Class 10 Human Evolution Mock Test (ICSE)

Topics in Human Evolution

• Lamarck's theory
• Darwin's theory of natural selection
• Evidences of evolution
• Use, disuse and vestigial organs
• Human ancestors from Australopithecus to Homo sapiens

Human Evolution practice questions with answers

1. Q1Multiple choice·1 mark
   Which of the following human structures is a classic example of a vestigial organ whose presence is attributed to the gradual reduction resulting from disuse?

   1. (a)Eustachian tube
   2. (b)Adrenal gland
   3. (c)Vermiform appendix
   4. (d)Biceps muscle
   Show answer and step marks

   1. Correct option: (c)+1

   Answer: (c)
2. Q2Multiple choice·1 mark
   Which of the following is a well-known vestigial organ in humans?

   1. (a)Thyroid gland
   2. (b)Salivary gland
   3. (c)Adrenal gland
   4. (d)Vermiform appendix
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   1. Correct option: (d) Vermiform appendix. Identify the non-functional or rudimentary anatomical structure in humans.+1

   Answer: (d)
3. Q3Multiple choice·1 mark
   Which of the following pairs represents homologous organs?

   1. (a)Wings of a bird and wings of an insect
   2. (b)Forelimbs of a man and wings of a bat
   3. (c)Fins of a fish and flippers of a whale
   4. (d)Wings of a butterfly and wings of a bird
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   1. Correct option: (b) Forelimbs of a man and wings of a bat. Identify the pair showing similar basic structural origin but different functions.+1

   Answer: (b)
4. Q4Multiple choice·1 mark
   The classic example of industrial melanism in the peppered moth (*Biston betularia*) primarily demonstrates which of the following mechanisms proposed by Charles Darwin?

   1. (a)Saltation through large, sudden mutations producing black forms instantly
   2. (b)Natural selection resulting in the survival of better-adapted varieties
   3. (c)Inheritance of acquired characteristics due to environmental stress
   4. (d)Use and disuse of organs leading to darkened coloration of wings
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   1. Correct option: (b) Natural selection resulting in the survival of better-adapted varieties+1

   Answer: (b)
5. Q5Long answer·4 marks
   Describe Darwin's theory of natural selection under the following headings: (a) Overproduction and Struggle for Existence [2] (b) Variations and Natural Selection (Survival of the Fittest) [2]
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   1. Overproduction: Organisms tend to reproduce at a rapid rate, producing far more offspring than the environment can support with available resources.+1
   2. Struggle for existence: Due to overpopulation and limited food, space, and shelter, intense competition arises among individuals of the same and different species.+1
   3. Variations: Minor differences and variations naturally occur among individuals of a population, making some better adapted to changing environmental conditions.+1
   4. Survival of the fittest and Natural selection: Nature selects individuals with favorable variations who survive and reproduce successfully, passing these advantageous traits to their offspring.+1

   Answer: (a) Overproduction: organisms produce far more offspring than resources can support; struggle for existence: limited food, space and shelter cause competition within and between species. (b) Variations: individuals differ slightly, and some variations suit the environment better; natural selection: nature selects individuals with favourable variations, which survive and reproduce, passing these traits to their offspring.
6. Q6Long answer·4 marks
   Charles Darwin proposed the theory of Natural Selection to explain organic evolution. (a) State any two key postulates of Darwin's theory of natural selection. (b) Explain how 'survival of the fittest' and natural selection lead to the evolution of a new species over generations.
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   1. (a) First postulate, any one of: overproduction (organisms produce far more offspring than can survive); struggle for existence (competition for limited food, space and mates); variation (individuals differ, and some differences are inherited); natural selection or survival of the fittest; inheritance of useful variations; or any other valid postulate.+1
   2. (a) Second postulate, a different one from the same list.+1
   3. (b) Individuals with favourable variations are better adapted, so they survive and reproduce more than others (survival of the fittest, i.e. natural selection).+1
   4. (b) These useful variations pass to the offspring and accumulate over many generations until the population differs enough to form a new species.+1

   Answer: (a) Any two of: overproduction; struggle for existence; variation; natural selection (survival of the fittest); inheritance of useful variations. (b) Individuals with favourable variations survive and reproduce more, passing these variations to their offspring; over many generations the variations accumulate until a new species forms.

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