Introduction to CUET UG Biology Exam
When it comes to cracking competitive exams, one of the biggest hurdles students face is managing a vast syllabus efficiently. For aspirants targeting the Common University Entrance Test CUET UG, Biology isn’t just a subject—it’s a game changer. Especially for students from a medical or life sciences background, Biology can significantly boost overall scores and increase chances of admission to top universities across India.
CUET UG is an entrance exam designed to streamline the admission process for undergraduate programs offered by Central Universities and other participating institutions. The Biology section plays a pivotal role for students opting for science domains. This section demands not just memory power but also a strong grasp of core concepts, particularly in Genetics, Evolution, and Heredity, which are often considered tricky yet high-scoring.
Let’s break it down. Unlike rote learning, CUET Biology MCQs are concept-based. They challenge your understanding of the subject, demand logical reasoning, and test your application skills. These aren’t the kind of questions where you can get away by just memorizing your textbook. You have to understand the “why” behind the facts.
The good news? Once you understand these foundational topics deeply, answering MCQs becomes almost intuitive. That’s why we’ve created this guide—to give you the most relevant Genetics, Evolution, and Heredity MCQs with detailed answers and explanations. These questions will not only help you revise but also improve your conceptual clarity.
Why Biology is Crucial in CUET UG
Here’s a fact: students often prioritize Physics and Chemistry over Biology, assuming they can quickly go over the Bio section. Big mistake. In the CUET UG, Biology questions are more direct but equally challenging if you’re not thorough with the subject. Genetics, Evolution, and Heredity are considered tricky because they involve both theoretical knowledge and the ability to decode data (like Punnett squares, genetic ratios, evolutionary trees, etc.).
Acing Biology gives you an edge because:
- It often contains more straightforward questions compared to Physics.
- With the right strategy, it’s possible to answer most Biology questions quickly, saving time for other sections.
- It enhances your total score, especially if you’re applying for life sciences or allied programs.
Exam Pattern Overview for CUET UG Biology
Let’s quickly go over the pattern of the CUET UG Biology section so you know what you’re preparing for.
- Total Questions Asked: 50
- Questions to be Attempted: 40
- Marks for Each Correct Answer: +5
- Negative Marking: -1 for each incorrect answer
- Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Each question is designed to test your understanding of key biological concepts. The most important thing is to prepare smartly. Instead of trying to remember everything, focus more on high-weightage topics like Genetics, Heredity, and Evolution—these appear in almost every question paper.
Importance of Genetics, Evolution, and Heredity in CUET UG
Now, you might be wondering—why focus so much on these three topics? The answer is simple: they form the core of modern Biology. They aren’t just important chapters in your textbook—they’re the foundation for everything from biotechnology to molecular biology and even environmental science.
Chapter Weightage and Relevance
According to recent CUET UG biology analysis, here’s how these topics typically weigh in:
| Chapter | Approx. Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Genetics | 10–12 | Moderate to High |
| Heredity | 8–10 | Moderate |
| Evolution | 5–8 | Easy to Moderate |
As you can see, nearly 50% of the Biology section can be covered by mastering just these three topics.
But that’s not all. These chapters are interlinked. Understanding how genetic traits are passed down (Heredity) helps you grasp mutation effects (Genetics), which then ties into how species adapt or change over time (Evolution). So if you’re solid in one, it helps build a strong foundation in the others.
Core Concepts Every Student Must Know
Let’s simplify the core ideas you need to focus on:
- Mendel’s Laws of Inheritance – Dominance, segregation, independent assortment.
- Genotype vs Phenotype – What you see versus what’s in the genes.
- Punnett Squares – The simplest way to predict genetic outcomes.
- DNA Structure and Function – Double helix, replication, transcription, translation.
- Types of Mutations – Point mutations, chromosomal mutations.
- Natural Selection & Survival of the Fittest – Darwin’s theory simplified.
- Speciation and Genetic Drift – How new species evolve.
Each of these topics has appeared repeatedly in past CUET and even NEET papers. If you can master these areas, you’ll not only do well in CUET but also set yourself up for future biology courses.
Preparation Strategy for Biology MCQs
Preparation without strategy is like trying to find your way in the dark. Here’s the game plan that works:
How to Tackle Concept-Based Questions
CUET doesn’t ask you to define terms—it asks you to apply them. So here’s how to prep:
- Understand First, Then Memorize: Don’t rush into mugging up concepts. Try explaining them to yourself in your own words. If you can’t do that, you don’t truly understand it yet.
- Visual Learning Helps: Use diagrams for topics like DNA replication, gene expression, and evolutionary trees. Visual memory sticks longer.
- Practice MCQs Regularly: Every time you finish a chapter, solve at least 20–30 MCQs from it. It helps reinforce learning and highlight weak spots.
- Analyze Your Mistakes: Don’t just note down the wrong answers—understand why you got them wrong. That’s how you avoid repeating them.
Resources and Reference Books
You don’t need to hoard books. Stick to a few and revise them well:
- NCERT Biology Class 11 & 12 – Your Holy Grail.
- Trueman’s Biology (Vol I & II) – For deeper conceptual clarity.
- Objective Biology by Dinesh or MTG – For MCQ practice.
- NEET World Practice Papers – Especially tailored for CUET-level questions.
Now that you know the strategy, it’s time to test yourself with some high-quality practice questions. Let’s dive in.
Practice Questions – Genetics
Top 15 MCQs on Genetics
To sharpen your skills, here are 15 Genetics MCQs designed specifically for CUET UG aspirants. These are not just fact-based—they test your logic, understanding, and ability to apply genetic principles.
- Who is considered the father of Genetics?
A) Charles Darwin
B) Gregor Mendel
C) Watson
D) Hugo de Vries
Answer: B) Gregor Mendel - Which of the following crosses will result in a 9:3:3:1 ratio?
A) Monohybrid cross
B) Dihybrid cross
C) Back cross
D) Test cross
Answer: B) Dihybrid cross - Which of the following genotypes will produce a dominant phenotype?
A) aa
B) Aa
C) bb
D) cc
Answer: B) Aa - In a test cross, the F1 individual is crossed with:
A) A homozygous dominant individual
B) A heterozygous individual
C) A homozygous recessive individual
D) Any random genotype
Answer: C) A homozygous recessive individual - What is the probability of getting a homozygous recessive genotype in a monohybrid cross?
A) 25%
B) 50%
C) 75%
D) 100%
Answer: A) 25% - Which of these represents incomplete dominance?
A) Red x White = Pink
B) Tall x Dwarf = Tall
C) Black x White = Black
D) All of the above
Answer: A) Red x White = Pink - Which of the following diseases is caused due to a single gene mutation?
A) Diabetes
B) Thalassemia
C) Malaria
D) Sickle Cell Anaemia
Answer: D) Sickle Cell Anaemia - Which molecule carries genetic information?
A) RNA
B) Protein
C) DNA
D) Lipid
Answer: C) DNA - What is the ratio of genotypes in a monohybrid cross?
A) 1:2:1
B) 9:3:3:1
C) 3:1
D) 1:1
Answer: A) 1:2:1 - If a father has blood group A and a mother has blood group B, what could be the possible blood groups of their children?
A) A and B only
B) A, B, AB, and O
C) AB only
D) O only
Answer: B) A, B, AB, and O - The physical expression of a gene is called:
A) Genotype
B) Allele
C) Phenotype
D) Trait
Answer: C) Phenotype - How many chromosomes are there in a human somatic cell?
A) 46
B) 23
C) 22
D) 48
Answer: A) 46 - In which phase does crossing-over occur?
A) Metaphase
B) Prophase I
C) Telophase
D) Anaphase
Answer: B) Prophase I - What is a genome?
A) All genes in an organism
B) All chromosomes in a cell
C) Total DNA in a haploid set of chromosomes
D) Total RNA in a cell
Answer: C) Total DNA in a haploid set of chromosomes - Which of the following is an example of codominance?
A) AB blood group
B) Pink flowers in snapdragon
C) Height in humans
D) Color of eyes
Answer: A) AB blood group
Answer Key and Explanations
Here’s a quick look at the answers, with short explanations to ensure conceptual clarity:
| Q. No. | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | Mendel’s pea plant experiments laid the foundation of modern genetics. |
| 2 | B | A dihybrid cross produces the classic 9:3:3:1 phenotypic ratio. |
| 3 | B | A test cross always involves a homozygous recessive to determinethe genotype. |
| 4 | C | 1 out of 4 combinations in a monohybrid cross is homozygous recessive. |
| 5 | A | A test cross always involves a homozygous recessive to determine the genotype. |
| 6 | A | In incomplete dominance, neither allele is fully dominant. |
| 7 | D | Sickle Cell Anaemia is due to mutation in the HBB gene. |
| 8 | C | DNA stores and transmits genetic information. |
| 9 | A | Aa contains the dominant allele, which expresses the dominant trait. |
| 10 | B | All four blood groups are possible due to codominance and multiple alleles. |
| 11 | C | Crossing-over occurs during Prophase I in meiosis. |
| 12 | A | Humans have 23 pairs = 46 chromosomes in somatic cells. |
| 13 | B | The genotypic ratio is 1 (AA):2 (Aa):1 (aa) in monohybrid cross. |
| 14 | C | Genome = all genetic material in one haploid set. |
| 15 | A | AB blood group expresses both A and B alleles fully—codominance. |
Practice Questions – Evolution
Top 15 MCQs on Evolution
This set of MCQs focuses on one of the most fascinating parts of Biology—Evolution. Understanding the origin of species, natural selection, and genetic drift helps you master a big chunk of CUET questions.
- The theory of natural selection was proposed by:
A) Gregor Mendel
B) Jean-Baptiste Lamarck
C) Charles Darwin
D) Hugo de Vries
Answer: C) Charles Darwin - Which of the following is a vestigial organ in humans?
A) Kidney
B) Liver
C) Appendix
D) Heart
Answer: C) Appendix - Fossils provide evidence of:
A) Artificial selection
B) Embryology
C) Evolution
D) Genetics
Answer: C) Evolution - The wings of a bat and the flippers of a whale are examples of:
A) Homologous organs
B) Analogous organs
C) Vestigial organs
D) Mutated organs
Answer: A) Homologous organs - Which of the following is considered a connecting link between reptiles and birds?
A) Archaeopteryx
B) Peripatus
C) Ichthyostega
D) Crocodile
Answer: A) Archaeopteryx - Which evolutionary concept is represented by industrial melanism?
A) Speciation
B) Genetic drift
C) Natural selection
D) Adaptation
Answer: C) Natural selection - Which of the following supports the theory of evolution?
A) Molecular biology
B) Anatomy
C) Embryology
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above - Which term refers to the random change in allele frequency in a population?
A) Mutation
B) Natural selection
C) Genetic drift
D) Gene flow
Answer: C) Genetic drift - Who proposed the theory of inheritance of acquired characters?
A) Charles Darwin
B) Hugo de Vries
C) Lamarck
D) Watson
Answer: C) Lamarck - What is the unit of evolution?
A) Individual
B) Species
C) Gene
D) Population
Answer: D) Population - Which of the following is an example of adaptive radiation?
A) Bacteria evolving in hospitals
B) Darwin’s finches
C) Wing of butterfly and bat
D) Formation of fossils
Answer: B) Darwin’s finches - Survival of the fittest is associated with:
A) Artificial selection
B) Natural selection
C) Speciation
D) Genetic drift
Answer: B) Natural selection - Which era is called the “Age of Reptiles”?
A) Mesozoic
B) Paleozoic
C) Cenozoic
D) Precambrian
Answer: A) Mesozoic - Which is not evidence for organic evolution?
A) Fossils
B) Homologous organs
C) Analogous organs
D) Overproduction
Answer: D) Overproduction - Which of these led to the concept of mutation theory?
A) Charles Darwin
B) Hugo de Vries
C) Lamarck
D) Morgan
Answer: B) Hugo de Vries
Answer Key and Explanations
Let’s break down the correct answers and why they are the best fit:
| Q. No. | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | Darwin proposed natural selection as a mechanism of evolution. |
| 2 | C | Appendix is a non-functional remnant of evolution. |
| 3 | C | Fossils provide historical evidence for changes over time. |
| 4 | A | Homologous organs have different functions but same structure. |
| 5 | A | Archaeopteryx has features of both birds and reptiles. |
| 6 | C | Industrial melanism shows survival based on environmental factors. |
| 7 | D | All these fields give supporting evidence for evolution. |
| 8 | C | Genetic drift is a random change in allele frequency. |
| 9 | C | Lamarck believed acquired traits are passed on. |
| 10 | D | Evolution acts on a population, not on individuals. |
| 11 | B | Darwin’s finches evolved differently on various islands. |
| 12 | B | Natural selection allows only the fit to survive and reproduce. |
| 13 | A | Mesozoic is when reptiles were the dominant life form. |
| 14 | D | Overproduction is a result of reproduction, not direct evidence of evolution. |
| 15 | B | Mutation theory was proposed by Hugo de Vries, emphasizing sudden changes. |
Practice Questions – Heredity
Top 15 MCQs on Heredity
This section covers Heredity, a central part of understanding how traits are passed from one generation to the next. These questions are hand-picked to reflect the most likely patterns in CUET UG exams.
- Which term is used for the study of heredity and variation?
A) Evolution
B) Cytology
C) Genetics
D) Anthropology
Answer: C) Genetics - Who discovered the basic principles of heredity through pea plant experiments?
A) Hugo de Vries
B) Gregor Mendel
C) Charles Darwin
D) James Watson
Answer: B) Gregor Mendel - What does a Punnett square help determine?
A) Genetic mutation rates
B) Blood group types
C) Probability of genotype combinations
D) DNA sequence
Answer: C) The Probability of genotype combinations - In Mendel’s monohybrid cross, what is the phenotypic ratio in F2 generation?
A) 1:2:1
B) 3:1
C) 9:3:3:1
D) 1:1
Answer: B) 3:1 - Which law of inheritance states that genes for different traits are inherited independently?
A) Law of Segregation
B) Law of Dominance
C) Law of Independent Assortment
D) Law of Linkage
Answer: C) Law of Independent Assortment - A pair of contrasting traits is called:
A) Alleles
B) Genes
C) Loci
D) Chromatids
Answer: A) Alleles - If a father has genotype Aa and a mother has genotype Aa, what is the chance their child is aa?
A) 25%
B) 50%
C) 75%
D) 0%
Answer: A) 25% - What is meant by a homozygous dominant genotype?
A) AA
B) Aa
C) aa
D) A
Answer: A) AA - Which of the following traits is sex-linked?
A) Height
B) Baldness
C) Skin color
D) Hemophilia
Answer: D) Hemophilia - How many alleles does a person inherit for each gene?
A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4
Answer: B) 2 - What do we call an organism with identical alleles for a trait?
A) Heterozygous
B) Hybrid
C) Homozygous
D) Mutant
Answer: C) Homozygous - What would be the genotype of an individual showing a recessive phenotype?
A) AA
B) Aa
C) aa
D) Either A or a
Answer: C) aa - A carrier female for hemophilia will have the genotype:
A) XᴴXᴴ
B) XᴴXʰ
C) XʰXʰ
D) XᴴY
Answer: B) XᴴXʰ - If both parents are carriers of a recessive disorder, what is the chance of the child being affected?
A) 25%
B) 50%
C) 75%
D) 0%
Answer: A) 25% - What is epistasis?
A) Two genes located on the same chromosome
B) Interaction of genes where one masks another
C) Mutation in a gene
D) Expression of recessive gene
Answer: B) Interaction of genes where one masks another
Answer Key and Explanations
Here’s a quick explanation to deepen your understanding of each answer:
| Q. No. | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | Genetics is the scientific study of heredity and variation. |
| 2 | B | Mendel’s pea experiments are the foundation of modern genetics. |
| 3 | C | Punnett squares are used to predict genotypic outcomes. |
| 4 | B | A monohybrid F2 generation shows 3:1 phenotypic ratio. |
| 5 | C | Independent assortment refers to gene segregation independently. |
| 6 | A | Alleles are alternate forms of the same gene. |
| 7 | A | 1 in 4 combinations (aa) in Aa x Aa cross. |
| 8 | A | Homozygous dominant means both alleles are dominant. |
| 9 | D | Hemophilia is a sex-linked recessive disorder. |
| 10 | B | One allele from each parent = 2 alleles per gene. |
| 11 | C | Homozygous = identical alleles (AA or aa). |
| 12 | C | Only aa can express a recessive trait. |
| 13 | B | Carrier female has one normal and one defective X. |
| 14 | A | A carrier female has one normal and one defective X. |
| 15 | B | Epistasis is gene interaction where one gene suppresses another. |
Solving Biology MCQs Effectively
Time Management Tips
Time is your real enemy in exams like CUET UG, especially when you’re dealing with concept-heavy subjects like Biology. The Biology section can be a score booster, but only if you approach it with the right strategy. Here’s how you can manage your time effectively:
- Start with Easy Questions First:
Don’t waste time getting stuck on the first tough question you see. Instead, skim through the section and quickly solve the ones you’re 100% sure of. This gives you a psychological boost and saves time for trickier ones. - Set a Time Limit per Question:
Allocate less than a minute per question. If you can’t answer within 45 seconds, flag it and come back later. This avoids wasting time on a single question. - Use Elimination Technique:
If you’re unsure, remove the wrong options first. Often, you can narrow it down to two choices, increasing your chances of guessing right even if you’re uncertain. - Mark for Review Wisely:
Don’t over-mark every question for review. Only mark the ones you believe you can figure out with more time or a second thought. - Mock Tests are Gold:
The more you simulate the actual exam environment, the better you’ll get at pacing yourself. Stick to CUET-level mocks and time yourself religiously. - Stay Calm and Focused:
Time pressure often leads to silly mistakes. Deep breaths, quick calculations, and staying calm can make all the difference.
Mastering time management can turn an average attempt into a top-tier performance. The goal is not just to answer but to answer quickly and correctly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Sometimes, it’s not about what you know but what mistakes you avoid. Here are the most common blunders students make in CUET UG Biology MCQs, especially in Genetics, Heredity, and Evolution:
- Confusing Phenotype with Genotype:
Many students mix up what they see (phenotype) with the underlying genes (genotype). Always remember—phenotype is the physical trait; genotype is the genetic code behind it. - Ignoring Keywords in Questions:
Words like dominant, recessive, homozygous, heterozygous, or codominant change the whole meaning of a question. Don’t skim-read. Focus on these cues. - Misinterpreting Ratios:
Whether it’s a 3:1 or 9:3:3:1 ratio, getting confused here can cost you marks. Practice Punnett squares until you’re confident. - Guessing Without Strategy:
While you should make smart guesses, blind guessing on too many questions increases your chances of negative marking. Stick to elimination when unsure. - Not Revising Class 11 Concepts:
A lot of students focus heavily on Class 12 topics, but Genetics and Heredity are mostly from Class 11. Don’t ignore them! - Forgetting NCERT Terminology:
CUET often borrows NCERT language directly. Be familiar with the exact definitions and terms used in your textbooks. - Poor Diagram Understanding:
You may get diagram-based questions. Don’t skip diagrams during revision. Focus especially on DNA structure, genetic crosses, and evolutionary charts.
Avoiding these pitfalls can give you a major advantage. Every mark counts, and avoiding common errors is one of the easiest ways to boost your score.
Conclusion
When it comes to CUET UG Biology, Genetics, Evolution, and Heredity aren’t just any topics—they’re the cornerstone of biological understanding and high-scoring areas in your exam. Through smart preparation, targeted practice, and strategic time management, you can confidently tackle even the most complex MCQs.
Don’t just study hard—study smart. Use NCERT as your base, practice with real exam-style questions, and focus on conceptual clarity over cramming. The MCQs we covered above are crafted to help you revise, apply, and ace this section. Remember, success in CUET isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being prepared and avoiding common traps.
Trust the process. Keep practicing. And when in doubt, go back to the basics.
For a deeper understanding and expert coaching, check out NEET World—your go-to guide for CUET Biology preparation.
FAQs
1. How many Genetics questions are expected in CUET UG Biology?
Usually, you can expect 10–12 questions from Genetics alone, making it one of the most important sections.
2. Are NCERT books enough for CUET Biology MCQs?
Yes, NCERT Class 11 & 12 books are more than enough for concept clarity. For MCQ practice, refer to books like MTG and NEET World papers.
3. How can I improve my accuracy in Biology MCQs?
Focus on understanding the concepts deeply and practice MCQs regularly. Use elimination techniques and revise mistakes frequently.
4. Do CUET Biology MCQs include diagram-based questions?
Yes, especially from chapters like DNA replication, genetic crosses, and evolution. Visual understanding is crucial.
5. What’s the best way to revise Genetics and Heredity?
Practice Punnett squares, re-read NCERT lines, solve MCQs, and revise Mendel’s laws until you can teach them to someone else!
