15 extra multiple-choice questions for Origin and Evolution of Life (10th Standard Science, Samacheer Kalvi), beyond the ones printed in the textbook — each with the correct option highlighted and a clear, worked explanation. Free to read in English and Tamil.
Q1
The characters developed by animals during their lifetime in response to environmental changes are called
- A. Acquired charactersCorrect
- B. Inherited characters
- C. Vestigial characters
- D. Dominant characters
Explanation. Lamarck proposed that characters developed during an individual's lifetime, called acquired characters, are passed on to the offspring in the next generation.
Q2
Degenerated and non-functional organs found in an organism are called
- A. Homologous organs
- B. Analogous organs
- C. Vestigial organsCorrect
- D. Connecting links
Explanation. Vestigial organs are degenerated and non functional remnants of structures that were fully developed and useful in an ancestor.
Q3
The forelimbs of a bat and a human are examples of
- A. Analogous organs
- B. Homologous organsCorrect
- C. Vestigial organs
- D. Atavism
Explanation. Homologous organs share the same basic structure and origin but perform different functions. A bat's wing and a human hand are built on the same forelimb plan.
Q4
The wing of a bat and the wing of an insect are examples of
- A. Homologous organs
- B. Analogous organsCorrect
- C. Vestigial organs
- D. Fossils
Explanation. Analogous organs perform the same function but differ in their basic structure and origin. Both wings are used for flight yet are built quite differently.
Q5
The theory of natural selection for evolution was proposed by
- A. Jean Baptiste Lamarck
- B. Charles DarwinCorrect
- C. Ernst Haeckel
- D. J.W. Harsbberger
Explanation. Overproduction, struggle for existence, variations and survival of the fittest or natural selection are the main postulates of Darwinism.
Q6
The reappearance of ancestral characters such as a rudimentary tail in a human being is called
- A. AtavismCorrect
- B. Adaptation
- C. Speciation
- D. Mutation
Explanation. Atavism is the sudden reappearance of an ancestral character that had disappeared, such as a rudimentary tail or thick hair on the body.
Q7
The remains or impressions of ancient organisms preserved by natural processes are called
- A. FossilsCorrect
- B. Vestiges
- C. Embryos
- D. Analogues
Explanation. Fossils are evidences of ancient life forms or ancient habitats that have been preserved by natural processes, and they form the direct record of evolution.
Q8
The organism considered to be the connecting link between reptiles and birds is
- A. ArchaeopteryxCorrect
- B. Peripatus
- C. Dodo
- D. Kiwi
Explanation. Archaeopteryx is regarded as the fossil bird and the connecting link, because it carries characters of both reptiles and birds. Birds have evolved from reptiles.
Q9
The scientific study of the traditional use of plants by particular groups of people is called
- A. Palaeontology
- B. EthnobotanyCorrect
- C. Astrobiology
- D. Embryology
Explanation. Ethnobotany records the importance of various types of plants as known through traditional knowledge, particularly among tribal communities.
Q10
The science that looks for the presence of extra terrestrial life in the universe is
- A. Ethnobotany
- B. Palaeontology
- C. AstrobiologyCorrect
- D. Taxonomy
Explanation. Astrobiology, also called exobiology, is the science which looks for the presence of extra terrestrial life in the universe.
Q11
According to Darwin, which of the following allows only the fittest to survive?
- A. Use and disuse of organs
- B. Inheritance of acquired characters
- C. Struggle for existenceCorrect
- D. Internal vital force
Explanation. Each species produces a large number of offspring but only the fittest survive. That competition is the struggle for existence, a central postulate of Darwinism.
Q12
Which of the following is NOT a principle of Lamarckism?
- A. Internal vital force
- B. Use and disuse of organs
- C. Inheritance of acquired characters
- D. Survival of the fittestCorrect
Explanation. Internal vital force, environment and new needs, use and disuse, and inheritance of acquired characters are Lamarck's principles. Survival of the fittest belongs to Darwinism.
Q13
The caudal vertebrae and the vermiform appendix in human beings are examples of
- A. Vestigial organsCorrect
- B. Analogous organs
- C. Connecting links
- D. Fossils
Explanation. Both structures are degenerated and non functional in human beings, which makes them vestigial organs and evidence of descent from ancestors in which they worked.
Q14
Similar traits in different organisms are explained by their being inherited from
- A. different ancestors
- B. a common ancestorCorrect
- C. the environment alone
- D. acquired characters
Explanation. Some traits in organisms are similar because they have been inherited from a common ancestor, which is why homologous organs point to shared descent.
Q15
Which dating method would suit a fossil believed to be several hundred million years old?
- A. Radio-carbon method
- B. Uranium lead methodCorrect
- C. Ethnobotanical method
- D. Embryological method
Explanation. Radiocarbon dating works only for recent material because carbon decays quickly. For very old fossils the uranium lead method is appropriate.
About these Origin and Evolution of Life questions
These are the Additional multiple-choice questions for Origin and Evolution of Life from the Tamil Nadu State Board (Samacheer Kalvi) 10th Standard Science syllabus. Each question shows the correct option and an original, step-by-step explanation so you understand the method, not just the answer. Use the answer key above to jump to any question, then take the practice test to check yourself under exam-like conditions.
Frequently asked questions
How many MCQs are there in Origin and Evolution of Life?
This chapter has 15 book-back multiple-choice questions, each with the correct answer and a step-by-step explanation.
Are these 10th Standard Science MCQs free to practise online?
Yes. Every question, answer and explanation here is free, and you can also take them as a timed practice test.
Where can I find the Origin and Evolution of Life book-back answers?
The correct option for each question is highlighted on this page with a worked explanation, plus a quick answer-key summary at the top.
