Chapter 9 Heredity and Evolution

NCERT Solution for Class 10 Science - Chapter 9
Heredity and Evolution
Exercise-9.1 Page: 143

1. If a trait A exists in 10% of a population of an asexually reproducing species and a trait B exists in 60%
of the same population, which trait is likely to have arisen earlier?
Solution:
Trait B is more probable to arise early as this trait has already been existing and replicating in a larger percentage
of the population as compared to trait A
2. How does the creation of variations in a species promote survival?

Solution:
Genetic variations enable the species to better adapt to changes in its environment. Moreover, it is an
important force in evolution as it allows the frequency of alleles to increase or decrease through natural
selection. These variations will determine the difference between extinction or continuation of the
species.

1. How do Mendel’s experiments show that traits may be dominant or recessive?
Solution:
Mendel showed that the traits can either be dominant or recessive through his experiments that focused on mono-
hybrid cross. The experiment involved him crossing tall (TT) pea plants with dwarf (tt) pea plants. The resultant
plants which formed after fertilization represented the F1 (or filial) generation. All the F1 plants were tall. Mendel
then proceeded to self-pollinate the filial generation plants and the result was that 1/4th of the plants obtained in
the F2 generation were dwarfs. From this experiment, Mendel concluded that the F1 tall plants were not true-
breeding, instead they carried the traits for both tall and dwarf heights. A portion of the plants were tall due to the
fact that the traits for tallness were dominant over the traits for dwarfness. This cements the notion that traits can
either be dominant or recessive.
2. How do Mendel’s experiments show that traits are inherited independently?

Solution:
Mendel’s experiments show that traits are inherited independently through his dihybrid cross experiment. The
experiment involved him using two traits - namely, seed shape and seed colour. The colour yellow (YY) is
dominant over green (yy), while the round shape (RR) is dominant over the wrinkled shape (rr). The F2 progeny
of the dihybrid cross resulted in a phenotypic ratio of 9:3:3:1; therefore, 9 plants with round yellow (RRYY)
seeds, 3 plants with round green (RRyy) seeds and 3 plants with wrinkled yellow (rrYY) seeds and one with
wrinkled green seeds (rryy). He further observed that the wrinkled greens and the round yellow are parental
combinations while the round green and wrinkled yellow are new. A dihybrid cross between two seeds with
dominant traits (RRYY) and non-dominant traits (rryy) resulted in the production of 4 types of gametes (RY, Ry,
rY and ry). This means each of the gametes segregate independently of the other; and each with a frequency of
25% of the total gametes produced.
3. A man with blood group A marries a woman with blood group O and their daughter has blood group O.
Is this information enough to tell you which of the traits – blood group A or O – is dominant? Why or why
not?
Solution:
Given information is not enough to tell us which characteristics are dominant –blood group A or O. Blood type A
is always dominant in ABO blood and blood type O is always recessive. Here, the father's blood group may be
genotypically AA (homozygous) or AO (heterozygous), whereas that of mother can be OA or OO.
4. How is the sex of the child determined in human beings?

Solution:
Sex of child in humans is determined by the males. Males have XY chromosomes while females have
XX chromosomes. Hence, if:-
● The male’s X chromosomes combines the female’s X chromosomes, the mother gives birth to a
girl
● The male’s Y chromosome combines with the female’s X chromosome, the mother gives birth to
a boy

1. What are the different ways in which individuals with a particular trait may increase in a population?
Solution:
An individual attribute could increase in a population within the following 2 ways:-
(a) Natural selection: if an attribute is useful to a population, it'll increase naturally.
For example – mosquitoes which are resilient against a particular pesticide will pass on its genes, so that
future generations become resistant as well. The mosquitoes which are affected by the pesticide die out .
(b) Genetic drift: if a species faces a catastrophic event where most of the population is wiped out, the
surviving population can pass on their traits to the following generations. This may result in a rise of the
attribute within the population.
2. Why are traits acquired during the life-time of an individual not inherited?
Solution:
Traits acquired during a life-time cannot be inherited for successive generations as the changes do not reflect in
the DNA of the germ cells. For instance, a football player cannot pass on his skills to his offspring as they are
limited to non-reproductive cells only.
3. Why are the small numbers of surviving tigers a cause of worry from the point of view of genetics?
Solution:
As the size of the tiger population decreases, the genetic pool of the species decreases too. This results in a
limitation on the variations which will be introduced within the genetic makeup of the tigers. This lack of
variation will result in serious implications. For example, if an illness spreads within the tiger population, it can
potentially wipe out the whole population, possibly causing their extinction.

1. What factors could lead to the rise of a new species?
Solution:
Factors that would result in a new species are as follows:
(a) Mutation.
(b) Genetic drift.
(c) Natural selection.
(d) Geographical isolation.
(e) Generative isolation for prolonged periods
(f) Environmental factors on the isolated populations.
(g) Quantum of genetic variant transmissible from one generation to the following generation.
2. Will geographical isolation be a major factor in the speciation of a self-pollinating plant species? Why or
why not?
Solution:
In a pollination of plant species, geographical isolation is usually not a major factor as no new trait will become
part of the genetic makeup in a self-pollinating plant species. However, there are some possibilities of some
environmental changes which could result in some variations.
3. Will geographical isolation be a major factor in the speciation of an organism that reproduces asexually?
Why or why not?
Solution:
In the case of asexually reproducing organisms, geographical isolation can't be considered a factor. This
is due to the fact that meiosis does not occur during asexual modes of reproduction.

1. Give an example of characteristics being used to determine how close two species are in evolutionary
terms.
Solution:
Let us take the instance of humans and chimpanzees. chimpanzees are able to express a wide range of emotions -
such as busting out in laughter or smiling - this trait was once thought to be a feature exclusive to humans. The
smile can be linked to the activation of the brain’s limbic system - where the orbicularis oculi muscle
involuntarily contracts and raises the cheeks, forming wrinkles around the eyes. This implies that the smile is a
true and genuine smile. Interestingly, this type of reflex has a name - the Duchenne smile. Moreover, research has
shown that chimpanzees share 98.6% of our DNA - This means that humans and chimpanzees shared a common
ancestor eons ago. It is important to also note that chimpanzees are the closest living relatives to humans.
2. Can the wing of a butterfly and the wing of a bat be considered homologous organs? Why or why not?
Solution:
The wing of a butterfly and the wing of a bat cannot be considered homologous organs as they do not share a
common ancestor. Even though both structures aid in flying, they have evolved separately. To prove this, the
wings of a butterfly are composed of two chitinous membranes, whereas wings of a bat are composed of bony
skeleton, complete with blood vessels. Hence, these aren't homologous organs but rather analogous organs.
3. What are fossils? What do they tell us about the process of evolution?
Solution:
Fossils are the preserved remains of animals or plants or other organisms that died out millions of years ago.
These fossils tell us about a lot of extinct animals and also give insights into how evolution might have occurred.
Fossils can be used to understand how an organism would have lived and what it may have looked like. More
importantly, we can correlate with fossils as well as extant organisms to understand their relationships. For
instance, scientists were able to recover protein sequences from a dinosaur called the T-rex, which confirmed its
avian lineage. This means birds are the extant relatives of (avian) dinosaurs. Moreover, the pattern of fossil
distribution gives us an idea of the time in history when various species were formed or become extinct.

1. Why are human beings who look so different from each other in terms of size, color and looks said to
belong to the same species?
Solution:
While human beings do vary in color and general appearance, their genetic makeup is identical to any other
human. One of the speculations put forth for our drastic changes is due to evolutionary pressure - where the need
to be easily recognized pushed us towards having widely different faces.
2. In evolutionary terms, can we say which among bacteria, spiders, fish and chimpanzees have a ‘better’
body design? Why or why not?
Solution:
Body designs are the result of environmental needs and pressure. Hence, we can't conclude that one organism has
a better body compared to another. For instance, fish have evolved a streamlined design as it is best suited for an
aquatic environment. On the other hand, a spider or a chimpanzee might be ill-equipped to survive in such aquatic
environments.
Exercises Page: 159

1. A Mendelian experiment consisted of breeding tall pea plants bearing violet flowers with short pea plants
bearing white flowers. The progeny all bore violet flowers, but almost half of them were short. This
suggests that the genetic make-up of the tall parent can be depicted as
(a) TTWW
(b) TTww
(c) TtWW
(d) TtWw
Solution:
Correct answer – (c)
TtWW might be the genetic makeup of the tall parent. Since half the progenies are short, this implies
that the parent plant also will have a collection of short genes; all progenies bore violet flowers, further
suggesting that violet color is dominant over white.
2. An example of homologous organs is

(a) Our arm and a dog’s fore-leg.
(b) Our teeth and an elephant’s tusks.
(c) Potato and runners of grass.
(d) All of the above.
Solution:
Correct answer – (d)
Homologous organs have the same origin as each of the above organs, but different functions. Homologous
organs can be defined as the organs of various animals having similar basic structure but different functions. For
example, a whale's flippers, a frog's forelimbs, and man have the same basic structures but perform different
functions, which is why they are called homologous organs.
3. In evolutionary terms, we have more in common with

(a) A Chinese school-boy.
(b) A chimpanzee.
(c) A spider.
(d) A bacterium.
Solution:
Correct answer – (a)
Humans and chimpanzees are related since they belong to the identical order (Primates) and same family,
(Hominidae). However, a school-boy, regardless of the ethnicity is still a Homo sapien
4. A study found that children with light-colored eyes are likely to have parents with light-colored eyes. On
this basis, can we say anything about whether the light eye color trait is dominant or recessive? Why or
why not?
Solution:
Knowledge of at least 3 generations is required for finding if an attribute is dominant or recessive. Hence, it is not
possible to identify if the given trait is dominant or recessive.
5. How are the areas of study – evolution and classification – interlinked?

Solution:
Classification and evolution are two related fields of biology. Evolution pertains to how organisms evolve and
classification deals with finding out how two species are related to each other. For example, evolution and fossil
evidence point to the fact that Australopithecus afarensis is considered one of our earliest ancestors. And
classification tells us that Australopithecus afarensis belongs to the genus Homo, which is also the same genus as
modern humans.
6. Explain the terms analogous and homologous organs with examples.

Solution:
Homologous organs are those organs that have the basic structural design as well as origin, however, serve
different functions. For example: The forelimbs of humans and the wings of bats are anatomically similar.
Analogous organs are those organs that have a different structural design as well as origin, however perform
similar functions. For example: The wings of birds and insects.
7. Outline a project which aims to find the dominant coat color in dogs.
Solution:
Dogs have a certain set of genes that govern coat color. There are a minimum of eleven known sequence series
(A, B, C, D, E, F, G, M, P, S, T) that influence the colour of a dog. A dog inherits one copy from each of its
parents. As an example, within the B series, a dog is genetically black or brown. Assume that one parent is
homozygous black (BB), whereas the other parent is homozygous brown (bb).
In this case, all the offsprings are going to be heterozygous (Bb).

Since black (B) is dominant, all the offsprings are going to be black. However, they are going to have each B and
b alleles. If such heterozygous pups are crossed, they are going to produce 25 homozygous blacks (BB), 15
heterozygous black (Bb), and 25 homozygous brown (bb) offsprings.
8. Explain the importance of fossils in deciding evolutionary relationships.

Solution:
Fossils give evidence about:
(a) The organism and their paleobiology
(b) Even behavior of an organism can be deduced to some extent (for example, paleontologists) had unearthed a
site with more than 10,000 skeletons of a dinosaur called Hadrosaurus. This implies that the dinosaur lived in
herds.
© Fossils also provide insight into the evolutionary history of animals and plants (for instance, paleontologists
have discovered that whales had evolved from goat-sized land dwelling animal called Pakicetus)
9. What evidence do we have for the origin of life from inanimate matter?
Solution:
The evidence on the origin of life from inanimate matter was provided by Stanley L. Miller and Harold C. Urey's
experiment, which was conducted in 1953. They created an artificial environment which was reminiscent of the
early earth’s atmosphere - it contained ammonia, hydrogen and other gases which were thought to have existed
during primordial earth.
This concoction of gases was kept at a temperature slightly below 100 ° C. Additionally, sparks were generated to
simulate lightning, which was also thought to be common during that period. At the end of the experiment, he was
able to create 11 out of the 20 amino acids which is required for life.
10. Explain how sexual reproduction gives rise to more viable variations than asexual reproduction. How
does this affect the evolution of those organisms that reproduce sexually?
Solution:
Sexual reproduction causes a lot of viable variations because of the following reasons:
(a) Error in copying of DNA (though it was rare)
(b) Random segregation of paternal and maternal chromosome at the time of sex cell formation.
(c) Exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during the formation of gametes.
(d) Accumulation of variations occurred because of reproduction over generation after generation and choice
naturally created wide diversity.
(e) In case of asexual reproduction, variation is severely limited as there is only one parent involved. Hence, the
offspring is genetically similar to the parent
11. How is the equal genetic contribution of male and female parents ensured in the progeny?
Solution:
Equal genetic contribution of male and female parents is ensured in progeny through the inheritance of equal
numbers of chromosomes from both parents. There are 23 pairs of chromosomes but not all is paired. The 22 pairs
are called autosomes while the remaining 1 pair is called the sex chromosomes (represented as X and Y.)
Females have two sets of X-chromosomes while males have 1 X-chromosome and 1 Y-chromosome.
During the process of reproduction, fertilization takes place, where the male gamete fuses with the female gamete
and it results in the formation of a diploid zygote. Furthermore, the zygote receives an equal contribution of
genetic material from both parents. The male contributes 22 autosomes plus, 1 X or Y chromosomes. The female
contributes 22 autosomes, plus 1 X-chromosome.
12. Only variations that confer an advantage to an individual organism will survive in a population. Do you
agree with this statement? Why or why not?
Solution:
The statement holds true - only variations provide an advantage to individual organisms that will survive in a
population. For example, variations that lead to the increase in heat-resistance in bacteria is very useful for
survival if it finds itself in an environment where there is a sudden increase in ambient temperature. This will
determine the difference between life and death for the bacteria.

1. If a trait A exists in 10% of a population of an asexually reproducing species and a trait B exists in 60%
of the same population, which trait is likely to have arisen earlier?
Solution:
Trait B is more probable to arise early as this trait has already been existing and replicating in a larger percentage
of the population as compared to trait A
2. How does the creation of variations in a species promote survival?

Solution:
Genetic variations enable the species to better adapt to changes in its environment. Moreover, it is an
important force in evolution as it allows the frequency of alleles to increase or decrease through natural
selection. These variations will determine the difference between extinction or continuation of the
species.

1. How do Mendel’s experiments show that traits may be dominant or recessive?
Solution:
Mendel showed that the traits can either be dominant or recessive through his experiments that focused on mono-
hybrid cross. The experiment involved him crossing tall (TT) pea plants with dwarf (tt) pea plants. The resultant
plants which formed after fertilization represented the F1 (or filial) generation. All the F1 plants were tall. Mendel
then proceeded to self-pollinate the filial generation plants and the result was that 1/4th of the plants obtained in
the F2 generation were dwarfs. From this experiment, Mendel concluded that the F1 tall plants were not true-
breeding, instead they carried the traits for both tall and dwarf heights. A portion of the plants were tall due to the
fact that the traits for tallness were dominant over the traits for dwarfness. This cements the notion that traits can
either be dominant or recessive.
2. How do Mendel’s experiments show that traits are inherited independently?

Solution:
Mendel’s experiments show that traits are inherited independently through his dihybrid cross experiment. The
experiment involved him using two traits - namely, seed shape and seed colour. The colour yellow (YY) is
dominant over green (yy), while the round shape (RR) is dominant over the wrinkled shape (rr). The F2 progeny
of the dihybrid cross resulted in a phenotypic ratio of 9:3:3:1; therefore, 9 plants with round yellow (RRYY)
seeds, 3 plants with round green (RRyy) seeds and 3 plants with wrinkled yellow (rrYY) seeds and one with
wrinkled green seeds (rryy). He further observed that the wrinkled greens and the round yellow are parental
combinations while the round green and wrinkled yellow are new. A dihybrid cross between two seeds with
dominant traits (RRYY) and non-dominant traits (rryy) resulted in the production of 4 types of gametes (RY, Ry,
rY and ry). This means each of the gametes segregate independently of the other; and each with a frequency of
25% of the total gametes produced.
3. A man with blood group A marries a woman with blood group O and their daughter has blood group O.
Is this information enough to tell you which of the traits – blood group A or O – is dominant? Why or why
not?
Solution:
Given information is not enough to tell us which characteristics are dominant –blood group A or O. Blood type A
is always dominant in ABO blood and blood type O is always recessive. Here, the father's blood group may be
genotypically AA (homozygous) or AO (heterozygous), whereas that of mother can be OA or OO.
4. How is the sex of the child determined in human beings?

Solution:
Sex of child in humans is determined by the males. Males have XY chromosomes while females have
XX chromosomes. Hence, if:-
● The male’s X chromosomes combines the female’s X chromosomes, the mother gives birth to a
girl
● The male’s Y chromosome combines with the female’s X chromosome, the mother gives birth to
a boy

1. What are the different ways in which individuals with a particular trait may increase in a population?
Solution:
An individual attribute could increase in a population within the following 2 ways:-
(a) Natural selection: if an attribute is useful to a population, it'll increase naturally.
For example – mosquitoes which are resilient against a particular pesticide will pass on its genes, so that
future generations become resistant as well. The mosquitoes which are affected by the pesticide die out .
(b) Genetic drift: if a species faces a catastrophic event where most of the population is wiped out, the
surviving population can pass on their traits to the following generations. This may result in a rise of the
attribute within the population.
2. Why are traits acquired during the life-time of an individual not inherited?
Solution:
Traits acquired during a life-time cannot be inherited for successive generations as the changes do not reflect in
the DNA of the germ cells. For instance, a football player cannot pass on his skills to his offspring as they are
limited to non-reproductive cells only.
3. Why are the small numbers of surviving tigers a cause of worry from the point of view of genetics?
Solution:
As the size of the tiger population decreases, the genetic pool of the species decreases too. This results in a
limitation on the variations which will be introduced within the genetic makeup of the tigers. This lack of
variation will result in serious implications. For example, if an illness spreads within the tiger population, it can
potentially wipe out the whole population, possibly causing their extinction.

1. What factors could lead to the rise of a new species?
Solution:
Factors that would result in a new species are as follows:
(a) Mutation.
(b) Genetic drift.
(c) Natural selection.
(d) Geographical isolation.
(e) Generative isolation for prolonged periods
(f) Environmental factors on the isolated populations.
(g) Quantum of genetic variant transmissible from one generation to the following generation.
2. Will geographical isolation be a major factor in the speciation of a self-pollinating plant species? Why or
why not?
Solution:
In a pollination of plant species, geographical isolation is usually not a major factor as no new trait will become
part of the genetic makeup in a self-pollinating plant species. However, there are some possibilities of some
environmental changes which could result in some variations.
3. Will geographical isolation be a major factor in the speciation of an organism that reproduces asexually?
Why or why not?
Solution:
In the case of asexually reproducing organisms, geographical isolation can't be considered a factor. This
is due to the fact that meiosis does not occur during asexual modes of reproduction.

1. Give an example of characteristics being used to determine how close two species are in evolutionary
terms.
Solution:
Let us take the instance of humans and chimpanzees. chimpanzees are able to express a wide range of emotions -
such as busting out in laughter or smiling - this trait was once thought to be a feature exclusive to humans. The
smile can be linked to the activation of the brain’s limbic system - where the orbicularis oculi muscle
involuntarily contracts and raises the cheeks, forming wrinkles around the eyes. This implies that the smile is a
true and genuine smile. Interestingly, this type of reflex has a name - the Duchenne smile. Moreover, research has
shown that chimpanzees share 98.6% of our DNA - This means that humans and chimpanzees shared a common
ancestor eons ago. It is important to also note that chimpanzees are the closest living relatives to humans.
2. Can the wing of a butterfly and the wing of a bat be considered homologous organs? Why or why not?
Solution:
The wing of a butterfly and the wing of a bat cannot be considered homologous organs as they do not share a
common ancestor. Even though both structures aid in flying, they have evolved separately. To prove this, the
wings of a butterfly are composed of two chitinous membranes, whereas wings of a bat are composed of bony
skeleton, complete with blood vessels. Hence, these aren't homologous organs but rather analogous organs.
3. What are fossils? What do they tell us about the process of evolution?
Solution:
Fossils are the preserved remains of animals or plants or other organisms that died out millions of years ago.
These fossils tell us about a lot of extinct animals and also give insights into how evolution might have occurred.
Fossils can be used to understand how an organism would have lived and what it may have looked like. More
importantly, we can correlate with fossils as well as extant organisms to understand their relationships. For
instance, scientists were able to recover protein sequences from a dinosaur called the T-rex, which confirmed its
avian lineage. This means birds are the extant relatives of (avian) dinosaurs. Moreover, the pattern of fossil
distribution gives us an idea of the time in history when various species were formed or become extinct.

1. Why are human beings who look so different from each other in terms of size, color and looks said to
belong to the same species?
Solution:
While human beings do vary in color and general appearance, their genetic makeup is identical to any other
human. One of the speculations put forth for our drastic changes is due to evolutionary pressure - where the need
to be easily recognized pushed us towards having widely different faces.
2. In evolutionary terms, can we say which among bacteria, spiders, fish and chimpanzees have a ‘better’
body design? Why or why not?
Solution:
Body designs are the result of environmental needs and pressure. Hence, we can't conclude that one organism has
a better body compared to another. For instance, fish have evolved a streamlined design as it is best suited for an
aquatic environment. On the other hand, a spider or a chimpanzee might be ill-equipped to survive in such aquatic
environments.
Exercises Page: 159

1. A Mendelian experiment consisted of breeding tall pea plants bearing violet flowers with short pea plants
bearing white flowers. The progeny all bore violet flowers, but almost half of them were short. This
suggests that the genetic make-up of the tall parent can be depicted as
(a) TTWW
(b) TTww
(c) TtWW
(d) TtWw
Solution:
Correct answer – (c)
TtWW might be the genetic makeup of the tall parent. Since half the progenies are short, this implies
that the parent plant also will have a collection of short genes; all progenies bore violet flowers, further
suggesting that violet color is dominant over white.
2. An example of homologous organs is

(a) Our arm and a dog’s fore-leg.
(b) Our teeth and an elephant’s tusks.
(c) Potato and runners of grass.
(d) All of the above.
Solution:
Correct answer – (d)
Homologous organs have the same origin as each of the above organs, but different functions. Homologous
organs can be defined as the organs of various animals having similar basic structure but different functions. For
example, a whale's flippers, a frog's forelimbs, and man have the same basic structures but perform different
functions, which is why they are called homologous organs.
3. In evolutionary terms, we have more in common with

(a) A Chinese school-boy.
(b) A chimpanzee.
(c) A spider.
(d) A bacterium.
Solution:
Correct answer – (a)
Humans and chimpanzees are related since they belong to the identical order (Primates) and same family,
(Hominidae). However, a school-boy, regardless of the ethnicity is still a Homo sapien
4. A study found that children with light-colored eyes are likely to have parents with light-colored eyes. On
this basis, can we say anything about whether the light eye color trait is dominant or recessive? Why or
why not?
Solution:
Knowledge of at least 3 generations is required for finding if an attribute is dominant or recessive. Hence, it is not
possible to identify if the given trait is dominant or recessive.
5. How are the areas of study – evolution and classification – interlinked?

Solution:
Classification and evolution are two related fields of biology. Evolution pertains to how organisms evolve and
classification deals with finding out how two species are related to each other. For example, evolution and fossil
evidence point to the fact that Australopithecus afarensis is considered one of our earliest ancestors. And
classification tells us that Australopithecus afarensis belongs to the genus Homo, which is also the same genus as
modern humans.
6. Explain the terms analogous and homologous organs with examples.

Solution:
Homologous organs are those organs that have the basic structural design as well as origin, however, serve
different functions. For example: The forelimbs of humans and the wings of bats are anatomically similar.
Analogous organs are those organs that have a different structural design as well as origin, however perform
similar functions. For example: The wings of birds and insects.
7. Outline a project which aims to find the dominant coat color in dogs.
Solution:
Dogs have a certain set of genes that govern coat color. There are a minimum of eleven known sequence series
(A, B, C, D, E, F, G, M, P, S, T) that influence the colour of a dog. A dog inherits one copy from each of its
parents. As an example, within the B series, a dog is genetically black or brown. Assume that one parent is
homozygous black (BB), whereas the other parent is homozygous brown (bb).
In this case, all the offsprings are going to be heterozygous (Bb).

Since black (B) is dominant, all the offsprings are going to be black. However, they are going to have each B and
b alleles. If such heterozygous pups are crossed, they are going to produce 25 homozygous blacks (BB), 15
heterozygous black (Bb), and 25 homozygous brown (bb) offsprings.
8. Explain the importance of fossils in deciding evolutionary relationships.

Solution:
Fossils give evidence about:
(a) The organism and their paleobiology
(b) Even behavior of an organism can be deduced to some extent (for example, paleontologists) had unearthed a
site with more than 10,000 skeletons of a dinosaur called Hadrosaurus. This implies that the dinosaur lived in
herds.
© Fossils also provide insight into the evolutionary history of animals and plants (for instance, paleontologists
have discovered that whales had evolved from goat-sized land dwelling animal called Pakicetus)
9. What evidence do we have for the origin of life from inanimate matter?
Solution:
The evidence on the origin of life from inanimate matter was provided by Stanley L. Miller and Harold C. Urey's
experiment, which was conducted in 1953. They created an artificial environment which was reminiscent of the
early earth’s atmosphere - it contained ammonia, hydrogen and other gases which were thought to have existed
during primordial earth.
This concoction of gases was kept at a temperature slightly below 100 ° C. Additionally, sparks were generated to
simulate lightning, which was also thought to be common during that period. At the end of the experiment, he was
able to create 11 out of the 20 amino acids which is required for life.
10. Explain how sexual reproduction gives rise to more viable variations than asexual reproduction. How
does this affect the evolution of those organisms that reproduce sexually?
Solution:
Sexual reproduction causes a lot of viable variations because of the following reasons:
(a) Error in copying of DNA (though it was rare)
(b) Random segregation of paternal and maternal chromosome at the time of sex cell formation.
(c) Exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during the formation of gametes.
(d) Accumulation of variations occurred because of reproduction over generation after generation and choice
naturally created wide diversity.
(e) In case of asexual reproduction, variation is severely limited as there is only one parent involved. Hence, the
offspring is genetically similar to the parent
11. How is the equal genetic contribution of male and female parents ensured in the progeny?
Solution:
Equal genetic contribution of male and female parents is ensured in progeny through the inheritance of equal
numbers of chromosomes from both parents. There are 23 pairs of chromosomes but not all is paired. The 22 pairs
are called autosomes while the remaining 1 pair is called the sex chromosomes (represented as X and Y.)
Females have two sets of X-chromosomes while males have 1 X-chromosome and 1 Y-chromosome.
During the process of reproduction, fertilization takes place, where the male gamete fuses with the female gamete
and it results in the formation of a diploid zygote. Furthermore, the zygote receives an equal contribution of
genetic material from both parents. The male contributes 22 autosomes plus, 1 X or Y chromosomes. The female
contributes 22 autosomes, plus 1 X-chromosome.
12. Only variations that confer an advantage to an individual organism will survive in a population. Do you
agree with this statement? Why or why not?
Solution:
The statement holds true - only variations provide an advantage to individual organisms that will survive in a
population. For example, variations that lead to the increase in heat-resistance in bacteria is very useful for
survival if it finds itself in an environment where there is a sudden increase in ambient temperature. This will
determine the difference between life and death for the bacteria.
NCERT Solution for Class 10 Science Chapter 7 -
Control and coordination
Questions Page number 119

1. What is the difference between a reflex action and walking?
Solution:
Reflex action are the involuntary actions that occur in response to stimuli. They occur
without involvement of conscious areas of brain. All the reflex actions are unconscious
actions. Reflex action occurs brain and spinal cord of central nervous systems.
On the other hand voluntary actions are those which occur under the control of
cerebellum of the brain Walking is learnt as we grow. Walking is controlled by brain as is
used when required.
2. What happens at the synapse between two neurons?

Solution:
Between the synapse between two neurons electric signals are converted into chemicals
that can easily cross over the gap and pass on the chemical messenger to next neuron
where it is converted back to electrical signal.
3. Which part of the brain maintains posture and equilibrium of the body?
Solution:
Cerebellum which is a part of the brain is responsible for Controls the motor
functioning hence it is the part reengaged in the maintenance of posture and equilibrium
of the body.
4. How do we detect the smell of an agarbatti (incense stick)?

Solution:
Smell of an agarbatti is detected by Nose, olfactory receptors present in the nose sends
electrical signal to the fore brain. Fore brain interprets this signal as the incense stick to
be detected as smell.
5. What is the role of the brain in reflex action?

Solution:
Reflex actions are formed instantaneously in response to the stimulus that has no time to
think. For instance the sensory nerves that detect the heat are connected to the nerves that
move the muscles of the hand. Such a connection of detecting the signal from the nerves
(input) and responding to it quickly (output) is known as reflex arc.
Reflex action are generated in spinal cord and the information also reaches brain. This
helps the brain to record this event and remember it for future use. Brain helps the
person to get awareness of the stimulus and prevent himself from that situation again.

1. What are plant hormones?
Solution:
Plant hormones are the organic substances produces at certain sites of the plant and are
translocated to other parts based on the requirement. Plant hormones help to coordinate
growth, development and responses to the environment. Ex: Auxin’s Gibberlin’s,
cytokines, abscisic acid and ethylene.
2. How is the movement of leaves of the sensitive plant different from the movement
of a shoot towards light?
Solution:
Sl. Movement of leaves of the sensitive plant Movement of a shoot

no towards light
1 It does not depend on the direction of stimulus Depends on the direction of
applied. stimulus applied.
2 Called as Nastic movement Called as tropic movement
3 Touch is the stimulus Light is the stimulus
4 Caused by the sudden loss of water from the Caused by the unequal
swellings at the base of leaves growth on the two sides of
the shoot.
5 Not a growth movement Growth movement
6 Occurs very fast Occurs slowly
3. Give an example of a plant hormone that promotes growth

Solution:
Auxins and Gibberlins are the hormone responsible for the growth of plant.
Auxins are responsible for the cell elongation in shoot and also regulates growth.
Gibberlin is responsible for stem elongation and germination.
4. How do auxins promote the growth of a tendril around a support?

Solution:
Auxins are the plant hormones produces at the tip of a shoot and root. Auxins are present
at the tip of tendrils. When tendrils are attached around any support their growth is
slowed down as auxins are sensitive to touch. This make them move to the other side of
the tip to get support this makes the other side grow faster than the side of tendril in
contact with the support and the tendril bends towards the support.
5. Design an experiment to demonstrate hydrotropism.

Solution:
To demonstrate hydrotropism in plants.

Procedure :
i. Plant a seedling in a vessel containing soil.
ii. Adjacent to the seedling put a porous pot containing water.
iii. Leave the set up for few days.
Observation :
iv. On examining the roots it is observed that the roots bend towards the source of
water and do not grow straight.
result :
It confirms that plant shows hydrotropism as the roots bend towards the porous pot of
water. As hydrotropism is a plant growth response in which the direction of growth is
determined by a stimulus of gradient in water concentration.

1. How does chemical coordination take place in animals?
Solution:
Chemical coordination takes place in animals with the help of chemical messengers
called as Hormones. Hormones are the chemic fluids that are secreted by specific glands
of the endocrine gland. Hormones regulate the growth, development and homeostasis of
the animals.
2. Why is the use of iodized salt advisable?

Solution:
Usage of Iodized salt is advisable to avoid the deficiency of Iodine. If the intake of iodine
is low, the release of thyroxine from the thyroid gland will be decreased. This affects fat,
carbohydrate and protein metabolism
Thus a person may have goitre problem in case if the intake of iodine is lowered.
3. How does our body respond when adrenaline is secreted into the blood?
Solution:
4. Why are some patients of diabetes treated by giving injections of insulin?

Solution:
Diabetes is a condition where insulin hormone is produced less or stopped by pancreatic

cells of a person. Insulin regulates blood glucose by converting extra glucose to
glycogen. When insulin is not produced adequately person blood glucose level which
leads to adverse effects. In order to maintain the insulin and blood glucose level diabetes
patients are treated with injections of insulin.
Exercise Questions Page number 126
1. Which of the following is a plant hormone?

(a) Insulin
(b) Thyroxin
(c) Oestrogen
(d) Cytokinin
Solution:
Answer is d) cytokinin.
Cytokinin is a plant hormone whereas Insulin, Thyroxin, Oestrogen are the hormones
produced by animals.
2. The gap between two neurons is called a

(a) Dendrite.
(b) Synapse.
(c) Axon.
(d) Impulse.
Solution:
Answer is (b) Synapse
Dendrite is a short branched extension of a nerve cell, along which impulses received
from other cells at synapses are transmitted to the cell body.
An axon or nerve fiber is a long, slender projection of a nerve cell or neuron in

vertebrates that typically conducts electrical impulses known as action potentials away
from the nerve cell body. The function of the axon is to transmit information to different
neurons, muscles, and glands.
Impulse an electrical signal that travels along axon.
3. The brain is responsible for

(a) Thinking.
(b) Regulating the heartbeat.
(c) Balancing the body.
(d) all of the above.
Solution:
Answer is (d) all the above

Brain is responsible for thinking, brain regulates the heartbeat, and it balance the body.
4. What is the function of receptors in our body? Think of situations where

receptors do not work properly. What problems are likely to arise?
Solution:
Receptors are present throughout our body mainly sense organs. Receptors collect the
information about changes that happen around us and send the signal to information to
brain which render effector mechanism against the change. When receptors do not work
properly, the environmental stimuli are not able to create nerve impulses and body does
not respond.
5. Draw the structure of a neuron and explain its function.

Solution:
Neurons are nerve cells which are functional units of the nervous system. Three main
parts of neurons are Dendrites, Axons and cell body.
Dendrite: Detects information and sends it to cell body

Cell Body: Maintains growth of the cell
Axon: Conducts messages away from cell body and signal to next neuron.
6. How does phototropism occur in plants?

Solution:
Directional movement and growth of plant in response to light is called as phototropism.

Phototropism occurs due to increased auxin on the dark side and decreased auxin on the
illuminated side. Because of presence of more auxin, leaf in the darker side grows faster
causing it to bend towards the source of light.
7. Which signals will get disrupted in case of a spinal cord injury?

Solution:
In case of a spinal cord injury, signals coming from the nerves as well as the signals
coming to the receptors will be disrupted. Both these signals meet in a bundle in the
spinal cord. Hence, both these signals get disrupted.
8. How does chemical coordination occur in plants?

Solution:
Plant growth, development and responses to the environment is controlled and

coordinated by a special class of chemical substances known as hormones. Hormones are
produced in one part of the plant and are transported to all the needy parts of the plant.
The five major types of phytohormone are auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscisic acid,
and ethylene. These phytohormones are either growth promoters (such as auxins,
gibberellins, cytokinins, and ethylene) or growth inhibitors such as abscisic acid.
9. What is the need for a system of control and coordination in an organism?

Solution:
There are various organs in an organism. These organs must be carefully controlled and
coordinated for the survival of an organisms. In the body of an organism various fluids
are secreted from the glands of the endocrine system. These hormones are responsible for
the overall growth and development of an organism. All others daily decision that
includes voluntary and involuntary action are controlled by central nervous system
(CNS).
Coordination is needed for all human activities we perform. Our nervous system receives
information from surroundings which is processed and response is ilicited. The endocrine
system (hormonal system) helps in integrating various metabolic activities like
reproduction, development, and all reflex actions (cope up with various give up
situations).
The hormonal system in plants helps in process of photosynthesis; they need carbon
dioxide, water and sunlight. The stomatal opening in leaves opens up to allow in carbon
dioxide gas, the roots bend towards water and the stem grows towards sunlight, the
tendrils in climbing pants are supported by the hormonal system of the plant body.
Thus, we have need of control and coordination system in an organisms.
10. How are involuntary actions and reflex actions different from each other?
Solution:
Reflex actions Involuntary actions

1. Rapid automatic responses to a stimulus 1. Occurs without the consciousness of
without the conscious involvement of the an organism
brain
2. Controlled by spinal cord 2. Controlled by mid brain or medulla
oblongata
3. Very quick and instantaneous 3. Relatively slower
4. May involve any muscle or a gland 4. Involves only smooth muscles
5. Can be conditioned 5. Cannot be influenced by external
conditioning
Examples: Blinking of eyes, salivation Examples: Beating of heart, blood
circulation
11. Compare and contrast nervous and hormonal mechanisms for control and
coordination in animals.
Solution:
Nervous control Hormonal Control

1 It is consist of nerve impulses 1 It consists of endocrine system which
between PNS, CNS and Brain. secretes hormones directly into
blood.
2 Here response time is very short. 2 Here response time is very long.
3 Nerve impulses are not specific in 3 Each hormone has specific actions.
their action.
4 The flow of information is rapid. 4 The flow of information is very slow.
12. What is the difference between the manner in which movement takes place in a
sensitive plant and the movement in our legs?
Solution:
Sl. Movement in sensitive plants Movement in our legs

no
1 The movement in a sensitive plant 1 Movement in our legs is a
is a response to stimulus (touch) voluntary action.
which is an involuntary action.
A complete system CNS and PNS
2 No special tissue is there for the 2 is there for the information
transfer of information exchange.
3 3 Animal cells have specialized
Plant cells do not have specialized protein which help muscles to
protein for movements. contract.
Life Processes

1. Why is diffusion insufficient to meet the oxygen requirements of multicellular
organisms like humans?
Solution:
Multi-cellular organism’s like humans have very big body and require a lot of oxygen to
diffuse into body quickly in order to meet the oxygen requirement. Diffusion is a slow
process which will take a lot of time to circulate oxygen to all the body cells. Because of
its slow nature diffusion is insufficient to meet the oxygen requirements of multicellular
organisms like humans.
2. What criteria do we use to decide whether something is alive?

Solution:
Walking, breathing, growth and other visible changes can be used to determine whether
something is alive or dead. However some living things will have changes that are not
visible to our eye; Hence, presence of life process is a fundamental criteria to decide
whether something is alive.
3. What are outside raw materials used for by an organism?

Solution:
Outside raw material is used by organism for food and oxygen. Raw materials
requirement varies on the complexity of the organism and the environment it is living.
4. What processes would you consider essential for maintaining life?

Solution:
Life processes such as respiration, digestion, excretion, circulation and transportation are
essential for maintain life.
Life Processes

1. What are the differences between autotrophic nutrition and heterotrophic
nutrition?
Solution:
Autotrophic Nutrition Heterotrophic Nutrition

Organism prepare its own food and is not Organism does not prepare its own food
dependent on any other organism. and dependent on other organism for food.
Food is prepared from co2, water, sunlight. Food cannot be prepared from co2, water,
sunlight.
Chlorophyll is required for food Chlorophyll is not required for food
preparation preparation
Green plants and certain bacteria have All the animals and fungi, most bacteria
autotrophic mode of nutrition. have heterotrophic mode of nutrition
2. Where do plants get each of the raw materials required for photosynthesis?
Solution:
Plants required the following raw material for photosynthesis
1. CO2 is obtained from atmosphere through stomata

2. Water is absorbed by plant roots from the soil.
3. Sunlight is an essential raw material for photosynthesis
4. Nutrients are obtained by soil by plant roots
3. What is the role of the acid in our stomach?

Solution:
HCL present in the stomach dissolves food particles and creates an acidic medium. In
acidic environment protein digesting enzymes pepsinogen is converted into pepsin. HCL
in the stomach also acts as protective barrier against many disease causing pathogens.
4. What is the function of digestive enzymes?

Solution:
Digestive enzymes breaks the complex food molecules into simpler ones. This will make
the food absorption process easy and effective. Absorbed food is transported to all parts
Life Processes
of the body by blood.
5. How is the small intestine designed to absorb digested food?

Solution:
Small intestine has small projections called as micro villi which increases the surface
volume which make absorption more effective. Within the villi there are numerous blood
vessels that absorb digested food and carry it to blood stream. Blood transports food to
each part of our body.
Life Processes

1. What advantage over an aquatic organism does a terrestrial organism have with
regard to obtaining oxygen for respiration?
Solution:
Terrestrial organisms breathe by using atmospheric oxygen whereas aquatic organism

take oxygen dissolved in water. Oxygen level is high in atmosphere when compared to
oxygen in water. Hence terrestrial organism need not breathe fast to obtain organism
whereas aquatic organisms need to breathe faster to get required oxygen.
2. What are the different ways in which glucose is oxidized to provide energy in
various organisms?
Solution:
In cytoplasm Glucose is first broken down into two 3 carbon compounds called as
pyruvate by the process known as Glycolysis. Further breakdown takes place in different
organism by different processes.
3. How is oxygen and carbon dioxide transported in human beings?

Solution:
Oxygen and Carbon-di-oxide is transported in human being via blood stream. Oxygen is
carried to the cells whereas carbon-di-oxide is carried away from the cells. Exchange of
gases takes place between the alveoli of lungs and the surrounding blood capillaries.
Life Processes
Oxygen is absorbed by the blood capillaries from the lungs alveoli by diffusion while
carbon-dioxide is absorbed by the lungs alveoli from blood capillaries by diffusion.
4. How are the lungs designed in human beings to maximize the area for exchange of
gases?
Solution:
 The lungs is an important part of the body. The passage inside the lungs divides
into smaller and smaller tubes, which finally terminate in balloon-like structures,
called as alveoli.
 The alveoli provide a surface where the exchange of gases can take place. The
walls of the alveoli usually contains an extensive network of blood vessels. We
know that, when we breathe in, we lift our ribs, flatten our diaphragm and chest
cavity becomes larger.
 Because of this action, air is sucked into the lungs and fills the expanded alveoli.
 The blood brings the essential carbon dioxide from rest of the body and supply it to
alveoli; the oxygen in the alveolar air is taken up by the blood in the alveolar blood
vessels to be transported to the all other cells of the body. During the normal
breathing cycle, when air is taken in and let out, the lungs always contain a residual
volume of air so that there is sufficient time for oxygen to be absorbed and carbon
dioxide to be released.
Life Processes

1. What are the components of the transport system in human beings? What are the
functions of these components?
Solution:
Heart, blood and blood vessels are the main components of transport system in human
beings.
Functions of these components

Heart
Heart pumps oxygenated blood throughout the body. It receives deoxygenated blood
from the various body parts and sends this impure blood to the lungs for oxygenation.
Blood
Blood transports oxygen, nutrients, CO2, and nitrogenous wastes.
Blood vessels
Blood vessels, arteries and veins carry blood to all parts of body.
2. Why is it necessary to separate oxygenated and deoxygenated blood in mammals

and birds?
Solution:
Mammals and birds are warm blooded animals which keep their body temperature
constant irrespective of the environment they leave. This process require lot of oxygen
for more cellular respiration so that warm blooded animals produce more energy to
balance their body temperature. Hence it is very important for warm blooded animals to
separate oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to keep their circulatory system efficient.
3. What are the components of the transport system in highly organized plants?
Solution:
There are two types of conducting tissues in highly organized plants that carry out
transport system 1) Xylem 2) phloem. Xylem conduct water and minerals from roots to
rest of the plant parts. Similarly Phloem transports food materials from leaf to other parts
of the plant.
Life Processes
4. How are water and minerals transported in plants?

Solution:
Xylems parts tracheids and vessels of roots, stems and leaves are interconnected to form
a continuous system of water-conducting channels that reaches all parts of the plant.
Transpiration creates a suction pressure which forces water into xylem cells of roots.
After this, there will be a steady movement of water from the root xylem to all parts of
the plant connected through conducting interconnected water-conducting channels.
5. How is food transported in plants?

Solution:
Food is transported in plants by a special organ called as phloem. Phloem transports food
materials from leaf to different parts of a plant. Transportation of food in phloem is
achieved by the expenditure of ATP9 energy). This increases osmotic pressure in the
tissue causing water to move. This pressure moves material in the Phloem to the tissues
with less pressure. This is helping in transportation of food material as per the needs. Ex:
Sucrose
Life Processes

1. Describe the structure and functioning of nephrons
Solution:
Nephrons are the filtration units of the kidney which are large in numbers. Some
substances in the initial filtrate, such as glucose, amino acids, salts and a major amount of
water, are selectively re-absorbed as the urine flows along the tube.
Main components of Nephrons are
Glomerulus
Bowman’s capsule
Long renal Tube
Structure of Nephron
Life Processes
Functioning of Nephron
 The blood enters the kidney through the renal artery, which branches into many
capillaries associated with glomerulus.
 The water and solute are transferred to the nephron at Bowman's capsule.
 In the proximal tubule, some substances such as amino acids, glucose, and salts are
selectively reabsorbed and unwanted molecules are added in the urine.
 The filtrate then moves down into the loop of Henle, where more water is
absorbed. From here, the filtrate moves upwards into the distal tubule and finally to
the collecting duct. Collecting duct collects urine from many nephrons.
 The urine formed in each kidney enters a long tube called ureter. From ureter, it
gets transported to the urinary bladder and then into the urethra.
2. What are the methods used by plants to get rid of excretory products?
Solution:
Plants can get rid of excess water by transpiration.
For other wastes, plants use the fact that many of their tissues consist of dead cells, and
that they can even lose some parts such as leaves. Many plant waste products are stored
in cellular vacuoles. Waste products may be stored in leaves that fall off.
Other waste products are stored as resins and gums, especially in old xylem. Plants also
excrete some waste substances into the soil around them.
3. How is the amount of urine produced regulated?

Solution:
Amount of urine produced depends on the amount of excess water and dissolved waste
present in the body. Other factors may be environment and ADH hormone which
regulates the production of urine.
Life Processes

1. The kidneys in human beings are a part of the system for
(a) nutrition
(b) respiration.
(c) excretion.
(d) transportation
Solution:
Answer is (c) excretion
The excretory system of human beings (Fig. 6.13) includes a pair of kidneys, a pair of
ureters, a urinary bladder and a urethra. Kidneys are located in the abdomen, one on
either side of the backbone. Urine produced in the kidneys passes through the ureters into
the urinary bladder where it is stored until it is released through the urethra.
2. The xylem in plants are responsible for

(a) transport of water .
(b) transport of food.
(c) transport of amino acids.
(d) transport of oxygen.
Solution:
In plants Xylem is responsible for transport of water hence the answer is a)
3. The autotrophic mode of nutrition requires

(a) carbon dioxide and water.
(b) chlorophyll.
(c) sunlight.
(d) all of the above.
Solution:
Autotrophic mode of nutrition requires carob-di-oxide, water, chlorophyll and sunlight

from the preparation of food hence the answer is d) all of the above.
4. The breakdown of pyruvate to give carbon dioxide, water and energy takes place
in
(a) cytoplasm.
Life Processes
(b) mitochondria.
(c) chloroplast.
(d) nucleus
Solution:
The breakdown of pyruvate to give carbon dioxide, water and energy takes place in
mitochondria. Hence the answer is (b) mitochondria
5. How are fats digested in our bodies? Where does this process take place?
Solution:
 The small intestine is the place for complete digestion of carbohydrates, fats and
proteins. It receives the secretions of the liver and pancreas for this purpose.
 The food coming from the stomach is usually acidic in nature and it has to be made
alkaline so that pancreatic enzymes can act on it. Bile juice produced in the liver
accomplish this process.
 Fats are usually present in the intestine in the form of larger globules, which makes
it difficult for enzymes to act on them. The bile salts helps in breaking down larger
globules into smaller globules. The pancreas helps in secreting pancreatic juice,
which contains enzymes like trypsin for digesting proteins and lipase for breaking
down emulsified fats.
 The walls of the small intestine contains glands, which secretes intestinal juice.
The enzymes present in it finally converts the proteins to amino acids, complex
carbohydrates into glucose and finally fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
6. What is the role of saliva in the digestion of food?

Solution:
Food we intake is complex in nature, if it is to be absorbed from the alimentary
canal then it has to be broken into smaller molecules. This process is mainly done
with the help of biological catalysts called enzymes. The saliva contains an enzyme
called salivary amylase that breaks down starch, which is a complex molecule to
give sugar. The food is mixed thoroughly with saliva and moved around the mouth
while chewing the muscular tongue. Hence saliva plays a pivotal in digestion and
absorption of food.
Life Processes
7. What are the necessary conditions for autotrophic nutrition and what are its
byproducts?
Solution:
 The energy and carbon requirements of the autotrophic organism is obtained by the
process of photosynthesis.
 It is defined as the process by which autotrophs take in substances from the outside
surroundings and convert them into stored forms of energy.
 This substance is taken in the form of carbon dioxide and water, which is
converted into carbohydrates in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll.
 The main purpose of carbohydrates is to provide energy to the plant. The
carbohydrates are not utilized immediately; but they are stored in the form of
starch, which serves as an internal energy reserve.
 The stored energy can be used as and when required by the plant.
8. What are the differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration? Name some
organisms that use the anaerobic mode of respiration?
Solution:
Aerobic respiration
 The process takes place in the presence of free oxygen

 The products of aerobic respiration are CO 2, water and energy.
 The first step of aerobic respiration (glycolysis) takes place in cytoplasm while the
next step takes place in mitochondria.
 The process of aerobic respiration takes place in all higher organisms.
 In this process complete oxidation of glucose takes place.
Anaerobic respiration
 The process takes place in the absence of the free oxygen.

 The products of anaerobic respiration are ethyl alcohol, CO 2 and a little energy.
 Even in anaerobic respiration, the first step takes place in cytoplasm while the next
step takes place in mitochondria.
 In this process the glucose molecules is incompletely broken down.
Life Processes
 The process of anaerobic respiration takes place in lower organism like yeast, some
species of bacteria and parasites like tapeworm.
9. How are the alveoli designed to maximize the exchange of gases?

Solution:
 The lung is an important part of the body. The passage inside the lungs divides into
smaller and smaller tubes, which finally terminate in balloon-like structures, called
as alveoli.
 The alveoli provide a surface where the exchange of gases can take place. The
walls of the alveoli usually contains an extensive network of blood vessels. We
know that, when we breathe in, we lift our ribs, flatten our diaphragm and chest
cavity becomes larger.
 Because of this action, air is sucked into the lungs and fills the expanded alveoli.
 The blood brings the essential carbon dioxide from rest of the body and supply it to
alveoli; the oxygen in the alveolar air is taken up by the blood in the alveolar blood
vessels to be transported to the all other cells of the body. During normal breathing
cycle, when air is taken in and let out, the lungs always contain a residual volume
of air so that there is sufficient time for oxygen to be absorbed and carbon dioxide
to be released.
10. What would be the consequences of a deficiency of hemoglobin in our bodies?

Solution:
Hemoglobin is a protein responsible for transportation of oxygen to the body cells for
cellular respiration. Deficiency of Hemoglobin can affect the oxygen carrying capacity of
RBC’S. This lead to lack of oxygen in our body cells. Hemoglobin deficiency leads to a
disease called as anemia.
11. Describe double circulation of blood in human beings. Why is it necessary?

Solution:
Double circulation means, in a single cycle blood goes twice in the heart. The process
helps in separating oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to maintain a constant body
temperature.
Life Processes
The double circulatory system of blood includes
 Pulmonary circulation
 Systemic circulation.
Pulmonary circulation:
The right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood into the lungs where it is oxygenated. The
oxygenated blood is brought back to the left atrium, from there it is pumped into the left
ventricle and finally blood goes into the aorta for systemic circulation.
Systemic circulation:
The oxygenated blood is pumped to various parts of the body from the left ventricle. The
deoxygenated blood from different parts of the body passes through vena cava to reach
right atrium. The right atrium transfers the blood into right ventricle.
12. What are the differences between the transport of materials in xylem and
phloem?
Solution:
Transport of materials in Xylem Transport of materials in phloem
Xylem tissue helps in the transport of water Phloem tissue helps in the transport of food
and minerals.
Water is transported upwards from roots to Food is transported in both upward and
all other plant parts. downward directions.
13. Compare the functioning of alveoli in the lungs and nephrons in the kidneys
with respect to their structure and functioning.
Solution:
Alveoli Nephrons
Structure Structure
(i) Alveoli are tiny balloon-like structures (i) Nephrons are tubular structures present
present inside the lungs. inside the kidneys.
(ii) The walls of the alveoli are one cell (ii) Nephrons are made of glomerulus,
thick and it contains an extensive Bowman’s capsule, and a long renal tube.
Life Processes
network of blood capillaries.

Function Function
(i) The exchange of O2 and CO2 takes (i) The blood enters the kidneys through the
place between the blood of the capillaries renal artery. The blood is entered here and the
that surround the alveoli and the gases nitrogenous waste in the form of urine is
present in the alveoli. collected by collecting duct.
(ii) Alveoli are the site of gaseous
(ii) Nephrons are the basic filtration unit.
exchange.

Chapter 9 Heredity and Evolution

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Chapter 9 Heredity and Evolution

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NCERT Solution for Class 10 Science - Chapter 9

Heredity and Evolution

Exercise-9.1 Page: 143

2. How does the creation of variations in a species promote survival?

Exercise-9.2 Page: 147

2. How do Mendel’s experiments show that traits are inherited independently?

4. How is the sex of the child determined in human beings?

Exercise-9.3 Page: 150

Exercise-9.4 Page: 151

Exercise-9.5 Page: 156

Exercise-9.6 Page: 158

Exercises Page: 159

2. An example of homologous organs is

3. In evolutionary terms, we have more in common with

5. How are the areas of study – evolution and classification – interlinked?

6. Explain the terms analogous and homologous organs with examples.

In this case, all the offsprings are going to be heterozygous (Bb).

8. Explain the importance of fossils in deciding evolutionary relationships.

Exercise-9.1 Page: 143

2. How does the creation of variations in a species promote survival?

Exercise-9.2 Page: 147

2. How do Mendel’s experiments show that traits are inherited independently?

4. How is the sex of the child determined in human beings?

Exercise-9.3 Page: 150

Exercise-9.4 Page: 151

Exercise-9.5 Page: 156

Exercise-9.6 Page: 158

Exercises Page: 159

2. An example of homologous organs is

3. In evolutionary terms, we have more in common with

5. How are the areas of study – evolution and classification – interlinked?

6. Explain the terms analogous and homologous organs with examples.

In this case, all the offsprings are going to be heterozygous (Bb).

8. Explain the importance of fossils in deciding evolutionary relationships.

Questions Page number 119

2. What happens at the synapse between two neurons?

4. How do we detect the smell of an agarbatti (incense stick)?

5. What is the role of the brain in reflex action?

Questions Page number 119

Sl. Movement of leaves of the sensitive plant Movement of a shoot

3. Give an example of a plant hormone that promotes growth

Gibberlin is responsible for stem elongation and germination.

4. How do auxins promote the growth of a tendril around a support?

5. Design an experiment to demonstrate hydrotropism.

To demonstrate hydrotropism in plants.

Questions Page number 125

2. Why is the use of iodized salt advisable?

4. Why are some patients of diabetes treated by giving injections of insulin?

Diabetes is a condition where insulin hormone is produced less or stopped by pancreatic

Exercise Questions Page number 126

1. Which of the following is a plant hormone?

2. The gap between two neurons is called a

An axon or nerve fiber is a long, slender projection of a nerve cell or neuron in

Impulse an electrical signal that travels along axon.

3. The brain is responsible for

Answer is (d) all the above

4. What is the function of receptors in our body? Think of situations where

5. Draw the structure of a neuron and explain its function.

Dendrite: Detects information and sends it to cell body

6. How does phototropism occur in plants?

Directional movement and growth of plant in response to light is called as phototropism.

7. Which signals will get disrupted in case of a spinal cord injury?