NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 8 Heredity

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 8 Heredity

Irshad AnwarUpdated on 22 Aug 2025, 01:56 PM IST

The NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 8 Heredity describes how characteristics are inherited by a child from their parents. It discusses important topics such as Mendel's laws of inheritance, dominant and recessive characteristics, and sex determination. By reading the answers, students get to know about the genetic characteristics we inherit, like the colour of our eyes. The NCERT Solutions provide clear answers to questions, making it easier for students to understand and learn each topic.

This Story also Contains

  1. Download PDF of Heredity Class 10 NCERT Solutions
  2. NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 8(In-Text Exercise Questions)
  3. Answers to NCERT Solutions Class 10 Science Chapter 8 (Chapter-End Exercise)
  4. Approach to Solve Class 10 Science Chapter 8 Question Answers
  5. Important Topics of Heredity Class 10 NCERT Solutions
  6. Important Question from Heredity Class 10 NCERT Solutions
  7. NCERT Solutions Chapter-wise for Class 10 Science
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 8 Heredity
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 8 Heredity

The NCERT Solutions for Class 10 use diagrams to describe complex concepts simply. Heredity Class 10 NCERT Solutions explains how heredity affects the development of living organisms. These are important for the study of genetics and evolution. To perform well in examinations, students must study through the Heredity Class 10 NCERT Solutions PDF. By this, they can focus on revision and improve their problem-solving speed.

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Download PDF of Heredity Class 10 NCERT Solutions

Get easy access to solutions that cover all important concepts from the Heredity chapter. This PDF can be accessed offline without using the internet.

Download Solution PDF

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 8(In-Text Exercise Questions)

In this section, students will see the detailed answers. These questions are one of the most important parts of understanding the topics. Students must go through the Class 10 Science Chapter 8 question answers to make their base stronger.

Exercise 8.1

Q. 1. If trait A exists in 10% of a population of an asexually reproducing species and trait B exists in 60% of the same population, which trait is likely to have arisen earlier?

Answer:

Trait B is more likely to have arisen earlier because it has a higher percentage of the population, and in asexual reproduction, traits are carried over to the next generation with minimal changes in the traits.

For example, all the sugarcane in the field that reproduces asexually have almost similar characteristics however, the animals and humans which reproduce sexually have more variation of traits in the next generation.

Q. 2. How does the creation of variations in a species promote survival?

Answer:

Variation in our characteristics occurs due to sexual reproduction and inaccurate copying of DNA. The varied characteristics that are suited for survival are passed on to the next generation more easily, and the characteristics that are not favourable for survival will vanish after some generations.

Favourable variations help a species to adapt to changes in its environment, and they promote the survival of a species.

Exercise 8.2

Q. 1. How do Mendel’s experiments show that traits may be dominant or recessive?

Answer:

Mendel crossed a pure-breeding tall plant with a pure-breeding short plant.

  1. In the first generation (F1), all of the plants were tall. The short trait was not visible.

  2. In the second generation (F2), which was produced by self-pollinating the F1 plants, the short trait reappeared, and the plants were in a ratio of 3 tall to 1 short.

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This showed that the tall trait was dominant because it was expressed in the F1 generation and hid the short trait. The short trait was recessive because it was masked in the F1 generation but reappeared in the F2.

Q. 2. How do Mendel’s experiments show that traits are inherited independently?

Answer:

Mendel performed a dihybrid cross between pure-breeding tall plants with round seeds and short plants with wrinkled seeds. In the next generation, he observed not only the original combinations (tall-round and short-wrinkled) but also new combinations like tall-wrinkled and short-round were formed.

This result showed:
Tall and Round + Short and Wrinkled → Tall and Round + Tall and Wrinkled + Short and Round + Short and Wrinkled

The appearance of new trait combinations like tall-wrinkled and short-round proved that the inheritance of one trait (like plant height) does not depend on the inheritance of another trait (like seed shape).

Hence, he concluded that traits are inherited independently

Q. 3. A man with blood group A marries a woman with blood group O, and their daughter has blood group O. Is this information enough to tell you which of the traits – blood group A or O – is dominant? Why or why not?

Answer:

No, this information is not sufficient to conclude that any trait is dominant or recessive. This is because we don't know the blood group of all offspring.

The given blood group A can be AA or AO, so we can't really draw any conclusion from it.

Q. 4. How is the sex of the child determined in human beings?

Answer:

Half the male gametes have X-chromosomes, and the other half have Y-chromosomes human male has one X-chromosome and one Y-chromosome. In other words, the human male has one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. On the other hand, all-female gametes have only X chromosomes. If a sperm carrying a Y chromosome fertilises an ovum, then the child born will be a boy.

On the other hand, if a sperm carrying X chromosomes fertilises an ovum, then the child born will be a girl.

X + X = Girl

X + Y = Boy.

Answers to NCERT Solutions Class 10 Science Chapter 8 (Chapter-End Exercise)

Here are the step-by-step solutions to the Heredity chapter-end exercise questions, which help in revising the concepts thoroughly and easily

Q. 1. A Mendelian experiment consisted of breeding tall pea plants bearing violet flowers with short pea plants bearing white flowers. The progeny all bore violet flowers, but almost half of them were short. This suggests that the genetic makeup of the tall parent can be depicted as

(a) TTWW
(b) TTww
(c) TtWW
(d) TtWw

Answer:

As half the progenies are short, this implies that the parent plant also will have a collection of short genes. Also, since all progenies bore violet flowers, the violet colour is dominant over white.

Hence, TtWW might be the correct answer.

Q. 2. A study found that children with light-coloured eyes are likely to have parents with light-coloured eyes. On this basis, can we say anything about whether the light eye colour trait is dominant or recessive? Why or why not?

Answer:

No, we cannot say anything for sure based on this information alone.

The observation that children with light-colored eyes are likely to have parents with light-colored eyes is true for both dominant and recessive traits. For example:

  • Dominant Trait: If the light-eyed trait were dominant, a light-eyed parent would pass that trait to their children, and they would have light eyes.

  • Recessive Trait: Light-colored eyes are actually a recessive trait. For a child to have light eyes, they must receive a recessive allele from both parents. Therefore, if both parents have light eyes, all of their children will also have light eyes.

The only way to confirm if a trait is dominant or recessive is to observe a cross where a trait disappears in one generation and reappears in the next (like Mendel's experiments) or to see a child with the recessive trait born to parents who show the dominant trait.

Q. 3. Outline a project which aims to find the dominant coat colour in dogs.

Answer:

(i) Select two varieties of dogs, one with white coat colour, the other with black coat colour.

(ii) Crossbreed them, taking a male dog from one variety and female dog from the other variety.

(iii) Observe the colour of the offspring of the F1 generation.

(iv) Now, bring about breeding among the organisms of the F1 generation.

(v) Observe the coat colour of the organisms (pups) of the F2 generation and note the variations in coat colour.

(vi) Draw conclusions based on your study.

One of the probable inheritance patterns may be as follows.

Phenotypic ratio = 3: 1,

Black coat colour (3): White coat colour (1)

Q. 4. How is the equal genetic contribution of male and female parents ensured in the progeny?

Answer:

The equal genetic contribution of male and female parents is ensured by the inheritance of equal chromosomes from both sides. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes. Out of these, the first 22 pairs are called autosomes, and the 23rd pair is known as the sex chromosomes (X and Y). Females have two X chromosomes (XX), while males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY). During reproduction, the male germ cell (sperm) and the female germ cell (egg), both haploid, fuse to form a fertilised ovum, which is diploid. This fertilised ovum gets an equal number of chromosomes (23 each) from both the mother and the father.

The father contributes 22 autosomes and either an X or Y chromosome, while the mother contributes 22 autosomes and one X chromosome. This way, the genetic material in the offspring comes equally from both parents.

Approach to Solve Class 10 Science Chapter 8 Question Answers

Start with a careful read of the chapter to learn about the basic principles of heredity, including how characteristics are inherited from parents to children.

  • Concentrate on Mendel's laws of inheritance because they are the main principles that describe dominant and recessive characteristics.

  • Take note of major topics such as sex determination, acquired and inherited characteristics. All topics are well-explained in the Heredity Class 10 NCERT Solutions PDF.

  • Use diagrams and examples given in the Solutions of Heredity Class 10 to explain difficult topics.

  • Carefully practice exercise questions to prepare well for exams. The NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science give students an idea of how questions are framed in the exam.

Important Topics of Heredity Class 10 NCERT Solutions

Heredity is a chapter that explains how traits are passed from parents to offspring through genes. Given below are the topics that are included in this chapter. To gain clarity on these topics, students can use Solutions of Heredity Class 10.

  • Heredity

  • Accumulation Of Variation During Reproduction

  • Inherited Traits

  • Rules for the Inheritance of Traits – Mendel’s Contributions

  • How do these traits get expressed

  • Sex Determination

Also, check the NCERT Books and the NCERT Syllabus here:

Important Question from Heredity Class 10 NCERT Solutions

This chapter helps students understand the basic principles of inheritance and how genetic variation occurs in living organisms. Given below is a question along with the detailed answer. Other types of questions are present in the Solutions of Heredity Class 10.

Question: In an experiment to study the independent inheritance of two separate traits — shape and colour of seeds — the ratio of the different combinations in F₂ progeny would be:

A. 1 : 3

B. 1: 2:1

C. 9:3:3:1

D. 9:1:1:3

Answer: The correct answer is option(C), 9:3:3:1

Explanation:

According to the question, when two traits are taken, then that is a classic Mendelian dihybrid cross. The F₂ generation shows a phenotypic ratio of 9:3:3:1, in which:

- 9 shows both dominant traits

- 3 show one dominant and one recessive trait

- 3 shows the other dominant and one recessive trait

- 1 shows both recessive traits

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is heredity and why is it important?
A:

Heredity is the transmission of traits or characteristics from parents to their offspring through genes. It is important because it ensures the continuity of species, as explained in the NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 8 Heredity. 

Q: What are Mendel’s laws of inheritance?
A:

Gregor Mendel’s experiments led to two fundamental laws which are given in the NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 8 Heredity:

  • Law of Segregation: Each individual has two alleles for a trait, which segregate during gamete formation, so each gamete carries only one allele.

  • Law of Independent Assortment: Alleles of different genes assort independently during gamete formation, leading to genetic variation.

Q: What is the difference between dominant and recessive traits?
A:

A dominant trait is expressed in the organism even if only one allele is present, while a recessive trait is expressed only when both alleles are recessive. For example, in pea plants, the allele for tall plants is dominant over the allele for dwarf plants.

Q: How is sex determined in humans?
A:

Sex determination in humans depends on the type of sex chromosome inherited from the father. Females have two X chromosomes (XX), while males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY). The presence of the Y chromosome determines male sex.

Q: How is sex determined in human beings?
A:

In humans, sex is determined by the XY chromosome system. Males have XY chromosomes, while females have XX chromosomes. The male sperm determines the baby’s sex by contributing either an X or Y chromosome.

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Questions related to CBSE Class 10th

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CBSE Class 10th ?

Hello, according to CBSE and most Indian education boards, the typical age for appearing in the Class 10 exam is around 15-16 years. However, there are some exceptional cases where academically advanced students complete their studies early. If you have officially cleared Class 10 from CBSE, received a valid marksheet, and your school and board have accepted your age proof during registration, your certificate is considered valid. Problems only arise if your admission to Class 10 violated the board’s eligibility rules (for example, skipping multiple classes without approval). In such rare cases, the board might question the validity. But if CBSE has issued you the certificate after proper procedures, it is legally recognized for further studies, competitive exams, and jobs. If you are worried about age restrictions for certain exams (like 17 years minimum for NEET), you might need to wait until you meet the required age.

Thank you, and best of luck for your studies.



Hello,

Yes, you are right. To get eligible for the 10th board examination, you need a minimum of 75% attendance. This is a rule that applies to the CBSE, or Central Board of Secondary Education, recognized schools. There are exceptions to this rule in the scenario, like

  • Medical Emergencies
  • Personal Tragedies
  • Official Sports Participation

I hope it will clear your query!!

hello,

These are the documents to take admission in 11th standard at your college from cbse to Maharashtra State Board.

  • Class X Marksheet
  • School Leaving Certificate
  • Date of Birth Certificate
  • Passport-Sized Photograph
  • Migrant Certificate
  • Aadhar Card or Government ID

I hope it resolves your query!!

To transfer from a CBSE school to a Maharashtra state board junior college for 11th standard, you'll need to provide several documents.

These typically include: your Class 10th mark sheet (original and attested copies), School Leaving Certificate/Transfer Certificate (TC) from your previous school, and a migration certificate if you're changing from a different board.

You'll also need a birth certificate, passport-sized photographs, and potentially an eligibility certificate from the Maharashtra State Board

The specific documents required may vary depending on the college and region. Verify the exact requirements with the college's admission office or official website.

Hello Aditya,

The documents required to take admission in 11th standard from CBSE to Maharashtra State Board are:

  1. 10th Marksheet (CBSE Board)

  2. School Leaving Certificate (from previous school)

  3. Migration Certificate (CBSE Board)

  4. Aadhaar Card (student’s ID proof)

  5. Passport size photographs

  6. Caste Certificate (if applicable)

  7. Domicile Certificate (if required by the college)

Some colleges may ask for additional documents. It’s best to check with the specific college for exact requirements.

Hope it helps !