Total Marks: 65 | Time: 2 Hours
Section A – Multiple Choice Questions (12 Marks)
(Attempt all questions)
1. The study of microorganisms is called:
a) Botany
b) Zoology
c) Microbiology
d) Ecology
2. The classification system introduced by Carolus Linnaeus is known as:
a) Binomial nomenclature
b) Phylogenetic classification
c) Cladistics
d) Kingdom system
3. Which of the following organelles is absent in prokaryotic cells?
a) Cell membrane
b) Mitochondria
c) Ribosomes
d) Cytoplasm
4. In which phase of mitosis do chromosomes align at the equator of the cell?
a) Prophase
b) Metaphase
c) Anaphase
d) Telophase
5. The basic structural and functional unit of muscle is:
a) Neuron
b) Osteocyte
c) Muscle fiber
d) Chondrocyte
6. The sugar present in DNA is:
a) Glucose
b) Fructose
c) Deoxyribose
d) Ribose
7. Which gas is used in photosynthesis?
a) Oxygen
b) Nitrogen
c) Carbon dioxide
d) Hydrogen
8. The process by which plants lose water in the form of vapor is called:
a) Respiration
b) Transpiration
c) Photosynthesis
d) Excretion
9. The transfer of pollen from an anther to a stigma is called:
a) Fertilization
b) Germination
c) Pollination
d) Propagation
10. The evolutionary theory that organisms change over time due to natural selection was proposed by:
a) Darwin
b) Mendel
c) Lamarck
d) Aristotle
11. The fossil record provides evidence for:
a) Evolution
b) Photosynthesis
c) Homeostasis
d) Adaptation
12. Which structure in plants is responsible for transporting water?
a) Xylem
b) Phloem
c) Stomata
d) Chloroplast
Section B – Short Answer Questions (33 Marks)
(Attempt any 11 questions. All questions carry equal marks.)
1. What is the role of biology in medicine and agriculture?
2. Define biodiversity and explain its significance.
3. Differentiate between plant and animal cells.
4. Describe the major phases of the cell cycle.
5. What are connective tissues? Give examples.
6. How does DNA replication occur?
7. Define enzymes and describe their characteristics.
8. Explain the process of cellular respiration.
9. What is the significance of stomata in plants?
10. How does water move through the plant body?
11. Describe the structure and function of the ovary in flowering plants.
12. Differentiate between vegetative propagation and sexual reproduction in plants.
13. What is the role of fossils in understanding evolution?
14. Explain Lamarck’s theory of evolution.
15. How do mutations contribute to variations in organisms?
Section C – Long Answer Questions (20 Marks)
(Attempt any 2 questions. All questions carry equal marks.)
Q1.
a) What are the main branches of biology?
b) How do scientists classify living organisms?
c) Why is taxonomy important in biology?
Q2.
a) Describe the structure of the nucleus.
b) How does mitosis help in growth and repair?
c) Compare mitosis and meiosis.
Q3.
a) What is transpiration and why is it important?
b) How do environmental factors affect transpiration?
c) Describe the adaptations of xerophytes to reduce water loss.