All Exams >
UPSC >
Famous Books for UPSC Exam (Summary & Tests) >
All Questions
All questions of Organic Evolution for UPSC CSE Exam
The term "survival of the fittest" was coined by:- a)Charles Darwin
- b)Alfred Russel Wallace
- c)Thomas Malthus
- d)Herbert Spencer
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
The term "survival of the fittest" was coined by:
a)
Charles Darwin
b)
Alfred Russel Wallace
c)
Thomas Malthus
d)
Herbert Spencer
|
Madhurima Desai answered |
Herbert Spencer
Herbert Spencer, an English philosopher, biologist, anthropologist, and sociologist, coined the term "survival of the fittest." This phrase was actually first used in his work "Principles of Biology" in 1864, before Charles Darwin used a similar term in later editions of his famous book "On the Origin of Species."
Explanation:
- Spencer's concept of "survival of the fittest" refers to the idea that in nature, organisms that are best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
- This concept is a key component of the theory of evolution, as it explains how species evolve over time through natural selection.
- Spencer believed that this principle applied not only to biological organisms but also to human societies and social structures. He argued that competition and the struggle for existence were natural and necessary for progress and improvement in society.
- While Charles Darwin is more commonly associated with the theory of evolution and natural selection, Herbert Spencer's contribution to the development of these ideas should not be overlooked.
Herbert Spencer, an English philosopher, biologist, anthropologist, and sociologist, coined the term "survival of the fittest." This phrase was actually first used in his work "Principles of Biology" in 1864, before Charles Darwin used a similar term in later editions of his famous book "On the Origin of Species."
Explanation:
- Spencer's concept of "survival of the fittest" refers to the idea that in nature, organisms that are best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
- This concept is a key component of the theory of evolution, as it explains how species evolve over time through natural selection.
- Spencer believed that this principle applied not only to biological organisms but also to human societies and social structures. He argued that competition and the struggle for existence were natural and necessary for progress and improvement in society.
- While Charles Darwin is more commonly associated with the theory of evolution and natural selection, Herbert Spencer's contribution to the development of these ideas should not be overlooked.
Which of the following is an example of prezygotic isolation?- a)Two bird species have different mating calls
- b)Two insect species mate at different times of the day
- c)Two plant species have different flowering times
- d)Two fish species live in different habitats
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Which of the following is an example of prezygotic isolation?
a)
Two bird species have different mating calls
b)
Two insect species mate at different times of the day
c)
Two plant species have different flowering times
d)
Two fish species live in different habitats
|
Devanshi Choudhury answered |
Prezygotic Isolation:
Prezygotic isolation refers to mechanisms that prevent individuals of different species from mating successfully. One example of prezygotic isolation is when two bird species have different mating calls.
Explanation:
- Mating Calls: Mating calls are important for species recognition and mate attraction. If two bird species have different mating calls, they may not be able to recognize each other as potential mates.
- Communication Barrier: Different mating calls serve as a communication barrier between the two species, making it less likely for individuals to mate successfully.
- Preventing Hybridization: By having distinct mating calls, the two bird species are less likely to hybridize and produce offspring, maintaining their genetic integrity and species boundaries.
In this scenario, the difference in mating calls acts as a prezygotic isolation mechanism, preventing individuals of the two bird species from interbreeding and producing viable offspring. This helps to maintain species diversity and genetic distinctiveness.
Prezygotic isolation refers to mechanisms that prevent individuals of different species from mating successfully. One example of prezygotic isolation is when two bird species have different mating calls.
Explanation:
- Mating Calls: Mating calls are important for species recognition and mate attraction. If two bird species have different mating calls, they may not be able to recognize each other as potential mates.
- Communication Barrier: Different mating calls serve as a communication barrier between the two species, making it less likely for individuals to mate successfully.
- Preventing Hybridization: By having distinct mating calls, the two bird species are less likely to hybridize and produce offspring, maintaining their genetic integrity and species boundaries.
In this scenario, the difference in mating calls acts as a prezygotic isolation mechanism, preventing individuals of the two bird species from interbreeding and producing viable offspring. This helps to maintain species diversity and genetic distinctiveness.
What is the study of the development and changes in organisms before they are born or hatched called?- a)Comparative anatomy
- b)Comparative embryology
- c)Molecular biology
- d)Biogeography
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
What is the study of the development and changes in organisms before they are born or hatched called?
a)
Comparative anatomy
b)
Comparative embryology
c)
Molecular biology
d)
Biogeography
|
Catalyst Learningacademy answered |
Comparative embryology is the study of the development and changes in organisms before they are born or hatched. It examines the similarities and differences in the early stages of development among different species.
What is the primary driving force behind natural selection?- a)Genetic drift
- b)Mutation
- c)Adaptation
- d)Genetic recombination
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
What is the primary driving force behind natural selection?
a)
Genetic drift
b)
Mutation
c)
Adaptation
d)
Genetic recombination
|
Paradigm Institute answered |
Adaptation is the primary driving force behind natural selection. Organisms that are better adapted to their environment have a higher chance of surviving and reproducing, passing on their advantageous traits to future generations.
The process of genetic change in a population over time is known as:- a)Genetic drift
- b)Gene flow
- c)Genetic recombination
- d)Microevolution
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
The process of genetic change in a population over time is known as:
a)
Genetic drift
b)
Gene flow
c)
Genetic recombination
d)
Microevolution
|
|
Catalyst Learningacademy answered |
The process of genetic change in a population over time is known as microevolution. It involves changes in allele frequencies within a population, often driven by natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, or mutation.
Which of the following is an example of convergent evolution?- a)Bats and birds both having wings
- b)Dolphins and sharks both having fins
- c)Humans and chimpanzees sharing a common ancestor
- d)Orchids and bees having a mutualistic relationship
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Which of the following is an example of convergent evolution?
a)
Bats and birds both having wings
b)
Dolphins and sharks both having fins
c)
Humans and chimpanzees sharing a common ancestor
d)
Orchids and bees having a mutualistic relationship
|
|
Catalyst Learningacademy answered |
Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated species develop similar traits or characteristics due to similar environmental pressures. Bats and birds both having wings is an example of convergent evolution.
What does the fossil record provide evidence for?- a)Common ancestry of different species
- b)Genetic mutations in a population
- c)Genetic drift within a population
- d)Natural selection in action
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
What does the fossil record provide evidence for?
a)
Common ancestry of different species
b)
Genetic mutations in a population
c)
Genetic drift within a population
d)
Natural selection in action
|
|
Paradigm Institute answered |
The fossil record provides evidence for the common ancestry of different species. Fossils show the existence of organisms that lived in the past and help scientists trace the evolutionary history of various species.
Who proposed the theory of natural selection?- a)Charles Darwin
- b)Gregor Mendel
- c)Louis Pasteur
- d)Albert Einstein
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Who proposed the theory of natural selection?
a)
Charles Darwin
b)
Gregor Mendel
c)
Louis Pasteur
d)
Albert Einstein
|
|
Catalyst Learningacademy answered |
Charles Darwin proposed the theory of natural selection in his book "On the Origin of Species" published in 1859. His theory revolutionized the understanding of how species evolve and adapt to their environments.
What is the term used to describe the study of the geographic distribution of species?- a)Biogeography
- b)Anthropology
- c)Ethnography
- d)Geology
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
What is the term used to describe the study of the geographic distribution of species?
a)
Biogeography
b)
Anthropology
c)
Ethnography
d)
Geology
|
|
Paradigm Institute answered |
Biogeography is the study of the geographic distribution of species. It examines the patterns of species diversity and the factors influencing the distribution of organisms across different regions.
What does the term "homologous structures" refer to?- a)Similar structures in different species with a common ancestor
- b)Structures that serve the same function in different species
- c)Structures that have evolved independently in different species
- d)Structures that are no longer functional in a species
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
What does the term "homologous structures" refer to?
a)
Similar structures in different species with a common ancestor
b)
Structures that serve the same function in different species
c)
Structures that have evolved independently in different species
d)
Structures that are no longer functional in a species
|
|
Paradigm Institute answered |
Homologous structures refer to similar structures found in different species that share a common ancestor. These structures may have different functions but are derived from the same ancestral structure.
Who proposed the concept of inheritance of acquired characteristics?- a)Jean-Baptiste Lamarck
- b)Charles Darwin
- c)Gregor Mendel
- d)Thomas Malthus
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Who proposed the concept of inheritance of acquired characteristics?
a)
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck
b)
Charles Darwin
c)
Gregor Mendel
d)
Thomas Malthus
|
|
Paradigm Institute answered |
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck proposed the concept of inheritance of acquired characteristics. He suggested that traits acquired by an organism during its lifetime could be passed on to its offspring, an idea that was later disproven by scientific research.
The study of the similarities and differences in the DNA sequences of different species is known as:- a)Comparative anatomy
- b)Comparative embryology
- c)Molecular biology
- d)Biogeography
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
The study of the similarities and differences in the DNA sequences of different species is known as:
a)
Comparative anatomy
b)
Comparative embryology
c)
Molecular biology
d)
Biogeography
|
|
Catalyst Learningacademy answered |
The study of the similarities and differences in the DNA sequences of different species is known as molecular biology. It provides insights into evolutionary relationships and genetic similarities among organisms.
Which of the following best describes organic evolution?- a)The study of carbon-based compounds
- b)The development of life from non-living matter
- c)The process of change in living organisms over time
- d)The theory of plate tectonics
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Which of the following best describes organic evolution?
a)
The study of carbon-based compounds
b)
The development of life from non-living matter
c)
The process of change in living organisms over time
d)
The theory of plate tectonics
|
|
Paradigm Institute answered |
Organic evolution refers to the process of change in living organisms over time. It involves the gradual development of species through genetic variation, natural selection, and adaptation to changing environments.
Which of the following is an example of a vestigial structure in humans?- a)Wisdom teeth
- b)Appendix
- c)Tailbone (coccyx)
- d)All of the above
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Which of the following is an example of a vestigial structure in humans?
a)
Wisdom teeth
b)
Appendix
c)
Tailbone (coccyx)
d)
All of the above
|
|
Catalyst Learningacademy answered |
Wisdom teeth, appendix, and the tailbone (coccyx) are examples of vestigial structures in humans. These structures have lost their original function over time but are still present in our bodies.
Which of the following is not a mechanism of evolution?- a)Genetic drift
- b)Genetic recombination
- c)Gene flow
- d)Genetic isolation
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Which of the following is not a mechanism of evolution?
a)
Genetic drift
b)
Genetic recombination
c)
Gene flow
d)
Genetic isolation
|
|
Paradigm Institute answered |
Genetic recombination is not a mechanism of evolution but rather a process that occurs during sexual reproduction. Genetic drift, gene flow, and genetic isolation are mechanisms that can lead to evolutionary changes in populations.
What is the process by which new species arise called?- a)Speciation
- b)Extinction
- c)Mutation
- d)Adaptation
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
What is the process by which new species arise called?
a)
Speciation
b)
Extinction
c)
Mutation
d)
Adaptation
|
|
Catalyst Learningacademy answered |
Speciation is the process by which new species arise from existing ones. It occurs when populations become reproductively isolated and accumulate enough genetic differences to be considered distinct species.
What is the term used to describe a sudden reduction in the size of a population, leading to a loss of genetic variation?- a)Bottleneck effect
- b)Founder effect
- c)Genetic drift
- d)Gene flow
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
What is the term used to describe a sudden reduction in the size of a population, leading to a loss of genetic variation?
a)
Bottleneck effect
b)
Founder effect
c)
Genetic drift
d)
Gene flow
|
|
Catalyst Learningacademy answered |
The bottleneck effect refers to a sudden reduction in the size of a population, leading to a loss of genetic variation. This reduction can occur due to a natural disaster, disease outbreak, or other events that drastically reduce the population's size.
What is the age of the Earth estimated to be?- a)4.6 billion years
- b)10,000 years
- c)1 million years
- d)1 billion years
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
What is the age of the Earth estimated to be?
a)
4.6 billion years
b)
10,000 years
c)
1 million years
d)
1 billion years
|
|
Catalyst Learningacademy answered |
The age of the Earth is estimated to be approximately 4.6 billion years based on radiometric dating of rocks and minerals. This estimation provides evidence for the vast timescale over which life has evolved on our planet.
Which of the following is an example of an analogous structure?- a)Human arm and bird wing
- b)Human arm and bat wing
- c)Human arm and monkey arm
- d)Human arm and whale flipper
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Which of the following is an example of an analogous structure?
a)
Human arm and bird wing
b)
Human arm and bat wing
c)
Human arm and monkey arm
d)
Human arm and whale flipper
|
BT Educators answered |
Analogous structures are those that perform similar functions but have different evolutionary origins and structures. These arise due to convergent evolution.
Human arm and bird wing are analogous because both are used for movement (grasping in humans, flying in birds), but their underlying bone structure is different, and they evolved independently for different purposes.
What is the term used to describe the process by which individuals with certain traits are more likely to survive and reproduce?- a)Natural selection
- b)Genetic drift
- c)Mutation
- d)Genetic recombination
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
What is the term used to describe the process by which individuals with certain traits are more likely to survive and reproduce?
a)
Natural selection
b)
Genetic drift
c)
Mutation
d)
Genetic recombination
|
|
Paradigm Institute answered |
Natural selection is the process by which individuals with traits that increase their chances of survival and reproduction are more likely to pass on their genes to the next generation. It is the primary mechanism of evolution.
Chapter doubts & questions for Organic Evolution - Famous Books for UPSC Exam (Summary & Tests) 2025 is part of UPSC CSE exam preparation. The chapters have been prepared according to the UPSC CSE exam syllabus. The Chapter doubts & questions, notes, tests & MCQs are made for UPSC CSE 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, notes, meanings, examples, exercises, MCQs and online tests here.
Chapter doubts & questions of Organic Evolution - Famous Books for UPSC Exam (Summary & Tests) in English & Hindi are available as part of UPSC CSE exam.
Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC CSE Exam by signing up for free.
Famous Books for UPSC Exam (Summary & Tests)
1209 videos|2197 docs|849 tests
|
|
© EduRev
|
Education Revolution
|
|
Signup to see your scores
go up
within 7 days!
within 7 days!
Takes less than 10 seconds to signup