Class 8 – General Science
Chapter 3: Variation, Heredity, and Cell Division
Time: 2 hours
Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Choose the correct option:
1. The process of formation of new cells is called:
(a) Fertilization
(b) Variation
(c) Cell division
(d) Heredity
2. The basic unit of heredity is:
(a) DNA
(b) Gene
(c) Chromosome
(d) Cell
3. Mitosis results in:
(a) Two identical cells
(b) Four identical cells
(c) Two different cells
(d) Four different cells
4. The division of nucleus is called:
(a) Cytokinesis
(b) Mitosis
(c) Meiosis
(d) Fertilization
5. In meiosis, the number of chromosomes:
(a) Doubles
(b) Becomes half
(c) Triples
(d) Remains the same
6. Which of the following carries genetic information?
(a) Ribosome
(b) Cytoplasm
(c) Chromosome
(d) Mitochondria
7. Heredity refers to:
(a) Change in environment
(b) Transmission of characters from parents to offspring
(c) Division of cytoplasm
(d) Variation in surroundings
8. The type of cell division that produces gametes is:
(a) Mitosis
(b) Meiosis
(c) Cytokinesis
(d) Mutation
9. Variations are important because they:
(a) Harm all organisms
(b) Cause diseases
(c) Help in evolution
(d) Stop reproduction
10. A sudden change in a gene is called:
(a) Variation
(b) Mutation
(c) Heredity
(d) Fertilization
Section B: Short Questions
Answer the questions briefly:
1. What is heredity?
2. Define variation with an example.
3. What is a gene?
4. What do you understand by cell division?
5. Differentiate between mitosis and meiosis.
6. Name two types of variations.
7. What is the role of chromosomes in heredity?
8. Define cytokinesis.
9. What is mutation?
10. Write two causes of variation.
11. What are inherited traits? Give examples.
12. Why is meiosis important for organisms?
Section C: Long Questions
Answer the following questions in detail:
1. Explain mitosis with a labeled diagram.
2. Explain meiosis and its importance.
3. Discuss variation and its causes with examples.
4. Describe the structure and function of chromosomes.
5. Differentiate between inherited and acquired variations with examples.
6. Explain the significance of heredity in living organisms.
7. Draw and label the stages of mitosis.