Explain the theory of Darwin with regard to the lengthening of the neck of a giraffe. What do you mean by ‘Hot Dilute Soup’? [3+2=5]
OR
Construct the sequence of major events of organic evolution with the help of a schematic diagram. Give two examples of the problem-solving ability of chimpanzees. [3+2=5]
Theory of Darwin on Giraffe’s Neck Lengthening:
Darwin proposed that giraffes with longer necks had an advantage because they could reach higher leaves for food. These giraffes were more likely to survive and reproduce, passing the long-neck trait to the next generation. Over many generations, giraffes evolved longer necks due to natural selection favoring this trait.
Meaning of ‘Hot Dilute Soup’:
‘Hot Dilute Soup’ refers to the early Earth’s conditions where organic molecules, the building blocks of life, formed in a warm, watery environment. This metaphor highlights the primordial chemical environment rich in organic compounds where life could originate and evolve.
Major events of organic evolution
Problem Solving in Chimpanzees:
- This animal is quite clever and can prepare a tool with a small branch of a tree. After defoliating the tip of the twig, it is crushed to prepare it like a brush. Then the brush is inserted into the termite mound. This stick like brush is then pulled out when quite a good number of termites may be collected for eating.
- The chimpanzee can also break and open nuts with stones which resemble the “hammer and anvil” technique to get the edible seed.
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