Solved 2019 Question Paper ICSE Class 10

Biology
Class 10 - ICSE Biology Solved Question Papers

Section I (40 Marks)

Question 1(a)

Name the following: [5]

(i) The layer of the eyeball that provides nourishment to the eye.

(ii) One gaseous compound which depletes the ozone layer.

(iii) The structure which connects the placenta and the foetus.

(iv) A pair of corresponding chromosomes of the same shape and size and derived one from
each parent.

(v) The compound formed when haemoglobin combines with carbon dioxide in blood.

Answer

(i) Choroid

(ii) CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbon)

(iii) Umbilical Cord

(iv) Homologous Chromosome

(v) Carbaminohaemoglobin

Question 1(b)

Correct and rewrite the statement by changing the biological term that is underlined for each
statement: [5]

(i) The theory of Inheritance of Acquired Characters was proposed by Watson and Crick.

(ii) The protective sac which develops around the developing embryo is called
the Pericardium.

(iii) Maintaining balance of the body and coordinating muscular activities is carried out by
the cerebrum.
(iv) The kidney is composed of a number of neurons.

(v) The part of the eye which can be donated from a clinically dead person is the Retina.

Answer

(i) The theory of inheritance of Acquired Characters was proposed by Jean Baptiste de
Lamark.

(ii) The protective sac which develops around the developing embryo is called amnion.

(iii) Maintaining balance of the body and coordinating muscular activities is carried out by
the Cerebellum.

(iv) The kidney is composed of number of nephrons.

(v) The part of the eye which can be donated from a clinically dead person is cornea.

Question 1(c)

Give suitable biological reasons for the following statements : [5]

(i) The birth rate in India is very high.

(ii) Carbon monoxide is dangerous when inhaled.

(iii) Root hairs become flaccid and droop when excess fertilizers are added to the moist soil
around them.

(iv) Acid rain is harmful to the environment.

(v) All life on Earth is supported by Photosynthesis.

Answer

(i) The birth rate in India is very high because most of the rural population which forms the
bulk of our society are illiterate, ignorant and superstitious. They are unaware of the need for
family planning. Children are considered to be helping hands to increase the family income.

(ii) Haemoglobin has very strong affinity for carbon monoxide, forming a stable compound
carboxyhaemoglobin. This cuts down the capacity of blood for transporting oxygen,
sometimes resulting in death.

(iii) When excessive fertilizers are added to the moist soil close to the root hair cell, it will
form a hypertonic solution as compared to root hair cells. Plasmolysis/exosmosis takes place
resulting in the protoplasm to shrink. The plasma membrane withdraws itself from the cell
wall. Hence, the root hairs become flaccid and droop.

(iv) Acid rain is harmful to the environment due to the following reasons:

1. It increases the acidity in the soil and destroys forests and crops.
2. It corrodes buildings, monuments, statues, bridges, fences and railings.
 3. It poses a serious threat to human health, since it contaminates air and water.
4. Aquatic species are affected due to increased acidity of water in lakes and rivers.
5. It affects plant growth. Plant leaves get burnt and dry.

(v) All life on Earth is supported by Photosynthesis because photosynthesis is ultimately the
source of energy and food for all living beings. It is the only biological process which
releases oxygen in the atmospehre. Oxygen supports all the life on earth. The starting point of
any food chain is always a plant. If green plants were to suddenly disappear, then so would
virtually all life on Earth.

Question 1(d)

Match the items given in Column A with the most appropriate ones in Column B and rewrite
the correct matching pairs. [5]

Column A

(i) Cranial nerves Testosterone

(ii) Leydig cells Natural reflex

(iii) Acetylcholine 12 pairs

(iv) Spinal nerves Prolactin

(v) Sneezing Neurotransmitter

18 pair

31 pairs

Conditioned reflex

Answer

Column A

(i) Cranial nerves 12 pairs

(ii) Leydig cells Testosterone

(iii) Acetylcholine Neurotransmitter

 Column A

(iv) Spinal nerves 31 pairs

(v) Sneezing Natural reflex

Question 1(e)

Choose the correct answer from the four options given below : [5]

(i) While recording the pulse rate, where exactly does a doctor press on our wrist?

1. Nerve
2. Vein
3. Artery
4. Capillary

(ii) In a human male, a sperm will contain:

1. Both X and Y chromosomes

2. Only Y Chromosomes
3. Only X chromosome
4. Either X or Y Chromosomes

(iii) A muscular wall is absent in:

1. Capillary
2. Venule
3. Arteriole
4. Vein

(iv) On which day of the menstrual cycle does ovulation take place?

1. 5th day
2. 28th day
3. 14th day
4. 1st day

(v) Which one of the following does not affect the rate of transpiration ?

1. Light
2. Humidity
3. Wind
 4. Age of the plant

Answer

(i) Artery

(ii) Either X or Y Chromosomes

(iii) Capillary

(iv) 14th day

(v) Age of the plant

Question 1(f)

Identify the ODD term in each set and name the CATEGORY to which the remaining three
belong : [5]

Example: Glucose, starch, cellulose, calcium

Odd term: Calcium.
Category: Others are different types of carbohydrates

(i) Addison's disease, Cushing's Syndrome, Acromegaly, Leukemia.

(ii) Insulin, Adrenaline, Pepsin, Thyroxine.

(iii) Axon, Dendron, Photon, Cyton.

(iv) Chicken pox, Colour blindness, Haemophilia, Albinism.

(v) Polythene bag, Crop residue, Animal waste, Decaying vegetable.

Answer

(i) Odd term: Leukemia

Category: Others are hormonal disorders.

(ii) Odd term: Pepsin

Category: Others are hormones.

(iii) Odd term: Photon

Category: Others are parts of nerve cell.

(iv) Odd term: Chicken pox

Category: Others are genetic disorders / hereditary traits.

(v) Odd term: Polythene bag

Category: Others are biodegradable waste.

Question 1(g)
Expand the following biological abbreviations : [5]

(i) ABA

(ii) IAA

(iii) ATP

(iv) DNA

(v) TSH

Answer

(i) Abscisic acid

(ii) Indole-3-Acetic acid

(iii) Adenosine triphosphate

(iv) Deoxyribonucleic acid

(v) Thyroid stimulating hormone

Question 1(h)

Study the picture given below and answer the following questions: [5]

(i) Identify the type of pollution.

(ii) Name one pollutant that causes the above pollution.

(iii) Mention the impact of this pollution on human health.

(iv) State one measure to control this pollution.

(v) What is a 'Pollutant'? Explain the term.

Answer

(i) The above mentioned picture is of water pollution.

(ii) Sewage and oil spills are a few pollutants that cause water pollution.

(iii) Water pollution can cause many water borne diseases like Typhoid, Cholera, Jaundice,
Dysentery, Diarrhoea, etc.

(iv) Setting up of sewage treatment plants in larger habitations and septic tanks in houses is
an effective measure to control water pollution.

(v) Any such constituent the addition of which to air, water or land deteriorates the natural
quality of the environment is termed as a Pollutant.
For example — Harmful gases, Smoke, Garbage, Dust, etc.

Section II (40 Marks)

Question 2(a)

Given below is an experimental setup to demonstrate a particular tropic movement in

germinating seeds. Study the diagram and answer the questions that follow : [5]

(i) Label the parts 1 and 2.

(ii) Name the tropic movement shown by part 1.

(iii) Part 1 is affected by two stimuli. Name them. Which one of the two is stronger?

(iv) What is Thigmotropism ? Give one example.

(v) What is meant by 'Positive' and 'Negative' tropic movements in plants?

Answer

(i) The parts labelled 1 and 2 are:

 1 → Radicle
  2 → Plumule

(ii) The tropic movement shown in part 1 is Hydrotropism.

(iii) Part 1 is affected by Gravity and Water(moisture) — Water is stronger.

(iv) The growth movement of plant parts in response to touch stimulus is called
Thigmotropism. Example: Plants such as Sweet Peas, Cuscuta and vines have tendrils that
coil around other plants or other available support in response to one sided contact or touch.

(v) Directional movement of a plant part towards the stimulus is called positive tropic
movement and away from the stimulus is called negative tropic movement.

Question 2(b)

Mention the exact location of the following : [5]

(i) Testis

(ii) Incus

(iii) Thylakoids

(iv) Amniotic fluid

(v) Corpus callosum

Answer

(i) Testis are located in a thin-walled sac of skin called Scrotum.

(ii) Incus is located between Malleus and Stapes of ear ossicle which is found in the middle
ear.

(iii) Thylakoids are located in grana of chloroplast.

(iv) Amniotic fluid is found in the amnion. It fills the space between amnion and foetus.

(v) It is located between the two cerebral hemispheres.

Question 3(a)

The diagram given below represents an experiment to prove the importance of a factor in
photosynthesis. Answer the questions that follow : [5]
(i) Name the factor studied in this experiment.

(ii) What will you observe in the experimental leaf after the starch test?

(iii) Explain the process of Photosynthesis.

(iv) Give a balanced chemical equation to represent the process of photosynthesis.

(v) Draw a neat, labelled diagram of an experimental setup to show that oxygen is released
during photosynthesis.

Answer

(i) The factor studied in this experiment is Sunlight.

(ii) It will be observed that only the parts of the leaf which could get sunlight turn blue black
and the parts which were covered with black paper do not turn blue as they could not
synthesize starch.

(iii) Photosynthesis is the process by which living plant cells, containing chlorophyll, produce
food substances(glucose and starch), from carbon dioxide and water, by using light energy.
Plants release oxygen as a by-product during photosynthesis.

(iv) Balanced chemical equation representing the process of photosynthesis is given below:

6��2+12�2� ⟶chlorophylllight energy �6�12�6+6�2�+6�2↑6

CO2+12H2O chlorophyll⟶light energy C6H12O6+6H2O+6O2↑
(v) The below labelled diagram shows an experimental setup demonstrating that oxygen is
released during photosynthesis:
Question 3(b)

State the main functions of the following : [5]

(i) Medulla Oblongata

(ii) Cytokinins

(iii) Tears

(iv) Coronary Artery

(v) Seminal Vesicles

Answer

(i) The function of Medulla Oblongata is to control the activities of the internal organs, for
example, peristaltic movement of the alimentary canal, movement of breathing, beating of the
heart and many other involuntary actions.

(ii) Cytokinins inhibits apical dominance, stimulate cell division and cell elongation and
prevent ageing of plant parts.

(iii) The functions of Tears include lubricating the surface of eyes, wash away dust particles,
help in killing germs.

(iv) The Coronary Artery delivers blood to the heart muscles.

(v) Seminal vesicles produce a secretion which serves as a medium for transportation of the
sperms.

Question 4(a)

The diagram given below represents an organ system in the human body. Study the same and
answer the questions that follow: [5]
(i) Identify the system.

(ii) Label the parts marked 2 and 4. Mention the function of part 5.

(iii) Name the structural and functional units of the part marked 1.

(iv) What is the fluid that accumulates in part 3? Which is the main nitrogenous waste present
in it?

(v) Draw a neat, labelled diagram showing the longitudinal section of part 1.

Answer

(i) The diagram represents the Urinary/Excretory system.

(ii) The parts marked 2 and 4 are:

 2 → Ureter
 4 → Sphincter muscle

Part 5 is urethra. It's function is to expel urine outside the body from the urinary bladder at
the time of urination (micturition)
(iii) The structural and functional units of kidneys are nephrons.

(iv) Fluid that accumulates is Urine. The main nitrogenous waste present in it is Urea.

(v) Below is the labelled diagram showing the longitudinal section of part 1 i.e., Kidneys:

Question 4(b)

The diagram given below represents an endocrine gland in the human body. Study the
diagram and answer the following questions : [5]

(i) Identify the endocrine gland. Where is it located?

(ii) Why is the above gland referred to as the 'Master gland'?

(iii) Name the hormone which in deficiency causes Diabetes Insipidus. How does this
disorder differ from Diabetes Mellitus ?

(iv) Explain the term 'Hormone'. What is the role of Tropic hormones in the human body?

(v) Which lobe of the above gland secretes:

1. Oxytocin
2. ACTH
3. Growth hormone

Answer

(i) Pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a small projection which hangs from the base of the
mid-brain below the hypothalamus.

(ii) The above gland is popularly called the master gland because it controls practically all
other endocrine glands.

(iii) Deficiency of Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) / Vasopressin causes diabetes insipidus.

Difference between Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetes Insipidus is summarised below:

Diabetes mellitus Diabetes insip

Caused due to insufficient secretion of insulin. Caused due to insufficient secretion of anti-diuretic

High concentration of sugar in blood. No sugar in urine

(iv) Hormone is a secretion from some glandular part of the body, which is poured directly
into blood and which acts on the target organs or cells of the same individual, bringing about
coordination between distant parts of the body.

Tropic hormones stimulate other endocrine glands to produce their specific hormone.

(v) The lobe for the respective hormones is mentioned below:

1. Oxytocin → Posterior lobe

2. ACTH → Anterior lobe
3. Growth hormone → Anterior lobe

Question 5(a)

Given alongside is an apparatus which was set up to investigate a physiological process in

plants. The setup was placed in bright sunlight. Answer the questions that follow : [5]
(i) Name the process being studied. Define the process.

(ii) Why was the pot enclosed in a rubber sheet?

(iii) Mention two external factors which can accelerate the above process.

(iv) List two adaptations in plants to reduce the above process.

(v) Draw a neat, labelled diagram of a stomatal apparatus.

Answer

(i) The process being studied is Transpiration. Transpiration is the process during which
water is lost in the form of water vapour through aerial parts of the plant.

(ii) The pot was enclosed in a rubber sheet to prevent evaporation of water from the soil.

(iii) Two external factors which can accelerate Transpiration are:

 1. Bright sunlight
2. Low humidity

(iv) Two adaptations in plants to reduce the above process are:

1. Sunken stomata
2. Narrow leaves

(v) Stomatal apparatus is shown in the labelled diagram below:

Question 5(b)

Given below are two stages in the evolution of man. Study them and answer the questions
that follow: [5]

(i) Identify Australopithecus and Neanderthal man from the above pictures.

(ii) Mention two characteristic features each for the two stages.
(iii) Who proposed the theory of 'Natural Selection'?

(iv) Name the organism used as an example to explain 'Industrial Melanisum'.

(v) Give two examples of vestigial organs in humans.

Answer

(i) Picture A → Neanderthal man, Picture B → Australopithecus.

(ii) Two characteristic features of each are:

1. Neanderthal man — Height 160 cm, semi erect stooping posture, Cranial capacity
1450 cm3
2. Australopithecus — Height 120 cm, nearly upright posture, Cranial capacity 450 to
600 cm3

(iii) The theory of 'Natural Selection' was proposed by Charles Darwin.

(iv) Peppered moth (Biston bitularia) was the organism used as an example to explain
'Industrial Melanisum'.

(v) Two examples of vestigial organs in humans are:

1. Vermiform Appendix
2. Wisdom tooth

Question 6(a)

In Mendel's experiments, tall pea plants (T) are dominant over dwarf pea plants (t). [5]

(i) What is the phenotype and genotype of the F1 generation if a homozygous tall plant is
crossed with a homozygous dwarf plant?

(ii) Draw a Punnett square board to show the gametes and offspring when both the parents are
heterozygous for tallness.

(iii) What is the Phenotypic ratio and genotypic ratio of the above cross in (ii)?

(iv) State Mendel's Law of Dominance.

(v) What is a Dihybrid Cross?

Answer

(i) Phenotype → Tall plants

Genotype → Heterozygous tall plants

(ii) Below is the Punnett square board showing the gametes and offspring when both the
parents are heterozygous for tallness:
 T t

T TT Tt

t Tt tt

(iii) Phenotypic ratio = 3:1

Genotypic ratio = 1:2:1

(iv) Mendel's Law of Dominance — Out of a pair of contrasting characters present together,
only one is able to express itself while the other remains suppressed. The one that expresses
is the dominant character and the one that is unexpressed is the recessive. The recessive
character can express only when the pair consists of both recessives (homozygous recessive).

(v) The cross in which two features of an organism / plant are taken together at a time.

Question 6(b)

Given below is a diagram representing a stage during the mitotic cell division. Study the
diagram and answer the following questions : [5]

(i) Identify the stage by giving a suitable reason.

(ii) Is it a plant or an animal cell? Give a reason to support your answer.

(iii) Draw a neat, labelled diagram of the stage which follows the one shown in the diagram.

(iv) How many chromosomes will each daughter cell have after the completion of the above
division ?

(v) Name the four nitrogenous bases.

Answer

(i) The stage represented in the diagram is Anaphase. In this phase the two sister chromatids
of the chromosomes are pulled apart, towards the centrioles present at the opposite poles of
the cell.
(ii) The cell is an animal cell because cell wall is absent and centrioles are present with asters.

(iii) Telophase follows Anaphase. Its diagram is shown below:

(iv) Each daughter cell will have four chromosomes.

(v) The four nitrogenous bases are:

1. Adenine
2. Guanine
3. Cytosine
4. Thymine

Question 7(a)

Answer the following questions briefly : [5]

(i) How are the cytons and axons placed in the brain and the spinal cord ?

(ii) Which part of the human ear gives 'Dynamic balance' and 'Static balance' to the body ?

(iii) Explain how the human eye adapts itself to bright light and dim light.

(iv) What is Parthenocarpy ? Give one example.

(v) Mention any two objectives of 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan'.

Answer

(i) In the brain, outer portion contains cyton which gives a grayish colour hence called as
gray matter, while axon is inside forming the white matter.
In spinal cord, cyton is inside forming the gray matter and axon is outside forming white
matter.
(ii) Dynamic balance — semicircular canal
Static balance — utriculus and sacculus (vestibule)

(iii) When we move from dark or dim lit area to a brightly lit area, visual purple of rods is
bleached reducing their sensitivity and pupil constricts to reduce the amount of light entering
the eyes. This is light adaptation.
When we move from brightly lit area to dark area, visual purple of rods which were earlier
broken due to bright light regenerates and pupil dilates to allow more light to enter. This is
dark adaptation.

(iv) Parthenocarpy refers to the development of fruits without prior fertilization.

Examples — Apple, Grapes, Tomato.

(v) Two objectives of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan are:

1. To clean the streets, roads and infrastructure of the country's cities and towns.
2. To eliminate open defecation through the construction of individual, cluster and
community toilets.

Question 7(b)

The diagram given below represents a system in the human body. Study the diagram and
answer the following questions: [5]

(i) Identify the system.

(ii) Label the parts marked 5 and 6.

(iii) Name the two hormones secreted by 1.

(iv) Mention the number and the name of the part involved in fertilization and implantation
from the above diagram.

(v) Mention the surgical methods of contraception in :

1. Human males.
 2. Human females.

Answer

(i) Human female reproductive system.

(ii) Parts marked 5 and 6:

 5 → Oviducal funnel
 6 → Cervix

(iii) Oestrogen, Progesterone

(iv) Fertilisation – 2, (Oviduct/Fallopian tube)

Implantation – 3 (Uterus)

(v) The surgical methods of contraception are mentioned below:

1. Human males — Vasectomy

2. Human females — Tubectomy