Time: 3 Hours | Max Marks: 80

Section A (Very Short Answer – 1 mark each)

(Answer any 10 questions. Each carries 1 mark.)

1. What is the function of lysosomes in a cell?

2. Define genetic drift.

3. Name any two hormones secreted by the adrenal gland.

4. What is the full form of ATP?

5. Give an example of a living fossil.

6. What is neoteny?

7. Name the causative organism of malaria.

8. What is the significance of the operculum in fishes?

9. What are flame cells?

10. Define eutrophication.

11. Name the largest cranial nerve in humans.

12. What is the role of histamine in the immune response?

(10 × 1 = 10 marks)

Section B (Short Answer – 2 marks each)

(Answer any 8 questions. Each carries 2 marks.)

13. Differentiate between active transport and passive transport in cells.

14. Explain the structure of a neuron with a neat diagram.

15. What is mimicry? Give an example.

16. Write a short note on sex-linked inheritance.

17. What are the adaptations seen in desert animals?

18. Explain the process of osmoregulation in freshwater fishes.

19. Differentiate between r-selected and K-selected species.

20. What is torsion in gastropods?

21. Write any two applications of biotechnology in zoology.

22. Describe the significance of the carbon cycle.

(8 × 2 = 16 marks)

Section C (Short Essays – 5 marks each)

(Answer any 6 questions. Each carries 5 marks.)

23. Explain the different types of natural selection with examples.

24. Describe the ABO blood group system and its genetic basis.

25. What are the different types of connective tissues in vertebrates?

26. Explain the mechanism of muscle contraction with a diagram.

27. Discuss the various types of animal associations with suitable examples.

28. What are transgenic animals? Mention their importance in research.

29. Describe the structure and functions of the mammalian heart.

30. Explain the process of spermatogenesis in humans.

(6 × 5 = 30 marks)

Section D (Long Essays – 10 marks each)

(Answer any 2 questions. Each carries 10 marks.)

31. Describe the structure of the human digestive system and explain the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

32. Explain the different types of animal tissues with suitable diagrams.

33. Write an essay on Darwin’s theory of natural selection and its significance in evolution.

34. Discuss the endocrine system in vertebrates with special reference to hormone functions.

(2 × 10 = 20 marks)