Mock Test: Variation and Fetus Development (Biology)
**Variation**
1. Which of the following are examples of genetic variation?
- A. Eye color
- B. Language spoken
- C. Height
- D. Favorite food
2. Which of these characteristics can be influenced by both genes and the environment?
- A. Blood type
- B. Skin color
- C. Weight
- D. Hair texture
3. Continuous variation is seen in:
- A. Tongue rolling ability
- B. Blood type
- C. Height
- D. Leaf shape in plants
4. Which of the following factors contribute to variation in species?
- A. Mutations
- B. Identical genes in siblings
- C. Environmental changes
- D. Natural selection
5. What is the correct combination of gametes in sexual reproduction?
- A. Sperm and egg
- B. Egg and pollen
- C. Egg and seed
- D. Pollen and sperm
6. Which of the following are examples of discontinuous variation?
- A. Blood group
- B. Ability to roll the tongue
- C. Eye color
- D. Hand span
7. Sexual reproduction leads to variation because:
- A. Genes are passed down from one parent only
- B. Gametes combine to create unique genetic combinations
- C. The environment modifies the genes
- D. Every offspring gets an identical set of genes from each parent
8. A mutation is:
- A. A change in the environment
- B. A change in the structure of a gene
- C. The movement of a species to a new environment
- D. The extinction of a species
9. Which of these is **not** an example of inherited variation?
- A. Eye color
- B. Skin tone
- C. Length of hair
- D. Ability to taste certain chemicals
10. Continuous variation produces:
- A. A limited number of characteristics
- B. A wide range of characteristics
- C. Only dominant traits
- D. Identical traits in all offspring
---
**Fetus Development**
11. The period of time a human fetus spends developing in the womb is approximately:
- A. 9 months
- B. 7 months
- C. 6 months
- D. 12 months
12. The organ that provides nutrients to the developing fetus is the:
- A. Placenta
- B. Uterus
- C. Ovary
- D. Cervix
13. At what stage does the heart of a fetus start to beat?
- A. 4 weeks
- B. 10 weeks
- C. 12 weeks
- D. 24 weeks
14. The fluid that surrounds and protects the fetus in the womb is called:
- A. Amniotic fluid
- B. Plasma
- C. Saline
- D. Lymph
15. The umbilical cord connects the fetus to the:
- A. Cervix
- B. Ovaries
- C. Placenta
- D. Uterus
16. Fetus development is divided into three trimesters. Which of the following happens
during the **third trimester**?
- A. Major organs start to form
- B. The baby opens its eyes
- C. Limbs begin to form
- D. Fertilization of the egg
17. Which of the following substances should a pregnant woman avoid to protect the fetus?
- A. Alcohol
- B. Vitamins
- C. Protein
- D. Fresh fruits
18. Which of the following is NOT a function of the placenta?
- A. Removal of waste from the fetus
- B. Protection of the fetus
- C. Supply of oxygen to the fetus
- D. Regulation of fetal temperature
19. In which trimester do the bones of the fetus start to harden?
- A. First trimester
- B. Second trimester
- C. Third trimester
- D. Before fertilization
20. What is the function of the amniotic fluid?
- A. To supply nutrients to the fetus
- B. To provide oxygen
- C. To protect the fetus from physical injury
- D. To carry waste products to the mother
21. Which of the following is an environmental factor that can cause variation?
- A. Sun exposure
- B. Blood type
- C. DNA sequence
- D. Number of chromosomes
22. Discontinuous variation results in:
- A. A range of values with no distinct categories
- B. A few distinct categories of characteristics
- C. Traits that are influenced by multiple genes
- D. Traits that cannot be inherited
23. What is the process by which genes are passed from parents to offspring?
- A. Mutation
- B. Heredity
- C. Natural selection
- D. Evolution
24. Why is genetic variation important in natural selection?
- A. It increases the chances of all individuals surviving
- B. It ensures that all individuals have identical traits
- C. It allows some individuals to survive better in changing environments
- D. It eliminates all negative mutations
25. Which of the following factors **does not** contribute to genetic variation in humans?
- A. Independent assortment during meiosis
- B. Crossing over during meiosis
- C. Environmental influences
- D. Random fertilization
**Fetus Development**
26. The zygote is formed when:
- A. The sperm and egg fuse
- B. The embryo starts to divide
- C. The fetus begins to grow organs
- D. The placenta is fully formed
27. Which of the following substances can pass from the mother to the fetus via the
placenta?
- A. Oxygen
- B. Red blood cells
- C. Glucose
- D. Harmful substances like alcohol
28. What happens during the first trimester of pregnancy?
- A. The baby opens its eyes
- B. Major organs begin to form
- C. The baby's bones harden
- D. The mother feels the baby's first movements
29. Which of the following occurs during the second trimester?
- A. Fertilization
- B. The baby starts to kick
- C. The baby is ready for birth
- D. The brain and spinal cord begin to develop
30. Fetal development occurs through three stages. Which of the following is the **correct
order**?
- A. Zygote → Embryo → Fetus
- B. Embryo → Zygote → Fetus
- C. Fetus → Embryo → Zygote
- D. Zygote → Fetus → Embryo
31. The term "gestation" refers to:
- A. The growth of the placenta
- B. The process of childbirth
- C. The period of fetal development in the uterus
- D. The division of cells after fertilization
32. Which of the following factors can increase the risk of birth defects in the fetus?
- A. Regular exercise during pregnancy
- B. Folic acid supplements
- C. Smoking during pregnancy
- D. Eating fruits and vegetables
33. What happens during the third trimester of pregnancy?
- A. The baby’s organs start to form
- B. The baby begins to hear sounds
- C. The fertilized egg implants in the uterus
- D. The embryo is formed
34. Which of the following protects the developing fetus from physical shocks?
- A. Placenta
- B. Amniotic fluid
- C. Umbilical cord
- D. Uterus walls
35. Which of these is NOT a normal milestone of fetal development?
- A. Ability to blink at 28 weeks
- B. Ability to survive outside the womb at 24 weeks with medical assistance
- C. Formation of all major organs by 12 weeks
- D. Birth after 5 months of gestation
### **Answers**
1. A, C
2. B, C
3. C
4. A, C, D
5. A
6. A, B
7. B
8. B
9. C
10. B
11. A
12. A
13. A
14. A
15. C
16. B
17. A
18. D
19. B
20. C
21. A
22. B
23. B
24. C
25. C
26. A
27. A, C, D
28. B
29. B
30. A
31. C
32. C
33. B
34. B
35. D
Here’s a set of revision flashcards on **Fetus Development** for lower secondary students
preparing for a Checkpoint exam. These are designed to highlight key concepts in bite-sized
chunks that are easy to review.
---
### **Flashcard 1**
**Front**: What is the first stage of fetal development after fertilization?
**Back**: The **zygote** is the first stage of development, formed when the sperm
fertilizes the egg.
---
### **Flashcard 2**
**Front**: What does the **placenta** do?
**Back**: The placenta provides the developing fetus with **oxygen**, **nutrients**, and
removes **waste products**. It also helps protect the fetus from harmful substances.
---
### **Flashcard 3**
**Front**: What is the **amniotic fluid**, and what is its function?
**Back**: Amniotic fluid is the liquid surrounding the fetus that protects it from **physical
injury** and keeps the temperature constant.
---
### **Flashcard 4**
**Front**: How long is a typical human pregnancy (gestation period)?
**Back**: A typical human pregnancy lasts about **9 months** (approximately **40
weeks**).
---
### **Flashcard 5**
**Front**: When does the **heart** of the fetus start to beat?
**Back**: The fetus's heart starts beating around **4 weeks** into development.
---
### **Flashcard 6**
**Front**: What happens during the **first trimester** of pregnancy?
**Back**: During the first trimester, **major organs** start to form, the heart begins to
beat, and the embryo develops into a **fetus**.
---
### **Flashcard 7**
**Front**: What is the function of the **umbilical cord**?
**Back**: The umbilical cord connects the fetus to the **placenta**, allowing nutrients and
oxygen to pass to the fetus and waste products to be removed.
---
### **Flashcard 8**
**Front**: What are the key developments during the **second trimester**?
**Back**: In the second trimester, the fetus grows larger, starts to move, and the
**bones** begin to harden. The mother may feel the baby **kick**.
---
### **Flashcard 9**
**Front**: When does the fetus start to respond to sounds?
**Back**: The fetus can start to respond to sounds by the **third trimester**.
---
### **Flashcard 10**
**Front**: Why should pregnant women avoid substances like alcohol and smoking?
**Back**: Substances like alcohol and smoking can pass through the placenta and cause
**birth defects** or **developmental issues** for the fetus.
---
### **Flashcard 11**
**Front**: What is the role of the **amniotic sac**?
**Back**: The amniotic sac holds the **amniotic fluid**, which cushions and protects the
fetus throughout pregnancy.
---
### **Flashcard 12**
**Front**: What is the baby referred to after 8 weeks of development?
**Back**: After 8 weeks of development, the baby is referred to as a **fetus**.
---
### **Flashcard 13**
**Front**: What happens in the **third trimester** of pregnancy?
**Back**: During the third trimester, the fetus gains weight rapidly, organs finish
developing, and it prepares for birth.
---
### **Flashcard 14**
**Front**: What can pass through the placenta to harm the fetus?
**Back**: Harmful substances like **alcohol**, **drugs**, and certain **infections** can
pass through the placenta and negatively affect the fetus.
---
### **Flashcard 15**
**Front**: When is a fetus considered **viable** outside the womb?
**Back**: A fetus is considered viable and may survive outside the womb after about **24
weeks**, with medical assistance.
### **Flashcard 1**
**Front**: What is **variation**?
**Back**: Variation refers to the differences in **traits or characteristics** between
individuals of the same species.
---
### **Flashcard 2**
**Front**: What are the two main types of variation?
**Back**: The two main types are **continuous** variation and **discontinuous**
variation.
---
### **Flashcard 3**
**Front**: What is **continuous variation**?
**Back**: Continuous variation is when characteristics show a **range** of values, like
height or skin color. It is influenced by **many genes** and **environmental factors**.
---
### **Flashcard 4**
**Front**: What is **discontinuous variation**?
**Back**: Discontinuous variation is when characteristics have **distinct categories**, like
blood type or the ability to roll your tongue. It is controlled by a **single gene** or a small
number of genes.
---
### **Flashcard 5**
**Front**: Give an example of **continuous variation**.
**Back**: An example of continuous variation is **height**, where individuals can be of
any height within a range.
---
### **Flashcard 6**
**Front**: Give an example of **discontinuous variation**.
**Back**: An example of discontinuous variation is **blood type** (e.g., A, B, AB, or O).
---
### **Flashcard 7**
**Front**: What causes **genetic variation**?
**Back**: Genetic variation is caused by differences in **DNA** and can result from
**mutations**, **sexual reproduction**, or **meiosis**.
### **Flashcard 8**
**Front**: What are **environmental factors** that cause variation?
**Back**: Environmental factors that cause variation include **diet**, **climate**,
**habitat**, and **lifestyle**.
---
### **Flashcard 9**
**Front**: What is a **mutation**?
**Back**: A mutation is a **change in the DNA sequence**, which can introduce new traits
into a population.
---
### **Flashcard 10**
**Front**: How do **mutations** contribute to variation?
**Back**: Mutations introduce new **genes** or changes in existing genes, leading to
variation in the traits of individuals.
---
### **Flashcard 11**
**Front**: What is the importance of **variation** in a population?
**Back**: Variation is important for the **survival** of a species because it allows some
individuals to survive better in changing environments, leading to **natural selection**.
---
### **Flashcard 12**
**Front**: What is **heredity**?
**Back**: Heredity is the passing of **genes** and **traits** from parents to offspring.
---
### **Flashcard 13**
**Front**: Which type of variation is influenced by both **genetics** and the
**environment**?
**Back**: **Continuous variation** is influenced by both genetics and environmental
factors.
---
### **Flashcard 14**
**Front**: How does **sexual reproduction** lead to variation?
**Back**: Sexual reproduction leads to variation because offspring inherit a mix of
**genes** from both parents, leading to unique combinations of traits.
---
### **Flashcard 15**
**Front**: Can identical twins show variation? Why?
**Back**: Yes, identical twins can show variation due to **environmental factors**, even
though they share the same genetic makeup.
---
### **Flashcard 16**
**Front**: What is the difference between **inherited** and **acquired** characteristics?
**Back**: Inherited characteristics are passed from parents through **genes** (e.g., eye
color), while acquired characteristics are influenced by the **environment** (e.g., a scar).
---
### **Flashcard 17**
**Front**: What is the **role of meiosis** in variation?
**Back**: Meiosis creates genetic variation by producing gametes with different
combinations of **alleles**, ensuring that offspring are genetically unique.
---
### **Flashcard 18**
**Front**: Give an example of an **environmental factor** that can affect height.
**Back**: **Nutrition** is an environmental factor that can influence a person’s height.
---
### **Flashcard 19**
**Front**: What is the relationship between **variation** and **natural selection**?
**Back**: Variation provides the differences in traits that natural selection acts upon,
where individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.
---
### **Flashcard 20**
**Front**: Why is it important to have genetic variation within a population?
**Back**: Genetic variation is important because it helps a population **adapt** to
changing environments and can prevent the spread of **disease** by ensuring a diverse
range of immune responses.
