, H2, NH3 and (i)
evolution evolution when exposed to electric discharge in a flask
(a) Eyes of octopus Bones of forelimbs resulted in formation of (ii) .
of mammals and (C) Vermiform appendix is a (i) organ and an
vertebrates (ii) evidence of evolution.
(b) Thorns of Bougainvillea Wings of (D) According to Darwin evolution took place
and tendrils of butterflies due to (i) and (ii) of the fittest.
Cucurbita and bird (a) (D) – (i) small variations, (ii) survival,
(c) Bones of forelimbs Wings of butterfly (A) – (i) convergent
of vertebrates and birds (b) (A) – (i) convergent,
(d) Thorns of Bougainvillea Eyes of octopus (B) – (i) oxygen, (ii) nucleosides
and tendrils of and mammals (c) (B) – (i) water vapour, (ii) amino acids
Cucurbita (2012) (C) – (i) rudimentary, (ii) anatomical
27. What was the most significant trend in the (d) (C) – (i) vestigial, (ii) anatomical
evolution of modern man (Homo sapiens) from (D) – (i) mutations, (ii) multiplication
his ancestors? (Mains 2010)
(a) Shortening of jaws 32. The most apparent change during the
(b) Binocular vision evolutionary history of Homo sapiens is traced
(c) Increasing cranial capacity in
(d) Upright posture (2012, 2011) (a) loss of body hair
28. The extinct human who lived 1,00,000 to 40,000 (b) walking upright
years ago, in Europe, Asia and parts of Africa, (c) shortening of the jaws
with short stature, heavy eye brows, retreating (d) remarkable increase in the brain size
fore heads, large jaws with heavy teeth, stocky (Mains 2010)
bodies, a lumbering gait and stooped posture was 33. Peripatus is a connecting link between
(a) Homo habilis (a) mollusca and echinodermata
(b) Neanderthal human (b) annelida and arthropoda
(c) Cro­magnon human (c) coelenterata and porifera
(d) Ramapithecus. (2012) (d) ctenophora and platyhelminthes.
29. The idea of mutations was brought forth by (2009)
(a) Hugo de Vries who worked on evening 34. In the case of peppered moth (Biston betularia)
primrose the black­coloured form became dominant over
(b) Gregor Mendel who worked on Pisum the light­coloured form in England during
sativum industrial revolution. This is an example of
(c) Hardy Weinberg who worked on allele (a) appearance of the darker coloured
frequencies in a population individuals due to very poor sunlight
(d) Charles Darwin who observed a wide variety (b) protective mimicry
of organisms during sea voyage. (c) inheritance of darker colour character
(Mains 2012) acquired due to the darker environment
30. Darwin’s finches are a good example of (d) natural selection whereby the darker forms
(a) industrial melanism were selected. (2009)
(b) connecting link 35. Which one of the following scientist’s name is
(c) adaptive radiation correctly matched with the theory put forth by
(d) convergent evolution. him?
(2010, 2008) (a) De Vries ­ Natural selection
31. Given below are four statements (A­D) each with (b) Mendel ­ Theory of Pangenesis
one or two blanks. Select the option which (c) Weismann ­ Theory of continuity of
correctly fills up the blanks in two statements. germplasm
Statements: (d) Pasteur ­ Inheritance of acquired
(A) Wings of butterfly and birds look alike and characters
are the results of (i) evolution. (2008)
Evolution 363

36. Which one of the following is incorrect about 43. An important evidence in favour of organic
the characteristics of protobionts (coacervates evolution is the occurrence of
and microspheres) as envisaged in the abiogenic (a) homologous and analogous organs
origin of life? (b) homologous and vestigial organs
(a) They were partially isolated from the (c) analogous and vestigial organs
surroundings. (d) homologous organs only. (2006)
(b) They could maintain an internal environment 44. Which of the following amino acids was not
(c) They were able to reproduce. found to be synthesized in Millers’s experiment?
(d) They could separate combinations of (a) Alanine (b) Glycine
molecules from the surroundings. (2008) (c) Aspartic acid (d) Glutamic acid
37. Thorn of Bougainvillea and tendril of Cucurbita (2006)
are examples of 45. Jurassic period of the mesozoic era is
(a) vestigial organs characterised by
(b) retrogressive evolution (a) flowering plants and first dinosaurs appear
(c) analogous organs (b) gymnosperms are dominant plants and first
(d) homologous organs. (2008) birds appear
38. Which one of the following statements is correct? (c) radiation of reptiles and origin of mammal
(a) There is no evidence of the existence of gills like reptiles
during embryogenesis of mammals. (d) dinosaurs become extinct and angiosperms
(b) All plant and animal cells are totipotent. appear. (2006)
(c) Ontogeny repeats phylogeny. 46. Praying mantis is a good example of
(d) Stem cells are specialized cells. (2007) (a) camouflage
39. The concept of chemical evolution is based on (b) mullerian mimicry
(a) interaction of water, air and clay under (c) warning colouration
intense heat (d) social insects. (2006)
(b) effect of solar radiation on chemicals 47. Which one of the following experiments suggests
(c) possible origin of life by combination of that simplest living organisms could not have
chemicals under suitable environmental originated spontaneously from non­living matter?
conditions (a) Larvae could appear in decaying organic
(d) crystallization of chemicals. (2007) matter.
40. The Finches of Galapagos islands provide an (b) Microbes did not appear in stored meat.
evidence in favour of (c) Microbes appeared from unsterilized organic
(a) evolution due to mutation matter.
(b) retrogressive evolution (d) Meat was not spoiled, when heated and kept
(c) biogeographical evolution sealed in a vessel. (2005)
(d) special creation. (2007) 48. De Vries gave his mutation theory on organic
41. When two species of different genealogy come evolution while working on
to resemble each other as a result of adaptation, (a) Pisum sativum
the phenomenon is termed (b) Drosophila melanogaster
(a) microevolution (c) Oenothera lamarckiana
(b) co­evolution (d) Althea rosea. (2005)
(c) convergent evolution 49. There are two opposing views about origin of
(d) divergent evolution. (2007) modern man. According to one view Homo
42. Adaptive radiation refers to erectus in Asia were the ancestors of modern man.
(a) evolution of different species from a A study of variation of DNA however suggested
common ancestor African origin of modern man. What kind of
(b) migration of members of a species to observation on DNA variation could suggest this?
different geographical areas (a) Greater variation in Asia than in Africa
(c) power of adaptation in an individual to a (b) Greater variation in Africa than in Asia
variety of environments (c) Similar variation in Africa and Asia
(d) adaptations due to geographical isolation. (d) Variation only in Asia and no variation in
(2007) Africa (2005)
364 Chapterwise NEET­AIPMT SOLUTIONS

50. Which one of the following phenomena supports 56. Which one of the following is a living fossil?
Darwin’s concept of natural selection in organic (a) Cycas (b) Moss
evolution? (c) Saccharomyces (d) Spirogyra
(a) Development of transgenic animals (2004)
(b) Production of ‘Dolly’, the sheep by cloning 57. According to Oparin, which one of the following
(c) Prevalence of pesticide resistant insects was not present in the primitive atmosphere of
(d) Development of organs from ‘stem cells’ for the earth?
organ transplantation (2005) (a) Methane (b) Oxygen
51. Which of the following is the relatively most (c) Hydrogen (d) Water vapour
accurate method for dating of fossils? (2004)
(a) Radio­carbon method 58. Diversification in plant life appeared
(b) Potassium­argon method (a) due to long periods of evolutionary changes
(c) Electron­spin resonance method (b) due to abrupt mutations
(d) Uranium­lead method (2005) (c) suddenly on earth
52. At a particular locus, frequency of A allele is 0.6 (d) by seed dispersal. (2004)
and that of a is 0.4. What would be the frequency 59. Convergent evolution is illustrated by
of heterozygotes in a random mating population (a) rat and dog
at equilibrium? (b) bacterium and protozoan
(a) 0.36 (b) 0.16 (c) starfish and cuttle fish
(c) 0.24 (d) 0.48 (2005) (d) dogfish and whale. (2003)
53. Which of the following is not true for a species? 60. Which one of the following sequences was
(a) Members of a species can interbreed. proposed by Darwin and Wallace for organic
(b) Gene flow does not occur between the evolution ?
populations of a species. (a) Overproduction, variations, constancy of
(c) Each species is reproductively isolated from population size, natural selection
every other species. (b) Variations, constancy of population size,
(d) Variations occur among members of a overproduction, natural selection
species. (2005) (c) Overproduction, constancy of population
size, variations, natural selection
54. Age of fossils in the past was generally
(d) Variations, natural selection, overproduction,
determined by radio­carbon method and other constancy of population size
methods involve radioactive elements found in (2003)
the rocks. More precise methods, which were
used recently and led to the revision of the 61. Random genetic drift in a population probably
evolutionary periods for different groups of results from
organisms, includes (a) highly genetically variable individuals
(a) study of carbohydrates/proteins in fossils (b) interbreeding within this population
(b) study of the conditions of fossilization (c) constant low mutation rate
(c) electron spin resonance (ESR) and fossil (d) large population size. (2003)
DNA 62. Industrial melanism is an example of
(d) study of carbohydrates / proteins in rocks. (a) drug resistance
(2004) (b) darkening of skin due to smoke from
industries
55. What kind of evidence suggested that man is
(c) protective resemblance with the
more closely related with chimpanzee than with
surroundings
other hominoid apes?
(d) defensive adaptation of skin against
(a) Evidence from DNA extracted from sex
ultraviolet radiations. (2003)
chromosomes only
(b) Comparison of chromosomes morphology 63. In a random mating population in equilibrium,
only which one of the following brings about a change
(c) Evidence from fossil remains, and the fossil in gene frequency in a non­directional manner ?
mitochondrial DNA alone (a) Mutations (b) Random drift
(d) Evidence from DNA extracted from sex (c) Selection (d) Migration
chromosomes, autosomes. (2004) (2003)
Evolution 365

64. Darwin in his “Natural Selection Theory” did not 72. According to fossils discovered up to present time
believe in any role of which one of the following origin and evolution of man started from
in organic evolution ? (a) France (b) Java
(a) Parasites and predators as natural enemies (c) Africa (d) China.
(b) Survival of the fittest (2002)
(c) Struggle for existence 73. In which condition, the gene ratio remains
(d) Discontinuous variations (2003) constant for any species population ?
65. Which one of the following describes correctly (a) Sexual selection (b) Random mating
the homologous structures ? (c) Mutation (d) Gene flow
(a) Organs with anatomical similarities, but (2002)
performing different functions 74. Sequence of which of the following is used to
(b) Organs with anatomical dissimilarities, but know the phylogeny?
performing same function (a) mRNA (b) rRNA
(c) Organs that have no function now, but had (c) tRNA (d) DNA (2002)
an important function in ancestor
75. In which era reptiles were dominant ?
(d) Organs appearing only in embryonic stage
(a) Coenozoic era (b) Mesozoic era
and disappearing later in the adult
(c) Palaeozoic era (d) Archaeozoic era
(2003)
(2002)
66. Which one of the following is categorised under
76. Which statement is correct about centre of origin
living fossils ?
of plant?
(a) Pinus (b) Cycas
(a) More diversity in improved variety
(c) Selaginella (d) Metasequoia
(b) Frequency of dominant gene is more
(2003)
(c) Climatic condition more favourable
67. Cause of mimicry is (d) None of the above (2001)
(a) concealment (b) offence
77. Half life period of C14 is
(c) defence (d) both (b) and (c).
(a) 500 years (b) 5000 years
(2002)
(c) 50 years (d) 5 × 104 years.
68. Which of the following is most important for (2001)
speciation ?
78. Most abundant organic compound on earth is
(a) Seasonal isolation (a) protein (b) cellulose
(b) Reproductive isolation
(c) lipids (d) steroids.
(c) Behavioural isolation (2001)
(d) Tropical isolation (2002)
79. Similarities in organism with different genotype
69. Which of the following are homologous organs? indicates
(a) Wings of birds and locust (a) microevolution
(b) Wings of birds and pectoral fins of fish (b) macroevolution
(c) Wings of bat and butterfly (c) convergent evolution
(d) Legs of frog and cockroach (2002) (d) divergent evolution. (2001)
70. Genetic drift operates in 80. Reason of diversity in living being is
(a) small isolated population (a) mutation
(b) large isolated population (b) long term evolutionary change
(c) fast reproductive population (c) gradual change
(d) slow reproductive population. (d) short term evolutionary change.
(2002) (2001)
71. There is no life on moon due to the absence of 81. Which of the following is closest relative of man?
(a) O2 (b) water (a) Chimpanzee (b) Gorilla
(c) light (d) temperature. (c) Orangutan (d) Gibbon
(2002) (2001)
366 Chapterwise NEET­AIPMT SOLUTIONS

82. Which of the following is correct order of the 90. Which evidence of evolution is related to
evolutionary history of man? Darwin’s finches?
(a) Peking man, homo sapiens, Neanderthal (a) Evidences from biogeographical distribution
man, Cromagnon man (b) Evidences from comparative anatomy
(b) Peking man, Heidelberg man, Neanderthal (c) Evidences from embryology
man, Cromagnon man (d) Evidences from paleontology (2000)
(c) Peking man, Heidelberg man, Neanderthal 91. Who is directly related to man?
man, Cromagnon man (a) Gorilla (b) Rhesus
(d) Peking man, Neanderthal man, Homo (c) Gibbon (d) Orangutan
sapiens, Heidelberg man (2000)
(2001)
92. Which is the most important factor for continuity
83. 1st life on earth was of a species from evolutionary point of view?
(a) cyanobacteria (b) chemoheterotrophs (a) Replication of genetic material
(c) autotrophs (d) photoautotrophs. (b) Formation of gametes
(2001) (c) Synthesis of proteins
(d) None of these (2000)
84. Forthcoming generation are less adaptive than the
parental generation due to 93. Phenomenon of ‘Industrial melanism’
(a) natural selection (b) mutation demonstrates
(c) genetic drift (d) adaptation. (a) geographical isolation
(2001) (b) reproductive isolation
(c) natural selection
85. Occurrence of endemic species in South America (d) induced mutation. (1999)
and Australia is due to
(a) these species has been extinct from other 94. Which of the following are homologous organs?
regions (a) Wings of bird and hands of human
(b) continental separation (b) Nails of human being and claws in animals
(c) there is no terrestrial route to these places (c) Wings of bird and wings of insect
(d) retrogressive evolution. (2001) (d) Wings of bat and wings of cockroach
(1999)
86. Darwin’s theory of pangenesis shows similarity
95. In the developmental history of mammalian heart,
with theory of inheritance of acquired characters
it is observed that it passes through a two
then what shall be correct according to it?
chambered fish like heart, three chambered frog
(a) Useful organs becomes strong and developed
like heart and finally four chambered stage. To
while useless organs become extinct.
which hypothesis can this above cited statement
(b) Size of organs increase with aging.
be approximated?
(c) Development of organs is due to will power. (a) Lamarck’s principle
(d) There should be some physical basis of (b) Mendalian principles
inheritance. (2001) (c) Biogenetic law
87. Which is not a vestigial organ in man? (d) Hardy­Weinberg law (1998)
(a) Third molar
96. The age of the fossil of Dryopithecus on the
(b) Nails geological time scale is
(c) Segmental muscles of abdomen (a) 2.5 × 106 years back
(d) Coccyx (2000) (b) 50 × 106 years back
88. Homo sapiens have evolved in (c) 75 × 106 years back
(a) palaeocene (b) pleistocene (d) 25 × 106 years back. (1998)
(c) oligocene (d) holocene.
97. Which one of the following statements is correct?
(2000) (a) Australopithecus is the real ancestor of modern
89. Character which is closely related to human man.
evolution is (b) Neanderthal man is the direct ancestor of
(a) disappearance of tail Homo sapiens.
(b) reduction in size of jaws (c) Homo erectus is the ancestor of man.
(c) binocular vision (d) Cro­magnon man’s fossil has been found in
(d) flat nails. (2000) Ethiopia. (1998)
Evolution 367

98. Species occurring in different geographical area (a) Cope’s Law (b) Dollo’s Law
are called as (c) Allen’s Law (d) Bergamann’s Law.
(a) sympatric (b) allopatric (1996)
(c) sibling (d) neopatric. 106. Which of the following changes for man in the
(1998)
course of evolution is probably useless?
99. The diversity in the type of beaks of finches (a) Development of being erect
adapted to different feeding habits on the (b) Development of cranial capacity
Galapagos Islands, as observed by Darwin, (c) Loss of tail
provides evidence for (d) Development of opposable thumb (1996)
(a) intraspecific competition
(b) interspecific competition 107. Which of the following is the direct ancestor of
(c) origin of species by natural selection Homo sapiens?
(d) intraspecific variations. (1998) (a) Australopithecus
100. Genetic drift operates only in (b) H. sapiens neanderthals
(a) larger populations (c) Homo erectus
(b) Mendelian populations (d) Homo sapiens fossilis (1996)
(c) island populations 108. Which of the following is the correct group of
(d) smaller populations. (1998) vestigial organs in man?
101. Which of the following statements is correct (a) Nictitating membrane, ear muscles, eyelids
regarding evolution of mankind? and coccyx
(a) Homo erectus is preceded by Homo habilis. (b) Appendix, coccyx, ear muscles and elbow
(b) Neanderthal man and cro­magnon man were joint
living at the same time. (c) Wisdom tooth, coccyx, body hair and ear
(c) Australopithecus was living in Australia. muscles
(d) None of these (1997) (d) Wisdom tooth, body hairs, nictitating
102. Common origin of man and chimpanzee is membrane and vermiform appendix
best shown by (1996)
(a) binocular vision
109. Which of the following is an example of ‘living
(b) chromosome number
fossils’?
(c) dental formula
(d) cranial capacity. (1997) (a) Pinus (b) Riccia
(c) Gnetum (d) Ginkgo. (1996)
103. Which of the following is a living fossil?
(a) Mirabilis jalapa (b) Ginkgo biloba 110. The correct sequence for the manufacture of
(c) Pinus longifolia (d) Dalbergia sissoo molecules/organic compounds on the primitive
(1997) earth is
104. Evolutionary convergence is characterized by (a) NH3, nucleic acid, protein and carbohydrate
(a) development of dissimilar characteristics in (b) protein, carbohydrate, water and nucleic
closely related groups acid
(b) development of a common set of (c) NH3, protein, carbohydrate and nucleic acid
characteristics in groups of different (d) NH3, water, nucleic acid and protein.
ancestry (1996)
(c) development of characteristics by random 111. The first domesticated animal by primitive man
mating was
(d) replacement of common characteristics in (a) cat (b) cow
different groups.
(c) dog (d) horse. (1996)
(1997)
112. Which of the following isotopes is most
105. The animals of cold countries have relatively
shorter and poorly developed ears, eyes, hairs dangerous to Homo sapiens?
and other phenotypic characters. This is known (a) Phosphorus­32 (b) Strontium­90
by which law? (c) Caesium­137 (d) Iodine­131 (1995)
368 Chapterwise NEET­AIPMT SOLUTIONS

113. The change of the lighter­coloured variety of 121. Which of the following is a pair of homologous
peppered moth (Biston betularia) to its darker organs?
variety (Biston carbonaria) is due to (a) Pectoral fin of rohu and fore­limb of horse
(a) mutation (b) Wings of grasshopper and wings of crow
(b) regeneration (c) Lungs of rabbit and gills of rohu
(c) genetic isolation (d) Wings of bat and wings of butterfly(1994)
(d) temporal isolation. (1995) 122. The process of mating of individuals, which are
114. The homologous organs are those that show more closely related than the average of the
similarity in population to which they belong, is called
(a) appearance (b) function (a) heterosis (b) self breeding
(c) origin (d) size. (1995) (c) inbreeding (d) hybridization.
115. Which period is dubbed as the age of prokaryotic (1994)
microbes? 123. Evolutionary convergence is development of
(a) Precambrian (b) Phanerozoic (a) common set of characters in group of
(c) Archean (d) Proterozoic different ancestry
(1995) (b) dissimilar characters in closely related
116. The presence of gill slits, in the embryos of all groups
vertebrates, supports the theory of (c) common set of characters in closely related
(a) metamorphosis (b) biogenesis groups
(c) organic evolution (d) recapitulation. (d) random mating. (1993)
(1995) 124. Weismann cut off tails of mice generation after
117. Two zoogeographical regions, separated by high generation but tails neither disappeared nor
mountain ranges, are shortened showing that
(a) Nearctic and Palaearctic (a) Darwin was correct
(b) Neotropical and Ethiopian (b) tail is an essential organ
(c) Oriental and Australian (c) mutation theory is wrong
(d) Palaearctic and Oriental. (1995) (d) lamarckism was wrong in inheritance of
acquired characters. (1993)
118. Which one of the following changes involved
is irrelevant, in the evolution of man? 125. Theory of Natural Selection dwells on
(a) Perfection of hand for tool making (a) role of environment in evolution
(b) Change of diet from hard nuts and hard roots (b) natural selection acting on favourable
to soft food variations
(c) Loss of tail (c) changes in gene complex resulting in
(d) Increase in the ability to communicate with heritable variations
others and develop community behaviour (d) none of the above. (1993)
(1994) 126. Genetic drift is change of
119. Which of the following evidences does not (a) gene frequency in same generation
favour the Lamarckian concept of inheritance (b) appearance of recessive genes
of acquired characters? (c) gene frequency from one generation to next
(a) Lack of pigment in cave­dwelling animals (d) none of the above. (1993)
(b) Melanization in peppered moth
127. The first organisms were
(c) Absence of limbs in snakes
(a) chemoautotrophs
(d) Presence of webbed toes in aquatic birds
(b) chemoheterotrophs
(1994)
(c) autotrophs
120. The earliest fossil form, in the phylogeny of (d) eukaryotes. (1992)
horse, is
128. Which was absent in the atmosphere at the time
(a) Equus (b) Mesohippus
of origin of life?
(c) Eohippus (d) Merychippus.
(a) NH3 (b) H2
(1994)
(c) O2 (d) CH4 (1991)
Evolution 369

129. Correct order is 133. Evolution is

(a) Palaeozoic ® archaeozoic ® coenozoic (a) progressive development of a race
(b) Archaeozoic ® palaeozoic ® proterozoic (b) history and development of race along with
(c) Palaeozoic ® mesozoic ® coenozoic variations
(d) Mesozoic ® archaeozoic ® proterozoic (c) history of race
(1991) (d) development of race. (1989)
130. Study of fossils is 134. “Continuity of germplasm” theory was given by
(a) palaeontology (b) herpetology (a) De Vries (b) Weismann
(c) saurology (d) organic evolution. (c) Darwin (d) Lamarck. (1989)
(1991)
135. Theory of inheritance of acquired characters was
131. Parallelism is given by
(a) adaptive divergence (a) Wallace (b) Lamarck
(b) adaptive divergence of widely separated (c) Darwin (d) De Vries. (1989)
species
(c) adaptive convergence of widely different 136. ‘Origin of Species’ was written by
species (a) Oparin (b) Weismann
(d) adaptive convergence of closely related (c) Lamarck (d) Darwin. (1989)
groups. (1990) 137. Humming birds and Hawk illustrate
132. Basic principles of embryonic development were (a) convergent evolution
pronounced by (b) homology
(a) von Baer (b) Weismann (c) adaptive radiation
(c) Haeckel (d) Morgan. (1990) (d) parallel evolution. (1988)

Answer Key
1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (c) 5. (b) 6. (d) 7. (a) 8. (d) 9. (d) 10. (c)
11. (b) 12. (b) 13. (c) 14. (c) 15. (a,b) 16. (c) 17. (b) 18. (d) 19. (d) 20. (a)
21. (c) 22. (b) 23. (b) 24. (a) 25. (a) 26. (a) 27. (c) 28. (b) 29. (a) 30. (c)
31. (a) 32. (d) 33. (b) 34. (d) 35. (c) 36. (c) 37. (d) 38. (c) 39. (c) 40. (c)
41. (c) 42. (a) 43. (b) 44. (d) 45. (b) 46. (a) 47. (d) 48. (c) 49. (b) 50. (c)
51. (c) 52. (d) 53. (b) 54. (c) 55. (d) 56. (a) 57. (b) 58. (a) 59. (d) 60. (c)
61. (b) 62. (c) 63. (b) 64. (d) 65. (a) 66. (b) 67. (d) 68. (b) 69. (b) 70. (a)
71. (b) 72. (c) 73. (b) 74. (b) 75. (b) 76. (a) 77. (b) 78. (b) 79. (c) 80. (b)
81. (a) 82. (c) 83. (b) 84. (b) 85. (b) 86. (d) 87. (b) 88. (d) 89. (a) 90. (a)
91. (a) 92. (a) 93. (c) 94. (a) 95. (c) 96. (a) 97. (c) 98. (b) 99. (c) 100. (d)
101. (a) 102. (d) 103. (b) 104. (b) 105. (c) 106. (c) 107. (d) 108. (d) 109. (d) 110. (d)
111. (c) 112. (b) 113. (a) 114. (c) 115. (a) 116. (d) 117. (d) 118. (b) 119. (b) 120. (c)
121. (a) 122. (c) 123. (a) 124. (d) 125. (c) 126. (d) 127. (b) 128. (c) 129. (c) 130. (a)
131. (d) 132. (a) 133. (b) 134. (b) 135. (b) 136. (d) 137. (c)
370 Chapterwise NEET­AIPMT SOLUTIONS

1. (a) : The random changes in gene frequencies in determines the relative share of different genotypes
a population occurring by chance alone rather than which individuals possess and propagate in a
by natural selection are called genetic drift or Sewall population. Industrial melanism supports evolution
wright effect. The effects of genetic drift are most by natural selection. It is an adaptation where the
marked in very small isolated population, although it moths living in the industrial areas developed melanin
occurs in all populations. pigments to match their bodies to the tree trunks.
2. (b) : In a stable population, for a gene with two 10. (c) : Hardy­Weinberg law states that allele
alleles, ‘A’ (dominant) and ‘a’ (recessive), if the frequencies in a population are stable and remain
frequency of ‘A’ is p and the frequency of ‘a’ is q, constant from generation to generation when there is
then the frequencies of the three possible genotypes random and non­selective mating. In case of lack of
(AA, Aa and aa) can be expressed by the Hardy­ random mating, genetic equilibrium may be disturbed.
Weinberg equation: 11. (b) : The genetic variations exist due to
p2 + 2pq + q2 = 1 reshuffling of genes caused by recombinations or by
where p2 = Frequency of AA (homozygous mutations. The recombinations are produced by the
dominant) individuals routine reshuffling of genes during independent
q2 = Frequency of aa (homozygous assortment of chromosomes, reciprocal crossing of
recessive) individuals genes during crossing over and random fertilization
2pq = Frequency of Aa (heterozygous) of gametes.
individuals
12. (b) : The brain capacity gradually increased from
3. (b) 4. (c) early human ancestors to modern man. Homo habilis
5. (b) : Homologous organs have same fundamental had 650 ­ 800cc brain capacity which increased
structure but different function. The wing of a bird around 900cc in Homo erectus. The Neanderthal man
and flipper of a whale are structurally forelimbs, (Homo neanderthalensis) had 1400cc brain capacity
which consist of humerus, radio­ulna, carpals, which evolved to around 1450cc in Homo sapiens.
metacarpals and digits but they perform different 13. (c) : According to Hardy Weinberg principle
function. The wings of birds help them to fly while
p2 + 2pq + q2 = 1; (p + q)2 = 1
flipper helps the whale to swim.
(AA) p2 = 360 out of 1000 individual
6. (d) : The organs which have similar functions but
or p2 = 0.36
are different in their structural details and origin are
called analogous organs. The analogous structures are Therefore, p = 0.6.
the result of convergent evolution. 14. (c) : The organs which have the same
7. (a) fundamental structure but are different in functions
are called homologous organs. These organs follow
8. (d) : Analogous organs are the organs which have the same basic plan of organisation during their
similar function but are different in their structural development. But in the adult condition, these organs
details and origin. The analogous structures are the are modified to perform different functions as an
result of convergent evolution. The wings of an insect adaptation to different environments. The fore­limbs
are analogous to wings of a bird because the basic of cat, lizard, whale and bat have the same basic
structure of the wings of the insects is different from structural plan. In each case the fore­limb consists of
the wings of bird. However, their function is similar. humerus, radio­ulna, carpals, metacarpals and digits.
9. (d) : Natural selection is the most widely accepted The skeletal parts of the fore­limbs of all these
theory concerning the principal causal mechanism of vertebrates are similar in structure and arrangement.
evolutionary change profounded by Charles Darwin But the fore­limbs of these animals have different
and Alfred Russel Wallace. It results from the shapes and functions. In lizard they are used for
differential reproduction (some members of a walking, in cat for running, in whale for swimming
population produce abundant offspring, some only a and in bat for flying.
few and still others none), one phenotype as compared 15. (a, b) : The organs which have similar functions
with other phenotypes in the same population. This but are different in their structural details and origin
Evolution 371

are called analogous organs. The wings of bat are genes during crossing over and random fertilization
analogous to wings of pigeon. It is due to the fact of gametes. Mutation is the sudden inheritable
that the basic structure of the wings of the mammal discontinuous variation which appears in an organism
is different from the wings of bird. However, their due to permanent changes in its genotype. Mutation
function is similar. Similarly, gills of prawn and lungs can occur at any stage during the development.
of man, both are respiratory organs yet they have Mutations are heritable changes, that is, if they appear
very different basic structure. in somatic cells they are inherited to daughter cells
16. (c) : Intraspecific competition leads to evolution. by mitosis but if they appear in gamete cells they are
Variations arise naturally in a growing population due inherited to the offsprings. The former are known as
to crossing over etc. Organisms with variations better somatic mutations and latter as germ mutations. They
suited to their environment are favoured by natural bring about a change in the genetic message and cause
selection, while less fitted ones are eliminated. variation.
Gradually this continued process of natural selection 23. (b) : Dinosaurs dominated in Jurassic period of
leads to evolution. Interspecfic struggle also plays a mesozoic era and were extinct by cretaceous period.
role in evolution but intraspecific struggle is more
24. (a) : Darwin’s finches show adaptive radiation.
intense and prominent one.
This radiation occurred in response to various food
17. (b) : Hardy­Weinberg law states that allele resources available. These finches feed on insects,
frequencies in a population are stable and remain tree buds, seeds, cactus etc. Carrion are dead bodies
constant from generation to generation when there is and no finches feed on them.
random and non­selective mating. In case of lack of
random mating, genetic equilibrium may be disturbed. 25. (a) : Adaptive radiation (divergent evolution) is
the evolution from one species of animals or plants
18. (d) : Genetic drift (Sewall Wright effect) is the
random change in the frequency of alleles in a of a number of different forms. As the original
population over successive generations in the population increases in size it spreads out from its
gametes. Each new generation differs from its parental centre of origin to exploit new habitats and food
generation with regard to allele frequencies simply sources. In time, this results in a number of
because of random variation in the distribution of populations each adapted to its particular habitat,
gametes. This process is more rapid in smaller eventually these populations will differ from each
populations, or when the alleles concerned confer no other sufficiently to become new species.
apparent benefit compared to their counterparts. 26. (a) : Development of similar adaptive functional
19. (d) : Convergent evolution is the development of structures in unrelated groups of organisms is called
superficially similar structures in unrelated organisms, convergent evolution. It shows analogy. Examples are
usually because the organisms live in the same kind wings of butterfly and birds, eye of the octopus and
of environment. Examples are the wings of insects the mammals, flippers of penguins & dolphins, etc.
and birds and the streamlined bodies of whales and On the other hand, divergent evolution involves
fish. One can say that it is the similar habitat that has development of different functional structures along
resulted in selection of similar adaptive features in different directions due to adaptations to different
different groups of organisms but toward the same needs from a common ancestral form. For example,
function. An example of convergent evolution is the forelimbs of vertebrates (whales, bat, cheetah,
similar nature of the flight/wings of insects, birds, human). Though these perform different functions,
pteridosaurs, and bats. All four serve the same they have similar anatomical structures.
function and are similar instructure, but each evolved
27. (c) : Binocular vision, smaller jaw and upright
independently. Some species of the lens of eyes also
posture are the main adaptations that led to evolution of
evolved independently in various animals.
man from its ancestors. But, during human evolution
20. (a) major and most significant changes occurred in the
21. (c) : Refer to answer 18. cranial capacity of man. In living modern man it is about
22. (b) : The genetic variations exist due to 1450 cc compared to 500 cc in Australopithecus.
reshuffling of genes caused by recombinations or by Increased cranial capacity accommodates larger brain
mutations. The recombinations are produced by the and forms the basis of social, cultural and educational
routine reshuffling of genes during independent evolution of modern man.
assortment of chromosomes, reciprocal crossing of 28. (b)
372 Chapterwise NEET­AIPMT SOLUTIONS

29. (a) : The term mutation was coined by Hugo de to reproduce. Two important protobionts are
Vries (1901) for large spontaneous inheritable coacervates and microspheres.
changes which occur suddenly in naturally 37. (d) : The organs which have the same
reproducing population. He also proposed mutation fundamental structure but are different in function
theory of evolution in his book “The Mutation are called homologous organs. Thorn of
Theory” published in 1903 in which he put forth that Bougainvillea and tendril of Cucurbita both arises in
evolution occurred due to large discontinuous the axillary position, but have different functions.
variations. He worked on Oenothera lamarckiana or
38. (c) : Haeckel (1810) proposed that developing
evening primrose. During his experiments he found
834 mutations in a population of 54343 plants. It was animal embryo passes through stages resembling adult
later on found that the mutations observed by Hugo forms of its ancestors. Earnst Haeckel (1868, 1874)
de Vries were actually chromosomal aberrations. formulated biogenetic law or racapitulation theory
which states that ontogeny (developmental history of
30. (c) : Refer to answer 24.
an individual) repeats phylogeny (development
31. (a) : Refer to answer 27. history of races).
32. (d) : The most apparent change during
39. (c) : Chemical evolution has two meanings and
evolutionary history of modern man (Homo sapiens)
uses. The first refers to the theories of evolution of
is the increase in the brain size. The brain capacity
the chemical elements in the universe through
gradually increased from early human ancestors.
nucleosynthesis. The second use of chemical
Homo habilis had 650­800 c.c. brain capacity which
evolution or chemosynthesis is as a hypothesis to
increased to 900 c.c. in Homo erectus. The true men
including the living modern man also displayed the explain how life might possibly have developed or
gradual increase in cranial size. The neanderthal man evolved from non­life.
had 1400 cc brain capacity which evolved to around 40. (c) : Biogeographical evolution is a process in
1450 c.c. (1300 – 1600 c.c.) in living modern man which gene pool of a population gradually changes
(Homo sapiens sapiens). in response to environmental pressures, natural
33. (b) : Peripatus belongs to phylum onychophora. selection and genetic mutations.
It shows characters of annelids as well as arthropods. 41. (c) : Refer to answer 19.
Owing to its resemblance with two different phyla, 42. (a) : Refer to answer 25.
Peripatus is often referred to as connecting link
43. (b) : Homologous organ and vestigial organs
between them. This shows an important
provide an important evidence in favour of organic
morphological and anatomical evidence of evolution.
evolution (process by which changes in the genetic
34. (d) : During post industrialisation period the tree composition of populations of organisms occur in
trunk became dark due to industrial smoke and soots. response to environmental changes). For example,
White winged moths did not survive due to predators human appendix is a developmental derivative and
and dark winged moths survived because they were
evolutionary vestige of the end of the much larger
less easily seen by them against a dark background.
herbivorous caecum found in our primate ancestors.
Thus industrial melanism supports evolution by
They both are structurally homologous and have
natural selection that favours the establishment of one
particular advantageous mutation within a population. different functions. In most vertebrates, the caecum
is a large, complex gastrointestinal organ, enriched
35. (c) : Theory of continuity of germplasm was put
in mucosal lymphatic tissue and specialized for
forward by August Weismann. According to this, the
digestion of plants. The caecum varies in size among
characters influencing the germ cells are only
species, but in general the size of the caecum is
inherited. There is a continuity of germ plasm but the
proportional to the amount of plant matter in a given
somataplasm is not transmitted to the next generation
hence it doesn’t carry characters to next generation. organism’s diet. It is largest in obligate herbivores,
animals whose diets consist entirely of plant matter.
36. (c) : The condition for origin of life, partial
However, even though humans are herbivorous, the
isolation, has been attained within aggregates of
small human caecum does not house cellulose­
artificially formed prebiotic molecules. These
digesting bacteria, and lost an essential function of
aggregates are called protobionts which can separate
combinations of molecules from the surroundings. cellulose digestion.This shows the close evolutionary
They maintain an internal environment but are unable relationships between homologous and vestigial organs.
Evolution 373

44. (d) : Stanley Miller in 1953, who was then a method of uptake can be judged, then the approximate
graduate student of Harold Urey at the University of age of the tissue can be deduced from the extent of
Chicago, circulated four gases ­ methane, ammonia, the radiation damage.
hydrogen and water vapour in an air tight apparatus 52. (d) : In a stable population, for a gene with two
and passed electrical discharges from electrodes. He alleles, A (dominant) and a (recessive), if the
passed the mixture through a condenser. He circulated frequency of A is p and the frequency of a is q, then
the gases continuously in this way for one week and the frequencies of the three possible genotypes (AA,
then analysed the chemical composition of the liquid Aa, and aa) can be expressed by the given Hardy­
inside the apparatus. He found a large number of Weinberg equation :
simple organic compounds including some amino acid p2 + 2pq + q2 = 1.
such as alanine, glycine and aspartic acid. Glutamic
where p2 = frequency of AA (homozygous dominant)
acid was not found.
individuals, 2pq = frequency of Aa (heterozygous)
45. (b) : Jurassic period of mesozoic era is individuals, and q2 = frequency of aa (homozygous
characterised by gymnosperms as dominant plant and recessive) individuals. The equation can be used to
the appearance of first toothed bird. Conifers, cycads calculate allele frequencies if the numbers of
and ferns were widespread. homozygous recessive individuals in the population
46. (a) : Praying mantis shows the phenomenon of is known. The equation and the equilibrium are named
camouflage by blending itself into the background. after British mathematician G.H. Hardy and German
This enables it to elude predators. physician W. Weinberg.
47. (d) : Microbes were killed by heating the meat So p = 0.6 and q = 0.4 (given)
and the sealed vessel formed a closed system wherein \ 2pq (frequency of heterozygote)
the new microbes could not come in contact with the = 2 × 0.6 × 0.4 = 0.48
nutrient medium and hence no spoilage of meat. 53. (b) : Species may be defined as an uniform
48. (c) : Refer to answer 29. interbreeding population or group of individuals
which freely interbreed among themselves. Gene flow
49. (b) occurs between populations of a species by gene
50. (c) : According to Darwin’s theory of survival of migration i.e., emigration and immigration.
the fittest (Natural selection), the organisms which 54. (c) : Refer to answer 51.
are provided with favourable variations would
55. (d) : Apes are the members of the hominoidea
survive, because they are the fittest to face their
superfamily of primates, which includes humans.
surroundings, while the unfit are destroyed. Darwin
Under the current classification system there are two
considered that useful variations are transmitted to
families of hominoids:
the offspring and appear more prominently in
– The family hylobatidae consists of 4 genera and
succeeding generations. After some generations these
13 species of gibbons, including the Lar Gibbon
continuous and gradual variations in the possessor
and the Siamang, collectively known as the
would be so distinct that they form a new species.
"lesser apes"
This is proved by, the pesticide resistant insects that
– The family hominidae consisting of orangutans,
have the ability to survive as they have resistance
gorillas, chimpanzees, and humans, collectively
genes and so they are selected by nature. Other insects
known as the "great apes".
lacking these genes will be killed by pesticides.
Within the superfamily Hominoidea, gibbons are the
51. (c) : Electron spin resonance (ESR) measures the
outgroup: this means that the rest of the hominoids
number of charges occupying deep traps in the crystal
are more closely related to each other than any of them
bandgap. By measuring the change in absorption of are to gibbons.
microwave energy within a continuously varying
strong magnetic field, this method detects the number Investigation showed orangutans to be the outgroup,
of “unpaired spins” of electronic charges trapped at but comparing humans to all three other hominid
various defects in the mineral lattice. genera showed that African apes (chimpanzees and
gorillas) and humans are more closely related to each
The principle of ESR dating is that radiation damage
other than any of them are to orangutans.
occurs in minerals as a result of uranium uptake, and
external effects. This damage is usually repaired in However, DNA comparisons from sex chromosomes
living tissue, but in dead tissue it accumulates. If the and autosomes provide convincing evidence that
374 Chapterwise NEET­AIPMT SOLUTIONS

within the subfamily homininae, gorillas are the trunks, on which the moths rest during the day time.
outgroup. This suggests that chimpanzees should be The peppered moth exists in two strains (forms) : light
in hominini along with humans. coloured (white) and melanic (black). In the past, bark
56. (a) : Cycas and Ginkgo are often considered as of trees was covered by whitish lichens, so white
the living fossil because they are one of the few moths escaped unnoticed from predatory birds. After
representative of once a large group of plants (which industrialization barks got covered by smoke, so the
was once a well flourished group) and possess traits white moths were selectively picked up by birds. But
of extinct pteridosperms and other gymnosperms. black moths escaped unnoticed so they managed to
57. (b) : The first scientific explanation of origin of survive resulting in more population of black moths
life was put forward by a Russian Scientist, A.I. and less population of white moths.
Oparin in 1923. J.B.S. Haldane (1928), England­born 63. (b) : In a random mating population in
Indian Scientist, also made similar observations equilibrium, random drift brings about a change in
regarding the origin of life. According to them gene frequency in a non­directional manner. Random
primitive atmosphere was reducing atmosphere drift is a non­directional factor. In actual practice, the
because hydrogen atoms (most numerous and most gene frequencies due to random drift may approach
reactive) combined with all available oxygen atoms to limits, i.e., 0 and 1. This would be possible only
to form water and leaving no free oxygen. when new population arises due to a very small
58. (a) : Diversification in plant life appeared due to sample leading to the fixation of one allele at the cost
long periods of evolutionary changes. Initially plants of other. In this manner the changes in the gene
were thalloid. There were no differentiation among frequency can be brought about without the existence
root, stem and leaves. Vascular tissues were absent. of any directional force i.e. mutation, selection and
migration and this change in gene frequency has been
59. (d) : Convergent evolution is the formation of
called random genetic drift.
similar traits by unrelated groups of organisms.
Dogfish and whale are the interesting examples of 64. (d) : The theory of natural selection is based on
convergent evolution in animals as both of them have the following factors :
more or less similar body organization. (i) Rapid multiplication and limited food and space
which leads to struggle for existence.
60. (c) : The gist (in brief) of Darwin ­ Wallace theory
(ii) Struggle for existence and variations which leads
is as follows.
to natural selection or survival of the fittest.
(i) Individuals within species show considerable but (iii) Natural selection and inheritance of useful
continuous variation in the form and physiology. variation over many generation which leads to
(ii) This variation arises in a random fashion and is formation of new species.
heritable. Darwin in his “Natural Selection Theory” did not
(iii) The potential for increase within population of believe in the role of discontinuous variation in natural
animals and plants is considerable. selection. Darwin always believed in the universal
(iv) Since resources are limited, so individuals in a occurrence of variation. In his opinion, variation is
population struggle for their own existence. continuous in nature. Darwin did not understand the
cause of variation and assumed it was one of the innate
(v) Only some survive and leave offsprings with the
properties of living things. Now it is known that
same trait ­ through this natural selection of the
variation is due to mutation and thus it may be
fittest species become represented by individuals
discontinuous.
which are better adapted.
61. (b) : Refer to answer 18. 65. (a) : Refer to answer 14.
62. (c) : Industrial melanism is an adaptation where 66. (b) : Refer to answer 56.
the moths living in the industrial areas developed 67. (d) : Mimicry is specially evolved primarily for
melanin pigments to match their body to the soot­ concealment and protection. Concealment itself may
covered surroundings. These melanic forms are prove to be defensive and may also help in offence.
mainly distributed in and around large industrial cities, Mimicry is defined as the resemblance of one
where the environment has been altered by the organism to another or to any natural object.
pollution of the atmosphere; and is manifested by the 68. (b) : The phenomenon of development of a new
appearance of dark colour of lichen­covered tree species from pre­existing one is called speciation.
Evolution 375

Reproductive isolation is the prevention of 76. (a) : The two criteria on basis of which Nikolai
interbreeding between the populations of two Ivanwitch Vavilov proposed different centre of origin
different species. It maintains the characters of the were (a) occurrence of maximum variation in the crop
species but can lead to the origin of new species. and (b) occurrence of wild relatives.
69. (b) 77. (b) : 14C has a half life of 5570 years and is used
70. (a) : Refer to answer 18. in radio carbon dating. Carbon in living things
71. (b) : Water is the most essential material to contains a uniform amount of radioactive 14 C
survive. One can thrive without O 2 (anaerobic produced constantly in the atmosphere. From the
bacteria) and light and in a wide range of temperature amount of 14C in the dead sample, the age of the
but one cannot live without water which is the most organism can be determined.
important component of the body (about 90% of 78. (b)
plasma consists of water) and life was originated from 79. (c) : Refer to answer 19.
abiogenetic materials in water. 80. (b) : The organisms which are provided with
72. (c) : The common ancestor of both ape and man favourable variations would survive, because they are
is Dryopithecus – a 20 million years old fossil the fittest to face their surroundings, while the unfit
discovered from Africa. Austroalopithecus also lived are destroyed. Darwin considered that useful
in Africa between 6 million to 1 million years ago. variations are transmitted to the offspring and appear
The genus Homo evolved 2 million years ago from more prominently in succeeding generations. After
one of such Australopithecines in Africa and then only some generations these continuous and gradual
moved out of the continent. variations in the possessor would be so distinct that
The first such Homo lived throughout Asia, some parts they form a new species.
of Europe and Africa. But obviously its evolution took 81. (a) : Refer to answer 55.
place in Africa. 82. (c)
73. (b) : Allele frequency in a population can remain 83. (b) : The first living beings were prokaryotic, like
constant only if individuals of the population bacteria. They were single­celled. Nucleic acid core
randomly interbreed. Generally it never happens in consisted of naked DNA. These living beings were
nature and species populations exist in small groups present in the environment of soupy sea having
of randomly breeding subpopulations. Thus allele abundant organic molecules. Nutritionally they were
frequency between two subpopulations may differ but chemoheterotrophs. They absorbed the organic
allele frequency within the subpopulation will remain materials from outside both for body building and
constant. Such subpopulations are termed Mendelian liberation of energy. Respiration was anaerobic since
populations or deme. Exchange of genes between free oxygen was absent in the environment.
demes takes place occasionally. Mutation, gene flow
84. (b) : Mutation is any hereditary change in the
(due to migration), etc. may tend to change the allele
make up of an individual other than that which may
frequency of the subpopulation.
be caused by the simple recombination of genes.
74. (b) : Carl Woese came up with the theory of life Mutations may occur in any direction.
based on his discovery that the genes encoding
85. (b) : Occurrence of endemic species in South
ribosomal RNA are ancient and distributed over all
America and Australia is due to geographic isolation
lineages of life with little or no gene transfer.
(continental separation). Animals occupy all diverse
Therefore, rRNA are commonly recommended as
habitats. The distribution, continuous or
molecular clocks to the phylogeny.
discontinuous of a species or a group of organisms
75. (b) : Mesozoic era is the era during which reptiles depends on many factors like evolutionary, climatic,
were dominant. It includes three periods : Triassic physical or biological barriers etc.
(240 million years ago), Jurassic (195 million years
86. (d) : According to theory of pangenesis Darwin
ago) and Cretaceous (135 million years ago). Origin
thought that every somatic cell of the body produces
of dinosaurs occurred during triassic period. During
a tiny particle called gemmule or pangene which
Jurassic period, lizards, crocodiles and alligators
contains both the parental and acquired characters.
originated. Dinosaurs became large and reptiles were
All gemmules or pangenes of the body cells collect
dominant during this period. During cretaceous
in the gametes and are passed on to the zygote where
period, dinosaurs got extinct.
they guide the growth of different parts of the embryo.
376 Chapterwise NEET­AIPMT SOLUTIONS

87. (b) : The vestigial organs are the useless remnants 94. (a) : Wings of birds and hands of human have
of structures or organs which might have been large the same structure but different functions. Birds use
and functional in the ancestors. Segmental muscles their wings for flying while humans use their hands
in abdomen, coccyx, third molar (wisdom teeth) of for grasping. Other options show examples of
human are vestigial organs. Nail is not a vestigial analogous organs. Analogous organs are those organs
organ of human. which have similar functions but different structural
88. (d) : Homo sapiens sapiens appeared about details.
25000 years ago in holocene epoch and started 95. (c) : Haeckel’s biogenetic law states that
spreading all over the world about 10000 years ago. “Ontogeny repeats phylogeny”. Ontogeny is the life
It is believed that the man of today first appeared about history of an organism while phylogeny is the
11000 or 10000 years ago in the region around evolutionary history of the race of that organism. In
Caspean and Mediterraneasn Seas. From there, its other words an organism repeats its ancestral history
members migrated westwards, eastwards and during development. Therefore, during embryonic
southwards, respectively changing into the present development the mammalian heart first takes the form
day white or Caucasoid, Mongoloid and black or of fish, then frog and at last mammal.
Negroid races. 96. (a) : The fossil of Dryopithecus africanus was
89. (a) : Humans differ from most primates in that discovered from Miocene rocks of Africa and Europe.
they lack a tail. The lower primates have tails, and It lived about 20­25 million years ago. It was ape­
the apes, which are believed by many to be our closest like but had arms and legs of the same length. Heels
relatives, likewise are tailless. in its feet indicate its semi­erect Dryopithecus
90. (a) : Galapagos Islands are a chain of 14 islands africanus is regarded a common ancestor of man and
in the Pacific ocean on the west coast of South apes (gibons, organgutan, chimpanzee and gorilla).
America. Charles Darwin visited these islands during 97. (c) : Homo erectus is the ancestor of man (not
his famous voyage on HMS Beagle (name of his ship) the direct ancestor of modern man). It includes three
in 1835. The flora and fauna of these islands resemble fossils: Java Ape­man, Peking man and Heidelberg
with those of the South American mainland with man. Neanderthal man is the direct ancestor of Cro­
which the Galapagos Islands were once connected. magnon man which in turn is the direct anceston of
However, Darwin’s finches (birds of Galapagos modern man. Fossils of Cro­magnon were discovered
Islands) influenced Darwin to think about the from France. Australopithecus is the first ape man.
evolutionary change. These birds designated as 98. (b) : Allopatric species are those that could
Darwins’ finches by Dr. David Lack (1947) do not interbreed but do not because they are geographically
resemble the birds of the South American species. isolated. Sympatric are groups of similar organisms
These finches were the first to reach the Galapagos that, although in close proximity and theoretically
Islands as migrants from the mainland (South capable of interbreeding, do not interbreed because
America). When they reached the islands, they faced of differences in behaviour, flowering time, etc.
many problems for obtaining food. Thus, they had to Siblings are offspring of the same parents.
change their feeding habits.
99. (c) : Darwin observed great variations among
91. (a) : Refer to answer 55. the organisms that lived on Galapagos islands. The
92. (a) : Replication of genetic material is the most common birds of Galapagos islands, the finches
important factor for continuity of a species from were markedly different from the finches of main
evolutionary point of view. When genetic material land. In fact Darwin took idea from the finches found
replicates, only then it could be transferred from one on the Galapagos Islands for his theory of natural
generation to next resulting in continuity of a species. selection.
Asexual animals do not produce gametes while sexual 100. (d) : Refer to answer 18.
animals do. So, formation of gametes is not an 101. (a) : Homo habilis lived during Pleistocene. He
important factor in asexual animals though replication lived in Africa about 2 million years ago. He was about
of genetic material takes place in both asexual as well 1.2 to 1.5 metres tall. He had bipedal locomotion,
as sexual animals. Synthesis of proteins does not play
moved erect and was omnivorous. Homo habilis
any role in continuity of species.
(habilis = mentally able or skilful) was the first tool
93. (c) : Refer to answer 62. maker and used tools of chipped stones extensively.
Evolution 377

Homo erectus appeared about 1.7 million years ago in 109. (d) : Refer to answer 56.
middle Pleistocene. H. erectus evolved from Homo 110. (d) : Hydrogen atoms were most numerous and
habilis. He had erect posture, protruding jaws, most reactive in primitive atmosphere. First hydrogen
projecting brow ridges and small canines and large atoms combined with all oxygen atoms to form water
molar teeth. He was omnivorous. He made more and leaving no free oxygen. Hydrogen atoms also
elaborate tools of stones and bones, hunted big game combined with nitrogen, forming ammonia (NH3). So
and perhaps knew use of fire. water and ammonia were probably the first compound
102. (d) : A close relationship of apes with man is molecules of primitive earth. Later methane, water
revealed by their relatively larger brain and cranial and NH3 join to form amino acids which gets
capacity, efficient memory. Cranial capacity of apes converted into proteins while hydrogen bases, sugars
is under 650 cc. Cranial capacity of man is 1350 to and phosphates combine to form nucleic acids.
1600 cc. 111. (c) : The first domesticated animal by primitive
103. (b) : Refer to answer 56. man was dog. Cro­magnon man used to carry
104. (b) : Development of similar adaptive functional domesticated dogs while going for hunting.
structures in unrelated groups of organisms is called 112. (b) : The radioactive strontium ­ 90 can lead to
convergent evolution. Example : wings of insect, bird various bone disorders and diseases, including bone
and bat. Thus analogous organs show convergent cancer. It emits high energy beta radiations.
evolution (adaptive convergence). Phosphorus ­ 32 also emit high energy beta radiations
105. (c) : Allen’s law states, animals that live in very but they cannot penetrate human skin. Caesium ­ 137
cold climates, their extremities such as ears, tails etc. (beta emitter) and iodine ­ 131 (b and g emitter) also
become progressively smaller. Cope’s law states that pose danger to human health but not as much as
there is a tendency for animals to increase in size strontium ­ 90 which is a long­lived radioactive
during the long course of evolution. Dollo’s law states element and tends to cycle like calcium.
that evolution is irreversible. Bergman’s law states 113. (a) : Refer to answer 62.
that warm blooded animals become larger in the
northern and colder parts of their range. 114. (c) : Refer to answer 43.
106. (c) : Loss of tail is probably the useless change 115. (a) : Precambrian period extends from 2300 to
for the man in the course of evolution. The volume 3800 million years ago, which is considered as period
of cranial cavity and size of skull also increased in of early life. During this period prokaryotes (monera)
order to accommodate the large and complex brain. and eukaryotes (protista) originate.
The modern man excels all other animals in 116. (d) : In the embryos of all vertebrates, the
intelligence. Erect posture of human beings is due to presence of gill slits support the theory of recapitulation
major changes in the muscle skeletal system. During (repeating the early stages of embryogenesis in earlier
the course of evolution of man, thumb (pollex) has evolved animals.)
been brought opposite to the fingers thus enabling 117. (d) : Sclatter in 1857 recognised six
the hand for better grasping power. zoogeographical regions on the basis of the distribution
107. (d) : Homo sapiens fossilis is also known by the of terrestrial vertebrates, chiefly mammals.
name of Cro­magnon man. He was the direct ancestor (i) The Palaearctic region
of modern man (Homo sapiens). Cro­Magnon man (ii) The Ethiopian region
emerged about 34000 years ago in Holocene epoch. (iii) The Indian region (Oriental)
Thus, it is regarded as most recent ancestor of today’s (iv) The Australian region
man. Its cranial capacity was, however, somewhat more (v) The Neotropical region
than ours, being about 1650 cc. It became extinct about (vi) The Neoarctic region
10000­11000 years ago.
The Palaearctic region includes the whole northern
108. (d) : Human body has been described to possess part of the Old World, i.e. whole of Europe, northern
about 90 vestigial organs. Some of these are nictitating part of Africa and Asia, North of the Himalayas.
membrane, muscles of pinna (part of external ear), Oriental region includes the whole of India, Ceylon,
vermiform appendix, caudal vertebrae (also called South China, Burma, Thailand, Malaya of Peninsula,
coccyx or tail bone), third molars (wisdom teeth), hair Malayan Islands. The Palaearctic and Oriental regions
on body, and nipples in male. are separated by Himalayan range.
378 Chapterwise NEET­AIPMT SOLUTIONS

118. (b) : In ancient period hands were used to collect 125. (c) : Refer to answer 64.
food and to save themselves. Gradually men learnt to 126. (d)
cook food, to make tools for their own purpose, this
127. (b) : Refer to answer 83.
change in habit brings perfection in their hand.
Similarly, there is an increase in the ability to 128. (c) : The primitive atmosphere was reducing
communicate with others and develop community atmosphere i.e., without free oxygen.
behaviour. But as in ancient period, men still eat hard 129. (c) : The first geological time scale was
nuts and hard roots (though they often take soft food developed by Giovanni Avduina, Italian scientist in
also). Thus change in diet is the most irrelevant change 1760. The history of the earth has been divided into a
in the evolution of man. number of major divisions called eras. The eras are
119. (b) : Melanization in peppered moth is an sub­divided into periods. The modern periods are
example in support of the theory of natural selection. further divided into epochs. There are four eras. The
Lamarckism is the first theory of evolution, which correct sequence is Precambrian Palaeozoic (era of
was proposed by Jean Baptiste de Lamarck. Its theory ancient life) ® Mesozoic (era of medieval life) ®
of inhertance of acquired characters cannot be Coenozoic (era of modern life).
explained by melanization in peppered moth. 130. (a) : Palaeontology is the study of extinct
120. (c) : The first fossil of the horse was found in organisms, including their structure, environment,
north America. It was named Eohippus. This horse evolution, and distribution, as revealed by their fossil
was about the size of a fox having short head and remains. Herpetology is the study of reptiles and
neck. The fore feet were with four complete fingers amphibians. Saurology is the study of snakes. Organic
and one splint of first finger and the hind feet with evolution deals with study of origin of life and origin
three functional toes and one splint of fifth toe. Other of new species.
stages in the evolution of horse were mesohippus, 131. (d) : Development of similar adaptive functional
merychippus, pliohippus and equus. structures in unrelated groups of organisms is called
121. (a) adaptive convergence or convergent evolution e.g.
122. (c) : Inbreeding is mating between closely related wings of insect, bird and bat show marked convergent
individuals, the extreme condition being self­ evolution. When convergent evolution is found in
fertilization, which occurs in many plants and some closely related species, it is called “Parallel
primitive animals. Heterosis is also known as hybrid evolution”. Example : development of running habit
vigour which is the increased vigour displayed by the in deer (2­toed) and horse (1­toed) with two vestigial
offspring from a cross between genetically different splint bones.
parents. Hybridization is the production of one or 132. (a)
more hybrid organisms by the mating of genetically 133. (b) : The term evolution was coined by Herbert
different parents. In self­breeding the male and female Spencer, an English philosopher which means
gametes are derived from the same individual. unrolling or unfolding of nature that brings about an
123. (a) : Refer to answer 19. orderly change from one form or condition to another
124. (d) : Lamarck gave theory of Lamarckism in resulting in descendents becoming different from
which he explained inheritance of acquired characters ancestors. Thus, it is history and development of race
which states that whatever an individual acquires alongwith variations.
characters in its life time due to internal vital force, 134. (b)
effect of environment, new needs and use and disuse
135. (b) : Refer to answer 119.
of organs, they are inherited to the next generations.
The process continues. After several generations, the 136. (d) : Darwin published his observations and
variations are accumulated upto such extent that they conclusions regarding evolution in the book “Origin
give rise to new species. This theory was proved of Species” in 1859. Darwin’s this book became very
wrong by August Weismann. Weismann cut off the popular and changed people’s thinking about organic
tails of rats for as many as 22 generations and allowed evolution.
them to breed, but tailless rats were never born. 137. (c)