Question

Given below are four statements (A-D) each with one or two blanks.
Select the option which correctly fills up the blanks.
Statements:
A. Wings of butterflies and birds look alike and are the results of (i) ___ evolution.
B. Miller showed that \[C{{H}_{4}},\text{ }{{H}_{2}},\text{ }N{{H}_{3}}\], and ___ (i) ___, when exposed to electric discharge in a flask resulted in the formation of ___ (ii) ___.
C. Vermiform appendix is a ___ (i) ___ organ and an ___ (ii) ___ evidence of evolution.
D. According to Darwin evolution took place due to ___ (i) ___ and ___ (ii) ___ of the fittest.
I. (C) – (i) vestigial, (ii) anatomical; (D) – (i) mutations (ii) multiplication
II. (D) – (i) small variation, (ii) survival; (A) – (i) convergent
III. (A) – (i) convergent; (B) – (i) oxygen, (ii) nucleosides
IV. (B) – (i) water vapor, (ii) amino acids; (C) – (i) rudimentary (ii) anatomical

Answer 1

Hint: Evolution is the major phenomenon that leads to the distinguished characters in different populations. But some types of evolution lead to the development of the same characters in different species. Also, the functions of given organs, the results of various experiments should be understood.

Complete step by step answer: Now, let us discuss each given statement in detail to know what words from given options fill best to statements.
-Statement A is asking about the type of evolution that resulted in the similarity of wings of butterflies and birds. In evolution, there is a type of evolution in which organisms that are not closely related evolve independently with similar traits. This is a result of the need to adapt to similar environments or niches. This type of evolution is called convergent evolution. Thus, the wings of butterflies and birds look alike and are the results of convergent evolution.
-Statement B is about Miller’s experiment. Miller used various gases and provided continuous electric current to initiate lightning storms in a vessel. This experiment was done to create similar conditions as of early earth and to understand the origin of life. Thus, he used \[C{{H}_{4}},\text{ }{{H}_{2}},\text{ }N{{H}_{3}}\] that are methane, hydrogen, and ammonia respectively in addition to water vapor. After he exposed these gases to lightning storm-like conditions for around one week he observed the presence of amino acids that are building blocks of organic proteins. Therefore, Miller showed that \[C{{H}_{4}},\text{ }{{H}_{2}},\text{ }N{{H}_{3}}\], and water vapor, when exposed to electric discharge in a flask resulted in the formation of amino acids.
-Statement C asks about the type of organ the vermiform appendix is and under what type of evolution it comes. So, it is a vestigial or rudimentary organ. It is an organ that has lost its function and is reduced in size throughout evolution. Thus, it comes under anatomical evidence of evolution. So, the complete statement will be that the Vermiform appendix is a rudimentary organ and anatomical evidence of evolution.
-Statement D is about Darwin’s evolution. It is a very basic characteristic of Darwin’s evolution that it is based on the survival of the fittest. Darwin thought that evolution is a function of small variations that summed up over time and resulted in diverse species. Also, he believed that only those small alterations that supported the survival of organisms persisted and inherited. Thus, the complete statement will be that According to Darwin evolution took place due to small variation and survival of the fittest.
Hence, we can conclude that the right option is option IV as the terms it includes satisfies both statements B and C.

Note: Evolution is the key theory in understanding various concepts of variations that are seen among different organisms. Moreover, Miller’s experiment is a landmark in the history of the origin of life. Charles Darwin’s father of evolution supports the survival of the fittest.