NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Biology Solutions Chapter 7 - Evolution

NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Biology Solutions Chapter 7 - Evolution

Irshad AnwarUpdated on 26 Jun 2025, 04:51 PM IST

The NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Biology Solutions Chapter 7 Evolution describes how organisms undergo a transformation over numerous generations so that they fit into their surroundings, giving rise to new species. The chapter discusses important concepts such as Darwin's theory of natural selection, Lamarck's ideas, and the way genetic evolution and mutations undergo the process of evolution. Students will study evidence for evolution in the form of fossils and the distinction between homologous and analogous organs. The NCERT Exemplar Solutions also include various examples to clarify the concepts more easily.

This Story also Contains

  1. NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Biology Solutions Chapter 7 Evolution
  2. Explore NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Biology Solutions Chapter 7 Evolution(MCQs)
  3. Discover NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Biology Solutions Chapter 7(Very Short Answer Questions)
  4. Get the Short Answer Type Questions of Chapter 7 Evolution
  5. Unlock NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Biology Solutions Chapter 7(Long Answer Questions)
  6. Approach to Solve Questions of Class 12 Biology Chapter 7
  7. Important Topics of NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Biology Solutions Chapter 7
  8. Important Question in Class 12 Biology Chapter 7
  9. NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Biology Chapter Wise
NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Biology Solutions Chapter 7 - Evolution
NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Biology Solutions Chapter 7 Evolution

The NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Solutions help students understand tough topics in a simple way and prepare well for both board and entrance exams, such as NEET. Students can understand how all living organisms are interlinked with common ancestors and how life has evolved over millions of years by studying evolution. It also builds scientific thinking and helps students relate biological changes with environmental factors and genetic variations. The NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Biology Solutions give detailed explanations, various types of questions, and informative diagrams that make it easy for students to revise, understand, and perform well in exams.

NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Biology Solutions Chapter 7 Evolution

The solved exercises provided below are designed to help students better understand the concepts and techniques covered in the chapter. These exercises include a variety of questions, such as multiple-choice, short-answer, and long answer questions, which will enable students to apply their knowledge in exams.

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Explore NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Biology Solutions Chapter 7 Evolution(MCQs)

Question:1

Which of the following is used as an atmospheric pollution indicator?
a. Lepidoptera
b. Lichens
c. Lycopersicon
d. Lycopodium

Answer:

The answer is option (b) Lichens

Explanation: Lichens are highly sensitive to air pollution, especially sulphur dioxide. In areas with high pollution levels, lichens decline or disappear and thus are used as a reliable indicator of atmospheric pollution.

Question:2

The theory of spontaneous generation stated that:
a. life arose from living forms only
b. life can arise from both living and non-living
c. life can arise from non-living things only.
d. life arises spontaneously, neither from living nor from the non-living.

Answer:

The answer is the option (c) life can arise from non-living things only.

Explanation: The theory suggested that organisms like mice and even microorganisms can spontaneously arise from the dead matter and inanimate objects.

Question:3

Animal husbandry and plant breeding programmes are examples of:
a. reverse evolution
b. artificial selection
c. mutation
d. natural selection

Answer:

The answer is the option (b) artificial selection

Explanation: Animal husbandry and plant breeding programmes are example of artificial selection. In these programmes, human with desired traits are selectively breed . It is a artificial selection process are is it is done by human according to their needs.

Question:4

Palaeontological evidences for evolution refer to the:
a. development of embryo
b. homologous organs
c. fossils
d. analogous organs

Answer:

The answer is the option (c) fossils

Explanation: Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms found in sedimentary rocks. In fact, the study of fossils is called palaeontology. The term‚ paleo' is related to old and historical items.

Question:5

The bones of forelimbs of whale, bat, cheetah, and man are similar in structure, because:
a. one organism has given rise to another
b. they share a common ancestor
c. they perform the same function
d. the have biochemical similarities

Answer:

The answer is the option (b) they share a common ancestor

Explanation: These limbs are homologous organs, meaning they have a similar structure and share a common ancestor but perform different functions.

Question:6

Analogous organs arise due to:
a. divergent evolution
b. artificial selection
c. genetic drift
d. convergent evolution

Answer:

The answer is the option (d) convergent evolution

Explanation: Analogous organs have evolved from different ancestors, but all of them show a similar function. Hence, they show convergent evolution.

Question:7

(p+q)2=p2+2pq+q2=1represents an equation used in:
a. population genetics
b. Mendelian genetics
c. biometrics
d. molecular genetics

Answer:

The answer is the option (a) population genetics

Explanation: The above equation is the Hardy-Weinberg equation used in population genetics. This equation helps in studying genetic variation and prediction of allele frequencies in a population.

Question:8

The appearance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is an example of:
a. adaptive radiation
b. transduction
c. pre-existing variation in the population
d. divergent evolution

Answer:

The answer is the option (c) pre-existing variation in the population

Explanation: Some bacteria naturally have resistance due to genetic variation. When exposed to antibiotics, the resistant bacteria survive and reproduce, while the non-resistant ones die.

Question:9

Evolution of life shows that life forms had a trend of moving from:
a. land to water
b. dry land to wetland
c. freshwater to seawater
d. water to land

Answer:

The answer is the option (d) water to land

Explanation: Early life starts in water, and over time, some organisms develop adaptations like lungs and limbs to survive on land. This signifies that the evolution of life moved from water to land

Question:10

Viviparity is considered to be more evolved because:
a. the young ones are left on their
b. the young ones are protected by a thick shell
c. the young ones are protected inside the mother's body and are looked after they are born leading to more chances of survival
d. the embryo takes a long time to develop

Answer:

The answer is the option (c) the young ones are protected inside the mother's body and are looked after they are born leading to more chances of survival

Explanation: In viviparous animals, the embryo develops inside the mother's body, receiving protection. It reduces the risk from predators and increasing the chances of their survival.

Question:11

Fossils are generally found in:
a. Sedimentary rocks
b. Igneous rocks
c. Metamorphic rocks
d. Any type of rock

Answer:

The answer is the option (a) Sedimentary rocks

Explanation: Fossil can't be found in Igneous rocks as they are formed from lava. Fossils are generally found in sedimentary rocks. Metamorphic rocks are made from igneous or sedimentary rocks.

Question:12

For the MN-blood group system, the frequencies of M and N alleles are 0.7 and 0.3, respectively. The expected frequency of MN-blood group bearing organisms is likely to be
a. 42%
b. 49%
c. 9%
d. 58%

Answer:

The answer is option (a) 42%

Explanation: This can be solved by using the binomial expression:

a2+b2+2ab = 1

Here, M = a and N = b

M2+N2+2MN = 0.72+0.32+2x0.7x0.3

=0.49+0.09+0.42

In this equation ; value of 2MN = 0.42 = 42%

Question:13

Which type of selection explains industrial melanism observed in the moth, Boston Bulgaria:
a. Stabilising
b. Directional
c. Disruptive
d. Artificial

Answer:

The answer is the option (b) Directional

Explanation: During the Industrial revolution, darker moths had a survival advantage over the lighter coloured moths. Due to this, the number of dark-coloured moths increased, showing a shift on one side that is directional selection.

Question:14

The most accepted line of descent in human evolution is:
a. Australopithecus → Ramapithecus → Homo sapiens → Homo habilis
b. Homo erectus → Homo habilis → Homo sapiens
c. Ramapithecus → Homo habilis → Homo erectus → Homo sapiens
d. Australopithecus → Ramapithecus → Homo erectus → Homo habilis → Homo sapiens.

Answer:

The answer is the option(c) Ramapithecus→Homo habilis→Homo erectus→Homo sapiens

Explanation: Ramapithecus→Homo habilis→Homo erectus→Homo sapiens

Question:15

Which of the following is an example for link species?
a. Lobe fish
b. Dodo bird
c. Seaweed
d. Chimpanzee

Answer:

The answer is the option (a) Lobe fish

Explanation: Lobe fish act as a link between aquatic fish and amphibia. They have fleshy, limb-like fins which are considered evolutionary precursors, showing the transition from water to land hence, they are considered as link species.

Question:16

Match the scientists listed under column 'I' with ideas listed column 'II'.

Column I

Column II

A. Darwin

i. abiogenesis

B. Oparin

ii. use and disuse of organs

C. Lamarck

iii. Continental drift theory

D.Wagner

iv. evolution by natural selection

a. A(i); B(iv); C(ii); D(iii)

b. A(iv); B(iii); C(ii); D(i)

c. A(ii); B(iv); C(iii); D(i)

d. A(iv); B(i); C(ii); D(iii)

Answer:

The answer is the option (d), A(iv); B(i); C(ii); D(iii)

Explanation: Darwin proposed the theory that evolution happens due to the natural selection. Oparin provided the concept of abiogenesis. Lamarck proposed the use and disuse of organs. The organs that are not in use eventually weaken or disappear, while the organs in use remains. Wagner give the Continental drift theory.

Question:17

In 1953 S. L. Miller created primitive earth conditions in the laboratory and gave experimental evidence for the origin of the first form of life from preexisting non-living organic molecules. The primitive earth conditions created include:
a. low temperature, volcanic storms, atmosphere rich in oxygen
b. low temperature, volcanic storms, reducing atmosphere
c. high temperature, volcanic storms, non-reducing atmosphere
d. high temperature, volcanic storms, reducing atmosphere containing CH4, NH3, etc.

Answer:

The answer is the option (d) high temperature, volcanic storms, reducing atmosphere containing CH4, NH3 etc.

Question:18

Variations during mutations of meiotic recombination are:
a. random and directionless
b. random and directional
c. small and directional
d. random, small and directional

Answer:

The answer is the option (a) random and directionless

Explanation: Mutations occur spontaneously due to errors in DNA replication or external factors. Hence, these changes are random and directionless.

Discover NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Biology Solutions Chapter 7(Very Short Answer Questions)

Question:1

What were the characteristics of life forms that had been fossilised?

Answer:

Fossilised organisms usually have hard body parts like bones or shells. They were often buried in sediments, preventing decay and after some time undergo mineralization, and turn into fossils.

Question:2

Did aquatic life forms get fossilised? If yes, where do we come across such fossils?

Answer:

Yes, aquatic life forms also get fossilised. These fossils are mostly found in sedimentary rocks, especially in seabeds, riverbeds and lake deposits.

Question:3

What are we referring to when we say 'simple organisms' or 'complex organisms'?

Answer:

When we refer to simple or complex organisms, we describe the level of biological organization as simple organisms are having only a few specialized cells but complex organisms are having multiple specialized cells like humans.

Question:4

How do we compute the age of a living tree?

Answer:

Age of a living tree can be determined by measuring the girth of the trunk and comparing the diameter to the average growth factor of that species. Information regarding the average growth factor of a species is historically available.

Question:5

Give an example of convergent evolution and identify the features towards which they are converging.

Answer:

Birds, and bats evolved wings for flight, even though they are not closely related. Their wings are structurally different but both serve the same function, showing adaption to a same environment.

Question:6

How do we compute the age of a fossil?

Answer:

The age of a fossil is determined using carbon dating. The relative presence of radioactive carbon (14C), which decays over time, is calculated to compute the age of a fossil.

Question:7

What is the most important pre-condition for adaptive radiation?

Answer:

The most important pre-condition for adaptive radiation is Common ancestry. This means that a single species, when comes in different environments, evolves into multiple species with specialized functions, as seen in Darwin's Finches.

Question:8

How do we compute the age of a rock?

Answer:

Carbon dating is used to find the age of a rock. The relative presence of radioactive carbon (14C), which decays over time, is calculated to compute the age of a rock.

Question:9

When we talk of functional macromolecules (e.g. proteins as enzymes, hormones, receptors, antibodies etc.), towards what are they evolving?

Answer:

Functional macromolecules can evolve into living forms. Through natural selection, they adapt to perform specific functions increasing the survival and processes in an organism.

Question:10

In a certain population, the frequency of three genotypes is as follows:

Genotype

BB

Bb

bb

Frequency

22%

62%

16%

What is the likely frequency of B and b alleles?

Answer:

Frequency of B allele= BB + 1/2Bb = 22%+ 1/2x62% = 22% +31% = 53%

Frequency of b allele = 1- Frequency of B allele = 100% - 53% = 47%

Question:11

Among the five factors that are known to affect Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, three factors are gene flow, genetic drift, and genetic recombination. What are the other two factors?

Answer:

The other two factors that affect the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium are Mutation and Natural Selection.

Question:12

What is the founder effect?

Answer:

The Founder effect occurs when a small group of individuals from a larger population moves to a new location and starts a new population. As, they carry only a small portion of the original population, the new population have reduced genetic diversity.

Question:13

Who among the Dryopithecus and Ramapithecus was more man-like?

Answer:

Ramapithecus are the species that resemble more like man.

Question:14

By what Latin name was the first hominid known?

Answer:

First hominid is known by the latin name of Homo habilis.

Question:15

Among Ramapithecus, Australopithecines and Homo habilis -who probably did not eat meat?

Answer:

Homo habilis are the species who probably did not eat meat.

Get the Short Answer Type Questions of Chapter 7 Evolution

Question:1

Louis Pasteur's experiments, if you recall, proved that life can arise from only pre-existing life. Can we correct this as life evolves from pre-existent life or otherwise, we will never answer the question as to how the first forms of life arose? Comment.

Answer:

Louis Pasteur’s experiments proved that life arises only from pre-existing life, and not accepted the idea of spontaneous generation. His work showed that sterile broth remained free of life forms unless it is exposed to pre-existing microorganisms or life. However, this does not explain how the first life forms originated. Scientists believe that abiogenesis meaning life arising from non-living matter under early conditions led to the formation of first organisms, while biogenesis meaning life from life forms explains the continuation of life. Thus, evolution depends on pre-existing life, but the origin of the first life is still an open question in science.

Question:2

The scientists believe that evolution is gradual. But extinction, part of evolutionary story, is 'sudden' and 'abrupt' and also group-specific. Comment whether a natural disaster can be the cause for the extinction of species.

Answer:

Scientists believe evolution is mostly gradual, but some events, like mass extinctions, cause sudden and abrupt changes affecting specific groups. Most scientists agree on the theory of dinosaur's extinction, claiming that a meteor strike led to the dinosaur's large scale destruction and eventual extinction. This theory suggests that a natural disaster can, in fact, be the cause for the extinction of species.

Question:3

Why is nascent oxygen supported to be toxic to aerobic life forms?

Answer:

Nascent oxygen(O) is toxic to aerobic life forms because it is highly reactive and unstable. Due to this, there is a possibility that they react with many molecules such as DNA, proteins, and lipids.Sci Nascent oxygen is threatening to life forms as this can potentially result in unwanted mutations.

Question:4

While creation and presence of variation are directionless, natural selection is directional as it is in the context of adaptation. Comment.

Answer:

Mutation and recombination create random genetic changes, but natural selection acts on these variation in a specific direction, favoring the traits that improve survival and reproduction. Over time, this leads to adaptations, that are best suited to environment. Hence, creation and presence of variation are directionless, but natural selection and adaptation are directional.

Question:5

The evolutionary story of moths in England during industrialization reveals, that 'evolution is reversible'. Clarify this statement.

Answer:

Before industrialization, light-coloured moths were common, blending with clean tree bark. Post industrialization, tree trunks turned dark due to pollution leading to a drop in the population of white-winged moths. In this scenario, dark-winged moths reappeared and survived. Later, when pollution decreased light coloured moths again become dominant.Thus, the evolution of white wings was reversed because of pollution. This shows that evolution is apparently reversible.

Question:6

Comment on the statement that "evolution and natural selections are result or consequence of some other processes but themselves are not processed".

Answer:

Evolution and natural selection are result of other biological processes, not themselves because they result from genetic mutations, variations, environmental pressures, and reproduction. Natural selection filters these variations leading to evolution over generations.

Question:7

State and explain any three factors affecting allele frequency in populations.

Answer:

Factors which affect allele frequency in populations:

  1. Genetic Drift: Due to random sampling, there are changes in the frequency of a gene variant. Genetic drift may cause a gene variant to disappear completely and result in reduced genetic variation.

  2. Genetic Recombination: When offspring with traits different from parents are produced, it is called genetic recombination.

  3. Natural Selection: The nature selects only the traits which help an organism to survive in the changed conditions. Natural selection leads to survival of the fittest. Traits that are unfit to survive, perish in the long run, which paves the way for the evolution of a new species.

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Question:8

Gene flow occurs through generations. Gene flow can occur across language barriers in humans. If we have a technique of measuring specific allele frequencies in a different population of the world, can we not predict human migratory patterns in pre-history and history? Do you agree or disagree? Explain your answer.

Answer:

Yes, it is possible to understand gene flow in different populations of the world with the human genome project, which is now turning into a reality. This can help us in assessing and predicting human migratory patterns in pre-history and history.

Question:9

How do you express the meaning of words like race, breed, cultivars or variety?

Answer:

Race: A group within a species that has unique features, usually based on location or adaptation. Members from different races of the same species can interbreed.

Breed: A type of animal with special traits, created by humans through selective breeding and are homogenous in appearance, example- labrador dogs.

Cultivar: A special type of plant grown by farmers for specific qualities through vegetative propagation, example- seedless grapes.

Variety: Different types of the same plant species, either naturally or bred, example- different kinds of mangoes.

Question:10

When we say, "survival of the fittest", does it mean that
a. those who are fit only survive, or
b. those that survive are called fit? Comment.

Answer:

Survival of fittest means that organisms which are best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive ,and reproduce. Organisms that survive and pass on their genes are called fit.

Question:11

Enumerate three most characteristic criteria for designating a Mendelian population.

Answer:

The three most important criteria for designating a Mendelian population are as follows:

  • The population must be sufficiently large.

  • Free flow of genetic materials is ensured through sexual reproduction.

  • There should be negligible or nil migration in the population.

Question:12

"Migration may enhance or blur the effects of selection". Comment.

Answer:

Migration may enhance or block the effects of selection by changing genetic variation in a population. If new individuals bring advantage, natural selection may enhance it. However, if individuals introducing harmful genes, they can be slow down or block by natural selection, hence blur the effects.

Unlock NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Biology Solutions Chapter 7(Long Answer Questions)

Question:1

Name the law that states that the sum of allelic frequencies in a population remains constant. What are the five factors that influence these values?

Answer:

Hardy Weinberg Principle states that the sum of allelic frequencies in a population remains the same through generations. The total of allelic frequencies in a population is 1.

Frequency of allele A = p

Frequency of allele a = q

p+q = 1

In a diploid individual,

Frequency of allele AA = p2

Frequency of allele aa = p2

Frequency of allele Aa = 2pq

This can be shown by the following equation which is derived from the algebraic identity

(p+q)2 = p2 + q2 + 2pq = 1

The extent of evolutionary change can be evaluated by measuring the difference between the measured values of these values from the expected value.

Following five factors influence these values:

  1. Gene migration or gene flow

  2. Genetic drift

  3. Genetic recombination

  4. Mutation

  5. Natural selection

Question:2

Explain divergent evolution in detail. What is the driving force behind it?

Answer:

Divergent evolution is a process in which two or more related species develop different traits and adaptations over time due to different environmental pressures or niches. It occurs when a common ancestor gives rise to multiple species with distinct characters, leading to increased diversity. A classic example of divergent evolution is Darwin's Finches on the Galapagos Islands.

The main driving force behind divergent evolution is natural selection, along with mutation, genetic drift, and adaptation to different environments. The homologous organs are result of divergent evolution. Forelimbs of mammals and birds are good examples of divergent evolution. While mammals use their forelimbs for walking, running and other chores, birds use forelimbs (modified into wings) for flight adaptations. In both cases, forelimbs are supported by humerus, radio -ulna, carpals, and metacarpals. This may indicate common ancestry.

Question:3

You have studied the story of Pepper moths in England. Had the industries been removed, what impact could it have on the moth population? Discuss.

Answer:

The story of moths in England during industrialization is a classic example of natural selection. Before industrialization in England, the population of black-winged moths was less than the population of white-winged moth. Due to the industrial revolution, tree trunks became darker because of the accumulation of industrial smoke or soot and reduction in the population of lichens. This provided camouflaging advantage to black-winged moths, and thus, the population of black-winged moth gradually started to increase.

If the industry had been removed, pollution levels decreased, and the tree bark would have returned to its orginal light colour. In this case, light colored moths will gonna increase rather than dark coloured moths.

This showed that evolution is apparently reversible.

Question:4

What are the key concepts in the evolution theory of Darwin?

Answer:

The two prominent concepts in the evolutionary theory of Darwin are natural selection and branching descent.

Natural Selection: All living beings adapt to changing environmental conditions by developing useful adaptations. Organisms, which can survive the changes, will produce more progenies and thereby maintain their lineage. Nature selects only those who are fit to survive, leaving behind the rest to perish. Therefore, we can conclude that natural selection plays an important role in evolution.

Branching Descent: Branching descent follows the popular premise that all life forms are branched from a common origin. This is often referred to as the "Tree of Life" illustrated in the following diagram.

branching descent

Fishes and Amphibians have a common ancestor. Amphibians have been considered as ancestors to other land animals such as reptiles, mammals and even birds.Darwin used various proofs to show that living beings have evolved from a common ancestor through branching.

Question:5

Two organisms occupying a particular geographical area (say desert) show similar adaptive strategies. Taking examples describe the phenomenon.

Answer:

Two organisms found in the same geographical area often have similar adaptations, and this is called convergent evolution. It is commonly observed in desert plants, although not all of them are closely related.

For example, kangaroo rats(a mammal) and desert lizards(a reptile) both use water conserving strategies. Kangaroo rats produce fewer offspring with high survival rates, avoiding water loss by staying in burrows and having efficient-kidneys. Similarly, desert lizards lay tough-shelled eggs that reduce water loss, and some species even give birth to live young, making sure the better survival in dry conditions.

Question:6

We are told that evolution is a continuing phenomenon for all living things. Are humans also evolving? Justify your answer.

Answer:

Yes, Humans are still evolving, as evolution is a continuous process that affects all living organism, including us. Evolution occurs through mechanisms such as natural selection, genetic drift, mutations and gene flow, all of which continue to shape the human species over time. Some scientists have studied human evolution and have shared following observations that suggest modern humans are also evolving. Since the discovery of farming about 10,000 years ago human evolution has worked at lightning speed as scientists have observed multiple genetic difference between hunter gatherers and current humans.

One clear example of human evolution is lactose tolerance. As young ones stop consuming milk after a certain age, they become lactose intolerance. But, human beings consume milk throughout their life as they get it from domesticated animals. Humans have also developed resistance to many infectious diseases. This is another sign of evolution. While evolution in humans may not be visible or rapid, as in other species, it is continuously happening.

Question:7

Had Darwin been aware of Mendel's work, would he be able to explain the origin of variations? Discuss.

Answer:

If Darwin had been aware of Mendel's work, he would have given a clear understanding of the origin of variations in species. Darwin's theory of Natural Selection was based on the idea that organisms in a population show variations, and those having beneficial traits survive and reproduce. Mendel observed reproduction in pea plants to come up with his theories on variations. Through these experiments, Mendel could attribute the origin of variations to some factors.

Mendel's discoveries laid the foundation for modern genetics, which later merged with Darwin's Theory in the modern synthesis of evolution. Darwin was from the same era as Mendel and would have had access to the same technology and information as Mendel had. Darwin was out on an exploration, and it would not have been possible to experiment similarly to the one conducted by Mendel. The goals and focus of their experiments were quite different from each other. Because of these factors, it seems highly unlikely that Darwin would have been able to explain the origin of variations.

NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Solutions Subject wise:

Approach to Solve Questions of Class 12 Biology Chapter 7

By following the steps given below students can solve the questions of the Evolution chapter effectively without any further help.

  • Read the NCERT and Exemplar in depth to understand the origin of life, evolutionary theories, evidence for evolution, and human evolution.
  • Practice drawing and labelling diagrams like evolutionary trees, homologous and analogous structures, adaptive radiation patterns, and human evolutionary stages.
  • Memorise the order of evolutionary phases, and key terms like natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, mutation, adaptive radiation, homologous organs, and analogous organs.
  • Complete all Exemplar questions, highlighting differences between homologous and analogous organs, convergent and divergent evolution, the Hardy-Weinberg principle, and examples of adaptive radiation.
  • Rewrite the work of scientists like Charles Darwin (natural selection), Hugo de Vries (mutation theory), and others who participated in the synthetic theory.

Also, read the NCERT Solution subject-wise

Important Topics of NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Biology Solutions Chapter 7

Given below are the important topics from Evolution chapter, which discusses how life evolved and diversified over time.

  • Origin of life and major theories

  • Darwin’s and Lamarck’s theories

  • Hardy-Weinberg principle

  • Mutation theory by Hugo de Vries

  • Human evolution and adaptations

Must Read NCERT Notes subject-wise

Important Question in Class 12 Biology Chapter 7

Evolution is an important chapter for NEET and board exams that explains how life has evolved and diversified over millions of years. It deals with very important points like the origin of life, evolution theories, evidence for evolution, adaptive radiation, and human evolution.

Question: Match the following:

A. Adaptive radiation – i. Different species from a common ancestor

B. Homologous organs – ii. Same structure, different function

C. Analogous organs – iii. Different structure, same function

Options:

  1. A-i, B-ii, C-iii
  2. A-ii, B-i, C-iii
  3. A-iii, B-ii, C-i
  4. A-i, B-iii, C-ii

Answer: The correct answer is option 1: A-i, B-ii, C-iii

Explanation: Adaptive radiation refers to the process where different species evolve from a common ancestor to adapt to various environments. Homologous organs are those that have the same structural design but perform different functions, showing common ancestry. Analogous organs perform similar functions but differ in structure, indicating they evolved separately.

Also, check the NCERT Books and the NCERT Syllabus here

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What evidence supports the theory of evolution?
A:

Evidence comes from multiple sources: fossil records, comparative anatomy (homologous and analogous organs), embryology, molecular biology, and adaptive radiation (such as Darwin’s finches and Australian marsupials), all demonstrating both common ancestry and divergence of species.

Q: What is adaptive radiation and how is it exemplified?
A:

Adaptive radiation is the process by which organisms diversify rapidly into new forms, particularly when a change in the environment makes new resources available. A classic example is the evolution of different species of Darwin’s finches on the Galápagos Islands and the convergent evolution seen in Australian marsupials and placental mammals.

Q: How does the Hardy-Weinberg Principle relate to evolution?
A:

The Hardy-Weinberg Principle states that allele frequencies in a population remain constant from generation to generation unless acted upon by evolutionary forces. Factors like gene flow, genetic drift, mutation, recombination, and natural selection can disturb this equilibrium, leading to evolution.

Q: What is the difference between Darwinian evolution and mutation theory?
A:

Darwinian evolution emphasizes gradual, continuous variation and natural selection as the primary drivers of evolution. In contrast, Hugo de Vries’ mutation theory suggests that sudden, large mutations (saltations) are responsible for the formation of new species, highlighting a more abrupt mechanism of evolutionary change.

Q: What are the different types of natural selection mentioned in NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Biology?
A:

There are three main types of natural selection:

1- Stabilizing Selection – Favors average traits and selects against extreme ones, maintaining stability in a population (e.g., human baby birth weight—too low or too high reduces survival).

2- Directional Selection – Favors one extreme trait, shifting the population’s characteristics in that direction (e.g., giraffes evolving longer necks for better food access).

3- Disruptive Selection – Favors both extreme traits while selecting against the average, leading to diversification (e.g., light and dark-colored oysters).

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Yes, if you’re not satisfied with your marks even after the improvement exam, many education boards allow you to reappear as a private candidate next year to improve your scores. This means you can register independently, study at your own pace, and take the exams without attending regular classes. It’s a good option to improve your results and open up more opportunities for higher studies or careers. Just make sure to check the specific rules and deadlines of your education board so you don’t miss the registration window. Keep your focus, and you will do better next time.

Hello Aspirant,

Yes, in the case that you appeared for the 2025 improvement exam and your roll number is different from what was on the previous year’s marksheet, the board will usually release a new migration certificate. This is because the migration certificate will reflect the most recent exam details, roll number and passing year. You can apply to get it from your board using the process prescribed by them either online or through your school/college.

Yes, if you miss the 1st CBSE exam due to valid reasons, then you can appear for the 2nd CBSE compartment exam.

From the academic year 2026, the board will conduct the CBSE 10th exam twice a year, while the CBSE 12th exam will be held once, as per usual. For class 10th, the second phase exam will act as the supplementary exam. Check out information on w hen the CBSE first exam 2026 will be conducted and changes in 2026 CBSE Board exam by clicking on the link .

If you want to change your stream to humanities after getting a compartment in one subject in the CBSE 12th Board Exam , you actually have limited options to qualify for your board exams. You can prepare effectively and appear in the compartment examination for mathematics again. If you do not wish to continue with the current stream, you can take readmission in the Humanities stream and start from Class 11th again, and continue studying for two more years to qualify for the 12th examination.

The GUJCET Merit List is prepared based on the Class 12th marks and GUJCET marks received by the students. CBSE students who are not from the Gujarat board can definitely compete with GSEB students, as their eligibility is decided based on the combined marks scored by them in GUJCET and the 12th board. The weightage of the GUJCET score is 40% and the weightage of the class 12 scores is 60%.