Total Marks: 65 | Time: 2 Hours
Section A – Multiple Choice Questions (12 Marks)
(Attempt all questions)
1. The study of interactions between organisms and their environment is called:
a) Genetics
b) Ecology
c) Evolution
d) Taxonomy
2. The five-kingdom classification system was introduced by:
a) Aristotle
b) Linnaeus
c) Whittaker
d) Darwin
3. The control center of a cell is the:
a) Mitochondria
b) Ribosome
c) Nucleus
d) Golgi apparatus
4. In which phase of mitosis do chromatids separate?
a) Prophase
b) Metaphase
c) Anaphase
d) Telophase
5. Which type of connective tissue connects muscles to bones?
a) Cartilage
b) Ligaments
c) Tendons
d) Blood
6. Which organic molecule stores genetic information?
a) Carbohydrates
b) Proteins
c) Nucleic acids
d) Lipids
7. The major pigment responsible for photosynthesis is:
a) Hemoglobin
b) Chlorophyll
c) Carotene
d) Xanthophyll
8. Water moves from roots to leaves primarily through:
a) Xylem
b) Phloem
c) Stomata
d) Mesophyll
9. The process of fusion of male and female gametes is called:
a) Pollination
b) Germination
c) Fertilization
d) Diffusion
10. Which scientist is known as the “Father of Genetics”?
a) Darwin
b) Mendel
c) Lamarck
d) Linnaeus
11. Fossils are mostly found in:
a) Igneous rocks
b) Sedimentary rocks
c) Metamorphic rocks
d) Volcanic ash
12. The process by which leaves lose water in vapor form is called:
a) Guttation
b) Translocation
c) Transpiration
d) Osmosis
Section B – Short Answer Questions (33 Marks)
(Attempt any 11 questions. All questions carry equal marks.)
1. Define biology and explain its subdivisions.
2. How does classification help scientists?
3. Differentiate between unicellular and multicellular organisms.
4. Describe the stages of the cell cycle.
5. What are the functions of epithelial tissues?
6. Explain the role of ribonucleic acid (RNA) in protein synthesis.
7. Define metabolism and explain its two types.
8. What are the raw materials required for photosynthesis?
9. Explain the importance of water for plants.
10. Describe the structure and function of a seed.
11. Differentiate between asexual and sexual reproduction in plants.
12. How does variation occur in organisms?
13. Explain the role of fossils in evolutionary studies.
14. What is speciation, and how does it occur?
15. Describe an example of an evolutionary adaptation in animals.
Section C – Long Answer Questions (20 Marks)
(Attempt any 2 questions. All questions carry equal marks.)
Q1.
a) What are the characteristics of living organisms?
b) How do scientists classify living organisms?
c) Why is classification important in biology?
Q2.
a) What is the role of enzymes in biological reactions?
b) How do enzymes function under different temperature and pH conditions?
c) Give examples of enzyme-catalyzed reactions in the human body.
Q3.
a) Explain the function of stomata in plants.
b) What factors affect the rate of transpiration?
c) How do desert plants reduce transpiration?