Class 12/Question Bank/Competency Based
Created by Titas Mallick
Biology Teacher • M.Sc. Botany • B.Ed. • CTET (CBSE) • CISCE Examiner
BioNotesBioNotesCreated by Titas Mallick
Biology Teacher • M.Sc. Botany • B.Ed. • CTET (CBSE) • CISCE Examiner
Competency Based Questions on Evolution
1. Analyze the Scenario: In a population of beetles, the ground color varies from light to dark. Due to volcanic activity, the soil becomes blackened with soot. According to the principle of natural selection, which of the following changes is most likely to occur after 50 generations? a) The beetles will mutate to become green to match the leaves. b) The population will consist mostly of dark-colored beetles. c) The population will be an equal mix of light and dark beetles. d) The beetles will migrate to a new island.
2. Evaluate the Evidence: Which of the following pairs is an example of Analogy (Convergent Evolution) rather than Homology? a) Forelimb of a Whale and Forelimb of a Bat. b) Thorns of Bougainvillea and Tendrils of Cucurbita. c) Wings of a Butterfly and Wings of a Bat. d) Heart of a Fish and Heart of a Rabbit.
3. Assertion (A): The introduction of antibiotics led to the appearance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Reason (R): Antibiotics caused mutations in the bacteria that made them resistant. a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. c) A is true but R is false. d) A is false but R is true.
4. Predict the Effect: A small group of individuals from a large population migrates to a new, isolated island. After several generations, the allele frequencies on the island are significantly different from the original population. This is an example of: a) Gene Flow b) Bottleneck Effect c) Founder Effect d) Saltation
5. Hardy-Weinberg Application: In a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the frequency of the recessive allele 'q' is 0.4. What is the frequency of the heterozygous genotype (2pq)? a) 0.16 b) 0.36 c) 0.48 d) 0.60
6. Interpret the Graph: If natural selection eliminates individuals with extreme values of a trait (e.g., very high or very low birth weight) and favors the mean value, the selection curve is: a) Directional b) Disruptive c) Stabilizing d) Random
7. Identify the Mechanism: The evolution of placental mammals in Australia and North America showing similar forms (e.g., Wolf and Tasmanian Wolf) is an example of: a) Adaptive Radiation b) Convergent Evolution c) Genetic Drift d) Co-evolution
8. Sequence the events: Arrange the following human ancestors in the correct chronological order of appearance: i. Homo habilis ii. Australopithecus iii. Homo erectus iv. Ramapithecus a) iv -> ii -> i -> iii b) ii -> iv -> iii -> i c) iv -> ii -> iii -> i d) ii -> i -> iv -> iii
9. Reasoning: Why are "living fossils" like the Coelacanth important in the study of evolution? a) They prove that evolution has stopped. b) They represent a link between two distinct groups (e.g., fish and amphibians). c) They have not changed for millions of years, suggesting stable environments. d) Both b and c.
10. Analyze the Experiment: In the Miller-Urey experiment, what was the specific purpose of the electric discharge? a) To sterilize the apparatus. b) To simulate volcanic eruptions. c) To simulate lightning as an energy source. d) To separate the gases.
11. Assertion (A): Human embryos have gill slits during development. Reason (R): "Ontogeny recapitulates Phylogeny" implies humans evolved from fish-like ancestors. a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. c) A is true but R is false. d) A is false but R is true.
12. Critical Thinking: If a population is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, which of the following is NOT occurring? a) Random Mating b) No Mutation c) Natural Selection d) Large Population Size
13. Comparative Anatomy: Which of the following is a vestigial organ in humans? a) Spleen b) Vermiform Appendix c) Pancreas d) Gallbladder
14. Application: The indiscriminate use of DDT led to DDT-resistant mosquitoes. This phenomenon is best explained by: a) Lamarckism (Acquired characters). b) Darwinism (Natural selection of pre-existing variants). c) Mutation Theory (Sudden mutation caused by DDT). d) Panspermia.
15. Concept Check: What is the main difference between Darwin's view of evolution and De Vries's view? a) Darwin: Sudden mutations; De Vries: Gradual variations. b) Darwin: Gradual variations; De Vries: Sudden mutations (Saltation). c) Darwin: Use and Disuse; De Vries: Natural Selection. d) There is no difference.
In 1850s England, tree trunks were covered in white lichens. White moths were abundant. By 1920, trees became dark due to soot. Dark moths became dominant.
16. Analyze: What was the selective agent in this scenario? a) The smoke b) The predators (birds) c) The lichens d) The soot
17. Evaluate: Why did the white moth population decline? a) They migrated. b) They were easily spotted by predators against the dark background. c) The soot was toxic. d) They could not find mates.
18. Predict: If pollution controls are implemented and lichens return, what trend would you expect? a) Dark moths remain dominant. b) White moths will increase in number again. c) Both will go extinct. d) A new grey species will evolve.
Darwin observed finches on Galapagos Islands. They evolved from a common seed-eating ancestor from the mainland into multiple species with different beak shapes.
19. Identify: This phenomenon is called: a) Convergent Evolution b) Adaptive Radiation c) Genetic Drift d) Artificial Selection
20. Reasoning: What was the primary driving force for the change in beak shape? a) Availability of different food sources. b) Geographic isolation. c) Sexual selection. d) Volcanic activity.
21. Context: If a new predator eating only small-beaked finches is introduced, what selection occurs? a) Stabilizing b) Directional (favoring large beaks) c) Disruptive d) No selection
Heterozygous carriers (HbA/HbS) are resistant to Malaria.
22. Explain: Why has selection not eliminated the harmful HbS allele? a) It hides from selection. b) Because of the "Heterozygote Advantage" against Malaria. c) Mutations happen too fast. d) Genetic Drift.
23. Connect: This is an example of: a) Stabilizing Selection b) Directional Selection c) Balancing Selection d) Sexual Selection
24. Deduce: If Malaria is eradicated, what happens to the HbS allele? a) It increases. b) It will decrease. c) Constant. d) Becomes dominant.
25. Designing a Timeline: Create a timeline of the Origin of Life on Earth.
26. Formulating a Hypothesis: Scenario: You find upright-walking primate fossils with small brains and stone tools.
27. Debating Evolution: Topic: "Is Evolution a 'Theory' or a 'Fact'?"
28. Visualizing Natural Selection: Draw three graphs representing Stabilizing, Directional, and Disruptive Selection.
29. Creating a Model: Design a classroom activity for Genetic Drift (Founder Effect).
30. Critical Analysis: "Antibiotics are creating superbugs."
31. Scenario Planning: A zoo has only 4 tigers left (1 male, 3 females).