Genetic Variation — Homi Bhabha Exam Biology MCQs with Solutions
Free Homi Bhabha Exam Biology Genetic Variation MCQs with step-by-step solutions (10 questions). Part of Heredity & Genetics. Practise online on Prepizo — no login needed.
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Questions with solutions
Q1 — Genetic Variation · medium · theory
The differences seen among individuals of the same species are called:
A. clones
B. variations ✓ Correct
C. mutations only
D. traits
Solution: Variations are the differences in characteristics among individuals of a species.
Q2 — Genetic Variation · hard · theory
Which type of reproduction generally produces MORE variation among offspring?
A. sexual reproduction ✓ Correct
B. budding
C. asexual reproduction
D. binary fission
Solution: Sexual reproduction mixes genes from two parents, producing greater variation.
Q3 — Genetic Variation · medium · theory
Variations are important because they:
A. help a species adapt and survive in changing conditions ✓ Correct
B. reduce survival
C. always harm the organism
D. stop evolution
Solution: Useful variations improve the chances of survival and are the raw material for evolution.
Q4 — Genetic Variation · hard · theory
A sudden, permanent change in the gene (DNA) of an organism is called a:
A. adaptation
B. reproduction
C. mutation ✓ Correct
D. variation only
Solution: A mutation is a change in the DNA that can create new variations.
Q5 — Genetic Variation · medium · theory
In human beings, the total number of chromosomes in a body cell is:
A. 46 (23 pairs) ✓ Correct
B. 23
C. 48
D. 44
Solution: Humans have 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs.
Q6 — Genetic Variation · hard · theory
A human female has the sex chromosomes ______ and a male has ______:
A. XX; XX
B. XX; XY ✓ Correct
C. XY; XX
D. XY; XY
Solution: Females are XX and males are XY.
Q7 — Genetic Variation · hard · theory
The sex of a human child is determined by the:
A. temperature
B. father (whether the sperm carries X or Y) ✓ Correct
C. mother only
D. both equally at random
Solution: The mother always gives X; the father's sperm (X or Y) decides whether the child is a girl (XX) or boy (XY).
Q8 — Genetic Variation · medium · theory
Traits that are passed from parents to offspring through genes are called:
A. learned traits
B. inherited traits ✓ Correct
C. acquired traits
D. temporary traits
Solution: Inherited (genetic) traits are transmitted through genes to the next generation.
Q9 — Genetic Variation · hard · theory
A trait developed during an individual's lifetime (like a scar or learned skill) is:
A. a mutation
B. an inherited trait
C. an acquired trait that is not inherited ✓ Correct
D. always passed to offspring
Solution: Acquired traits arise from the environment and are not passed on to offspring genetically.
Q10 — Genetic Variation · medium · theory
Variation ultimately provides the basis for the process of:
A. evolution ✓ Correct
B. digestion
C. excretion
D. respiration
Solution: Variations, acted on by natural selection, drive the evolution of species over time.