Question 1

What is the importance of DNA copying in reproduction?

 It maintains the characteristics of species.

 It maintains the continuity of life.

 From this, the characteristics and features of organisms are transformed to their progeny.

 It produces variations in organisms which is the basis of evolution of new species.

Question 2
Why is variation beneficial to the species but not necessarily for the individual?
Answer:
The various populations of organisms interact with many types of ecological niches. This is important
for them to survive in given conditions. In case of any damage caused to the ecological conditions of
the population, the population gets adversely affected. The organisms which are able to survive, may
reproduce to develop population which is adapted or suited to the varied conditions. Hence variation
is beneficial to species, but not to the individuals.

Page Number: 133

Question 1
How is the process of pollination different from fertilisation ?
Answer:

Binary fission Multiple fission

1. In this an organism divides into two similar 1. In this an organism produces two or more
organisms. organisms.

2. A cyst or thick layer is not formed around the cell. 2. A cyst or thick layer is formed around the cell.

It generally occurs in favourable conditions 3. It can take place in unfavourable conditions too.
Example : Amoeba, paramecium Example: Malarial parasite.

Question 2
How will an organism be benefited if it reproduces through spores ?
Answer:
An organism is benefited by reproducing through the spores because spores are surrounded by a
thick layer which protects them in adverse conditions. When the favourable conditions occur, these
spores start to grow again. In this way they are successfully live in unfavourable conditions.

Question 3
Can you think of reasons why more complex organisms cannot give rise to new individuals through
regeneration ?
Answer:
In complex multicellular organisms, specialised cells make up tissues, tissue make up organs, organs
make up organ systems and finally organ systems make up organisms. Since complex multicellular
organisms have a very high degree of organisation in their body, they cannot be reproduced from
their cut body parts by the process of regeneration.

For example, a dog is a complex multicellular organism which cannot be regenerated from its cut
body part say, a cut tail. This is because the cells present in the cut tail of a dog cannot produce dog’s
organs like heart brain, lungs, stomach, intestines and limbs, etc, needed for the making of a
complete dog.

Question 4
Why is vegetative propagation practised for growing some types of plants ?
Answer:
Vegetative propagation is practiced for growing such plants which usually do not produce seeds or
produce non-viable seeds.

Question 5
Why is DNA copying an essential part of the process of reproduction ?
Answer:
DNA copying is essential part of the process of reproduction so that the characteristics of the parent
organisms are transmitted to its offspring and at the same time some occasional variations are also
produced in the offspring. The changes in the copy of DNA provide an organism the capability to
survive in changing conditions.

Page Number: 140

Question 1
How is the process of pollination different from fertilisation ?
Answer:

Pollination Fertilisation

1. The transfer of pollen grains from the anther of 1. Fertilisation occurs when the male gamete present in
a stamen to the stigma of a carpel is called pollen grain joins with the female gamete (or egg) present
pollination. in ovule.

2. It takes place by various pollinating agents. 2. It takes place by natural or artificial means.

Question 2
What is the role of the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland ?
Answer:
(i) Both seminal vesicle and prostate gland secretes fluids which forms a part of the semen. The fluid
secreted from seminal vesicle forms 60% of semen while the fluid secreted from the prostate gland
forms 30% of the semen. It makes the path smooth through which the sperms travel.
(ii) This fluid protects the sperms from the acids present in the urethra.
(iii) This fluid provides nutrition to sperms in the form of fructose, calcium and some enzymes.

Question 3
What are the changes seen in girls at the time of puberty ?
Answer:
The various changes occur in girls at puberty are :

1. Hair grow under armpits and pubic region.

2. Mammary glands (or breasts) develop and enlarge.

3. The hips broaden.

4. Extra fat is deposited in various parts of the body like hips and thighs.

5. Fallopian tube, uterus and vagina enlarge.

6. Ovaries start to release eggs.

7. Menstruation (monthly periods) starts.

8. Feelings and sexual drives associated with adulthood begin to develop.

Question 4
How does the embryo get nourishment inside the mother’s body ?
Answer:
In mother’s body, the embryo gets nutrition from the mother’s blood. For this, there is a special
structure, called placenta. Placenta contains villi. There are empty spaces in mother’s tissues that
cover the villi. It provides a large surface area for the transfer of glucose, oxygen and other
substances from the mother to the embryo.

Question 5
A woman is using a copper-T. Will it help in protecting her from sexually transmitted diseases ?
Answer:
Copper-T is a contraceptive method which prevents implantation of the zygote inside the uterus. It
cannot prevent a women from sexually transmitted diseases. These diseases are transmitted by
contact which cannot be prevented by copper-T.

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 8 Textbook Chapter End Questions

Question 1
Asexual reproduction takes place through budding in
(a) amoeba
(b) yeast
(c) plasmodium
(d) leishmania
Answer:
(b) Yeast

Question 2
Which of the following is not a part of the female reproductive system in human beings ?
(a) Ovary
(b) Uterus
(c) Vas deferens
(d) Fallopian tube
Answer:
(c) Vas deferens
Question 3
The anther contains
(a) sepals
(b) ovules
(c) carpel
(d) pollen grains
Answer:
(d) Pollen grains

Question 4
What are the advantages of sexual reproduction over asexual reproduction ?
Answer:
(i) In asexual reproduction, the offspring are almost identical to their parent because they have the
same genes as their parent. So, much genetic variation is not possible in asexual reproduction. This is
a disadvantage because it inhibits the further evolution of the organism.
(ii) In sexual reproduction the offspring, although similar to their parents, are not identical to them or
to one another. This is because the offspring receive some genes from the mother and some from
the father. Because of the mixing of genes of mother and father in various different combinations, all
of the offspring have genetic variations. In this way, sexual reproduction leads to a greater variety in
population. This means that a species (animal or plant) can adapt quickly to changes in its
surroundings. This is because there are always likely to be some individuals which are more suited to
the changes than others, and these individuals will survive and reproduce themselves.

Question 5
What are the functions performed by the testis in human beings ?
Answer:
The functions of testes in humans are following :
(i) After the stage of adolescent, testes produce male gametes in the human males which are called
sperms.
(ii) A hormone called testosterone is produced in testes. Testosterone controls the development of
reproductive organs and secondary sexual characters.

Question 6
Why does menstruation occur ?
Answer:
If the ovum (or egg) does not get fertilised (due to non-availability of sperm in the female body) then
the thick and soft inner lining of uterus is no longer needed and hence it breaks. So, the thick and
soft inner lining of uterus alongwith the blood vessels and the dead ovum (or egg) comes out of the
vagina in the form of blood called menstruation. Menstruation occurs after the interval of every 28
days and the time period between ovulation and menstruation is about 14 days.

Question 7
Draw a labelled diagram of the longitudinal section of a flower.
Answer:

Question 8
What are the different methods of contraception ?
Answer:
The different methods of contraception are as follow :
(i) Barrier method : In this method, condom, diaphragm and cervical caps are used. These prevent
the entry of sperms in the female genital tract during sexual intercourse.
(ii) Chemical method : In this method a woman uses two kinds of pills (oral and vaginal pills). The
oral pills are hormonal preparations which suppress the release of ovum in fallopian tube. These are
called oral contraceptives. The vaginal pills/ creams are spermicidal. The chemicals in these
spermicidals kill the sperms during their journey in the vaginal tract.
(iii) Intrauterine contraceptive devices : Intrauterine contraceptive devices such as copper-T are
placed safely in the uterus by a skilled doctor. It prevents the sperms to reach the uterus.
(iv) Surgical method : In this method, a small part of vas deferens of male and fallopian tube of
female is cut or tied by surgery. It is called vasectomy in males and tubectomy in females.

Question 9
How are the modes for reproduction different in unicellular and multicellular organisms ?
Answer:

Reproduction mode in unicellular organisms Reproduction mode in multicellular organisms

(i) A sexual reproduction takes place in (i) Sexual reproduction takes place in multicellular
unicellular organisms. organisms.

(ii) Only one organism is required in this

(iii) No special cells are present for

(iv) No special organs are present for (iv) Special organs are present for reproduction located at
reproduction. the fixed position in the body.
Question 10
How does reproduction help in providing stability to populations of species ?
Answer:
The introduction of variations during reproduction provides stability to the populations of various
species by preventing them from getting wiped out during adverse conditions. Reproduction also
helps to generate copies of individuals which are suited to a particular environment.

Question 11
What could be the reasons for adopting contraceptive methods ?
Answer:
The reasons for adopting contraceptive devices are as follow:

1. To control the birth rate and prevent the increase in population.

2. To reduce the adverse effects on mother’s body due to frequent pregnancy.

3. To provide safety from sexually transmitted diseases.

Page 128
Question 1.
What is the importance of DNA copying in reproduction?
Answer:
DNA copying in reproduction is important for maintenance of body designs and features. Moreover,
DNA copying leads to variations. Variation is useful for the survival of species.

Question 2.
Why is variation beneficial to the species but not necessarily for the individual?
Answer:
Population of organisms reside in well-defined places or niches in the ecosystem. However, niches
can change because of reasons beyond the control of the organisms, e.g., temperature changes,
water level changes, etc. If population of reproducing organisms suited to particular niche and if the
niche is drastically altered, the population can be wiped out. However, if some variations are present
in a few inAividuals in these populations, there will be chances for their survival. The surviving
individual can further reproduce and develop a population according to the changed niche, Thus,
variation is beneficial to the species but not necessarily for the individual.

Page 133:

Question 1.
How does binary fission differ from multiple fission ?
Answer:
When two new daughter cells are formed as a result of fission. It is called binary fission, e.g.,
Amoeba.When many daughter cells are formed as a result of fission, this is called multiple fission,
e.g., Malarial parasite.

Question 2.
How will an organism be benefited if it reproduces through spores?
Answer:
Spore formation is an asexual mode of reproduction. Spores formed are covered by
thick walls that protect them from adverse conditions. During favourable condition thick resistant
wall breaks down and new organism grows from it.
Spores are very light weight and they easily get dispersed through winds which give them more
variations and thus better chances of survival.

Question 3.
Can you think of reasons why more complex organisms cannot give rise to new individuals through
regeneration?
Answer:
Complex organisms are not simply a random collection of cells where sPecialized cells are organised
as tissues, and tissues ale organised into organs which then have to be placed at definite positions in
the body. In such a carefully organised situation, it is not easy to develoP organism through
regeneration

Question 4.
Why is vegetative propagation practised for growing some type of plants?
Answer:
Vegetative propagation makes possible for the propagation of plants such as banana, orange, rose
and jasmine that have lo6t the capacity to Produce seeds. Moreover, all plants produced through
vegetative propagation are genetically similar to the parent plant.

Question 5.
Why is DNA copying an essential part of the process of reproduction?
Answer:
The process of reproduction results in the production of off springs which resemble to their parents.
This means during the reproduction there must be a transfer of the blueprint of the body design
from parent to the off springs. As we know DNA contains all the information that passes from
parents to the next generation, so before reproduction, DNA is copied in the parent cell. Out of these
two copies, one copy is passed to the newly formed individual.

Page 140

Question 1.
How is the process Of pollination different from fertilization ?
Answer:
Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma Of a flower whereas
fertilization is the fusion Of male gamete with female gamete (egg).

Question 2.
What is the role of the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland ?
Answer:
Seminal vesicles and the prostate gland add their secretions so that the sperms are in a fluid (semen)
which makes their transport easier and this fluid also provides nutrition.

Question 3.
What are the changes seen in girls at the time Of puberty ?
Answer:
Changes seen in girls at the time of puberty are :
1. Breast size begins to increase.
2. Girls begin to menstruate.
3.Growth Of pubic hair.
4.Skin becomes oily.
Question 4.
How does the embryo get nourishment inside the Mother’s body?
Answer:
embryo gets nutrition from mother’s blood with the help Of a special tissue called placenta. Through
placenta, glucose and oxygen pass from mother to the embryo. Moreover, waste substance of
embryo are removed through placenta into the
mother’s blood.

Question 5.
If a woman is using a copper-T will it help in protecting her from sexually transmitted diseases?
Answer:
No, copper-Twill not protect her from Only Barrier methods protect from sexually transmitted
diseases.

Page 141

Question 1.
Asexual reproduction takes place through budding in :
(a) Amoeba
(b) Yeast
(c) Plasmodium
(d) Leishmania.
Answer:
(b) Yeast.

Question 2.
Which of the following is not a pan Of the female reproductive system in human beings ?
(a) Ovary
(b) Uterus
(c) Vas deferens
(d) Fallopian tube
Answer:
(c) Vas deferens.

Question 3.
The anther contains :
(a) Sepals
(b) Ovules
(c) Carpel
(d) Pollen grains.
Answer:
(d) Pollen grains

Question 4.
What are the advantages of sexual reproduction over asexual reproduction?
Answer:
Sexual reproduction leads to new combination Of genes as it involves two parents and meiosis. This
produces variation in offspring. Variations are the basis for evolution.

Question 5.
What are the functions performed by the testes in human beings?
Answer:
Functions Of testes are .
(i) Testes produce sperms.
(ii) Testosterone (male sex hormone) is also produced by testes.

Question 6.
Why does menstruation occur?
Answer:
If the egg is not fertilized and uterus does not get zygote, the developed lining slowly breaks and
menstruation occur.

Question 7.
What are the different methods of contraception?
Answer:
There are three main methods of contraception :

1. Barrier methods,

2. Chemical methods, and

3. Surgical methods.

1. Barrier methods: In barrier methods, physical devices such as condom, diaphragm and cervical
caps are used. They prevent the entry Of sperms in the female genital tract during copulation.
2. Chemical methods: The chemical methods make use of specific drugs by females. There are two
types of such drugs, Oral pills and vaginal pills. Oral pills are mainly hormonal preparation, and are
called oral contraceptives (OCS).
3. Surgical methods: In the surgical methods, a small portion of vas deferens in male, and the
fallopian tube in female, in surgically removed or ligated (tied). It is called vasectomy in males and
tubectomy in females.

Apart from these three methods the intrauterine contraceptive devices are used to prevent
pregnancies. The use of Intra Uterine Contraceptive Devices (IUCDs) is also very effective and
popular. A copper-T is placed safely inside the uterus by a practising doctor or a skilled nurse. IUCDs
prevent implantation in the uterus.

Question 8.
How are the modes for reproduction different in unicellular and multicellular organisms ?
Answer:
Unicellular organisms reproduce asexually whereas multicellular organisms reproduce manly by n 1
reproduction.

Question 9.
How does reproduction help in providing stability to populations Of species?
Answer:
The rate Of birth and death in a given population determine its stability. The rate of birth should be
approximately equal to the rate of death. So, by checking birth rate, which is increasing at an
alarming rate, stability to population of species can be provided

Question 10.
What could be the reasons for adopting contraceptive methods?
Answer:
Frequent pregnancies have an adverse effect on the health of a woman. Frequent and unwanted
pregnancies can be avoided by adopting contraceptive methods. Also, these methods check
population growth by controlling child birth rate.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) [1 Mark each]

Question 1.
Asexual reproduction takes place through budding in [NCERT]
(a) Amoeba
(b) Yeast
(c) Plasmodium
(d) Leishmania
Answer:
(b) Asexual reproduction in Hydra and yeast takes place by budding.

Question 2.
The ability of a cell to divide into several cells during reproduction in Plasmodium is called [NCERT
Exemplar]
(a) budding
(b) reduction division
(c) binary fission
(d) multiple fission
Answer:
(d) Multiple fission Organisms divide into many daughter cells simultaneously, e.g. Plasmodium.

Question 3.
The anther contains [NCERT]
(a) sepals
(b) ovules
(c) carpels
(d) pollen grains
Answer:
(d) Anther is the male reproductive part in plants. It contains pollen grains, having male germ cells.

Question 4.
Characters that are transmitted from parents to offspring during reproduction show [NCERT
Exemplar]
(a) only similarities with parents
(b) only variations with parents
(c) both similarities and variations with parents
(d) neither similarities nor variations
Answer:
(c) In sexual reproduction, the offsprings are not exactly identical to the parents or to one another.
This is because the offsprings receive some genes from mother and some from father. Because of
mixing of genes on re-establishment of the exact number of chromosomes as in the parents, the
offsprings show both similarities and variations with their parents.

Question 5.
Which among the following diseases is not sexually transmitted? [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) Syphilis
b) Hepatitis
(c) HIV-AIDS
(d) Gonorrhoea
Answer:
(b) The diseases, which are spread by sexual contact with an infected person are called Sexually
Transmitted Diseases or STDs, e.g. gonorrhoea, syphilis and AIDS. Hepatitis is a water borne viral
disease which affects liver.

Question 6.
Which of the following is not a part of the female reproductive system in human beings? [NCERT]
(a) Ovary
(b) Uterus
(c) Vas deferens
(d) Fallopian tube
Answer:
(c) Vas deferens is a part of male reproductive system in humans.

Question 7.
A feature of reproduction that is common to Amoeba, Spirogyra and yeast is that [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) they reproduce asexualiy
(b) they are all unicellular
(c) they reproduce only sexually
(d) they are all multicellular
Answer:
(a) Amoeba and yeast are unicellular while Spirogyra is multicellular. But, all the three reproduce
asexualiy.

Question 8.
Which among the following statements are true for unisexual flowers? [NCERT Exemplar]
I. They possess both stamen and pistil.
II. They possess either stamen or pistil.
III. They exhibit cross-pollination.
IV. Unisexual flowers possessing only stamens cannot produce fruits.
(a) I and IV
(b) II, III and IV
(c) III and IV
(d) I, III and IV
Answer:
(b) The flowers which are unisexual (papaya, watermelon) contain either stamens or carpels. Since,
only one reproductive organ is present in them, they depend on cross-pollination to form zygote
after fertilisation. Both stamens and carpels are required for fertilisation, so only one of them cannot
produce fruits.

Question 9.
Length of pollen tube depends on the distance between [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) pollen grain and upper surface of stigma.
(b) pollen grain on upper surface of stigma and ovule.
(c) pollen grain in anther and upper surface of stigma.
(d) upper surface of stigma and lower part of style.
Answer:
(b) Length of pollen tube depends on the distance between pollen grain on upper surface of stigma
and ovule. A pollen grain falls on the stigma of the carpel, bursts open and develops a pollen tube
downwards through the style towards the ovule in the ovary.

Question 10.
Which among the following statements arer true for sexual reproduction in flowering plants? [NCERT
Exemplar]
I. It requires two types of gametes.
II. Fertilisation is a compulsory event.
III. It always results in formation of zygote.
IV. Offsprings formed are clones.
(a) I and IV
(b) I and II
(c) I, II and III
(d) I, II and IV
Answer:
(c) Sexual reproduction creates variation in organisms, so, clones cannot be produced through it.
Clones are identical copy of parent organism. Sexual reproduction needs two type of gametes, i.e.
male and female to form zygote after fertilisation.

Question 11.
Factors responsible for the rapid spread of bread mould on slices of bread are [NCERT Exemplar]
I. large number of spores.
II. availability of moisture and nutrients in bread.
III. presence of tubular branched hyphae.
IV formation of round-shaped sporangia
(a) I and III
(b) II and IV
(c) I and II
(d) III and IV
Answer:
(c) Under favourable Conditions (like damp and warm conditions, availability of nutrients), the fungal
spores present in the air, lands on food, germinate and produce new plaints.

Question 12.
During adolescence various changes occur in the body of humans. Mark one change associated with
sexual maturation in males. [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) Loss of milk teeth
(b) Increase in body height
(c) Cracking of voice
(d) Weight gain
Answer:
(c) Hypertrophy of larynx results in low pitched. cracking voice in human males during adolescence.

Question 13.
Observe the diagram given along side.
What happens after the above stage?
(a) The ovary splits open
(b) Ovary develops into a fruit and ovules into seeds
(c) The pvules are dispersed
(d) Germination of seeds takes place
Answer:
(b) Ovary develops into a fruit and ovulesdnto seeds as in the above given diagram fertilisation has
already taken place.

Question 14.
What in your opinion could be the best reason to explain why menstruation is not taking place in a
healthy woman?
(a) Early release of ovum
(b) Psychological reason
(c) Fertilisation of ovum
(d) Build up of female sex hormones in the blood stream
Answer:
(c) If a woman is not having her menstruation on time the probable reason from the given option is
that fertilisation of ovum has taken place. Because, during gestation period of pregnancy,
menstruation does not take place.

Question 15.
The correct sequence of reproductive stages seen in flowering plants is [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) gametes, zygote, embryo, seedling
(b) zygote, gametes, embryo, seedling
(c) seedling, embryo, zygote, gametes
(d) gametes, embryo, zygote, seedling
Answer:
(a) Correct sequence of reproductive stages in flowering plants is → formation of gametes → fusion
of gametes to form zygote → zygote develops into embryo in the ovary → ovule develops a tough
coat and converts into a seed.

Question 16.
Offsprings formed by asexual method of reproduction have greater similarity among themselves
because [NCERT Exemplar]
I. asexual reproduction involves only one parent.
II. asexual reproduction does not involve gametes.
III. asexual reproduction occurs before sexual reproduction.
IV. asexual reproduction occurs after sexual reproduction.
(a) I and II
(b) I and III
(c) II and IV
(d) III and IV
Answer:
(a) Offsprings have greater similarity as only one parent is involved in asexual reproduction thus, no
gametes are formed.

Question 17.
Two flowers are identified by a botanist with the following features that flower A is having only
stamen and flower B is having both stamen and pistil. Which of the following statements is correct?
(a) Flower A will bear seeds and flower B cannot bear seeds after fertilisation.
(b) Flower A will produce pollen grains and flower B cannot produce pollen grains.
(c) Flower A cannot be fertilised and flower B can show fertilisation.
(d) Neither flower A and nor flower B can show self-pollination.
Answer:
Option (c) is correct. Since, flower A bears only stamen, i.e. male reproductive part so, it cannot get
fertilised. And flower B bears both male and female reproductive parts, therefore it can get fertilised
by pollination and can change into fruit.