Q31. Which of the following is an example of homologous structures?
a) The wings of a bat and the wings of an insect
b) The flippers of a whale and the arms of a human
c) The eyes of an octopus and the eyes of a vertebrate
d) The stinger of a bee and the venomous fangs of a snake
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Correct Answer: b) The flippers of a whale and the arms of a human
Explanation: Homologous structures are anatomical features that share a common evolutionary origin but may have different functions. The flippers of a whale and the arms of a human are examples of homologous structures, indicating a shared ancestry.
Q32. What term describes the loss of genetic diversity in a population due to a drastic reduction in population size?
a) Genetic drift
b) Bottleneck effect
c) Founder effect
d) Gene flow
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Correct Answer: b) Bottleneck effect
Explanation: The bottleneck effect occurs when a population undergoes a dramatic reduction in size, leading to a loss of genetic diversity. The surviving population may carry only a fraction of the genetic variation present in the original population.
Q33. Which of the following is NOT considered a type of natural selection?
a) Stabilizing selection
b) Directional selection
c) Disruptive selection
d) Lamarckian selection
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Correct Answer: d) Lamarckian selection
Explanation: Lamarckian selection, proposed by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, is not considered a type of natural selection. Unlike natural selection, which acts on heritable traits, Lamarckian evolution suggests that acquired traits can be passed on to offspring.
Q34. What term describes the formation of a new species due to geographical isolation?
a) Convergent evolution
b) Divergent evolution
c) Adaptive radiation
d) Allopatric speciation
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Correct Answer: d) Allopatric speciation
Explanation: Allopatric speciation occurs when a population becomes geographically isolated from the rest of its species, leading to reproductive isolation and the eventual formation of a new species through genetic divergence.
Q35. Which scientist conducted experiments on peppered moths to demonstrate natural selection in action?
a) Charles Darwin
b) Alfred Russel Wallace
c) Gregor Mendel
d) Bernard Kettlewell
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Correct Answer: d) Bernard Kettlewell
Explanation: Bernard Kettlewell conducted experiments on peppered moths in industrial England, demonstrating how natural selection favored dark-colored moths in polluted areas, where they were better camouflaged against tree bark darkened by soot.