VELAMMAL BODHI CAMPUS, ANUPPANADI, MADURAI
IAPT – WORKSHEET (EVOLUTION & HUMAN HEALTH & DISEASES)
1.Which of the following historical figures is most closely associated with the theory of natural
selection, a cornerstone of modern evolutionary thought?
a) Gregor Mendel b) Louis Pasteur c) Charles Darwin d) Isaac Newton
Ans:c) Charles Darwin
2.The discovery of fossil remains of Archaeopteryx showing characteristics of both reptiles and birds
provides strong evidence for
a) Genetic drift b) Punctuated equilibrium c) Adaptive radiation d) Evolutionary linkage/transitional
forms
Answer: d) Evolutionary linkage/transitional forms
3.A sudden, heritable change in the DNA sequence of an organism, which can introduce new alleles
into a population, is known as
a) Recombination b) Genetic drift c) Mutation d) Gene flow
Answer: c) Mutation
4.In a population of flowers, 64% are homozygous recessive for a particular trait (white flowers).
Assuming the population is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, what is the frequency of the dominant
allele (red flowers)? a) 0.64 b) 0.36 c) 0.8 d) 0.2
Answer: d) 0.2
5.The process by which organisms with traits better suited to their environment tend to survive and
reproduce more offspring, leading to an increase in the frequency of those advantageous traits in the
population over time, is called
a) Gene flow b) Genetic recombination c) Natural selection d) Artificial selection
Answer: c) Natural selection
6.The presence of similar bone structures in the forelimbs of humans, bats, whales, and cats, despite
their different functions, is an example of
a) Analogous structures b) Vestigial structures c) Homologous structures d) Convergent evolution
7.Comparing the DNA sequences of different species to determine their evolutionary relationships is
a method based on
a) Embryological evidence b) Molecular evidence c) Paleontological evidence d) Anatomical evidence
8.The rapid diversification of a single ancestral species into a multitude of new forms, each adapted
to occupy a different ecological niche, is known as
a) Genetic drift b) Convergent evolution c) Adaptive radiation d) Stabilizing selection
Answer: c) Adaptive radiation
9.The study of human evolution primarily relies on evidence from which of the following fields?
a) Botany and mycology b) Paleontology, archaeology, and molecular biology
c) Oceanography and meteorology d) Astrophysics and quantum physics
Answer: b) Paleontology, archaeology, and molecular biology
10.The development of antibiotic resistance in bacterial populations is a classic example of
a) Artificial selection b) Gene flow c) Natural selection d) Genetic drift
Answer: c) Natural selection
11.The presence of gill slits and a tail in the early embryonic stages of humans, chickens, and fish
provides evidence for
a) Divergent evolution b) Analogous structures c) Common ancestry d) Genetic mutation
Answer: c) Common ancestry
12.Industrial melanism in peppered moths ( Biston betularia ) is a classic example of directional
selection. This phenomenon highlights the role of which factor in driving evolutionary change?
a) Random genetic drift b) Environmental pollution acting as a selective pressure
c) Genetic recombination creating new traits d) Gene flow between isolated populations
Answer: b) Environmental pollution acting as a selective pressure
13.Understanding the principles of evolution is crucial for addressing societal challenges such as the
development of antibiotic resistance and the emergence of new viral strains. This emphasizes
evolution's relevance in which broader context?
a) Pure theoretical science with no practical applications
b) Guiding public health strategies and resource allocation
c) Primarily for paleontological research
d) Explaining only the origin of life on Earth
Answer: b) Guiding public health strategies and resource allocation
14.Genetic drift has a more pronounced effect on allele frequencies in
a) Very large populations b) Populations with high gene flow
c) Small, isolated populations d) Populations under strong directional selection
Answer: c) Small, isolated populations
15.The process of selectively breeding plants or animals for desired traits over many generations,
leading to significant changes in their characteristics, is known as
a) Natural selection b) Genetic drift c) Adaptive radiation d) Artificial selection
Answer: d) Artificial selection
16.The remarkable similarity in the basic metabolic pathways (e.g., glycolysis, Krebs cycle) across
diverse forms of life, from bacteria to humans, supports the idea of
a) Convergent evolution b) Parallel evolution c) Common ancestry and conserved evolutionary
mechanisms d) Independent origins of life forms
Answer: c) Common ancestry and conserved evolutionary mechanisms
17.The study of the geographical distribution of species and how this distribution is influenced by
historical and ecological factors is called biogeography. Biogeographical patterns provide evidence for
evolution primarily by showing
a) How species adapt to diverse climates through random mutations
b) That isolated landmasses often have unique species that evolved from common ancestors
c) The rate of genetic drift in different environmental zones
d) The exact number of genes shared between distant species.
Answer: b) That isolated landmasses often have unique species that evolved from common
ancestors.
18.Which of the following would be considered the strongest evidence for a hypothesis about the
evolutionary relationship between two species?
a) Similarities in their current geographic distribution
b) Analogous structures serving similar functions
c) Extensive fossil records showing a clear series of transitional forms
d) Shared behavioral patterns in their mating rituals.
Answer: c) Extensive fossil records showing a clear series of transitional forms.
19.Understanding gene flow between human populations is important for studying the spread of
genetic diseases and for tracing human migration patterns. Gene flow refers to
a) The random change in allele frequencies in a population
b) The movement of individuals or gametes between populations
c) The differential survival and reproduction of individuals
d) The creation of new genetic material through mutation.
Answer: b) The movement of individuals or gametes between populations.
20.The concept of adaptive radiation helps explain the incredible biodiversity found in ecosystems
like the Galápagos Islands or Hawaiian Islands. This understanding is crucial for
a) Promoting the introduction of non-native species
b) Recognizing the importance of preserving unique habitats to protect endemic species
c) Encouraging monoculture farming practices
d) Predicting the exact future evolutionary path of a species
Answer: b) Recognizing the importance of preserving unique habitats to protect endemic species.
21.Which of the following describes a pathogen that causes malaria, a disease characterized by
cyclical fevers and chills?
a) A bacterium like Salmonella typhi b) A virus like HIV
c) A protozoan like Plasmodium d) A fungus like Microsporum
Answer: c) A protozoan like Plasmodium
22.Typhoid fever is primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water. This mode of
transmission highlights the importance of
a) Vector control measures
b) Safe sanitation practices and clean water supply
c) Regular vaccinations for all age groups
d) Avoiding crowded places during outbreaks
Answer: b) Safe sanitation practices and clean water supply
23.Vaccines work by stimulating the body's immune system to produce
a) Antigens that fight off pathogens b) Antibodies that provide active immunity
c) Toxins that neutralize the pathogen d) Histamines to reduce inflammation
24.In many developing countries, diseases like filariasis and ascariasis are prevalent due to poor
hygiene and lack of proper sanitation infrastructure. Addressing these issues often requires
a) Solely focusing on individual medical treatment
b) Large-scale public health interventions and infrastructure development
c) Genetic engineering of resistant individuals
d) Promoting a high-protein diet for all citizens
Answer: b) Large-scale public health interventions and infrastructure development
25.HIV primarily targets and destroys which type of immune cells, leading to a compromised immune
system?
a) B-lymphocytes b) T-helper cells (CD4+ T cells) c) Neutrophils d) Macrophages
Answer: b) T-helper cells (CD4+ T cells)
26.Adolescence is a critical period for physical and emotional development. During this stage,
increased vulnerability to drug and alcohol abuse can lead to
a) Enhanced academic performance b) Improved immune function
c) Negative impacts on brain development, mental health, and social relationships
d) Reduced risk of chronic diseases in adulthood
Answer: c) Negative impacts on brain development, mental health, and social relationships
27.During a dengue outbreak, public health officials track the number of cases, their geographical
distribution, and the mosquito population density. This data collection is primarily for
a) Determining the genetic predisposition of individuals to dengue
b) Predicting long-term climate change impacts
c) Understanding disease epidemiology to implement targeted control measures
d) Developing new diagnostic tools for dengue
Answer: c) Understanding disease epidemiology to implement targeted control measures
28.While not a communicable disease, certain types of cancer are linked to lifestyle factors such as
diet, smoking, and lack of exercise. This highlights the importance of
a) Only focusing on genetic screening for cancer prevention
b) Promoting healthy lifestyle choices for disease prevention
c) Relying solely on advanced medical treatments for cure
d) Eliminating all environmental toxins from the planet
Answer: b) Promoting healthy lifestyle choices for disease prevention
29.Amoebiasis, caused by Entamoeba histolytica, is often acquired by consuming contaminated food
or water. In agricultural settings, this risk can be mitigated by
a) Using more chemical fertilizers
b) Ensuring proper disposal of human waste and hygiene among food handlers
c) Increasing the use of pesticides on crops
d) Planting only genetically modified crops
Answer: b) Ensuring proper disposal of human waste and hygiene among food handlers
30.Antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections but are ineffective against common cold
(rhinovirus) because
a) The common cold virus can mutate rapidly
b) Antibiotics target specific bacterial structures or processes not found in viruses
c) Viruses produce toxins that neutralize antibiotics
d) The human immune system is too weak to fight viruses.
Answer: b) Antibiotics target specific bacterial structures or processes not found in viruses.
31.Some diseases, like chikungunya and dengue, are considered zoonotic (or have zoonotic potential
as they are arboviral diseases transmitted by mosquitoes that feed on animals too) because their
pathogens can be transmitted between animals and humans. This concept is important for
a) Focusing solely on human-to-human transmission
b) Understanding the reservoir of infection and controlling animal populations
c) Developing vaccines only for human use
d) Ignoring the role of environmental factors in disease spread.
Answer: b) Understanding the reservoir of infection and controlling animal populations.
32.Ringworm, a fungal infection, is often spread through direct contact with infected individuals or
contaminated surfaces. Promoting good personal hygiene, such as regular handwashing and avoiding
sharing personal items, is an effective control measure. This illustrates the importance of
a) Relying only on pharmaceutical interventions for treatment
b) Public health education and health literacy
c) Genetic screening for susceptibility to fungal infections
d) Mass immunization programs.
Answer: b) Public health education and health literacy.
33.A new antimicrobial drug is developed that specifically inhibits the synthesis of peptidoglycan, a
key component of bacterial cell walls. This drug would likely be most effective against
a) Viruses, due to their reliance on host cell machinery
b) Fungi, as their cell walls are composed primarily of chitin
c) Gram-positive bacteria, which have a thick peptidoglycan layer
d) Protozoans, given their complex cellular structures.
Answer: c) Gram-positive bacteria, which have a thick peptidoglycan layer.
34.A sudden increase in cholera cases is observed in a coastal village after a severe flood. This
situation points to a breakdown in which essential public health system component, and what
immediate action is paramount?
a) Vector control; Mass distribution of mosquito nets
b) Immunization program; Rapid vaccine development
c) Safe water and sanitation infrastructure; Provision of clean drinking water and hygiene education.
d) Antimicrobial drug supply; Immediate import of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Answer: c) Safe water and sanitation infrastructure; Provision of clean drinking water and hygiene
education.
35.Chronic stress can significantly impact the immune system, often leading to increased
susceptibility to infections and slower wound healing. This complex interaction between the mind
and body is mediated by
a) Direct viral replication within brain cells
b) Neurotransmitters and hormones influencing immune cell activity
c) Exclusive reliance on genetic predisposition
d) Physical injury to immune organs.
Answer: b) Neurotransmitters and hormones influencing immune cell activity.
36.A couple discovers through genetic screening that they are both carriers for a recessive genetic
disorder. While neither exhibits symptoms, their child has a 25% chance of developing the disease.
This scenario raises ethical considerations regarding
a) Mandatory sterilization for carriers
b) The potential for genetic discrimination and reproductive choices
c) The immediate need for gene therapy for the parents
d) The irrelevance of genetic information in family planning.
Answer: b) The potential for genetic discrimination and reproductive choices.
37.Exposure to certain persistent organic pollutants (POPs) can lead to endocrine disruption,
affecting hormone balance and potentially increasing the risk of reproductive disorders and some
cancers. This demonstrates a critical link between
a) Acute viral infections and nutrient deficiencies
b) Environmental contaminants and physiological dysfunction
c) Inherited genetic mutations and infectious disease susceptibility
d) Autoimmune responses and psychological stress.
Answer: b) Environmental contaminants and physiological dysfunction.
38.The global effort to eradicate polio, a viral disease, involves widespread vaccination campaigns,
surveillance, and rapid response to outbreaks. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in
certain regions, often due to
a) The pathogen's ability to develop antibiotic resistance
b) Insufficient global funding for high-income countries
c) Political instability, misinformation, and lack of access to healthcare infrastructure
d) The disease being exclusively transmitted by insect vectors.
Answer: c) Political instability, misinformation, and lack of access to healthcare infrastructure.
39.Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks
and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. A key diagnostic indicator would
therefore be
a) High levels of autoantibodies against pancreatic cells
b) Elevated blood pressure and cholesterol
c) Presence of bacterial infection in the bloodstream
d) Low levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
Answer: a) High levels of autoantibodies against pancreatic cells.
40.In cases of suspected poisoning, forensic pathologists often analyze tissue samples for the
presence of specific toxins or their metabolites. This approach relies on understanding
a) The immune system's primary response to pathogens
b) The principles of genetic inheritance
c) The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of substances within the body
d) The evolutionary history of infectious agents.
Answer: c) The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of substances within the body.
41.Nutrigenomics is an emerging field that studies the interaction between an individual's genes and
their diet, exploring how specific nutrients can influence gene expression and disease risk. This field
has the potential to lead to
a) A universal diet plan for all individuals
b) Personalized dietary recommendations based on genetic profiles
c) The complete elimination of all genetic diseases
d) A reduction in the importance of public health nutrition.
Answer: b) Personalized dietary recommendations based on genetic profiles.
42.Urban heat islands, exacerbated by climate change, can increase the incidence of heat-related
illnesses and respiratory problems due to increased ground-level ozone. Effective mitigation
strategies involve
a) Constructing more concrete buildings to reflect sunlight.
b) Expanding industrial zones within residential areas
c) Promoting green infrastructure, reflective surfaces, and reducing vehicular emissions
d) Relying solely on individual air conditioning use.
Answer: c) Promoting green infrastructure, reflective surfaces, and reducing vehicular emissions.
43.The rapid evolution of influenza viruses, particularly their surface antigens (hemagglutinin and
neuraminidase), necessitates the development of new vaccines annually. This phenomenon is a
direct consequence of
a) Genetic drift, leading to random changes in viral structure
b) Natural selection, favoring viral strains that evade host immunity
c) Gene flow between different viral populations
d) Artificial selection by human medical interventions.
Answer: b) Natural selection, favoring viral strains that evade host immunity.
44.Sickle cell anemia, a genetic disorder, is prevalent in populations historically exposed to malaria.
This distribution is best explained by
a) The sickle cell allele providing complete immunity to malaria infection
b) Genetic drift randomly increasing the allele frequency in these regions
c) Heterozygous individuals for the sickle cell trait having increased resistance to malaria, a form of
balancing selection
d) Natural selection eliminating all individuals susceptible to malaria.
Answer: c) Heterozygous individuals for the sickle cell trait having increased resistance to malaria,
a form of balancing selection.
45.The widespread use and misuse of antibiotics have significantly accelerated the evolution of
antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. This is a classic example of
a) Convergent evolution, where bacteria independently develop resistance
b) Disruptive selection, favoring two extreme phenotypes of bacteria
c) Strong directional selection, where antibiotic exposure favors resistant bacteria
d) Genetic bottleneck, reducing bacterial diversity.
Answer: c) Strong directional selection, where antibiotic exposure favors resistant bacteria.
46.Our upright posture, a significant human evolutionary adaptation, has contributed to certain
musculoskeletal issues, such as lower back pain and knee problems. This illustrates
a) That all evolutionary adaptations are universally beneficial
b) A trade-off, where an adaptive advantage (bipedalism) comes with physiological costs
c) The absence of natural selection in human evolution
d) That only cultural evolution impacts human health.
Answer: b) A trade-off, where an adaptive advantage (bipedalism) comes with physiological costs.
47.Many pathogens have evolved mechanisms to evade the host immune system, while hosts
simultaneously evolve new defenses against these pathogens. This ongoing dynamic is best
described as
a) Genetic drift b) Punctuated equilibrium c) Co-evolution d) Adaptive radiation
Answer: c) Co-evolution
48.The "thrifty gene hypothesis" suggests that genes that promoted efficient fat storage were
advantageous in ancestral environments with unpredictable food supplies. In modern affluent
societies, these same genes may contribute to the prevalence of
a) Infectious diseases b) Autoimmune disorders c) Type 2 diabetes and obesity d) Allergic reactions
Answer: c) Type 2 diabetes and obesity.
49.Analysis of human mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosome variation indicates a relatively recent
common ancestor for all living humans, supporting the "Out of Africa" theory. This genetic evidence
helps epidemiologists to
a) Predict the exact future course of human evolution
b) Trace the historical global spread of human-specific pathogens
c) Determine the precise mutation rate of all human genes
d) Understand the evolution of non-human primates only.
Answer: b) Trace the historical global spread of human-specific pathogens.
50.The human appendix is often cited as a vestigial structure, having lost much of its ancestral
function. Its inflammation (appendicitis) is a common medical emergency. This highlights how
a) All human organs are perfectly adapted and without flaws
b) Evolutionary remnants can sometimes become sources of modern health problems
c) Medical conditions are always caused by infectious agents
d) The human body is immune to evolutionary change.
Answer: b) Evolutionary remnants can sometimes become sources of modern health problems.
51.The hygiene hypothesis suggests that reduced exposure to microbes in early childhood, common
in modern industrialized societies, might contribute to the increased incidence of allergies and
autoimmune diseases. This perspective implies
a) A complete lack of genetic influence on immune disorders
b) That our immune system evolved to be constantly challenged by diverse microbes
c) That all microbes are inherently harmful to humans
d) That vaccinations are the primary cause of allergies
Answer: b) That our immune system evolved to be constantly challenged by diverse microbes.
The human tendency to prefer high-calorie, high-fat foods, a trait that was advantageous for survival
in unpredictable ancestral environments, now contributes to widespread obesity and related
diseases in many modern societies. This is an example of
a) Genetic mutation as the sole cause of disease
b) An evolutionary mismatch between ancestral adaptations and contemporary environments
c) Purely cultural factors driving dietary preferences
d) The complete absence of natural selection on human behavior.
Answer: b) An evolutionary mismatch between ancestral adaptations and contemporary
environments.
