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Sindh Zoology 2019 — Solved Past Paper with Answers

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Q1. Anticonvulsant drugs are administered in:

  • A. Parkinson’s disease
  • B. Epilepsy
  • C. Alzheimer’s disease
  • D. Addison’s disease

Explanation: Anticonvulsant drugs are primarily administered in epilepsy to prevent or control seizures.

Why the other options are wrong
  • A. In Parkinson's disease, antiparkinsonian medications like levodopa are more common to manage motor symptoms.
  • C. In Alzheimer's disease, medications like cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists are used to manage cognitive symptoms.
  • D. Addison's disease involves adrenal insufficiency and is treated with glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, not anticonvulsants.

Q2. This diseases is caused due to deficiency of insulin:

  • A. High blood pressure
  • B. Diabetes
  • C. Diarrhoea
  • D. Anaemia

Explanation: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels due to either insufficient insulin production or the body's inability to respond effectively to insulin. Insulin deficiency, particularly in type 1 diabetes, leads to uncontrolled glucose levels, causing various complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage.

Why the other options are wrong
  • A. This condition involves elevated pressure in the arteries, which can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. While high blood pressure can coexist with diabetes and may be influenced by it, it's not directly caused by insulin deficiency. However, individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing hypertension due to various factors such as obesity and insulin resistance.
  • C. Diarrhea refers to frequent and watery bowel movements, often caused by infections, dietary issues, or gastrointestinal disorders. Insulin deficiency is not a direct cause of diarrhea. However, poorly controlled diabetes can affect gastrointestinal function and lead to issues like gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents, which may contribute to diarrhea.
  • D. Anaemia is a condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood, leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity. Insulin deficiency does not directly cause anaemia. However, diabetes can lead to complications such as diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease), which can result in reduced production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production, contributing to anaemia in some cases. Additionally, diabetes-related neuropathy may affect the autonomic nervous system, which can impact blood flow and result in anemia of chronic disease.

Q3. The unit of measurement of noise is:

  • A. Litre
  • B. Decibel
  • C. Milligram
  • D. Meter

Explanation: It's a logarithmic unit used to express the ratio between two values of a physical quantity, often power or intensity. In the context of sound, it measures the intensity of sound relative to a reference level, typically the threshold of human hearing.

Why the other options are wrong
  • A. It's a unit of volume used to measure liquids.
  • C. It's a unit of mass used to measure very small quantities, typically in the context of chemicals or pharmaceuticals.
  • D. It's a unit of length used to measure distance or length.

Q4. Lamark’s theory does not include this point:

  • A. Natural selection
  • B. Effect on environment
  • C. Inheritance of acquired character
  • D. Use & disuse of organs

Explanation: This concept was not part of Lamarck's theory but is central to Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Natural selection involves the differential survival and reproduction of individuals due to differences in traits. Over time, this process leads to the accumulation of favorable traits in a population.

Why the other options are wrong
  • B. Lamarckism focused more on the organisms' interactions with their environments, particularly how those interactions influenced the development of traits.
  • C. Lamarck proposed that organisms could pass on traits acquired during their lifetime to their offspring. This idea suggests that changes an organism makes in response to its environment could be inherited by its offspring. However, this aspect of Lamarck's theory has been largely discredited in favor of the principles of genetic inheritance proposed by Gregor Mendel and later integrated into the modern synthesis of evolutionary theory.
  • D. This is a key component of Lamarck's theory. He proposed that organisms could acquire or lose traits based on the way they used or didn't use certain organs. For example, he suggested that giraffes developed long necks because they continually stretched them to reach leaves high in trees.

Q5. This disease is controlled by gene therapy:

  • A. Cystic Fibrosis
  • B. Diabetes
  • C. Epilepsy
  • D. AIDS

Explanation: Gene therapy aims to address the defective gene responsible for cystic fibrosis by delivering a functional copy of the gene into the patient's cells, particularly those affected by the disease, such as lung cells. This approach can potentially improve the function of the cells and alleviate symptoms associated with cystic fibrosis.

Why the other options are wrong
  • B. Diabetes is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period. The two main types of diabetes are type 1 and type 2. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to a lack of insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to its effects. Diabetes can lead to various complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, vision loss, and nerve damage.
  • C. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, which are sudden, brief changes in the brain's electrical activity. These seizures can cause a variety of symptoms, including convulsions, loss of consciousness, and altered sensations or emotions. Epilepsy can have various causes, including genetic factors, brain injury, infection, or abnormal brain development.
  • D. AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. It is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). AIDS develops when HIV has severely damaged the immune system, leaving the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. HIV is typically transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing contaminated needles, or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.

Q6. This joint between two consecutive vertebrae in human beings is:

  • A. Ball and socket
  • B. Diabetes
  • C. Gliding
  • D. Hinge

Explanation: Gliding joint is also called the plane join. It only permits limited movement like bending and slipping one bone over to another, for example, wrist and vertebral column.

Why the other options are wrong
  • A. Ball and socket joint of shoulder and hips moves the organ in all direction, condyloid joint is the modified but structurally different ball and socket joint that also allow the movement in all direction for example wrist joint (radio-carpal joint).
  • B. Diabetes is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period. The two main types of diabetes are type 1 and type 2. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to a lack of insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to its effects. Diabetes can lead to various complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, vision loss, and nerve damage.
  • D. Hinge joint present in between the humerus and the ulna bones allowing flexion and extension in just one plane.

Q7. Overproduction of cortisol causes:

  • A. Addison’s disease
  • B. Cushing’s syndrome
  • C. Acromegaly
  • D. Goitre

Explanation: This syndrome results from prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol. It can be caused by various factors, such as the overuse of corticosteroid medications or the presence of a tumor that produces cortisol. Symptoms include weight gain, high blood pressure, and muscle weakness.

Why the other options are wrong
  • A. This condition occurs due to the insufficient production of cortisol and other hormones by the adrenal glands. Overproduction of cortisol is not associated with Addison's disease.
  • C. Overproduction of growth hormone, not cortisol, is the primary cause of acromegaly. This condition typically results from a benign tumor in the pituitary gland, leading to excessive growth of tissues and bones, especially in the hands, feet, and face.
  • D. Goitre refers to the enlargement of the thyroid gland, often caused by iodine deficiency or autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease. While cortisol plays a role in regulating thyroid function, overproduction of cortisol is not directly linked to the development of goitre.

Q8. This is progressive deterioration of the body:

  • A. Development
  • B. Growth
  • C. Aging
  • D. Mutation

Explanation: Aging refers to the process of natural, gradual and irreversible changes that occur in living organisms over time, resulting in a decline in their physical and mental abilities. It is a biological phenomenon that affects all living organisms and is characterized by a progressive deterioration of physiological functions that eventually leads to death. The aging process is influenced by various factors such as genetics, environmental factors, lifestyle, and disease, and it varies from person to person.

Why the other options are wrong
  • A. This refers to the process of growth and maturation of an organism from conception to adulthood. It involves various stages, such as embryonic development, infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. During development, the body undergoes significant changes and maturation to reach its full potential.
  • B. Growth is the process by which an organism increases in size and mass. It involves the multiplication and enlargement of cells, as well as the development of tissues and organs. Growth typically occurs during childhood and adolescence but continues at a slower rate throughout adulthood until a plateau is reached.
  • D. Mutation refers to a change in the DNA sequence of an organism. It can occur spontaneously or be induced by external factors such as radiation, chemicals, or viruses. Mutations can have various effects on the organism, ranging from no noticeable change to severe genetic disorders. In the context of progressive deterioration, mutations can contribute to age-related diseases and conditions, as well as increased vulnerability to external factors.

Q9. Struggle for existence among the members of same species is:

  • A. Interspecific struggle
  • B. Specific struggle
  • C. Intraspecific struggle
  • D. Environmental struggle

Explanation: This refers to the competition or conflict for resources among individuals of the same species. Intraspecific struggle is a fundamental aspect of population ecology and evolutionary biology. It includes competition for food, mates, territory, and other resources essential for survival and reproduction. Intraspecific struggle can lead to natural selection favoring individuals with traits that enhance their competitive abilities within the same species.

Why the other options are wrong
  • A. This refers to the competition or conflict for resources, such as food, territory, or mates, between different species. It occurs when individuals of different species occupy the same ecological niche and compete for limited resources. Interspecific struggle plays a crucial role in shaping ecosystems and can influence species distribution, population dynamics, and evolutionary processes.
  • B. "Specific struggle" is not a commonly used term in biology. It could potentially refer to a struggle that is specific to a particular species, but without additional context, it's unclear what exactly it means.
  • D. Again, "environmental struggle" isn't a standard term in biology. However, it could potentially refer to the challenges or hardships imposed by the environment, such as harsh climate conditions, limited resources, or natural disasters, that organisms must overcome to survive and reproduce. These environmental pressures can shape the evolution and adaptation of species over time.

Q10. Deficiency of Vitamin D causes:

  • A. Night blindness
  • B. Scurvy
  • C. Rickets
  • D. Beri-Beri

Explanation: Rickets is indeed caused by a deficiency in vitamin D. Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestines, which are essential for bone mineralization. Without sufficient vitamin D, bones become soft, weak, and prone to deformities, leading to conditions like rickets, especially in children.

Why the other options are wrong
  • A. Night blindness is primarily caused by a deficiency in vitamin A, not vitamin D. Vitamin A is essential for the proper functioning of the retina, particularly in low light conditions. Without enough vitamin A, the eyes struggle to adjust to dim light, leading to night blindness.
  • B. Scurvy is caused by a deficiency in vitamin C, not vitamin D. Vitamin C is crucial for the synthesis of collagen, a protein that helps maintain the structure of blood vessels, skin, and connective tissue. Without enough vitamin C, collagen production is impaired, leading to symptoms like bleeding gums, weakness, and fatigue.
  • D. Beri-Beri is caused by a deficiency in vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, not vitamin D. Thiamine is important for the proper functioning of the nervous system and for the metabolism of carbohydrates. Without enough thiamine, individuals may experience symptoms such as weakness, tingling or numbness in the extremities, and cardiovascular problems.

Q11. This reproduction avoids genetic monotony:

  • A. Binary fission
  • B. Budding
  • C. Regeneration
  • D. Sexual reproduction

Explanation: Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of gametes (sex cells) from two parents to produce offspring with genetic variation. This variation helps prevent genetic monotony and allows for adaptation to changing environments. It's common in many animals, plants, fungi, and some protists.

Why the other options are wrong
  • A. This is a form of asexual reproduction where an organism splits into two identical organisms. It's common in single-celled organisms like bacteria and some protozoa.
  • B. Budding is a type of asexual reproduction where a new organism develops as a growth on the parent organism. Eventually, the new organism separates and becomes independent. It's seen in organisms like yeast, hydra, and some plants.
  • C. Regeneration is the ability of an organism to replace lost or damaged body parts. Some organisms can regrow entire structures, like starfish regenerating lost arms or planarians regenerating from fragments.

Q12. The non-coding sequence of DNA is:

  • A. Intron
  • B. Exon
  • C. Codon
  • D. Neuron

Explanation: In molecular biology, an intron is a segment of DNA or RNA molecule that does not code for proteins and interrupts the sequence of genes. During gene expression, introns are transcribed into pre-mRNA but are ultimately removed by RNA splicing before the mature mRNA is translated into a protein.

Why the other options are wrong
  • B. Exons are the segments of DNA or RNA molecule that code for proteins. They are expressed and remain in the final mature RNA molecule after splicing. Exons are interspersed with introns within the gene sequence.
  • C. A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides in DNA or RNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid or signals the end of translation. Codons are the basic units of the genetic code and are read during mRNA translation to determine the sequence of amino acids in a protein.
  • D. Neurons are cells of the nervous system that transmit information through electrical and chemical signals. They are not directly related to DNA sequences; rather, they are specialized cells involved in communication within the nervous system.

Q13. Hypoblast lines the:

  • A. Gastrocoel
  • B. Blastocoel
  • C. Archenteron
  • D. Coelom

Explanation: In embryology, the gastrocoel refers to the cavity formed during gastrulation in the developing embryo. The hypoblast, also known as endoderm, lines the gastrocoel. It plays a crucial role in the development of digestive and respiratory organs.

Why the other options are wrong
  • B. The blastocoel is a fluid-filled cavity that forms during the early stages of embryonic development, specifically during blastulation.
  • C. The archenteron is the primitive gut formed during gastrulation. It eventually develops into the digestive tract.
  • D. The coelom is the body cavity found in many animals, including humans. In embryonic development, the coelom forms from the mesoderm.

Q14. The excretory organs of cockroach are:

  • A. Malpighian tubules
  • B. Nephridia
  • C. Green glands
  • D. Flame cell

Explanation: These are the primary excretory organs in insects, including cockroaches. They are long, thread-like tubules located in the abdominal cavity. Malpighian tubules filter waste products, such as nitrogenous compounds, ions, and water, from the hemolymph (insect blood). These waste products are then excreted as uric acid, which helps conserve water in arid environments.

Why the other options are wrong
  • B. Nephridia are excretory organs found in many invertebrates, but they are not present in cockroaches. Instead, they are more commonly found in segmented worms, such as earthworms. Nephridia function similarly to kidneys in vertebrates, filtering waste from the coelomic fluid and excreting it outside the body.
  • C. Green glands are excretory organs found in crustaceans, such as shrimp and crayfish. They are not present in cockroaches. Green glands are located at the base of the antennae and function to remove nitrogenous waste from the hemolymph, primarily in the form of ammonia.
  • D. Flame cells are excretory structures found in flatworms, such as planarians. They are not present in cockroaches. Flame cells are specialized cells with a flame-like appearance due to the presence of cilia. They function to remove excess water and metabolic waste from the body cavity of flatworms.

Q15. The Animal excretes:

  • A. Urea
  • B. Water
  • C. Ammonia
  • D. Uric Acid

Explanation: Urea is a waste product formed in the liver when proteins are metabolized. It's less toxic than ammonia and is excreted by mammals, including humans, through urine.

Why the other options are wrong
  • B. Water is essential for life and is excreted by animals as a byproduct of metabolic processes and through various excretory organs, such as the kidneys, skin, and lungs. But the main product is urea.
  • C. Ammonia is a highly toxic compound that results from the breakdown of proteins and amino acids. It's excreted by aquatic animals, such as fish, through their gills directly into the water.
  • D. Uric acid is a waste product formed from the breakdown of purines, which are found in nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. It's excreted by birds, reptiles, and some insects as a white paste or solid, which conserves water and allows for efficient excretion in arid environments.

Q16. These are cells of hard bones:

  • A. Osteocytes
  • B. Poracytes
  • C. Chondrocytes
  • D. Amoebocytes

Explanation: These are the most abundant cells in mature bone tissue and are responsible for maintaining bone structure and mineral homeostasis.

Why the other options are wrong
  • B. This term doesn't match any known bone cell type. It might be a misspelling or a term not recognized in biology
  • C. Chondrocytes are the cells found in cartilage, not hard bones. They are responsible for producing and maintaining the cartilage matrix.
  • D. Amoebocytes are cells found in sponges and some other invertebrates. They are not related to bone tissue.

Q17. Physical trauma in the vertebrae of humans results in:

  • A. Osteoporosis
  • B. Spondylosis
  • C. Arthritis
  • D. Disc slip

Explanation: Disc slip, also known as a herniated or slipped disc, occurs when the soft inner core of an intervertebral disc protrudes through the tough outer layer and presses on nearby nerves or the spinal cord. Physical trauma to the vertebrae can indeed contribute to the development of a herniated disc by causing damage to the disc's structure.

Why the other options are wrong
  • A. Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by a decrease in bone density and strength, leading to an increased risk of fractures. While physical trauma to the vertebrae can contribute to osteoporosis, it is not the direct result of trauma.
  • B. Spondylosis refers to degenerative changes in the spine. It can result from aging, wear and tear, or physical trauma to the spine, leading to symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
  • C. Arthritis is a broad term that refers to inflammation of the joints. While it can affect any joint in the body, including those in the spine (such as the facet joints), it is not specifically caused by physical trauma to the vertebrae.

Q18. This is not a sexually transmitted disease:

  • A. Gonorrhea
  • B. AIDS
  • C. Tetanus
  • D. Syphilis

Explanation: Tetanus is not a sexually transmitted disease. It is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which enters the body through wounds or cuts contaminated with the bacteria's spores. It is commonly associated with puncture wounds, such as those from rusty nails, and is not transmitted through sexual contact.

Why the other options are wrong
  • A. Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can infect the genital tract, mouth, and rectum through sexual contact with an infected person.
  • B. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, sharing needles, or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. While not exclusively a sexually transmitted disease, sexual transmission is one of the most common routes of HIV transmission.
  • D. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It can also be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy or childbirth. Syphilis can cause a range of symptoms and complications if left untreated, including serious damage to the heart, brain, and other organs.

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