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Chapter 7 of 15
Revision Notes

Evidences and Theories of Biological Evolution

ICSE · Class 12 · Biology

Quick revision notes for Evidences and Theories of Biological Evolution — ICSE Class 12 Biology. Key concepts, formulas, and definitions for last-minute revision.

104 questions44 flashcards5 concepts

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A comparative labeled diagram of the skeletal structure of forelimbs in different vertebrates (e.g., human, whale, bat, cheetah), illustrating their common anatomical plan despite different functions,
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Key Topics to Revise

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1. Evidences of Organic Evolution

  • Evolution is supported by multiple independent lines of evidence.
  • The major evidences are palaeontology, morphology and anatomy, embryology, cell biology and biochemistry, molecular genetics, and geographical distribution.
  • These evidences show that present-day organisms arose by gradual change from pre-existing forms.
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2. Palaeontological Evidence

  • Fossils are the relics of former living plants or animals preserved in rocks.
  • Fossils are mostly found in sedimentary rocks.
  • Palaeontology is the study of fossils.
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3. Fossil Series, Mass Extinction, and Geological Time Scale

  • The horse fossil series is Eohippus → Mesohippus → Merychippus → Equus.
  • Eohippus was about 30 cm high with four digits in the fore limb and three in the hind limb.
  • Mesohippus was about 60 cm high with three digits in each leg, and the weight was supported mainly by the middle digit.
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4. Comparative Anatomy: Homology, Analogy, Vestigial Organs, Connecting Links, Atavism

  • Homologous organs have different functions but similar embryogenic origin and development.
  • Homology indicates common ancestry and is the result of divergent evolution.
  • Analogous organs perform the same function, have superficial resemblance, but different origin.

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Full Notes

Key Concepts

Fossils are the remains or tracesImportant fossil types include petrificationFossil age is estimated by radioactiveThe horse evolved through successive fossilArchaeopteryx lithographica lived in the Jurassic

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Evidences and Theories of Biological Evolution for ICSE Class 12 Biology?
Key topics in Evidences and Theories of Biological Evolution include Evidences and Theories of Biological Evolution - Overview, Evidences of Biological Evolution - Comprehensive Overview, Evidence for Biological Evolution - Comprehensive Overview. These are the concepts ICSE Class 12 examiners draw on most — study them first, then practise related questions.
How to score full marks in Evidences and Theories of Biological Evolution — ICSE Class 12 Biology?
Understand the core concepts first, then work through the 104 practice questions available for this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly, and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

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Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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