ICSE Class 8 Biology Sample Paper with Solutions Set 01

Question 1
Choose the correct answer out of the four available choices given below each question. [15]

1. Pulmonary vein carries [1 Mark]
(a) Oxygenated blood
(b) Deoxygenated blood
(c) Glucose-rich blood
(d) CO2 laden blood

Answer: (a) Oxygenated blood

The pulmonary vein carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart.

Teacher's Note:
a) Remember that veins normally carry deoxygenated blood, but the pulmonary vein is a unique exception carrying oxygen-rich blood.
b) Students often confuse pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein functions.

2. Water from the soil enters the root xylem by the process of [1 Mark]
(a) Diffusion
(b) Active transport
(c) Osmosis
(d) Both (a) and (b)

Answer: (c) Osmosis

Water enters root hairs and moves towards the xylem through osmosis due to concentration gradient.

Teacher's Note:
a) Osmosis is defined as the movement of water molecules from a region of higher water concentration to a region of lower water concentration through a semi-permeable membrane.
b) Do not confuse water absorption with mineral absorption, which often takes place via active transport.

3. Breathing is controlled by which part of the brain / brainstem? [1 Mark]
(a) Cerebrum
(b) Cerebellum
(c) Medulla Oblongata
(d) Pons

Answer: (c) Medulla Oblongata

The medulla oblongata regulates involuntary life-sustaining functions including breathing and heartbeat.

Teacher's Note:
a) The brainstem includes the medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain.
b) Cerebrum controls voluntary actions, memory, and intelligence, whereas medulla controls involuntary actions.

4. What type of tissue is blood? [1 Mark]
(a) Muscular tissue
(b) Endothelial tissue
(c) Connective tissue
(d) Blood is not a tissue

Answer: (c) Connective tissue

Blood is considered a specialized fluid connective tissue because it connects different body parts, transporting oxygen, nutrients, and waste.

Teacher's Note:
a) Blood consists of a fluid matrix called plasma and suspended blood cells (RBCs, WBCs, and platelets).
b) Students sometimes mistakenly choose epithelial or muscular tissue.

5. Which of the following statement about an ecosystem is not true? [1 Mark]
(a) It comprises of only abiotic components.
(b) It is a self-contained area.
(c) It comprises of biotic as well as abiotic components.
(d) It helps to establish interdependence between living and non-living things.

Answer: (a) It comprises of only abiotic components.

An ecosystem consists of both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components interacting together.

Teacher's Note:
a) Read the word 'not true' carefully in such negative questions to avoid silly errors.
b) Abiotic components alone cannot form a functional ecosystem without living organisms.

6. Which hormone is responsible for the development of the female reproductive organs? [1 Mark]
(a) Norepinephrine
(b) Progesterone
(c) Oestrogen
(d) Progesterone and oestrogen

Answer: (c) Oestrogen

Oestrogen is the primary female sex hormone responsible for the development of secondary sexual characters and reproductive organs.

Teacher's Note:
a) Testosterone is the male counterpart hormone responsible for male reproductive organs.
b) Progesterone prepares the uterine lining for pregnancy.

7. The leaves of which of the following plants can give rise to a new plant? [1 Mark]
(a) Mango
(b) Bryophyllum
(c) Bougainvillea
(d) Rose

Answer: (b) Bryophyllum

Bryophyllum leaves bear adventitious buds in their notches which develop into new plants upon touching the soil.

Teacher's Note:
a) This is an example of vegetative propagation through leaves.
b) Rose and Bougainvillea are propagated using stem cuttings.

8. Seeds are formed by the maturation of the [1 Mark]
(a) Ovary
(b) Ovum
(c) Ovule
(d) All of the above

Answer: (c) Ovule

After fertilization, the fertilized ovule develops into a seed, while the ovary matures into a fruit.

Teacher's Note:
a) Always distinguish clearly between the post-fertilization fate of an ovule (seed) and an ovary (fruit).
b) Ovum is the female gamete cell, not the whole seed structure.

9. Which endocrine gland(s) is/are located at the base of the brain? [1 Mark]
(a) Hypothalamus
(b) Pituitary gland
(c) Pineal gland
(d) Both (a) and (b)

Answer: (d) Both (a) and (b)

Both the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland are located at the base of the brain, with the hypothalamus controlling the pituitary.

Teacher's Note:
a) The pituitary gland is often called the master gland.
b) The pineal gland is also located in the brain, near its center, but hypothalamus and pituitary are specifically at the base.

10. In human females, puberty begins at the age of [1 Mark]
(a) 14 Years
(b) 10 Years
(c) 16 Years
(d) 11 Years

Answer: (d) 11 Years

Puberty in human females typically begins around 11 to 13 years of age, slightly earlier than males.

Teacher's Note:
a) Puberty is the period during which adolescents reach sexual maturity.
b) Age ranges can vary slightly among individuals based on nutrition and genetics.

11. Marasmus is caused due to the deficiency of which of the following nutrients? [1 Mark]
(a) Carbohydrates
(b) Proteins
(c) Fats
(d) Both carbohydrates and proteins

Answer: (d) Both carbohydrates and proteins

Marasmus is a form of severe protein-energy malnutrition resulting from a total deficiency of calories and protein.

Teacher's Note:
a) Kwashiorkor is primarily caused by protein deficiency alone, whereas marasmus involves deficiency of both proteins and total calories (carbohydrates/fats).
b) Symptoms include severe muscle wasting and emaciation.

12. Glucagon is secreted by [1 Mark]
(a) Pituitary gland
(b) Islets of Langerhans
(c) Exocrine part of pancreas
(d) Islets of Langerhans and endocrine part of pancreas

Answer: (d) Islets of Langerhans and endocrine part of pancreas

Glucagon is secreted by the alpha cells of the Islets of Langerhans, which form the endocrine portion of the pancreas.

Teacher's Note:
a) Insulin is also secreted by the Islets of Langerhans (beta cells), having an antagonistic effect to glucagon.
b) The pancreas is a heterocrine gland having both exocrine and endocrine functions.

13. The method of organic farming relies on [1 Mark]
(a) Pesticides and new irrigation techniques
(b) Crop rotation and biological control
(c) Crop rotation and animal manure
(d) Chemical fertilisers and pesticides

Answer: (c) Crop rotation and animal manure

Organic farming avoids synthetic chemicals, relying instead on natural fertilizers like animal manure and sustainable practices like crop rotation.

Teacher's Note:
a) Organic farming promotes ecological balance and biodiversity.
b) Chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides are strictly avoided.

14. Salk's vaccine is used to build immunity against [1 Mark]
(a) Tuberculosis
(b) Poliomyelitis
(c) Malaria
(d) Diphtheria

Answer: (b) Poliomyelitis

Dr. Jonas Salk developed the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) to protect against poliomyelitis.

(The marking scheme also accepts option (b))

Teacher's Note:
a) BCG vaccine is used for tuberculosis.
b) Sabin later developed the oral polio vaccine (OPV).

15. Blisters on feet and mouth, excessive salivation are symptoms of which of the following diseases? [1 Mark]
(a) Cowpox
(b) Foot and mouth disease
(c) Anthrax
(d) Rinderpest

Answer: (b) Foot and mouth disease

Foot and mouth disease is a viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, characterized by blisters in the mouth and on the feet.

Teacher's Note:
a) It is a highly contagious viral disease of livestock.
b) Excessive salivation occurs due to painful mouth lesions.

Question 2

(A) Give a scientific word for the following: [5 Marks]
1. An instrument used to measure blood pressure.
2. Ailment caused due to the enlargement of the thyroid gland.
3. The age at which a human develops secondary sexual characters.
4. A place where bees are reared and grown artificially to obtain wax, honey and other important products.
5. Disease-causing germs.

Answer:
1. Sphygmomanometer
2. Goitre
3. Puberty
4. Apiary
5. Pathogens

Teacher's Note:
a) Ensure correct spelling of scientific terms like sphygmomanometer.
b) Pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

(B) Fill in the blanks and rewrite the sentences: [5 Marks]
1. Conversion of glycogen into glucose is facilitated by the _______________ enzyme.
2. _______________ is the seat of intelligence and consciousness.
3. Penicillin is obtained from ______________.
4. Over consumption of alcohol causes _____________.
5. _____________ are absorbed through active transport by the roots.

Answer:
1. glucagon
2. Cerebrum
3. Penicillium notatum
4. Liver cirrhosis
5. Minerals

Teacher's Note:
a) Students must rewrite the complete sentence with the filled answers in exams as per instructions.
b) Memorize specific scientific binomial names like Penicillium notatum.

Question 3

(A) Match the items in column I with the appropriate items in column II. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1 - (c)
2 - (e)
3 - (a)
4 - (d)
5 - (b)

Teacher's Note:
a) Matching questions test broad vocabulary across different chapters.
b) Write the correct pairs clearly side-by-side or use proper numbering.

(B) Study the diagram below and answer the questions that follow: [5 Marks]
1. Label the parts labelled A, B and C.
2. Write the functions of part A and part C.

[Figure: Diagram of the human female reproductive system showing ovaries, Fallopian tube (A), uterus (C), cervix (B), and vagina]

Answer:
1. A: Fallopian tube, B: Cervix, C: Uterus.
2. Fallopian tube: It is the site where fertilization occurs. Uterus: It is the site of development of the embryo.

Teacher's Note:
a) Practice diagrams of the human reproductive system carefully with accurate labeling.
b) Fallopian tube is also known as oviduct.

Question 4

(A) What is a food chain? Explain with the help of a neat and well-labeled diagram. [5 Marks]

[Figure: Diagram showing a food chain from Sun and Water to Grass (producer), Grasshopper (primary consumer), Snake (secondary consumer), Hawk (tertiary consumer), and Fungi (decomposer)]

Answer:
The sequential process of eating and being eaten is called a food chain.
1. All food chains begin with green plants or producers, which constitute the first trophic level (e.g., Grass).
2. Herbivores or primary consumers feed on plants, constituting the second trophic level (e.g., Grasshopper).
3. Carnivores or secondary consumers feed on herbivores, forming the third trophic level (e.g., Snake).
4. Large top carnivores or tertiary consumers form the fourth trophic level (e.g., Hawk).
5. Decomposers (e.g., Fungi) feed on dead remains of plants and animals, returning nutrients to the soil.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize that energy flow in a food chain is always unidirectional.
b) Clear labeling of trophic levels is essential for full marks.

(B) Name the following [5 Marks]
1. Three freshwater edible fish of India.
2. Residue of oil seeds used as cattle feed after the extraction of oil.
3. A cross-breed of hens.
4. A Kashmiri goat known for its expensive wool.
5. Most widely used silkworm for sericulture.

Answer:
1. Rohu, Catla, Tilapia
2. Oil cakes
3. IBL-80
4. Cashmere goat
5. Bombyx mori

Teacher's Note:
a) Economic zoology terms like breeds and commercial products are important for examinations.
b) Spelling of binomial names like Bombyx mori must be exact.

Question 5

(A) Give one point of difference between the following on the basis of what is given in the brackets: [5 Marks]
1. Arteries and Veins (Type of blood carried)
2. Mint plant and Potato (Reproduction)
3. Muscle and Glands (Response to nerve impulse)
4. Adrenal medulla and Adrenal cortex (Hormone secreted)
5. Hay fever and Leukemia (Type of disease)

Answer:

Teacher's Note:
a) Always stick strictly to the parameter specified in the brackets when writing differences.
b) Tabular presentation makes answers clearer and easier to grade.

(B) Below given are some diseases. Identify the cause of the disease and mention one food source of the causative component. [5 Marks]
1. Beri-beri
2. Rickets
3. Goitre
4. Pellagra
5. Anemia

Answer:

Teacher's Note:
a) Memorize deficiency diseases alongside their specific vitamin or mineral causes and dietary sources.
b) Tables help organize multi-part answers cleanly.

Question 6

(A) State one function of each of the following: [5 Marks]
1. Pericardium
2. Left Ventricle
3. White blood cells
4. Haemoglobin
5. Liver

Answer:
1. The pericardium encloses the heart and its pericardial fluid provides lubrication during contraction and relaxation of the heart.
2. The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to all parts of the body through the aorta.
3. White blood cells produce antibodies which kill disease-causing microorganisms.
4. Haemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to all the tissues.
5. The liver stores extra glucose in the form of glycogen.

Teacher's Note:
a) Keep functions concise and specific as requested in the question.
b) Mentioning exact target organs or mechanisms secures full credit.

(B) Define the following terms: [5 Marks]
1. Microbiology
2. Endangered Species
3. Deforestation
4. Nuclear energy
5. Wildlife

Answer:
1. Microbiology: The science which deals with the study of microbes is called microbiology.
2. Endangered Species: Species of plants and animals that are facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild are called endangered species.
3. Deforestation: The large-scale clearing or removal of forests and trees by humans is called deforestation.
4. Nuclear energy: The energy released during nuclear reactions, especially by nuclear fission or fusion, is called nuclear energy.
5. Wildlife: All non-domesticated plants, animals, and other organisms living in their natural habitats constitute wildlife.

Teacher's Note:
a) Definitions should be scientifically precise and concise.
b) Include key descriptive words like 'extinction', 'non-domesticated', and 'microbes'.

Question 7

(A)
1. Describe the characteristics of insect and water pollinated flowers. [3 Marks]
2. Explain the significance of testes lying within the scrotum. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Characteristics of insect-pollinated flowers:
- Large and coloured petals to attract insects.
- Presence of nectar and pleasant scent.
- Pollen grains are sticky so that they can stick easily to the insect body parts.
Characteristics of water-pollinated flowers:
- Stamens and pollen grains are spongy and waterproof.
- Pollen grains are very light so they can float easily.
2. Sperms can survive at temperatures lower than normal body temperature. The scrotum maintains a temperature for the testes that is 2 to 3 degrees Celsius lower than the core body temperature, ensuring optimal sperm production.

Teacher's Note:
a) Differentiate clearly between biotic and abiotic pollination adaptations.
b) Temperature regulation by the scrotum is a classic physiological adaptation frequently asked in exams.

(B)
1. Why one should avoid eating polished rice? [2 Marks]
2. If you spray a room freshener from a bottle in one end of a hall, will your friend at the other end of the hall be able to smell it? Explain your answer scientifically [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Polished rice undergoes processing that removes its outer layers, stripping away vitamin B₁ (thiamine). Consuming vitamin B-deficient polished rice can lead to deficiency diseases like beri-beri, so it should be avoided.
2. Yes, the friend will be able to smell the room freshener. The fragrance particles travel from the region of high concentration where it is sprayed to the region of low concentration at the other end of the hall by the process of diffusion.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention diffusion explicitly when explaining movement of gases or volatile molecules across a space.
b) Connect dietary choices directly to nutritional deficiencies to earn full marks.