“Evolution” MCQ with Answer Explanation : NEET 2025.

11. The presence of similar bone structures in the limbs of humans, birds, and bats suggests:
    A) Convergent evolution
    B) Analogous organs
    C) Homologous organs
    D) Artificial selection
    Answer: C) Homologous organs

Explanation: Homologous organs are structures that are similar in form but may have different functions because they evolved from a common ancestor. The limbs of humans, birds, and bats share a similar bone structure, which indicates they all evolved from a common ancestral vertebrate.

12. The modern theory of evolution is a synthesis of ideas from Darwin and:
    A) Gregor Mendel
    B) Jean-Baptiste Lamarck
    C) Alfred Russel Wallace
    D) Hugo de Vries
    Answer: A) Gregor Mendel

Explanation: The modern theory of evolution, also known as the “modern synthesis,” combines Darwin’s theory of natural selection with Mendel’s principles of inheritance. Mendel’s work on genetics provided the mechanism by which traits are passed from one generation to the next, complementing Darwin’s idea of natural selection.

13. Which of the following is a vestigial structure in humans?
    A) Heart
    B) Appendix
    C) Lungs
    D) Kidneys
    Answer: B) Appendix

Explanation: The appendix is a vestigial structure in humans, meaning it has lost much of its original function through evolution. It is believed to be a remnant of a larger cecum used by herbivorous ancestors for digesting cellulose. While it serves little to no digestive function in humans, it may play a minor role in the immune system.

14. Which of the following conditions can lead to speciation?
    A) Gene flow between populations
    B) Reproductive isolation
    C) Lack of genetic variation
    D) No mutation
    Answer: B) Reproductive isolation

Explanation: Reproductive isolation is a critical factor in speciation because it prevents gene flow between populations, allowing them to evolve independently. Over time, genetic differences accumulate, and new species can emerge. Factors like lack of gene flow and genetic variation can slow evolution, while reproductive isolation accelerates it.

15. Which scientist is credited with proposing the concept of “punctuated equilibrium” in evolution?
    A) Charles Darwin
    B) Gregor Mendel
    C) Stephen Jay Gould
    D) Alfred Russel Wallace
    Answer: C) Stephen Jay Gould

Explanation: Stephen Jay Gould, along with Niles Eldredge, proposed the theory of punctuated equilibrium. This theory suggests that evolution occurs in rapid bursts of change followed by long periods of stability, rather than being a slow, continuous process as Darwin originally proposed.

16. The founder effect is a type of:
    A) Genetic drift
    B) Gene flow
    C) Natural selection
    D) Artificial selection
    Answer: A) Genetic drift

Explanation: The founder effect is a type of genetic drift that occurs when a small group of individuals becomes isolated from a larger population and forms a new population. This small group may carry only a fraction of the genetic diversity of the original population, leading to reduced genetic variation in the new population.

17. Which of the following is an example of coevolution?
    A) Cacti and camels
    B) Bees and flowers
    C) Sharks and dolphins
    D) Elephants and rhinos
    Answer: B) Bees and flowers

Explanation: Coevolution occurs when two species evolve in response to each other. Bees and flowers are an example of coevolution, where flowers have evolved traits that attract bees, and bees have evolved traits that help them collect nectar and pollen, leading to mutual benefits.

18. Which of the following statements is true regarding Lamarck’s theory of evolution?
    A) It focuses on natural selection.
    B) It states that organisms pass acquired traits to their offspring.
    C) It explains genetic mutations as the basis of evolution.
    D) It is based on the survival of the fittest.
    Answer: B) It states that organisms pass acquired traits to their offspring.

Explanation: Lamarck’s theory of evolution suggested that organisms could pass on traits they acquired during their lifetime to their offspring. For example, he believed that giraffes developed long necks because they stretched to reach higher leaves, and this trait was then passed on. This theory was later replaced by Darwin’s theory of natural selection.

19. Which of the following processes increases genetic variation in a population?
    A) Genetic drift
    B) Mutation
    C) Bottleneck effect
    D) Founder effect
    Answer: B) Mutation

Explanation: Mutation introduces new alleles into a population’s gene pool, increasing genetic variation. In contrast, genetic drift, the bottleneck effect, and the founder effect typically reduce genetic variation. Mutations can lead to new traits that may provide a selective advantage.

20. Which of the following is true about fossils?
    A) They provide no information about soft tissues.
    B) They are direct evidence of evolution.
    C) They only form in volcanic rocks.
    D) They never show intermediate forms.
    Answer: B) They are direct evidence of evolution.

Explanation: Fossils provide direct evidence of evolution by showing the remains or traces of organisms that lived in the past. Fossil records show how organisms have changed over time and sometimes include intermediate forms that illustrate evolutionary transitions between species.