All questions of Evolution for NEET Exam

B) Ordovician
c) Silurian
d) Devonian
e) Carboniferous
f) Permian

Gene migration or gene flow (1) involves the movement of genes between populations, affecting gene frequencies.
Genetic drift (2) refers to random changes in gene frequencies due to chance events, especially in small populations.
Mutation (3) introduces new genetic variations that can alter gene frequencies.
Genetic recombination (4) during gametogenesis creates new combinations of alleles, influencing genetic diversity.
Natural selection (5) acts on heritable traits, enhancing reproductive success and influencing the frequency of advantageous alleles in future generations.
All these factors contribute to changes in allele frequencies and can lead to speciation over time.

Explanation:

Industrial Melanism in Peppered Moths:

- Industrial melanism in peppered moths refers to the phenomenon where the population of moths shifted from predominantly light-colored to predominantly dark-colored in industrial areas during the Industrial Revolution.

Survival Advantage of Melanic Forms:

- The true black melanic forms of the peppered moths were able to blend into the polluted environment better than the lighter forms. This provided them with a survival advantage as they were able to avoid predators more effectively.

- As a result, the black melanic moths were able to survive and reproduce more successfully in the industrial areas, leading to an increase in the population of black moths.

Selective Advantage of Melanic Forms:

- The increase in the population of black moths in industrial areas demonstrates that the melanic form had a selective advantage over the lighter form in polluted environments.

- This selective advantage is a result of natural selection, where individuals with traits that provide them with a better chance of survival and reproduction in their environment are more likely to pass on their genes to the next generation.

Conclusion:

- Therefore, the industrial melanism observed in peppered moths supports the idea that the true black melanic forms had a survival advantage in polluted industrial areas, leading to an increase in their population over time.

Melanised moths and natural selection:
The statement (i) is correct. The increase in melanised moths after industrialisation in Great Britain is indeed a proof for natural selection. Before industrialisation, the majority of moths in Britain were light-colored (non-melanised) because they blended well with the lichen-covered trees. However, with the onset of industrial pollution, the lichens died out, and the trees became darkened with soot. This led to an increase in the number of melanised (dark-colored) moths as they were better camouflaged against the new background. This change in the moth population over time is an example of natural selection, where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Mean character value and disruption:
The statement (ii) is incorrect. The term "disruption" refers to a type of natural selection where individuals with extreme or divergent traits have higher fitness than those with intermediate traits. This can lead to the splitting of a population into two distinct groups or the formation of multiple phenotypic clusters. It does not involve the acquisition of a mean character value by more individuals.

Allelic frequency and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium:
The statement (iii) is incorrect. Changes in allelic frequency in a population do not necessarily lead to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describes a theoretical population in which the allelic frequencies remain constant from generation to generation in the absence of evolutionary forces like mutation, migration, selection, and genetic drift. Any change in allelic frequency indicates that the population is not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

Genetic drift and gene frequency:
The statement (iv) is correct. Genetic drift refers to the random fluctuations in gene frequencies within a population due to chance events, particularly in small populations. These chance events can lead to the loss or fixation of certain alleles over time, resulting in changes in the existing gene or allelic frequencies in future generations. Genetic drift is one of the mechanisms of evolution and can have significant effects on the genetic diversity of populations.

Therefore, the correct option is (c) both (i) and (iv) are correct.

This theory was given by A. L.Oparin and J.B.S. haldane !!!

The Concept of Molecular Homology
Molecular homology refers to the similarities in molecular structures, such as nucleic acids and proteins, that indicate a common evolutionary ancestor. This concept is fundamental in understanding evolutionary relationships among species.
Understanding Molecular Homology
- Shared Genetic Material:
- Organisms that share a common ancestor will often have similar DNA sequences. For example, humans and apes exhibit significant similarities in their DNA, which can be traced back to a shared evolutionary lineage.
- Protein Similarities:
- The amino acid sequences of proteins in related organisms also show remarkable similarities. This is evident in blood proteins, where humans and apes have closely related structures, reflecting their evolutionary connection.
Importance of Molecular Homology
- Evolutionary Relationships:
- Molecular homology provides evidence for the evolutionary relationships between species. The closer the genetic similarity, the more likely the organisms are related through common ancestry.
- Phylogenetic Analysis:
- Scientists utilize molecular homology in constructing phylogenetic trees, which visually represent the evolutionary pathways and connections among different species.
Distinction from Other Concepts
- Convergent Evolution:
- Unlike molecular homology, convergent evolution refers to unrelated species developing similar traits due to similar environmental pressures, not shared ancestry.
- Molecular Analogy and Homoplastic Appearance:
- These terms often refer to similar features arising independently in different species, rather than from a common ancestor, distinguishing them from molecular homology.
In summary, molecular homology plays a crucial role in the study of evolution, providing insights into the genetic and protein similarities that highlight the connections among various organisms.

Isolation and variation are the factors involved in the formation of new species. Isolation refers to the separation of populations, while variation refers to the genetic differences that arise within populations. Both of these factors play a crucial role in driving the formation of new species.

Isolation:
- Isolation can occur in several ways, such as geographical barriers (e.g., mountains, rivers, oceans) or reproductive barriers (e.g., differences in mating behaviors, reproductive anatomy).
- When populations become isolated from one another, they are no longer able to freely exchange genetic material through gene flow.
- Without gene flow, populations can evolve independently and accumulate genetic differences over time.
- These genetic differences can eventually become significant enough that individuals from different populations are unable to produce viable offspring, leading to the formation of new species.

Variation:
- Variation refers to the genetic differences that exist within a population.
- This genetic diversity arises due to mutations, which are random changes in the DNA sequence.
- Mutations can introduce new genetic variations into a population, which can then be acted upon by natural selection.
- Natural selection favors individuals with traits that are advantageous in their specific environment, allowing them to survive and reproduce at higher rates.
- Over time, these advantageous traits become more common in the population, while less advantageous or detrimental traits are eliminated.
- This process, known as adaptive evolution, can lead to the formation of new species as populations diverge genetically and phenotypically.

The combination of isolation and variation is essential for speciation to occur:
- Isolation prevents gene flow between populations, allowing them to evolve independently.
- Variation provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon, driving adaptive evolution.
- As populations become more genetically and phenotypically distinct due to isolation and variation, they can eventually reach a point where they are reproductively isolated and can no longer interbreed.
- At this stage, they are considered separate species.

In summary, isolation and variation are two key factors involved in the formation of new species. Isolation prevents gene flow between populations, while variation provides the genetic diversity necessary for adaptive evolution. Together, these factors contribute to the divergence and eventual reproductive isolation of populations, leading to the formation of new species.

Ramapithecus was more man-like, while Dryopithecus was more ape-like. Australopithecines lived in East African grasslands, but they mainly ate fruit and not meat. Homo habilis had a brain capacity between 650-800cc and likely did not consume meat, making Option C correct. Homo erectus, the next evolutionary stage, had a larger brain capacity of around 900cc.

Introduction to Darwin's Observations
Charles Darwin's study of finches on the Galapagos Islands was pivotal in shaping his theory of evolution. The diverse beak shapes among finches illustrate a key concept in natural selection.
Diversity in Beak Types
- Finches on the islands developed various beak shapes and sizes.
- Each beak type is adapted to specific food sources, such as seeds, insects, or nectar.
Natural Selection Explained
- The differences in beak morphology are a result of natural selection.
- Finches with beak shapes suited to their environment were more likely to survive and reproduce.
- Over generations, these advantageous traits became more common in the population.
Evidence for Speciation
- As finches adapted to unique feeding habits on different islands, they began to diverge genetically.
- This process led to the emergence of new species, illustrating how natural selection drives speciation.
- The varying beak types serve as clear evidence of adaptive radiation, where one ancestral species evolves into multiple forms.
Conclusion
- Darwin’s observations of finch beaks provide compelling evidence for the origin of species by natural selection.
- The adaptability and evolution of these finches highlight the fundamental principles of evolutionary biology.
In summary, the diversity of finch beaks is a classic example of how natural selection can lead to the emergence of new species, supporting Darwin's theory of evolution.

Understanding Human Evolution
Human evolution is a complex process that involves various species of hominins over millions of years. Let's break down the statements to clarify why option 'A' is correct.
Statement A: Homo erectus is preceded by Homo habilis
- Homo habilis, known as the "handy man," is one of the earliest members of the genus Homo, dating back around 2.4 to 1.4 million years ago.
- Homo erectus, which translates to "upright man," emerged later, around 1.9 million years ago and continued to exist until about 110,000 years ago.
- This evolutionary sequence highlights that Homo habilis indeed precedes Homo erectus in the timeline of human evolution.
Statement B: Neanderthal man and Cro-Magnon man were living at the same time
- While Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons (early modern humans) coexisted for a period in Europe, Neanderthals became extinct around 40,000 years ago, while Cro-Magnons emerged around the same time.
- However, the interaction and timeline are complex, and while they were contemporaneous, the statement lacks nuance and is somewhat misleading.
Statement C: Australopithecus was living in Australia
- Australopithecus, an early hominin, primarily lived in Africa, not Australia.
- This statement is factually incorrect and misrepresents the geographical range of early human ancestors.
Conclusion: Why Option A is Correct
- The clear evolutionary progression from Homo habilis to Homo erectus is well-supported by fossil evidence.
- Understanding these timelines is crucial in the study of human evolution, making option 'A' the correct answer regarding the sequence of species in the evolution of mankind.

It's a Ncert line life originated first in water 😊✌️

Theory of Spontaneous Generation Rejection Explanation
Theory of Spontaneous Generation:
- The theory of spontaneous generation proposed that life could arise from non-living or inanimate matter through a process of spontaneous generation.
Reasons for Rejection:
- Lack of Experimental Evidence:
- One of the main reasons why the theory of spontaneous generation was rejected was due to the lack of experimental evidence to support it.
- Scientists found no concrete proof that life could spontaneously arise from non-living matter.
- Biogenesis Concept:
- The concept of biogenesis, which states that living organisms can only arise from pre-existing living organisms, gained more support as it was backed by experimental evidence.
- This contradicted the idea of spontaneous generation.
- Origin of First Life on Earth:
- The theory of spontaneous generation did not provide a satisfactory explanation for the origin of the first life on Earth.
- It failed to address the specific mechanisms by which life could arise from non-living matter.
- Origin of Life from Outer Space:
- Some proponents of the theory of spontaneous generation suggested that life could have originated from outer space.
- However, this idea lacked substantial evidence and was not widely accepted by the scientific community.
In conclusion, the theory of spontaneous generation was rejected primarily because it lacked experimental evidence to support its claims and failed to provide a comprehensive explanation for the origin of life on Earth. The concept of biogenesis, which has experimental backing, gained more acceptance in the scientific community.