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Syllabus

History of Life on Earth — Syllabus

NIOS · Class 10 · Science & Tech

What History of Life on Earth covers in NIOS Class 10 Science & Tech: 4 topics, for the 2026-27 session. Part of the NIOS Class 10 Science & Tech syllabus.

44 questions38 flashcards2 formulas & key relations5 concepts

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A comparison illustration showing the peppered moth (Biston betularia) in two scenarios: before industrialization (light moths camouflaged on lichen-covered trees, dark moths visible) and after indust
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4 Topics · NIOS Class 10 Science & Tech · 2026-27

Topics in History of Life on Earth

1

1. Origin of the Universe and Earth

  • The whole universe formed probably 12 to 14 billion years ago because of a Big Bang.
  • The solar system came into existence 5-7 GY ago.
  • Earth formed about 4.5 GY ago.
2

2. Origin of Life

  • Life on Earth is generally believed to have originated not before 4.0 GY and not later than 3.5 GY ago.
  • Life is accepted to have originated nearly 3.8 GY ago.
  • Cyanobacteria fossils dated 3.5 GY were found in Australia.
3

3. Diversification of Life

  • Life on Earth started as simplest unicellular prokaryotic microorganisms.
  • For nearly 3 billion years, prokaryotes were the only life forms on Earth.
  • Prokaryotes are cells lacking a nucleus.
4

4. Darwin and Natural Selection

  • Charles Darwin was a British naturalist who proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection.
  • Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, England on February 9, 1809.
  • He sailed on HMS Beagle from 1831 to 1836.

Key Concepts

Central concept: Life on Earth has changed over billions of years through origin, diversification, evolution, and human development

Formation of the universe and EarthOrigin of lifeEarly life formsDiversification of lifeDarwin and evolutionNeo-DarwinismLevels of organic evolutionExamples of natural selection

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in History of Life on Earth for NIOS Class 10 Science & Tech?
Key topics in History of Life on Earth include Origin of the Universe and Earth, Origin of Life, Diversification of Life, Darwin and Natural Selection. Study these first, then practise questions on each for the NIOS Class 10 board exam.
How should I revise History of Life on Earth for the NIOS Class 10 board exam?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 44 practice questions on History of Life on Earth. 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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