Chapter 5 of 15
Syllabus
Origin and Evolution of Life — Syllabus
Maharashtra Board · Class 12 · Biology
What Origin and Evolution of Life covers in Maharashtra Board Class 12 Biology: 4 topics, for the 2026-27 session.
43 questions28 flashcards5 concepts
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4 Topics · Maharashtra Board Class 12 Biology · 2026-27
Topics in Origin and Evolution of Life
1
Origin of Life (Protobiogenesis)
- Living matter shows attributes: responsiveness, growth, metabolism, energy transformations, and reproduction
- Theory of Special Creation: Based on religious belief, states all organisms created by supernatural power (no scientific proof)
- Cosmozoic Theory/Panspermia: Life descended from other planets as spores/microorganisms (doesn't explain origin on other planets)
2
Chemical Evolution of Life
- Oparin (1924) and Haldane (1929) proposed chemical evolution theory
- Big Bang Theory (Georges Lemaitre 1931): Universe originated 20 billion years ago
- Earth formed 4.6 billion years ago from hot gases and cosmic dust (Nebula)
3
Organic Evolution and Darwinism
- Evolution: Descent with modification (Darwin), slow gradual changes leading to new forms
- Lamarck's Theory: Inheritance of acquired characters (disproved by Weismann's rat tail experiment)
- Weismann's Germplasm Theory: Only germinal variations inherited, not somatic
4
Modern Synthetic Theory of Evolution
- Contributors: Fischer, Haldane, Dobzhansky, Huxley, Mayr, Simpson, Stebbins
- Key factors: Gene mutations, chromosomal changes, genetic recombination, natural selection, isolation
- Population genetics concepts: Gene pool, gene frequency, Mendelian population
Key Concepts
Four major theories explain life's originLife originated through a seriesThis hypothesis suggests that early lifeDarwin's theory is based on fiveThis theory integrates genetics with evolution
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What are the important topics in Origin and Evolution of Life for Maharashtra Board Class 12 Biology?
Key topics in Origin and Evolution of Life include Origin of Life (Protobiogenesis), Chemical Evolution of Life, Organic Evolution and Darwinism, Modern Synthetic Theory of Evolution. Study these first, then practise questions on each for the Maharashtra Board Class 12 board exam.
How should I revise Origin and Evolution of Life for the Maharashtra Board Class 12 board exam?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 43 practice questions on Origin and Evolution of Life. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.
Sources & Official References
Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.
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