Chapter 1

Evolutionary Biology

MBBS and BDS entrance past exam questions

Past questions and answers

38 questions set from this chapter. Most repeated first.

2020 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

Flippers of Penguins and Dolphins are examples of :
(a) Adaptive radiation (b) Convergent evolution (c) Industrial melanism (d) Natural selection

Similar questions: Flippers of penguin and dolphin (2024 · NEET-UG (India))

Answer

(b) Convergent evolution

Penguin and dolphin flippers are analogous structures. They serve a similar function in swimming but evolved independently in unrelated groups, a bird and a mammal, because of similar environmental pressures. Adaptive radiation would involve divergence from one ancestor, with homologous organs.

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2024 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

The flippers of the Penguins and Dolphins are the example of the
(a) Divergent evolution
(b) Adaptive radiation
(c) Natural selection
(d) Convergent evolution

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Answer

(d) Convergent evolution

Penguin and dolphin flippers are analogous structures. They have different origins, one in a bird and one in a mammal, but similar function in swimming. Similar adaptations in unrelated groups are called convergent evolution. Divergent evolution would involve homologous structures.

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2016 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

Which of the following structures is homologous to the wing of a bird?
(a) Wing of a Moth
(b) Hind limb of Rabbit
(c) Flipper of Whale
(d) Dorsal fin of a Shark

Answer

(c) Flipper of Whale

Homologous structures share the same basic (pentadactyl) forelimb plan from a common ancestor. A bird wing and a whale flipper are both modified forelimbs. Moth wing is an analogous structure, and the rabbit hind limb and shark dorsal fin are not forelimbs.

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2016 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

Following are the two statements regarding the origin of life:
(a) The earliest organisms that appeared on the earth were non-green and presumably anaerobes.
(b) The first autotrophic organisms were the chemoautotrophs that never released oxygen.
Of the above statements which one of the following options is correct?
(a) (b) is correct but (a) is false.
(b) Both (a) and (b) are correct.
(c) Both (a) and (b) are false.
(d) (a) is correct but (b) is false.

Answer

(b) Both (a) and (b) are correct.

The earliest organisms were non-green anaerobic heterotrophs. The first autotrophs were chemoautotrophs, which did not release oxygen; oxygen was released later by photosynthetic cyanobacteria. So neither statement is false.

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2016 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

Analogous structures are a result of:
(a) Convergent evolution
(b) Shared ancestry
(c) Stabilizing selection
(d) Divergent evolution

Answer

(a) Convergent evolution

Analogous structures (e.g. wings of butterfly and bird) have similar function but different origin and structure, and arise when unrelated organisms adapt to similar environments, i.e. convergent evolution. Shared ancestry and divergent evolution produce homologous structures.

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2016 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

Genetic drift operates in:
(a) slow reproductive population
(b) small isolated population
(c) large isolated population
(d) non-reproductive population

Answer

(b) small isolated population

Genetic drift is a random change in allele frequency due to chance. Its effect is strong in small populations, where chance events cause large shifts, and it is weak in large populations. Reproductive rate (a) and non-reproductive populations (d) are not the condition.

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2016 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

In Hardy-Weinberg equation, the frequency of heterozygous individual is represented by:
(a) $q^2$
(b) $p^2$
(c) $2pq$
(d) $pq$

Answer

(c) $2pq$

For alleles with frequencies $p$ and $q$ , $(p+q)^2=p^2+2pq+q^2=1$ . Here $p^2$ and $q^2$ are the two homozygotes and $2pq$ is the heterozygote frequency. $pq$ alone omits the factor 2 for the two ways of forming a heterozygote.

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2016 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

The chronological order of human evolution from early to the recent is:
(a) Australopithecus → Ramapithecus → Homo habilis → Homo erectus
(b) Ramapithecus → Australopithecus → Homo habilis → Homo erectus
(c) Ramapithecus → Homo habilis → Australopithecus → Homo erectus
(d) Australopithecus → Homo habilis → Ramapithecus → Homo erectus

Answer

(b) Ramapithecus → Australopithecus → Homo habilis → Homo erectus

Ramapithecus (about 15 mya, ape-like) came first, then Australopithecus (about 3-4 mya), Homo habilis (about 2 mya, brain about 650-800 cc) and Homo erectus (about 1.5 mya, about 900 cc). The other options misplace Ramapithecus or Australopithecus.

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2016 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

Which of the following is the correct sequence of events in the origin of life?
I. Formation of protobionts
II. Synthesis of organic monomers
III. Synthesis of organic polymers
IV. Formation of DNA-based genetic systems
(a) II, III, IV, I
(b) I, II, III, IV
(c) I, III, II, IV
(d) II, III, I, IV

Answer

(d) II, III, I, IV

Chemical evolution: organic monomers (II) formed first, then polymers (III), which assembled into protobionts/coacervates (I), and finally DNA-based genetic systems evolved (IV). Protobionts need polymers to exist, so they cannot precede III.

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2015 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

The wings of a bird and the wings of an insect are:
(a) homologous structures and represent divergent evolution
(b) analogous structures and represent convergent evolution
(c) phylogenetic structures and represent divergent evolution
(d) homologous structures and represent convergent evolution

Answer

(b) analogous structures and represent convergent evolution

Bird and insect wings do the same job (flight) but have different origins and structure, so they are analogous. Analogy results from convergent evolution under similar selection pressure. Homologous organs (e.g. forelimbs of mammals) show divergent evolution.

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2015 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

Industrial melanism is an example of:
(a) Neo Darwinism
(b) Natural selection
(c) Mutation
(d) Neo Lamarckism

Answer

(b) Natural selection

In industrial areas, dark (melanic) Biston moths were better camouflaged on soot-darkened trees and escaped bird predation, so their frequency rose. This is a clear example of natural selection. It is not a new mutation or Lamarckian inheritance of acquired traits.

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2014 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

Which one of the following are analogous structures?
(a) Flippers of Dolphin and Legs of Horse.
(b) Wings of Bat and Wings of Pigeon.
(c) Gills of Prawn and Lungs of Man.
(d) Thorns of Bougainvillea and Tendrils of Cucurbita

Answer

(b) Wings of Bat and Wings of Pigeon.

Analogous structures have a similar function but a different origin and structure. Bat wings are a skin membrane over elongated fingers, while pigeon wings are feathered. Dolphin flippers and horse legs are homologous forelimbs, and Bougainvillea thorns and Cucurbita tendrils are both modified stems (homologous). Gills and lungs are different organs altogether, not a pair showing common function through convergence.

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2014 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

Forelimbs of cat, lizard used in walking; forelimbs of whale used in swimming and forelimbs of bats used in flying are an example of:
(a) Convergent evolution
(b) Analogous organs
(c) Adaptive radiation
(d) Homologous organs

Answer

(d) Homologous organs

The forelimbs of cat, lizard, whale and bat have the same basic bone plan (humerus, radius-ulna, carpals, metacarpals, phalanges) but are modified for different functions. This is divergent evolution, i.e. homology and adaptive radiation. Option (c) is tempting, but adaptive radiation describes the process and the organs themselves are called homologous. Analogous and convergent options need different structures with the same function.

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2013 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

Variation in gene frequencies within populations can occur by chance rather than by natural selection. This is referred to as:
(a) Genetic flow
(b) Genetic drift
(c) Random mating
(d) Genetic load

Answer

(b) Genetic drift

Genetic drift is a random change in allele frequencies in a population by chance, most marked in small populations (founder effect, bottleneck). Gene flow is movement of genes between populations by migration, and genetic load is the reduction of fitness due to harmful alleles.

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2013 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

The process by which organisms with different evolutionary history evolve similar phenotypic adaptations in response to a common environmental challenge, is called:
(a) Natural selection
(b) Convergent evolution
(c) Non-random evolution
(d) Adaptive radiation

Answer

(b) Convergent evolution

Convergent evolution is when unrelated organisms with different ancestry evolve similar adaptations to a common environment, e.g. the wings of birds and insects. Adaptive radiation is the opposite, i.e. divergence from a common ancestor into different forms.

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2013 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

The tendency of population to remain in genetic equilibrium may be disturbed by:
(a) Random mating
(b) Lack of migration
(c) Lack of mutations
(d) Lack of random mating

Answer

(d) Lack of random mating

Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium needs random mating, no mutation, no migration, no selection and a large population. Lack of random mating (non-random or assortative mating) disturbs it. Options (b) and (c), lack of migration and of mutations, actually help to maintain equilibrium.

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2013 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

According to Darwin, the organic evolution is due to:
(a) Intraspecific competition.
(b) Interspecific competition.
(c) Competition within closely related species.
(d) Reduced feeding efficiency in one species due to the presence of interfering species.

Answer

(a) Intraspecific competition.

Darwin held that members of the same species compete most strongly for the same resources, as they have identical needs, and individuals with favourable variations survive and reproduce (natural selection), driving evolution. This follows the standard key.

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2013 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

The eye of octopus and eye of cat show different patterns of structure, yet they perform similar function. This is an example of:
(a) Homologous organs that have evolved due to convergent evolution.
(b) Homologous organs that have evolved due to divergent evolution.
(c) Analogous organs that have evolved due to convergent evolution.
(d) Analogous organs that have evolved due to divergent evolution.

Answer

(c) Analogous organs that have evolved due to convergent evolution.

The octopus eye and the cat eye have different structure and origin but the same function (vision), so they are analogous. Unrelated lineages adapting to similar needs shows convergent evolution. Homologous organs would share an origin and structure.

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2017 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

Flippers of Penguins and Dolphins are the example of :
(a) Homologous structure (b) Analogous structure (c) Divergent evolution (d) Radiation

Answer

(a) Homologous structure

Penguin and dolphin flippers differ in function context but both are modified forelimbs with the same basic bone plan (humerus, radius, ulna, carpals). Same origin with different appearance or use means homologous. Analogous structures have different origin but similar function, which would be wrong here.

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2017 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

Continental drift led to disappearance of a number of South American mammals because :
(a) there was an outbreak of a number of infectious diseases (b) sudden change in the climatic conditions (c) they were outcompeted by more highly evolved animals reaching here from North America (d) alteration of vegetation was not conducive to their survival

Answer

(c) they were outcompeted by more highly evolved animals reaching here from North America

When the Panama land bridge formed through continental drift, North American placental mammals migrated south and outcompeted the native South American fauna, causing many to disappear. Disease and climate change are not the accepted explanation.

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2017 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

Select the wrong statement :
(a) There is now enough evidence that essential processes like metabolism, translation and splicing evolved around RNA (b) DNA may act as a catalyst (c) RNA can splice itself and is also able to act as a catalyst (d) DNA stores genetic information

Answer

(b) DNA may act as a catalyst

The wrong statement is that DNA is a catalyst. RNA can act as a catalyst (ribozyme) and splice itself, which supports the RNA world idea. DNA, being chemically more stable, stores genetic information.

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2018 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

According to Hugo de Vries, the mechanism of evolution is
(a) Phenotypic variations (b) Saltation (c) Multiple step mutations (d) Minor mutations

Answer

(b) Saltation

Hugo de Vries, from his work on evening primrose, proposed that evolution occurs through mutations, which are large, sudden, single-step changes called saltations. Darwin's small variations were gradual, which is the tempting wrong choice.

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2018 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

Among the following sets of examples for divergent evolution, select the incorrect option :
(a) Brain of bat, man and cheetah (b) Heart of bat, man and cheetah (c) Forelimbs of man, bat and cheetah (d) Eye of octopus, bat and man

Answer

(d) Eye of octopus, bat and man

Divergent evolution produces homologous organs: a common ancestral structure modified for different functions. The brain, heart and forelimbs of bat, man and cheetah are homologous. The eyes of octopus (an invertebrate) and of vertebrates evolved independently to do the same job, so they are analogous and show convergent evolution, which makes (d) the incorrect set.

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2018 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

The similarity of bone structure in the forelimbs of many vertebrates is an example of
(a) Convergent evolution (b) Analogy (c) Homology (d) Adaptive radiation

Answer

(c) Homology

The forelimbs of vertebrates (man, whale, bat, cheetah) have the same bone plan (humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals, phalanges) from a common ancestor, so they are homologous. This homology is the basis of divergent evolution (adaptive radiation), not of convergent evolution. Analogy would mean similar function with different structure, such as the wings of a bird and an insect.

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2019 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

In a species, the weight of newborn ranges from 2 to 5 kg. 97% of the newborn with an average weight between 3 to 3.3 kg survive whereas 99% of the infants born with weights from 2 to 2.5 kg or 4.5 to 5 kg die. Which type of selection process is taking place ?
(a) Directional Selection (b) Stabilizing Selection (c) Disruptive Selection (d) Cyclical Selection

Answer

(b) Stabilizing Selection

Here the average-sized babies survive and both extremes die. Selection therefore favours the mean and removes both ends of the distribution, which is stabilizing selection, and the peak gets narrower. In directional selection one extreme is favoured, and in disruptive selection both extremes are favoured and the mean is lost.

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2019 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

Match the hominids with their correct brain size :

Hominid Brain size
(a) Homo habilis (i) 900 cc
(b) Homo neanderthalensis (ii) 1350 cc
(c) Homo erectus (iii) 650 - 800 cc
(d) Homo sapiens (iv) 1400 cc
Select the correct option.
(a) (a)-(iii), (b)-(i), (c)-(iv), (d)-(ii) (b) (a)-(iii), (b)-(ii), (c)-(i), (d)-(iv) (c) (a)-(iii), (b)-(iv), (c)-(i), (d)-(ii) (d) (a)-(iv), (b)-(iii), (c)-(i), (d)-(ii)

	Hominid		Brain size
(a)	Homo habilis	(i)	900 cc
(b)	Homo neanderthalensis	(ii)	1350 cc
(c)	Homo erectus	(iii)	650 - 800 cc
(d)	Homo sapiens	(iv)	1400 cc

Answer

(c) (a)-(iii), (b)-(iv), (c)-(i), (d)-(ii)

Homo habilis had a brain of 650-800 cc, Homo erectus about 900 cc, Homo neanderthalensis about 1400 cc, and Homo sapiens about 1350 cc. Note that Neanderthals had a slightly larger brain than modern humans.

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2019 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

Variations caused by mutation, as proposed by Hugo de Vries, are :
(a) random and directional (b) random and directionless (c) small and directional (d) small and directionless

Answer

(b) random and directionless

Hugo de Vries proposed mutation theory: mutations are large, sudden, random and directionless changes that cause speciation (saltation). In contrast, Darwin's variations are small and directional. Hence the "small" options are wrong, and the mutations are not directional.

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2019 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

A gene locus has two alleles A, a. If the frequency of dominant allele A is 0.4, then what will be the frequency of homozygous dominant, heterozygous and homozygous recessive individuals in the population ?
(a) 0.36 (AA); 0.48 (Aa); 0.16 (aa) (b) 0.16 (AA); 0.24 (Aa); 0.36 (aa) (c) 0.16 (AA); 0.48 (Aa); 0.36 (aa) (d) 0.16 (AA); 0.36 (Aa); 0.48 (aa)

Answer

(c) 0.16 (AA); 0.48 (Aa); 0.36 (aa)

Given $p = 0.4$ , so $q = 1 - 0.4 = 0.6$ . By Hardy-Weinberg, $p^2 = 0.16$ (AA), $2pq = 2 \times 0.4 \times 0.6 = 0.48$ (Aa), and $q^2 = 0.36$ (aa). Option (a) swaps the values by using $p = 0.6$ .

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2020 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

From his experiments, S.L. Miller produced amino acids by mixing the following in a closed flask :
(a) $\mathrm{CH_4}$ , $\mathrm{H_2}$ , $\mathrm{NH_3}$ and water vapor at $800^\circ$ C (b) $\mathrm{CH_3}$ , $\mathrm{H_2}$ , $\mathrm{NH_4}$ and water vapor at $800^\circ$ C (c) $\mathrm{CH_4}$ , $\mathrm{H_2}$ , $\mathrm{NH_3}$ and water vapor at $600^\circ$ C (d) $\mathrm{CH_3}$ , $\mathrm{H_2}$ , $\mathrm{NH_3}$ and water vapor at $600^\circ$ C

Answer

(a) $\mathrm{CH_4}$ , $\mathrm{H_2}$ , $\mathrm{NH_3}$ and water vapor at $800^\circ$ C

Miller (1953) passed electric sparks through a mixture of methane, hydrogen, ammonia and water vapour at $800^\circ$ C and obtained amino acids. The formulas $\mathrm{CH_3}$ and $\mathrm{NH_4}$ in the other options are not the gases used, and $600^\circ$ C is not the temperature.

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2020 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

Embryological support for evolution was disapproved by :
(a) Karl Ernst von Baer (b) Alfred Wallace (c) Charles Darwin (d) Oparin

Answer

(a) Karl Ernst von Baer

Von Baer noted that embryos of all vertebrates share a notochord and gill slits, but he showed that the developmental stages do not repeat adult forms of other animals. This disproved Haeckel's recapitulation theory, which had been used as embryological support for evolution. Wallace and Darwin supported evolution, and Oparin proposed the chemical origin of life.

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2020 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

Which of the following refer to correct example(s) of organisms which have evolved due to changes in environment brought about by anthropogenic action ?
(i) Darwin's Finches of Galapagos islands. (ii) Herbicide resistant weeds. (iii) Drug resistant eukaryotes. (iv) Man-created breeds of domesticated animals like dogs.
(a) only (i) (b) (i) and (iii) (c) (ii), (iii) and (iv) (d) only (iv)

Answer

(c) (ii), (iii) and (iv)

Herbicide-resistant weeds, drug-resistant eukaryotes and man-made dog breeds all arose through human-caused environmental change or human selection. Darwin's finches evolved by adaptive radiation on the Galapagos in response to natural conditions, with no anthropogenic action, so (i) is excluded.

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2022 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

Natural selection where more individuals acquire specific character value other than the mean character value, leads to
(a) Disruptive change
(b) Random change
(c) Stabilising change
(d) Directional change

Answer

(d) Directional change

In directional selection, more individuals acquire a character value at one extreme away from the mean, shifting the population's peak in that direction. Stabilising selection favours the mean and disruptive selection favours both extremes.

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2022 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

Which of the following statements is not true?
(a) Homology indicates common ancestry
(b) Flippers of penguins and dolphins are a pair of homologous organs
(c) Analogous structures are a result of convergent evolution
(d) Sweet potato and potato is an example of analogy

Answer

(b) Flippers of penguins and dolphins are a pair of homologous organs

Penguin and dolphin flippers are analogous structures (similar function, different origin, convergent evolution), not homologous. The other statements are true; sweet potato (root) and potato (stem) are analogous.

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2023 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

Select the correct group/set of Australian Marsupials exhibiting adaptive radiation.
(a) Tasmanian wolf, Bobcat, Marsupial mole
(b) Numbat, Spotted cuscus, Flying phalanger
(c) Mole, Flying squirrel, Tasmanian tiger cat
(d) Lemur, Anteater, Wolf

Answer

(b) Numbat, Spotted cuscus, Flying phalanger

These are all Australian marsupials that diversified from an ancestral stock, an example of adaptive radiation. Other options include non-marsupials such as bobcat, mole, flying squirrel, lemur and anteater.

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2024 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

Which one of the following factors will not affect the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?
(a) Constant gene pool
(b) Genetic recombination
(c) Genetic drift
(d) Gene migration

Answer

(b) Genetic recombination

Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is disturbed by gene flow (migration), genetic drift, mutation, natural selection and non-random mating. Genetic recombination only reshuffles existing alleles and does not change allele frequencies. A constant gene pool is the condition of equilibrium itself, not a disturbing factor.

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2024 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

Given below are some stages of human evolution. Arrange them in correct sequence. (Past to Recent)
A. Homo habilis
B. Homo sapiens
C. Homo neanderthalensis
D. Homo erectus
Choose the correct sequence of human evolution from the options given below:
(a) A-D-C-B
(b) D-A-C-B
(c) B-A-D-C
(d) C-B-D-A

Answer

(a) A-D-C-B

The order from past to recent is Homo habilis, Homo erectus, Homo neanderthalensis and Homo sapiens. H. habilis (about 2 mya) was the earliest, H. erectus came next, and Neanderthals (about 1 lakh to 40,000 years ago) preceded modern H. sapiens.

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2024 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

Match List I with List II.

List I List II
A. Mesozoic Era I. Lower invertebrates
B. Proterozoic Era II. Fish & Amphibia
C. Cenozoic Era III. Birds & Reptiles
D. Paleozoic Era IV. Mammals
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(a) A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II
(b) A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
(c) A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV
(d) A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III

List I	List II
A. Mesozoic Era	I. Lower invertebrates
B. Proterozoic Era	II. Fish & Amphibia
C. Cenozoic Era	III. Birds & Reptiles
D. Paleozoic Era	IV. Mammals

Answer

(a) A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II

Mesozoic is the age of reptiles, with birds appearing. Proterozoic had lower invertebrates. Cenozoic is the age of mammals. Paleozoic had fishes and amphibians.

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2025 · NEET-UG (India) · 4 marks

Sweet potato and potato represent a certain type of evolution. Select the correct combination of terms to explain the evolution.
(a) Analogy, convergent
(b) Homology, divergent
(c) Homology, convergent
(d) Analogy, divergent

Answer

(a) Analogy, convergent

Sweet potato is a modified root and potato is a modified stem tuber. They have different origins but similar function (food storage), so the organs are analogous. Similar function arising from different structures is convergent evolution. Homology would require the same origin, as in forelimbs of vertebrates.

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Questions from NEET-UG 2013 (India), question paper (NTA NEET-UG 2013 question paper; only questions on topics in Nepal's MBBS entrance syllabus), AIPMT 2014 (NEET-UG, India), Code R (NTA NEET-UG 2014 question paper; only questions on topics in Nepal's MBBS entrance syllabus), NEET-UG 2015 (India), Re-exam Code B (NTA NEET-UG 2015 question paper; only questions on topics in Nepal's MBBS entrance syllabus), NEET-UG 2016 (India), Phase 1 Code B (NTA NEET-UG 2016 question paper; only questions on topics in Nepal's MBBS entrance syllabus), NEET-UG 2016 (India), Phase 2 Code BB (NTA NEET-UG 2016 question paper; only questions on topics in Nepal's MBBS entrance syllabus), NEET-UG 2017 (India), Code A (NTA NEET-UG 2017 question paper; only questions on topics in Nepal's MBBS entrance syllabus), NEET-UG 2018 (India), Code AA (NTA NEET-UG 2018 question paper; only questions on topics in Nepal's MBBS entrance syllabus), NEET-UG 2019 (India), Code P1 (NTA NEET-UG 2019 question paper; only questions on topics in Nepal's MBBS entrance syllabus), NEET-UG 2020 (India), Code E1 (NTA NEET-UG 2020 question paper; only questions on topics in Nepal's MBBS entrance syllabus), NEET-UG 2021 (India), Paper code M4 (NTA NEET-UG 2021 question paper; only questions on topics in Nepal's MBBS entrance syllabus), NEET-UG 2022 (India), Paper code S3 (NTA NEET-UG 2022 question paper; only questions on topics in Nepal's MBBS entrance syllabus), NEET-UG 2023 (India), Paper code E1 (NTA NEET-UG 2023 question paper; only questions on topics in Nepal's MBBS entrance syllabus), NEET-UG 2024 (India), Paper code S3 (NTA NEET-UG 2024 question paper; only questions on topics in Nepal's MBBS entrance syllabus) and NEET-UG 2025 (India), Paper code 45 (NTA NEET-UG 2025 question paper; only questions on topics in Nepal's MBBS entrance syllabus). Answers are written for this site; check them against your class notes.

Past questions and answers

1.Flippers of Penguins and Dolphins are examples of : (a) Adaptive radiation (b) Convergent evolution (c) Industrial melanism (d) Natural selection

2.The flippers of the Penguins and Dolphins are the example of the (a) Divergent evolution (b) Adaptive radiation (c) Natural selection (d) Convergent evolution

3.Which of the following structures is homologous to the wing of a bird? (a) Wing of a Moth (b) Hind limb of Rabbit (c) Flipper of Whale (d) Dorsal fin of a Shark

5.Analogous structures are a result of: (a) Convergent evolution (b) Shared ancestry (c) Stabilizing selection (d) Divergent evolution

6.Genetic drift operates in: (a) slow reproductive population (b) small isolated population (c) large isolated population (d) non-reproductive population

7.In Hardy-Weinberg equation, the frequency of heterozygous individual is represented by: (a) q2q^2q2 (b) p2p^2p2 (c) 2pq2pq2pq (d) pqpqpq

9.Which of the following is the correct sequence of events in the origin of life? I. Formation of protobionts II. Synthesis of organic monomers III. Synthesis of organic polymers IV. Formation of DNA-based genetic systems (a) II, III, IV, I (b) I, II, III, IV (c) I, III, II, IV (d) II, III, I, IV

10.The wings of a bird and the wings of an insect are: (a) homologous structures and represent divergent evolution (b) analogous structures and represent convergent evolution (c) phylogenetic structures and represent divergent evolution (d) homologous structures and represent convergent evolution

11.Industrial melanism is an example of: (a) Neo Darwinism (b) Natural selection (c) Mutation (d) Neo Lamarckism

12.Which one of the following are analogous structures? (a) Flippers of Dolphin and Legs of Horse. (b) Wings of Bat and Wings of Pigeon. (c) Gills of Prawn and Lungs of Man. (d) Thorns of Bougainvillea and Tendrils of Cucurbita

13.Forelimbs of cat, lizard used in walking; forelimbs of whale used in swimming and forelimbs of bats used in flying are an example of: (a) Convergent evolution (b) Analogous organs (c) Adaptive radiation (d) Homologous organs

14.Variation in gene frequencies within populations can occur by chance rather than by natural selection. This is referred to as: (a) Genetic flow (b) Genetic drift (c) Random mating (d) Genetic load

15.The process by which organisms with different evolutionary history evolve similar phenotypic adaptations in response to a common environmental challenge, is called: (a) Natural selection (b) Convergent evolution (c) Non-random evolution (d) Adaptive radiation

16.The tendency of population to remain in genetic equilibrium may be disturbed by: (a) Random mating (b) Lack of migration (c) Lack of mutations (d) Lack of random mating

17.According to Darwin, the organic evolution is due to: (a) Intraspecific competition. (b) Interspecific competition. (c) Competition within closely related species. (d) Reduced feeding efficiency in one species due to the presence of interfering species.

19.Flippers of Penguins and Dolphins are the example of : (a) Homologous structure (b) Analogous structure (c) Divergent evolution (d) Radiation

21.Select the wrong statement : (a) There is now enough evidence that essential processes like metabolism, translation and splicing evolved around RNA (b) DNA may act as a catalyst (c) RNA can splice itself and is also able to act as a catalyst (d) DNA stores genetic information

22.According to Hugo de Vries, the mechanism of evolution is (a) Phenotypic variations (b) Saltation (c) Multiple step mutations (d) Minor mutations

23.Among the following sets of examples for divergent evolution, select the incorrect option : (a) Brain of bat, man and cheetah (b) Heart of bat, man and cheetah (c) Forelimbs of man, bat and cheetah (d) Eye of octopus, bat and man

24.The similarity of bone structure in the forelimbs of many vertebrates is an example of (a) Convergent evolution (b) Analogy (c) Homology (d) Adaptive radiation

27.Variations caused by mutation, as proposed by Hugo de Vries, are : (a) random and directional (b) random and directionless (c) small and directional (d) small and directionless

30.Embryological support for evolution was disapproved by : (a) Karl Ernst von Baer (b) Alfred Wallace (c) Charles Darwin (d) Oparin

32.Natural selection where more individuals acquire specific character value other than the mean character value, leads to (a) Disruptive change (b) Random change (c) Stabilising change (d) Directional change

33.Which of the following statements is not true? (a) Homology indicates common ancestry (b) Flippers of penguins and dolphins are a pair of homologous organs (c) Analogous structures are a result of convergent evolution (d) Sweet potato and potato is an example of analogy

34.Select the correct group/set of Australian Marsupials exhibiting adaptive radiation. (a) Tasmanian wolf, Bobcat, Marsupial mole (b) Numbat, Spotted cuscus, Flying phalanger (c) Mole, Flying squirrel, Tasmanian tiger cat (d) Lemur, Anteater, Wolf

35.Which one of the following factors will not affect the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium? (a) Constant gene pool (b) Genetic recombination (c) Genetic drift (d) Gene migration

36.Given below are some stages of human evolution. Arrange them in correct sequence. (Past to Recent) A. Homo habilis B. Homo sapiens C. Homo neanderthalensis D. Homo erectus Choose the correct sequence of human evolution from the options given below: (a) A-D-C-B (b) D-A-C-B (c) B-A-D-C (d) C-B-D-A

38.Sweet potato and potato represent a certain type of evolution. Select the correct combination of terms to explain the evolution. (a) Analogy, convergent (b) Homology, divergent (c) Homology, convergent (d) Analogy, divergent

Flippers of Penguins and Dolphins are examples of :
(a) Adaptive radiation (b) Convergent evolution (c) Industrial melanism (d) Natural selection

The flippers of the Penguins and Dolphins are the example of the
(a) Divergent evolution
(b) Adaptive radiation
(c) Natural selection
(d) Convergent evolution

Which of the following structures is homologous to the wing of a bird?
(a) Wing of a Moth
(b) Hind limb of Rabbit
(c) Flipper of Whale
(d) Dorsal fin of a Shark

Analogous structures are a result of:
(a) Convergent evolution
(b) Shared ancestry
(c) Stabilizing selection
(d) Divergent evolution

Genetic drift operates in:
(a) slow reproductive population
(b) small isolated population
(c) large isolated population
(d) non-reproductive population

In Hardy-Weinberg equation, the frequency of heterozygous individual is represented by:
(a) $q^2$
(b) $p^2$
(c) $2pq$
(d) $pq$

Which of the following is the correct sequence of events in the origin of life?
I. Formation of protobionts
II. Synthesis of organic monomers
III. Synthesis of organic polymers
IV. Formation of DNA-based genetic systems
(a) II, III, IV, I
(b) I, II, III, IV
(c) I, III, II, IV
(d) II, III, I, IV

The wings of a bird and the wings of an insect are:
(a) homologous structures and represent divergent evolution
(b) analogous structures and represent convergent evolution
(c) phylogenetic structures and represent divergent evolution
(d) homologous structures and represent convergent evolution

Industrial melanism is an example of:
(a) Neo Darwinism
(b) Natural selection
(c) Mutation
(d) Neo Lamarckism

Which one of the following are analogous structures?
(a) Flippers of Dolphin and Legs of Horse.
(b) Wings of Bat and Wings of Pigeon.
(c) Gills of Prawn and Lungs of Man.
(d) Thorns of Bougainvillea and Tendrils of Cucurbita

Forelimbs of cat, lizard used in walking; forelimbs of whale used in swimming and forelimbs of bats used in flying are an example of:
(a) Convergent evolution
(b) Analogous organs
(c) Adaptive radiation
(d) Homologous organs

Variation in gene frequencies within populations can occur by chance rather than by natural selection. This is referred to as:
(a) Genetic flow
(b) Genetic drift
(c) Random mating
(d) Genetic load

The process by which organisms with different evolutionary history evolve similar phenotypic adaptations in response to a common environmental challenge, is called:
(a) Natural selection
(b) Convergent evolution
(c) Non-random evolution
(d) Adaptive radiation

The tendency of population to remain in genetic equilibrium may be disturbed by:
(a) Random mating
(b) Lack of migration
(c) Lack of mutations
(d) Lack of random mating

According to Darwin, the organic evolution is due to:
(a) Intraspecific competition.
(b) Interspecific competition.
(c) Competition within closely related species.
(d) Reduced feeding efficiency in one species due to the presence of interfering species.

Flippers of Penguins and Dolphins are the example of :
(a) Homologous structure (b) Analogous structure (c) Divergent evolution (d) Radiation

Select the wrong statement :
(a) There is now enough evidence that essential processes like metabolism, translation and splicing evolved around RNA (b) DNA may act as a catalyst (c) RNA can splice itself and is also able to act as a catalyst (d) DNA stores genetic information

According to Hugo de Vries, the mechanism of evolution is
(a) Phenotypic variations (b) Saltation (c) Multiple step mutations (d) Minor mutations

Among the following sets of examples for divergent evolution, select the incorrect option :
(a) Brain of bat, man and cheetah (b) Heart of bat, man and cheetah (c) Forelimbs of man, bat and cheetah (d) Eye of octopus, bat and man

The similarity of bone structure in the forelimbs of many vertebrates is an example of
(a) Convergent evolution (b) Analogy (c) Homology (d) Adaptive radiation

Variations caused by mutation, as proposed by Hugo de Vries, are :
(a) random and directional (b) random and directionless (c) small and directional (d) small and directionless

Embryological support for evolution was disapproved by :
(a) Karl Ernst von Baer (b) Alfred Wallace (c) Charles Darwin (d) Oparin

Natural selection where more individuals acquire specific character value other than the mean character value, leads to
(a) Disruptive change
(b) Random change
(c) Stabilising change
(d) Directional change

Which of the following statements is not true?
(a) Homology indicates common ancestry
(b) Flippers of penguins and dolphins are a pair of homologous organs
(c) Analogous structures are a result of convergent evolution
(d) Sweet potato and potato is an example of analogy

Select the correct group/set of Australian Marsupials exhibiting adaptive radiation.
(a) Tasmanian wolf, Bobcat, Marsupial mole
(b) Numbat, Spotted cuscus, Flying phalanger
(c) Mole, Flying squirrel, Tasmanian tiger cat
(d) Lemur, Anteater, Wolf

Which one of the following factors will not affect the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?
(a) Constant gene pool
(b) Genetic recombination
(c) Genetic drift
(d) Gene migration

Given below are some stages of human evolution. Arrange them in correct sequence. (Past to Recent)
A. Homo habilis
B. Homo sapiens
C. Homo neanderthalensis
D. Homo erectus
Choose the correct sequence of human evolution from the options given below:
(a) A-D-C-B
(b) D-A-C-B
(c) B-A-D-C
(d) C-B-D-A

Sweet potato and potato represent a certain type of evolution. Select the correct combination of terms to explain the evolution.
(a) Analogy, convergent
(b) Homology, divergent
(c) Homology, convergent
(d) Analogy, divergent