Give an example of characteristics being used to determine how close two species are in evolutionary terms.
The more characteristics of two species have in common, they seem to be more closely related. And the more closely they are related, more recently they shared a common ancestor or the evolutionary relationship.
Mostly the homologous characteristics derive from how close two species are in evolutionary terms. For example, mammals have four limbs as birds, reptiles and amphibians possess. Basic structures of the limbs are very similar and they are modified to do different functions. The characteristics can be similar in different organisms because of sharing the common ancestors which helps to identify the evolutionary relationship among two close related species. Another example is the common connection link between the reptiles and birds. The connecting link between the reptiles and the birds are known as archaeopteryx. Aves have the evolutionary characters which are derived from the reptiles, in which the forelimbs of the reptiles modified into the feathers or the wings.
Outline a project which aims to find the dominant coat colour in dogs.
How is the sex of the child determined in human beings?
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?
How do Mendel’s experiments show that traits are inherited independently?
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?
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?
Explain the terms analogous and homologous organs with examples.
How do Mendel’s experiments show that traits may be dominant or recessive?
Will geographical isolation be a major factor in the speciation of an organism that reproduces asexually? Why or why not?
How does the creation of variations in a species promote survival?
Did Döbereiner’s triads also exist in the columns of Newlands’ Octaves? Compare and find out.
What is a good source of energy?
Why is diffusion insufficient to meet the oxygen requirements of multi-cellular organisms like humans?
What are trophic levels? Give an example of a food chain and state the different trophic levels in it.
What changes can you make in your habits to become more environment-friendly?
What is the difference between a reflex action and walking?
What is the importance of DNA copying in reproduction?
Why should a magnesium ribbon be cleared before burning in air?
Define the principal focus of a concave mirror.
You have been provided with three test tubes. One of them contains distilled water and the other two contain an acidic solution and a basic solution, respectively. If you are given only red litmus paper, how will you identify the contents of each test tube?
You are given kerosene, turpentine and water. In which of these does the light travel fastest? Use the information given in Table 10.3.
Material medium |
Refractive index |
Material medium |
Refractive index |
Air | 1.0003 | Canada Balsam |
1.53 |
Ice | 1.31 | ||
Water | 1.33 | Rock salt | 1.54 |
Alcohol | 1.36 | ||
Kerosene | 1.44 | Carbon disulphide |
1.63 |
Fused quartz |
1.46 | ||
Turpentine oil |
1.47 | Ruby | 1.71 |
Benzene | 1.50 | Sapphire | 1.77 |
Crown glass |
1.52 | Diamond | 2.42 |
How does binary fission differ from multiple fission?
What is biological magnification? Will the levels of this magnification be different at different levels of the ecosystem?
Name the sodium compound which is used for softening hard water.
The position of three elements A, B and C in the Periodic Table are shown below –
Group 16 Group 17
- -
- A
- -
B C
(a) State whether A is a metal or non-metal.
(b) State whether C is more reactive or less reactive than A.
(c) Will C be larger or smaller in size than B?
(d) Which type of ion, cation or anion, will be formed by element A?
The brain is responsible for
(a) thinking.
(b) regulating the heart beat.
(c) balancing the body.
(d) all of the above.
Calculate the number of electrons constituting one coulomb of charge.
What would be the electron dot structure of a molecule of sulphur which is made up of eight atoms of sulphur? (Hint – The eight atoms of sulphur are joined together in the form of a ring.)
What is geothermal energy?
What are the advantages of sexual reproduction over asexual reproduction?