Total Marks: 65 | Time: 2 Hours
Section A – Multiple Choice Questions (12 Marks)
(Attempt all questions)
1. The scientific study of living organisms is called:
a) Chemistry
b) Biology
c) Physics
d) Geology
2. The smallest unit of classification is:
a) Phylum
b) Genus
c) Species
d) Kingdom
3. The powerhouse of the cell is:
a) Ribosome
b) Nucleus
c) Mitochondria
d) Golgi body
4. During which phase of mitosis do chromosomes align in the middle of the cell?
a) Prophase
b) Metaphase
c) Anaphase
d) Telophase
5. Which type of plant tissue is responsible for food transport?
a) Xylem
b) Phloem
c) Epidermis
d) Parenchyma
6. Which biomolecule is the main source of energy for living organisms?
a) Proteins
b) Carbohydrates
c) Lipids
d) Nucleic acids
7. The light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur in the:
a) Cytoplasm
b) Mitochondria
c) Chloroplast
d) Nucleus
8. The opening and closing of stomata are controlled by:
a) Epidermal cells
b) Guard cells
c) Xylem vessels
d) Phloem tissues
9. The process of fusion of male and female gametes is called:
a) Pollination
b) Germination
c) Fertilization
d) Diffusion
10. The scientist who proposed the theory of natural selection is:
a) Mendel
b) Darwin
c) Linnaeus
d) Aristotle
11. The preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms are called:
a) Rocks
b) Fossils
c) Minerals
d) Crystals
12. The process by which plants lose excess water in the form of vapor is:
a) Translocation
b) Transpiration
c) Photosynthesis
d) Respiration
Section B – Short Answer Questions (33 Marks)
(Attempt any 11 questions. All questions carry equal marks.)
1. Define biology and its importance.
2. Differentiate between biotic and abiotic factors.
3. Explain the five-kingdom classification system.
4. What are the main stages of the cell cycle?
5. How does osmosis differ from diffusion?
6. Describe the role of mitochondria in cellular respiration.
7. What are enzymes? Explain their function.
8. How do plants adapt to conserve water in dry environments?
9. Explain the role of phloem in plants.
10. What is vegetative propagation? Give an example.
11. Differentiate between external and internal fertilization.
12. How do fossils provide evidence for evolution?
13. What are homologous and analogous structures?
14. Define adaptation and give an example.
15. How does genetic variation occur in populations?
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 does taxonomy help in classification?
c) Why is classification important in biology?
Q2.
a) Explain the process of mitosis.
b) How does meiosis contribute to genetic diversity?
c) Compare mitosis and meiosis.
Q3.
a) What are the steps of photosynthesis?
b) How do light and dark reactions differ?
c) Why is photosynthesis important for life on Earth?