PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION 2024- 2025

Subject: Biology Date: January 17, 2025

Std: XA Time: 2 hours

Marks: 80
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Answers to this Paper must be written on the paper provided separately.
You will not be allowed to write during the first 15 minutes.
This time is to be spent in reading the Question Paper.
The time given at the head of this Paper is the time allowed for writing the answers.
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Section A is compulsory. Attempt any four questions from Section B.
The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [ ].
This paper has 8 questions on 16 printed pages.
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SECTION A [ 40 marks ]
(Attempt all questions from this Section.)
Question 1
Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options: [15]
(i) In December 1952, London relied on cheap coal for power generation
for industries and home heating. Diesel-powered buses added to air
pollution. The city's location in a large river valley restricted air
circulation, and a layer of cold air trapped warmer air beneath it.
What was the primary cause of the Great London Smog of 1952?
(a) Vehicle emissions
(b) A combination of industrial pollution and a weather phenomenon
(c) Natural wildfires
(d) Elevated levels of pollen

(ii) Given below are diagrams of different cells as seen under the
microscope after having placed in two different solutions. Observe the

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 diagram and choose the technical term for the condition of cell (a) and
cell (b)

(a) a - turgid cell, b - flaccid cell

(b) a - flaccid cell, b - turgid cell
(c) Both are flaccid cells
(d) Both are turgid cells

(iii) Colour blindness affects career opportunities in various fields,

including roles such as:
(a) Air Force pilots
(b) Medical professionals
(c) Electricians
(d) All of the above

(iv) Which of the following statements correctly describes tubectomy and

vasectomy?
(a) Both are temporary methods of contraception.
(b)Tubectomy is performed on men, and vasectomy is performed on
women.
(c)Tubectomy involves cutting the fallopian tubes, while vasectomy
involves cutting the vas deferens.
(d)Both are hormonal methods of birth control.
(v) Consider the following statements and choose the correct option:
1. The left ventricle receives deoxygenated blood from the body and

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 the right ventricle receives oxygenated blood.
2. Auricles and ventricles are separated by an atrio-ventricular
septum.
3. The two ventricles are separated from each other by a ventricular
septum.
(a) 1 only
(b)1, 2 and 3
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d)1 and 3 only

(vi) Assertion (A): The medulla oblongata is responsible for involuntary

actions like heartbeat and breathing.
Reason (R): The medulla oblongata controls the activities of internal
organs.
Options:
(a) A is True, and R is false.
(b) A is False, and R is true.
(c) Both A and R are true.
(d) Both A and R are false.

(vii) In an accident, Arjun suffered an injury to his hypothalamus, which

would most likely disrupt several critical functions, as the
hypothalamus plays a key role in:
(a) executive functions like decision making
(b) regulating body temperature
(c) coordination during locomotion
(d) remembering situations

(viii) The correct sequence of stages in the evolution of modern man

(Homo sapiens) is:
(a)Australopithecus, Neanderthal man, Cro-Magnon man, Homo

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 erectus, Modern man
(b) Homo erectus, Australopithecus, Neanderthal man, Cro-Magnon
man, Modern man
(c) Australopithecus, Homo erectus, Neanderthal man, Cro-Magnon
man, Modern man
(d) Neanderthal man, Australopithecus, Cro-Magnon man, Homo
erectus, Modern man

(ix) The diagram shown below shows an experiment to investigate

transpiration.
Plant 1 is not covered.
Plant 2 and its pot are covered by a transparent plastic bag. The
mass of each plant and its pot is measured. The masses are
measured again after two hours. What will be the result?

a) The mass of both plants will decrease by the same percentage.

(b) The mass of both plants will stay the same.
(c) The mass of plant 1 will decrease more than the mass of plant 2.
(d) The mass of plant 2 will decrease more than the mass of plant 1.

(x) In which of the following labelled parts do ovulation, fertilisation,

implantation and parturition occur?

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 (a) 4 - ovulation, 3- fertilisation, 1 –implantation 2-parturition
(b) 4 - ovulation, 3- fertilisation, 2 –implantation 1-parturition
(c) 3 - ovulation, 4- fertilisation, 1 –implantation 2-parturition
(d) 1 - ovulation, 2- fertilisation, 3 –implantation 4-parturition

(xi) Which statement correctly explains the difference in glucose

concentration in the kidney tubule between X and Y?

(a) The glucose concentration is higher at X than at Y because

glucose moves out of the kidney tubule by osmosis.
(b) The glucose concentration is higher at X than at Y because
glucose has been actively transported out of the kidney tubule.
(c) The glucose concentration is higher at Y than at X because
glucose diffuses into the kidney tubule.
(d) The glucose concentration is higher at Y than at X because
glucose is actively transported into the kidney tubule.

(xii) The shape of a bird's beak is determined by the genes inherited from
its parent birds. What does this illustrate?
(a) Natural Selection

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 (b) Inheritance
(c) Fertilisation
(d) Mitotic division

(xiii) How does the cell wall and the cell membrane differ in their
permeability?
(a) Cell wall – Freely permeable, Cell membrane – Selectively
permeable
(b) Cell wall – Non permeable, Cell membrane –Freely permeable
(c) Cell wall – Semi permeable, Cell membrane – Non permeable
(d) Cell wall – Selectively permeable, Cell membrane – Non
permeable

(xiv) How do carbon dioxide and oxygen move into and out of a mesophyll
cell?
(a) active transport
(b) osmosis
(c) transpiration
(d) diffusion

(xv) Which of the following gases is NOT considered as the greenhouse

gas contributing to global warming?
(a) Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
(b) Methane (CH₄)
(c) Carbon Monoxide (CO)
(d) Water Vapor (H₂O)

Question 2
(i) Name the following: [5]

(a) The area where the image is formed but not seen by our eye.

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 (b) The pair of genes responsible for a particular characteristic in an
individual.
(c) The ability of the eye to adjust its focal length to clearly focus on
objects at varying distances.
(d) The hormone secreted by posterior pituitary gland.

(e)The structure that holds the heart valves in position.

(a) Blind spot,

(b) Alleles, genotype
(c) accommodation of eye,
(d) antidiuretic hormone/ Vaspresin/ Oxytocin
(e) chordae tendinae
(ii) The diagram below presents a cross-sectional view of the male [5]
pelvis, showing the reproductive system. Read the information given
below the diagram and write the answers that depict ‘a’ to ‘e’.
The male reproductive system, situated in the pelvic region, plays a
vital role in reproduction. It consists of a pair of testes, along with
accessory ducts, glands, and external genitalia.

The male reproductive system consists of the testes, which are oval-
shaped organs located within a thin-walled sac of skin known as
(a)______________. Each testis contains approximately 250 lobules,
which contains (b) _________________ and (c) ________________
that play a role in the production of the male gamete and the male
hormone. The testes produce (d) __________ and (e) ___________.

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 a) Scrotum
b) Seminiferous tubule
c) Interstitial cells
d) sperms
e) Testosterone
(iii) Arrange and rewrite the terms in each group in correct order to be in a [5]
logical sequence beginning with the term that is underlined.
(a) Blastocyst, Stage of Morula formation, Blastocyst Implantation,
Fertilized Zygote
(b) Fibrin, Thrombokinase, Thrombin, Fibrinogen
(c) Islets of Langerhans, Glucagon, α – cells, Pancreas
(d) Absorbs energy, Grana, Photons, Splits water molecules
(e) Left atrium, Right atrium, Left ventricle, Right ventricle, Body
organs, Lungs
a- Fertilized Zygote/ Stage of Morula formation Blastocyst/
Blastocyst Implantation
b- Thrombokinase,/Thrombin,/ Fibrinogen /Fibrin
c- Pancreas/Islets of Langerhans/,α-cells/Glucagon
d- ,Photons,Grana, Absorbs energy,splits water molecules
e- Body organs /, Right atrium/ Right ventricle/ Lungs/ Left atrium/
Left ventricle
(iv) Read the explanation given below and name the structure. [5]
(a) Conical yellowish bodies located on top of the kidney.
(b) A sheet of fibres connecting the two cerebral hemispheres.
(c) Non-nucleated, minute, oval or round structures, floating in blood.
(d) The transparent biconvex crystalline structure in the eye.
(e) The cell body of nerve cell.
a- Adrenal gland,
b- Corpus calloseum
c- Blood platelets/Thrombocytes
d- Lens,

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 e- Cyton/perikaryon
(v) Given below is the diagrammatic view of the human ear. [5]
Match the structures marked (a) to (e) with their correct functions.
Internal structure of human ear Functions
1. Converts sound waves into electrical
signals.
2. Assists in maintaining balance and
detecting head position.
3. Channels sound waves from the
external environment to the tympanic
membrane.
4. Facilitates the collection of sound
waves.
5. Equalizes pressure on both sides of the
eardrum.

(a) 4
(b) 5
(c) 2
(d) 1
(e) 3
SECTION B
(Attempt any four questions.)
Question 3
(i) Riya conducted an experiment on a plant leaf and observed that the [1]
number of stomata on the lower surface of the leaf was significantly
higher than on the upper surface.
Based on her observation, answer the following:
Why is it advantageous for the plant to have a higher number of
stomata on the lower surface of the leaf?
Stomata are present on the lower surface of the leaf top avoid/ reduce

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 the rate of transpiration
(ii) Answer the questions given below with respect to blood transfusion. [2]
(a) Which blood group is considered the universal donor?
(b) In the ABO blood group system, which antibodies are present in
the blood of a person with type A?
Blood group O
Blood type B
(iii) Difference between ethylene and abscisic acid. [2]
Ethylene abscisic acid
It breaks dormancy of buds and It induces bud dormancy
seeds It increases resistance in plant to
It stimulates ripening of fruits cold
Induces seed germination Inhibits seed germination
(iv) Pritam is experiencing symptoms such as frequent urination, [2]
excessive thirst, unintended weight loss, and slow wound healing. He
has been advised to reduce his sugar intake. Which disease might he
be suffering from, and which body organ and type of connective
tissue are primarily associated with this condition?

The patient is suffering from Diabetes mellitus.

Body organ associated with the disease is Pancreas
Pancreas is responsible for the release of hormone insulin and the
the connective tissue related to it is blood.

(v) Given below is a summary of reactions that take place in chlorophyll. [3]
Study the same and answer the questions that follow.

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 (a) What does ‘X’ and “Y’ stand for in the above representation.
(b) Name the parts 1 and 2.
(c) Explain the term photosynthesis.
(a) X- ATP, Y- NADPH
(b) 1-Thylakoid/Granum, 2- Stroma
(c) Photosynthesis is the process by which living plant cells,
containing chlorophyll, produce food substances(glucose and
starch), from carbon dioxide and water in the presence of
chlorophyll and light energy.

Question 4
(i) Elisha conducted an experiment with a potted plant that had [1]
variegated leaves. She placed the plant in sunlight for 3 hours.
Afterward, she plucked one of the leaves and tested it for the
presence of starch. What observations is Elisha likely to make after
performing the starch test?
Upon performing the starch test,
green parts of the leaf exposed to sunlight will likely test positive for
starch – Turn Blue/black
while the non-green parts of the leaf, lacking chlorophyll, may test
negative starch test
(ii) Name the pair of purines and pair of pyrimidines present in DNA. [2]
Purines - Adenine, Guanine
Pyrimidines - Thymine, Cytosine, Uracil

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 (iii) Mention the site of synthesis and function of plant hormone [2]
gibberellins.
Site- Meristems of apical buds
Function – Help in stem elongation, break dormancy, delay
senescence, induce parthenocarpy, cell elongation of internodes.

(iv) The diagram given below are cross sections of blood vessels. [2]
Study the same and answer the questions that follow:

(a) Identify blood vessels A and B.

(b) Mention one structural difference between A and B.
A – Artery B- Vein
Artery has narrow lumen/ Thick muscular wall/ Valves are absent
Vein has wide lumen/ Thin muscular wall/ Valves present
(v) Draw a neat, labelled diagram of a root hair. [3]

Question 5

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(i) Why do siblings born to the same parents, despite sharing similarities, [1]
differ from one another in various ways.
Mixing up or recombination of genes during the meotic division
results in variations and diversity in progeny/ variation arises from the
unique combination of alleles inherited during fertilization and
processes like independent assortment and genetic recombination
during meiosis.
(ii) The diagram given below represents a stage during the mitotic cell [2]
division. Study the same and answer the questions that follow:

(a) Identify the stage. Give a reason to support your answer.

(b) Name the parts 1 and 2.
(a) Telophase, Beginning of cytoplasmic furrow/ Reformation of
nuclear membrane/spindle fibres disappear/ Nucleoli reappear
(b) 1- Chromosomes 2 - nuclear membrane
(iii) Explain how the rate of transpiration is affected on: [2]
(a) a windy day
(b) a foggy day
(a) Increases – moving air removes the wv around the leaves
continuously
(b) Decreases – High atmospheric pressure/ humidity lowers the rate of
transpiration

(iv) The birth rate of India is very high. Give reason. [2]
Explain any two points -
Illiteracy, children are a gift of God, sign of prosperity, due to high
infant mortality, more helping hands for family income, do not

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 accept family planning methods, desire for a male child, Lack of
recreation.

(v) Renuka, a tenth-grade student, was curious to learn cellular [3]

mechanisms. She embarked on an experiment to observe osmotic
behavior. She used an onion epidermal cell, and she carefully placed
it on a slide and subsequently introduced a drop of concentrated
sugar solution. She then observed the changes in the cell under the
microscope.

(a) What is the scientific term used for the changes after the
concentrated sugar is added to the onion cell?
(b) What should be done to restore the cell back to its original
condition?
(c)Define the term Osmosis.
a) The scientific term for the changes is Plasmolysis.
b) To restore the cell to its original condition, it should be placed in
distilled water.
c) Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a
semipermeable membrane from a region of higher water potential
to a region of lower water potential.

Question 6
(i) In case of rabbits the black colour is dominant over white colour. [1]

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 What will be the colour of offspring of pure breed black male and pure
breed white female?
All black / Homozygous dominant
(ii) The figure given below shows a part a part of the nephron. Observe [2]
the diagram and answer the question that follows:

a) Name the part ‘P’ in the diagram.

(b)State the reason for the high hydrostatic pressure in the part
labelled ‘P”.
(a) Glomerulus
(b) As the afferent arteriole splits into many fine branches due to
which the volume of capillaries reduce resulting in high
hydrostatic pressure in the glomerulus.
(iii) Write the exact location of: [2]
(a) Duramater
(b) Hydathodes
(a) Outermost layer of the meninges of the skull and the vertebral
column
(b) Present on the edges and tips of the leaves

(iv) Choose the ODD one out of the following terms given below and [2]
name the category to which the others belong.
(a) Phospate, RNA, Sugar, Nitrogenous base.

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 (b) Cell enlargement, Cell division, Promote germination, Closure of
stomata
(a) RNA – ODD
All are parts of nucleotide whereas RNA is Ribonuclei acid
(b) Closure of stomata
Ohters are effect of cytokinins
(v) In a homozygous plant, green pods (G) are dominant over yellow [3]
pods (g).
(a) Draw a Punnett square to show the gametes and offspring when
both parents have heterozygous green pods.Write their phenotypes.
(b) State the law of dominance.

GAmetes G g
G GG Gg
g Gg gg
(a) 3 green and 1 yellow
 Out of a pair of contrasting characters present, only one is able
to express itself while the other remains supressed. The one
that expresses is the dominant character and the one
unexpressed is the recessive.

Question 7
(i) State one function of cerebellum. [1]
The cerebellum is a part of the brain that coordinates movement and
balance, and plays a role in language, attention, and eye movement:
(ii) Ananya experiences severe fatigue, swelling in her face and hands, [2]
and a sluggish metabolism. She feels lethargic throughout the day
and has a low heart rate. What condition might Ananya be suffering
from? What is the cause of this condition?
myxedema, severe form of hypothyroidism.
caused by an underactive thyroid gland, leading to insufficient

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 production of thyroid hormones.

(iii) Study the diagram given below and answer the questions that follow: [2]

(a) Name the cells labelled 1 and 2.

(b) Identify the phenomena occurring in figure A. Explain the
phenomena.
1- WBC 2 – RBC
Diapedesis , Process in which WBC squeezes out through
capillary.
(iv) Given below is a figure of a plant kept in a cupboard with a hole on [2]
the top. Study the same and answer the questions that follow:

(a)Name the tropic movement shown by the shoot in the potted plant.
Define the movement.
(b) Name the hormone and its role in bending of the shoot towards the
top of the cupboard.
phototropism.
Definition: Phototropism is the growth movement of a plant in

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 response to light. The shoots exhibit positive phototropism, as they
grow towards the light source.
Auxin (a plant growth hormone).- Elongates the stem and causes
bending of the shoot towards the light source.

(v) Draw a neat, labelled diagram of a human sperm. [3]

Question 8
(i) What is polymerization? [1]
The process of conversion many simpler and smaller molecules into a
complex bigger molecule is termed as polymerization.
(ii) Differentiate between Natality and Mortality [2]

(iii) A factory located near a residential area emits harmful gases and [2]
particulate matter into the air due to improper waste management and
outdated machinery.
(a) Identify two common gaseous pollutants that such factories

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 release into the atmosphere.
(b) What are the potential health effects on residents living near the
factory?
(a) Gaseous Pollutants – CO2, SO2, CO
(b) Asthma and allergies in humans//Acid rainGreenhouse effect

(iv) If a person is being chased by a dog while walking on the street, [2]
which hormone is released to encounter this situation and how does
his body prepare to handle this stressful situation?
(a) adrenal glands release adrenaline
(b) Increased heart rate to pump more blood to muscles.
Rapid breathing to increase oxygen intake.
Dilated pupils to enhance vision.
Release of glucose into the bloodstream for quick energy.
Redirected blood flow away from non-essential organs to muscles for
action..
(v) Study the diagram given below, figure “X” and figure “Y” showing a [3]
phenomenon that was observed in Manchester before and after the
year 1850.

(a) What name has been given to this phenomenon?

(b) Give the common name and scientific name of the insect involved
in the phenomenon.
(c) The phenomenon in the picture provides a classical explanation of
a scientific theory given by a certain scientist. Name and explain

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 the said theory.
(a) Industrial Melanism
(b) Peppered Moth, Biston Betularia
(c) Natural selection, During the struggle of existence only those with
favourable variations survive, while those variations are wiped off.
Nature chooses just the variants that are suitable for existence .
This process is called natural selection.
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