Evolution MCQs for NEET — Zoology Questions with Answers

The Hardy-Weinberg principle states that 'allele frequencies in a population are stable and is constant from generation to generation. The gene pool (total genes and their alleles in a population) remains a constant. This is called genetic equilibrium.'

The five factors that affect Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium are gene migration, genetic drift, mutation, genetic recombination, and natural selection. For equilibrium to be maintained, these factors must essentially be absent or have a negligible effect. Thus, the absence of natural selection is a key condition.

Given $p^2 = 0.36$. To find p, take the square root of $p^2$. So, $p = \sqrt{0.36} = 0.6$.

The text defines 'gene pool' as 'total genes and their alleles in a population'.

Natural selection can lead to 'directional change (more individuals acquire value other than the mean character value)'. Stabilising selection leads to more individuals acquiring the mean character value, and disruptive selection leads to more individuals acquiring peripheral character values at both ends.

The frequency of homozygous recessive individuals is $q^2$. Given $q=0.2$, then $q^2 = (0.2)^2 = 0.04$.

Leopard/Lion → Competition; Cuckoo/Crow → Brood parasitism; Mycorrhizae → Mutualism; Egret/Cattle → Commensalism.

Only (B) lists Australian marsupials. Bobcat, mole, flying squirrel, lemur, anteater, wolf are placentals.

RNA lacks proof-reading; RNA viruses (e.g., influenza, HIV) evolve rapidly.

Biomagnification: a toxicant becomes more concentrated up the food chain.