Question 1

Pollination modes: What is pollination by wind called? Context: Grasses and many temperate trees rely on this abiotic vector. Choose the correct term.

Accepted Answer

Definitions Anemophily: wind pollination (grasses, many conifers/trees). Hydrophily: water; Entomophily: insects; Ornithophily: birds. Final Answer Anemophily.

Question 2

Cell membrane composition (fluid mosaic model): Considering proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates in a plasma membrane, which statement is true? Context: Bilayer structure with asymmetry and glycocalyx. Choose the correct statement.

Accepted Answer

Concept / Approach (Fluid Mosaic) The plasma membrane is a phospholipid bilayer with embedded/integral and peripheral proteins. Carbohydrates constitute a minor fraction and are present as glycoproteins and glycolipids on the extracellular face forming the glycocalyx; they are asymmetric and do not flip-flop freely. Elimination Options claiming no proteins or inner carbohydrate layers are inconsistent with the model. Final Answer Lipids + proteins major; carbohydrates as external glycans.

Question 3

Human health — dentistry: Pyorrhoea is a disease of which oral structure? Context: Consider chronic infection/inflammation around teeth leading to loosening. Choose the correct site.

Accepted Answer

Concept Pyorrhoea (periodontitis) is infection/inflammation of the gums and supporting tissues around teeth, causing bleeding, pus discharge, and tooth loosening. Final Answer Gums/periodontium.

Question 4

Plant development — controlling factors: Plant development is influenced by which factors? Context: Integration of intrinsic regulators (phytohormones) and extrinsic environmental cues. Choose the best overall statement.

Accepted Answer

Given data & Concept Plant development depends on intrinsic signals (phytohormones such as auxin, GA, cytokinin, ABA, ethylene) and extrinsic cues (light/photoperiod, temperature/vernalization, gravity, water, nutrients). Approach Selecting the comprehensive option reflects the integrated regulation of growth, differentiation, and morphogenesis in plants. Final Answer Both hormones and environmental factors influence plant development.

Question 5

Everyday chemistry — baking ingredients: If ordinary table salt is sodium chloride (NaCl), then what is “baking soda”? Context: Identify the correct common name ↔ chemical name mapping used in household cooking and baking. Choose the correct chemica…

Accepted Answer

Given data Table salt = sodium chloride (NaCl). Asked: the chemical identity of baking soda. Concept / Approach Baking soda is the common name for sodium bicarbonate (also called sodium hydrogen carbonate), formula NaHCO3. On heating or in acidic batter, it releases CO2 which leavens baked goods. Elimination Sodium carbonate (washing soda) Na2CO3 is a stronger base used for cleaning; CaCO3 is chalk/limestone; KHCO3 is potassium bicarbonate (not the household “baking soda”). Final Answer Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3).

Question 6

Definition check — osmosis: Identify what is incorrect in this statement. Statement under review: “Osmosis is the flow of solution from higher concentration to a solution of lower concentration through a semipermeable membrane.” Choose the …

Accepted Answer

Given data We must diagnose the error(s) in a proposed definition of osmosis. Correct concept Osmosis is the net movement of solvent molecules (usually water) across a semipermeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration (higher water potential) to a region of higher solute concentration (lower water potential). Why the statement is wrong • It says solution flows; osmosis concerns the solvent (Error (a)).• It states flow from higher to lower concentration; correct direction is solvent from lower solute concentration → higher solute concentration (Error (b)).• The mention of a semipermeable membrane is appropriate, so (c) is false. Common pitfalls Confusing “concentration” of solute with “water potential.” Thinking bulk solution moves; in osmosis, it is the solvent that diffuses. Final Answer Both errors (a) and (b) are present.

Question 7

Nutrition basics — pulses: Pulses (legumes such as lentils, peas, beans) are primarily a good dietary source of which macronutrient? Context: Consider typical Indian diets and plant-based protein sources. Choose the correct nutrient.

Accepted Answer

Concept Pulses/legumes are rich in proteins (especially lysine), making them key plant-based protein sources. They have modest fat and varying carbohydrate content; they are not reliable sources of vitamin B12. Final Answer Proteins.

Question 8

Human genetics — karyotype: A normal adult human male has which of the following chromosomal constitutions? Context: Total chromosome number and sex chromosomes. Choose the correct option.

Accepted Answer

Concept Humans are diploid with 2n = 46 chromosomes. A typical male has 44 autosomes + XY sex chromosomes; a typical female has 44 autosomes + XX. Elimination Options with XX or incorrect totals (48, 23) are wrong. Final Answer 46 (44 autosomes + XY).

Question 9

Infectious diseases — mumps: Mumps is an infectious disease caused by which type of pathogen? Context: Consider common childhood illnesses and their etiologic agents. Choose the correct causative agent.

Accepted Answer

Concept Mumps is caused by a paramyxovirus, leading to painful swelling of the parotid glands, fever, and malaise. Bacterial and fungal agents do not cause classic mumps. Final Answer Virus (paramyxovirus).

Question 10

Mammalian diversity — monotremes: Monotremes are unique among mammals because they… Context: Compare reproductive modes across mammalian subclasses. Choose the correct distinguishing feature.

Accepted Answer

Concept Monotremes (platypus, echidnas) are egg-laying mammals; they possess hair and produce milk but lack nipples (milk secreted onto skin). They are not gilled or flying mammals. Final Answer They lay eggs (oviparous).

Question 11

Veterinary science — poultry: The most common infectious disease of poultry in India is which of the following? Context: Consider high-mortality viral diseases in flocks. Choose the correct disease.

Accepted Answer

Concept Ranikhet disease, also known as Newcastle disease, is a highly contagious viral disease affecting poultry in India, causing respiratory/neurological signs and high mortality. Elimination Foot-and-mouth and swine fever affect livestock other than poultry; anthrax is a bacterial disease not “most common” in poultry. Final Answer Ranikhet (Newcastle) disease.

Question 12

Plant reproduction — site of microspore formation: In flowering plants, pollen grains are produced in which floral structure? Context: Male reproductive organ (stamen) anatomy. Choose the correct structure.

Accepted Answer

Concept Pollen (microspores → pollen grains) develops in the microsporangia (pollen sacs) located within the anthers atop the stamen filament. Final Answer Anthers (pollen sacs).

Question 13

Plant growth regulators — cell division: Which plant hormone primarily promotes cell division? Context: Cytokinesis stimulation in meristematic tissues and tissue culture. Choose the correct hormone class.

Accepted Answer

Concept Cytokinins stimulate cell division (cytokinesis), promote shoot initiation in tissue culture, and delay senescence. Auxins promote cell elongation; ABA is generally growth-inhibitory; ethylene has diverse effects (e.g., fruit ripening). Final Answer Cytokinins.

Question 14

Clinical reasoning — antibiotics vs. colds: You wake with a sore throat and runny nose; the lab report leads the doctor to say “antibiotics will not help.” Context: Interpret why antibiotics are not indicated based on likely etiology. Choose the mos…

Accepted Answer

Given data Symptoms: sore throat + runny nose — typical of viral upper respiratory infection (common cold). Lab swab suggests no bacterial growth/pathogen needing antibiotics. Concept / Approach Antibiotics act on bacteria (cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, etc.). They are ineffective against viruses, which lack these bacterial targets. Supportive care or antivirals (when appropriate) are used instead. Common pitfalls Assuming antibiotics help any infection; misuse promotes resistance and side effects. Final Answer Likely viral etiology — antibiotics would not help.

Question 15

Cell division basics: By which processes can a eukaryotic cell divide to produce new cells? Context: Distinguish the two canonical division modes used for growth/repair vs. gamete formation. Choose the correct option that names the valid processes.

Accepted Answer

Given data Question asks which processes can carry out cell division in eukaryotes. Concept / Approach Mitosis creates genetically identical daughter cells for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in somatic tissues.Meiosis is a reduction division creating haploid gametes (or spores), introducing genetic variation via independent assortment and crossing over. Elimination Options naming only one process are incomplete; both processes operate in multicellular eukaryotes. Final Answer Mitosis and meiosis are the two processes by which cell division occurs.

Question 16

Biochemistry classification: Oxyreductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, isomerases, and ligases belong to which biomolecular class? Context: These categories are defined by the reactions they catalyze in metabolism. Choose the correct overarch…

Accepted Answer

Given data Six named classes correspond to reaction types in metabolism. Concept / Approach The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB) classifies enzymes into six major classes by catalytic function: oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, isomerases, ligases. Why others are incorrect Hormones and vitamins regulate or support metabolism but are not classified by these catalytic categories. Final Answer Enzymes.

Question 17

Human skin color: The primary pigment responsible for pigmentation of the skin is what? Context: Consider the epidermal pigment produced by melanocytes in response to UV exposure. Choose the correct pigment.

Accepted Answer

Given data Asked: the pigment that determines skin coloration and tanning. Concept / Approach Melanin, produced by melanocytes and transferred to keratinocytes, provides baseline pigmentation and darkens with UV exposure. Elimination Carotene imparts a yellowish hue; hemoglobin influences redness beneath skin; bilirubin increase causes jaundice, not normal pigmentation. Final Answer Melanin.

Question 18

Pollination — best definition: How is pollination correctly defined in flowering plants? Context: Focus on transfer of male gametophytes from anther to stigma (same or different flower). Choose the most accurate definition.

Accepted Answer

Concept / Approach Pollination is the transfer of pollen (male gametophyte) from the anther to the stigma of the same or another flower. Fertilization is a separate, later event (fusion of gametes). Common pitfalls Confusing pollination with fertilization. Thinking seed dispersal is pollination. Final Answer Transfer of pollen grains from anther to stigma.

Question 19

Atmospheric science — “ozone hole”: What does the term “ozone hole” refer to? Context: Seasonal, regional thinning of stratospheric ozone concentration (not a literal hole) most pronounced over Antarctica. Choose the correct description.

Accepted Answer

Concept / Approach The “ozone hole” describes markedly reduced ozone concentrations in the stratosphere during spring over polar regions (especially Antarctica), driven by catalytic destruction involving halogen radicals (from CFCs/halons) on polar stratospheric clouds. Clarification It is not a physical hole; it is a region of thinning measured as decreased total column ozone (Dobson Units). Final Answer Seasonal stratospheric ozone depletion (not a literal hole).

Question 20

In the history of biology, who is widely known as the father of Zoology for his systematic study, classification, and description of animals?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The development of biology involved many important scientists who made foundational contributions to the study of plants and animals. Different titles such as father of Zoology, father of Botany, and father of Taxonomy are used to honour these pioneers. This question asks specifically about the person regarded as the father of Zoology because of his extensive and systematic work on animals in ancient times. Given Data / Assumptions: We are asked to identify the father of Zoology. The options include Darwin, Aristotle, Lamarck, Theophrastus, and an additional famous biologist. We assume awareness of basic historical contributions in life sciences. We also assume that only one of the listed scientists is traditionally given this title. Concept / Approach: Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher and scientist, is widely regarded as the father of Zoology. He made detailed observations on a wide variety of animals and documented their anatomy, reproduction, and habits. His works, especially those on animals, laid the foundation for systematic zoological study. Theophrastus is often called the father of Botany for his work on plants. Charles Darwin is associated with the theory of evolution, and Carl Linnaeus is called the father of Taxonomy. Therefore, when the question refers to the father of Zoology, the correct answer is Aristotle. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Zoology is the branch of biology dealing with the study of animals. Step 2: Remember the major contributors: Aristotle studied animals, Theophrastus studied plants, Linnaeus developed classification, and Darwin proposed evolution by natural selection. Step 3: Identify which of these scientists is recognised for early systematic study and description of animals. Step 4: Recognise that Aristotle wrote detailed works on animal structure, reproduction, and classification. Step 5: Select Aristotle as the father of Zoology from the options. Verification / Alternative check: History of biology textbooks often specifically state that Aristotle is the father of Zoology because of his pioneering efforts in observing and recording animal life. They also clearly associate Theophrastus with Botany, Linnaeus with modern classification, and Darwin with evolution. This separation of titles helps confirm that in the context of zoological studies, Aristotle holds the title father of Zoology. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: Darwin is celebrated for the theory of evolution by natural selection but is not referred to as the father of Zoology. Option C: Lamarck proposed an early theory of evolution involving inheritance of acquired characteristics, not the foundational classification of animals. Option D: Theophrastus is known as the father of Botany because of his work on plants, not animals. Option E: Linnaeus is called the father of Taxonomy or modern classification, not specifically the father of Zoology. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is to confuse different titles and associate any major biologist with any foundational role. Some students may mistakenly pick Darwin or Linnaeus because they are more recent and famous. To avoid this, it is important to remember specific associations: Aristotle with Zoology, Theophrastus with Botany, Linnaeus with classification, and Darwin with evolution. Keeping these names and titles together as pairs makes it easier to recall the correct answer during exams. Final Answer: The scientist widely regarded as the father of Zoology is Aristotle.

Biology Questions