ktet previous question papers category 3 natural science

KTET Category III Natural Science Template
KERALA TEACHER ELIGIBILITY TEST (KTET) – 2026
CATEGORY III (UPPER PRIMARY TO HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES)
PART–III: NATURAL SCIENCE (BOTANY & ZOOLOGY)
Paper Code: KTET-III-NS26
Time Allowed: 2½ Hours Maximum Marks: 150
Roll Number: Candidate Name:
General Instructions to Candidates:
  1. This question paper contains multiple-choice objective items. Answer all questions matching your registered syllabus template.
  2. Each question carries 1 mark. There is no negative marking setup for incorrect attempts.
  3. Shade your final selected options carefully on the provided OMR Answer Sheet using a blue or black ballpoint pen.
  4. Do not write or sketch anything on the paper matrix except your registration profiles on the designated spaces.
KTET Category-III Natural Science Exam Paper
CATEGORY – III
PART – 3
Natural Science
Question Numbers 71 to 150
71. An amino acid that contains an aromatic ring in its side chain structure is :
  • (A)Tyrosine
  • (B)Glycine
  • (C)Arginine
  • (D)Alanine
72. Which of the following compounds acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter inside the central nervous system?
  • (A)Acetylcholine
  • (B)Epinephrine
  • (C)Glutamate
  • (D)GABA
73. Which one of the following cellular components is directly linked with the process of translation?
  • (A)Ribosome
  • (B)Lysosome
  • (C)Centrosome
  • (D)Glyoxysome
74. During dark reactions in C3 plants, the primary product of carbon dioxide fixation is .
(Provide the exact biochemical abbreviation or full name)
75. In biological terminology, IUCN stands for :
  • (A)International Union for Conservation of Nature
  • (B)Indian Union for Conservation of Nature
  • (C)International Union for Chemical Nomenclature
  • (D) Integrated United Conservation Network
76. Northern blotting technique is utilized for the dynamic analysis of polymers.
(State the macromolecule type without using options)
KTET Category-III Natural Science Exam Paper – Page 4
77. The deposition of silica in the cell walls of leaves causing reduction in photosynthetic efficiency leads to a plant condition called :
  • (A)Etiolation
  • (B)Chlorosis
  • (C)Necrosis
  • (D)Silicification
78. The complex structural framework inside mitochondria where ATP synthase enzymes are clustered is called :
  • (A)Oxysomes
  • (B)Thylakoids
  • (C)Ribosomes
  • (D)Dictyosomes
79. Based on the position of the centromere, a chromosome with the centromere situated perfectly at the middle terminal end is classified as :
  • (A)Acrocentric
  • (B)Metacentric
  • (C)Submetacentric
  • (D)Telocentric
80. An evolutionary connecting link exhibiting characteristics of both Echinodermata and Chordata is .
(Provide the genus name of the organism)
81. During anaerobic fermentation when organic acids are completely oxidized, the Respiratory Quotient (RQ) value will be :
  • (A)Zero
  • (B)More than one
  • (C)Less than one
  • (D)Infinity
82. A major hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that increases blood glucose levels through gluconeogenesis is :
  • (A)Aldosterone
  • (B)Cortisol
  • (C)Insulin
  • (D)Adrenaline
KTET Category-III Natural Science Exam Paper – Page 5
83. Which among the following anatomical traits is applicable to a typical dicot root system?
  • (A)Large and well-developed pith
  • (B)Radial vascular bundles with exarch xylem
  • (C)Conjoint closed collateral bundles
  • (D)Scattered bundle arrangements with bundle caps
84. Which among the following terminologies or theories is NOT directly related to the mechanisms of organic evolution?
  • (A)Natural Selection
  • (B)Genetic Drift
  • (C)Heterosis or Hybrid Vigor
  • (D)Mutation Theory
85. Among those endangered species given below, which one is currently categorized under the ‘Critically Endangered’ category of the IUCN Red List?
  • (A)Gharial
  • (B)One-horned Rhinoceros
  • (C)Nilgiri Tahr
  • (D)Blackbuck
86. Ring porous woods showing prominent distinct growth rings are characteristic of seasonal plants growing in:
  • (A)Tropical rain forests
  • (B)Temperate regions
  • (C)Alpine regions
  • (D)Desert ecosystems
87. Match the biological polymers with their respective functional monomers or structural groups and choose the correct option from the pool of choices:
(a) Proteins have (1) Phosphodiester bonds
(b) Nucleic acids have (2) Glycosidic linkages
(c) Polysaccharides have (3) Peptide bonds
(d) Triglycerides have (4) Ester bonds
(a) (b) (c) (d)
(A) (3) (1) (2) (4)
(B) (1) (3) (4) (2)
(C) (3) (2) (1) (4)
(D) (2) (1) (4) (3)
KTET Category-III Natural Science Exam Paper – Page 6
88. If the endosperm of a gymnospermous plant has 12 chromosomes, how many chromosomes will be present in its leaf cells?
  • (A) 12 chromosomes
  • (B) 24 chromosomes
  • (C) 36 chromosomes
  • (D) 48 chromosomes
89. According to modern evolutionary concepts, genetic drift operates most effectively in which type of population segment?
  • (A) Large isolated populations
  • (B) Small isolated populations
  • (C) Highly cross-breeding communities
  • (D) Globally distributed species
90. A specialized aggregate fruit developing from a multicarpellary, apocarpous gynoecium is classified as a/an:
  • (A) Etaerio of follicles
  • (B) Syconus
  • (C) Sorosis
  • (D) Amphisarca
91. Select the correct scientific family and order configuration for the Honeybee (Apis mellifera):
  • (A) Family – Apidae, Order – Diptera
  • (B) Family – Muscidae, Order – Hymenoptera
  • (C) Family – Apidae, Order – Hymenoptera
  • (D) Family – Insecta, Order – Arthropoda
92. Which of the following cellular processes directly leads to the formation of recombinants in sexually reproducing organisms?
  • (A) Mitotic cytokinesis
  • (B) Crossing over during pachytene
  • (C) Spindle fiber contraction
  • (D) Nuclear membrane reformation
93. If the base sequence of a coding strand in DNA is 5′-GGATCC-3′, the corresponding sequence of bases in the transcribed mRNA will be:
  • (A) 5′-CCTAGG-3′
  • (B) 5′-GGAUCC-3′
  • (C) 5′-CCUAGG-3′
  • (D) 3′-GGAUCC-5′
KTET Category-III Natural Science Exam Paper – Page 7
94. The 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer A. Doudna for the development of:
  • (A) Cryo-electron microscopy workflows
  • (B) A novel method for genome editing (CRISPR-Cas9)
  • (C) Directed evolution of unique enzymes
  • (D) Semi-synthetic organelle frameworks
95. Vascular cambium activity leading to true secondary growth does not occur in most monocotyledonous plants, ___________ being a well-known structural exception.
  • (A) Zea mays
  • (B) Dracaena
  • (C) Allium cepa
  • (D) Oryza sativa
96. Select the CORRECT choice matching plant nutritional deficiencies with their characteristic diagnostic disorders:
(a) Boron (i) Whiptail of cauliflower
(b) Molybdenum (ii) Dieback of shoots in Citrus
(c) Copper (iii) Heart rot of sugar beet
(d) Manganese (iv) Marsh spot of peas
(a) (b) (c) (d)
(A) (iii) (i) (ii) (iv)
(B) (i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
(C) (ii) (iv) (i) (iii)
(D) (iii) (iv) (ii) (i)
97. Anatomically, the ‘Tapetum’ is a specialized nutrient-rich cellular layer seen associated natively within the structural framework of the:
  • (A) Microsporangium wall
  • (B) Megasporophyll cortex
  • (C) Integument block
  • (D) Funicle filament
98. Select the WRONGLY matched anatomical pair associated with the human nervous system:
  • (A) Association areas – Responsible for complex memory and communication tasks
  • (B) Cerebellum – Integrates involuntary cardiovascular autonomic reflexes
  • (C) Corpus callosum – Connects left and right cerebral hemispheres
  • (D) Hypothalamus – Regulates body temperature, hunger, and fluid balances
99. An autoimmune neuromuscular diagnostic condition characterized by chronic fatigue and progressive weakening of skeletal muscle tissue is:
  • (A) Muscular dystrophy
  • (B) Myasthenia gravis
  • KTET Category-III Natural Science Exam Paper – Page 8
    100. An example of a specialized fluid connective tissue containing cellular matrices without fiber components is:
    • (A) Bone matrix
    • (B) Lymphatic fluid
    • (C) Hyaline cartilage
    • (D) Tendon attachment
    101. Mortality, an essential tracking metric of population ecology, specifically refers to:
    • (A) The total number of deaths in a population during a given time period
    • (B) The net reduction of available habitat density due to carrying capacity limits
    • (C) The rate at which new individuals migrate away from their native ecosystem
    • (D) The maximum carrying parameter sustained indefinitely by a habitat cluster
    102. Uncontrolled cell death caused by severe local tissue injury or toxic chemical inflammation is called:
    • (A) Autophagy
    • (B) Necrosis
    • (C) Apoptosis
    • (D) Plasmolysis
    103. Eukaryotic 80S ribosomes are structurally assembled and localized inside the:
    • (A) Nucleolus matrix layer
    • (B) Cytoplasm and rough endoplasmic reticulum
    • (C) Mitochondrial inner stroma channels
    • (D) Chloroplast thylakoid fluid systems
    104. The fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane was first proposed by:
    • (A) Schleiden and Schwann
    • (B) Watson and Crick
    • (C) Singer and Nicolson
    • (D) Robert Hooke
    105. The largest internal organ of the human body that performs critical metabolic detoxification processes is the:
    • (A) Pancreas
    • (B) Thyroid gland
    • (C) Liver
    • (D) Spleen
    106. A well-known genetic disease caused by a point mutation involving a single base substitution tracking sickle cell hemoglobin is:
    • (A) Thalassemia
    • (B) Cystic fibrosis
    • (C) Sickle cell anaemia
    • (D) Down syndrome
    KTET Category-III Natural Science Exam Paper – Page 9
    107. Out of the following statements related to active transport across a cell membrane, one is WRONG. Select the WRONG statement:
    • (A) It occurs against a concentration gradient and requires specific membrane proteins.
    • (B) It is a passive process that doesn’t utilize cellular metabolic energy (ATP).
    • (C) The rate of transport reaches a maximum when all protein transporters are saturated.
    • (D) Transporters are highly selective and sensitive to specific metabolic inhibitors.
    108. The given tracking block text chart schematic indicates basic steps in the dark reaction pathway of a C4 vascular plant plant. Identify labels A, B, C and D:
    Atmospheric CO2
          ↓
    Phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP)
          ↓ [A]
    Oxaloacetic Acid (OAA)
          ↓ [B]
    Malic Acid (Mesophyll)
          ↓ [Transport]
    Malic Acid (Bundle Sheath) → [C] → Pyruvic Acid [D]
    • (A) A-PEP carboxylase, B-Reduction, C-Decarboxylation, D-Transport
    • (B) A-Rubisco, B-Oxidation, C-Carboxylation, D-Phosphorylation
    • (C) A-PEP carboxylase, B-Amination, C-Hydrolysis, D-Reduction
    • (D) A-Rubisco, B-Reduction, C-Decarboxylation, D-Amination
    109. In plant mineral nitrogen assimilation, nitrates are sequentially reduced to nitrite and ammonia. This ammonia is then primarily assimilated into amino acids via:
    • (A) Transamination with Oxaloacetic acid
    • (B) Reductive amination of Alpha-Ketoglutaric acid
    • (C) Catalytic breakdown of Aspartic acid
    • (D) Direct conversion into Asparagine pools
    110. In vascular higher plants, the precise anatomical site responsible for perceiving the photoperiodic stimulus for flowering response is:
    • (A) Lateral axillary buds
    • (B) Mature green leaf blades
    • (C) Mature floral petals
    • (D) Active shoot apex
    111. Which among the following biological statements is NOT applicable to the structural features of a synergid’s filiform apparatus?
    • (A) It forms a finger-like cellular thickening at the micropylar tip of synergids.
    • (B) It guides the entry of the incoming pollen tube into the synergid.
    • (C) It is a special structure found exclusively at the tip of the antipodal cells.
    • (D) It facilitates the absorption and transport of nutrients into the embryo sac.
    KTET Category-III Natural Science Exam Paper – Page 10
    112. Which plant hormone is synthesized from adenine nucleotides or is an adenine derivative?
    • (A) Abscisic acid (ABA)
    • (B) Cytokinin (Kinetin)
    • (C) Gibberellic acid (GA)
    • (D) Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)
    113. Silent Valley National Park, famous for preserving a unique pristine tropical rainforest habitat, is situated in:
    • (A) Karnataka
    • (B) Tamil Nadu
    • (C) Kerala
    • (D) Andhra Pradesh
    114. Non-native species introduced into a localized ecosystem that rapidly multiply and disrupt endemic biodiversity are called:
    • (A) Endemic species
    • (B) Invasive alien species
    • (C) Threatened species
    • (D) Keystone species
    115. Which structural character of a flower is accurately represented in a floral diagram but remains completely absent from a standard floral formula?
    • (A) Cohesion of stamens
    • (B) Position of the ovary (superior/inferior)
    • (C) Estivation pattern of petals
    • (D) Number of sepals and petals
    116. The iconic historical biologist who first coined the canonical definition term ‘Ecosystem’ in 1935 is:
    • (A) E.P. Odum
    • (B) Ernst Haeckel
    • (C) A.G. Tansley
    • (D) Charles Elton
    117. Which one of the following is an exotic breed of poultry popular for egg production?
    • (A) Leghorn
    • (B) Aseel
    • (C) Kadaknath
    • (D) Chittagong
    118. Malignant tumors arising directly from epithelial cells lining internal or external body surfaces are called:
    • (A) Sarcomas
    • (B) Carcinomas
    • (C) Lymphomas
    • (D) Melanomas
    119. Which one of the following statements is true regarding analogous organs found in animals?
    • (A) They share a similar internal anatomical structural blueprint.
    • (B) They are inherited directly from a common evolutionary ancestor.
    • (C) They perform similar ecological functions despite diverse origins.
    • (D) They show identical embryonic developmental patterns.
    KTET Category-III Natural Science Exam Paper – Page 11
    120. The larval stage of the liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) that infects the intermediate host snail is called:
    • (A) Miracidium
    • (B) Redia
    • (C) Metacercaria
    • (D) Onchosphere
    121. An interactive web-based digital tool or platform widely used for exploring high-fidelity simulation models in a Genetics class is:
    • (A) Kahoot
    • (B) PhET Interactive Simulations
    • (C) Mentimeter
    • (D) Quizizz
    122. If an evaluation tool consistently yields identical scores when administered to the same group under unchanged conditions, it exhibits high:
    • (A) Objectivity
    • (B) Validity
    • (C) Reliability
    • (D) Discrimination power
    123. All birds possess feathers. A peacock is a bird; therefore, a peacock possesses feathers. The logical foundation of this deduction matrix is:
    • (A) Inductive reasoning
    • (B) Deductive reasoning
    • (C) Analogical reasoning
    • (D) Subjective speculation
    124. A primary objective of a norm-referenced evaluation test in a classroom setup is:
    • (A) To assess a student’s absolute mastery over a specific curriculum standard
    • (B) To rank and compare a learner’s performance relative to peer cohorts
    • (C) To diagnose specific learning disabilities of a student
    • (D) To measure the baseline effectiveness of institutional infrastructure
    125. While introducing cell biology, a teacher explains the cytoplasm by drawing an analogy to the jelly fluid inside a fruit bowl. This pedagogical integration is an example of:
    • (A) Vertical correlation
    • (B) Systematic formal correlation
    • (C) Incidental correlation
    • (D) Internal curriculum alignment
    126. According to Benjamin Bloom’s taxonomy of educational objectives, which of the following is classified under the Psychomotor domain?
    • (A) Precision and manipulation
    • (B) Internalizing values
    • (C) Conceptual synthesis
    • (D) Emotional characterization
    KTET Category-III Natural Science Exam Paper – Page 12
    127. National Curriculum Framework (NCF-2005) primarily emphasizes that science education should encourage learners to:
    • (A) Memorize scientific formulas and taxonomic nomenclature grids mechanically
    • (B) Focus exclusively on clear high-scoring grades in final standardized examinations
    • (C) Learn methods of inquiry to investigate and verify environmental phenomena
    • (D) Master advanced technological configurations without field experiences
    128. Which among the following parameters is an essential active feature of an LMS platform like ‘Moodle’?
    • (A) Strictly limited to an offline standalone computing framework
    • (B) Provides dynamic asynchronous and synchronous collaboration tools
    • (C) Blocks multi-modal file uploads to minimize database load
    • (D) Restricted to commercial non-modifiable proprietary codebases
    129. According to the Delors Commission report (UNESCO), the pillar of learning that directly aligns with developing values of empathy and global mutual understanding is:
    • (A) Learning to know
    • (B) Learning to do
    • (C) Learning to be
    • (D) Learning to live together
    130. A class project requiring learners to design a functional working model of a zero-cost drip irrigation setup is classified as a/an:
    • (A) Consumer type project
    • (B) Aesthetic type project
    • (C) Producer or constructive type project
    • (D) Drill practice matrix project
    131. In John Dewey’s scientific problem-solving methodology, the critical first step in the entire cognitive cycle is:
    • (A) Systematic data collection matrices
    • (B) Formulation of operational hypotheses
    • (C) Encountering or sensing a felt difficulty or problem
    • (D) Evaluating and testing tentative solutions
    132. The landmark Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE), which revolutionized the primary education system in India, was enacted in the year:
    • (A) 2002
    • (B) 2005
    • (C) 2009
    • (D) 2012
    133. “The curriculum must actively integrate contemporary real-world environmental issues to prepare learners for unforeseen future changes.” Which principle of curriculum construction validates this?
    • (A) Conservative principle
    • (B) Forward-looking principle
    • (C) Activity-centered approach
    • (D) Retrospective alignment model
    134. The central administrative apex headquarters of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) is located at:
    • (A) Bengaluru
    • (B) Mumbai
    • Questions Only
      135. Which of the following is NOT considered a basic process skill in science?
      (A) Observing
      (B) Measuring
      (C) Memorizing facts
      (D) Classifying
      136. Which among the following is NOT a primary function of NCERT?
      (A) Preparing the National Curriculum Framework (NCF)
      (B) Publishing school textbooks
      (C) Allocating budgets and grants to universities
      (D) Organizing in-service training programs for teachers
      137. Which of the following phases is essential in a standard Micro-teaching cycle?
      (A) Year planning only
      (B) Lesson planning, Teaching, and Feedback
      (C) Evaluation of homework assignments
      (D) Delivering large group traditional lectures
      138. Which among the following is a three-dimensional (3D) teaching-learning aid?
      (A) White board
      (B) Chart paper
      (C) Globe of the Earth
      (D) Wall map
      139. The core operating system used in ‘Android’ mobile devices is based on:
      (A) Windows
      (B) Linux
      (C) MacOS
      (D) DOS
      140. Select the correct statement regarding Curriculum and Syllabus:
      (A) Syllabus is a broader concept that includes curriculum.
      (B) Curriculum is a broader concept, and syllabus is a part of it.
      (C) Both are completely identical and mean the exact same thing.
      (D) Syllabus includes all co-curricular activities of a school.
      Questions 141 – 143 Only
      141. According to Benjamin Bloom’s Taxonomy, which of the following is NOT one of the three major domains of educational activities?
      (A) Cognitive domain
      (B) Affective domain
      (C) Psychomotor domain
      (D) Socio-cultural domain
      142. The secure and open-source operating system ‘Red Hat Enterprise’ (RHEL) belongs to which family?
      (A) Windows
      (B) Linux
      (C) MacOS
      (D) UNIX
      143. Select the correct statement regarding Formative and Summative Assessment:
      (A) Formative assessment is strictly used for final grading and certification.
      (B) Summative assessment is conducted continuously during the teaching-learning process.
      (C) Formative assessment provides ongoing feedback to improve learning.
      (D) Both assessments serve identical purposes in the classroom.
      Questions Only
      144. “Education is the manifestation of perfection already in man.” This famous educational definition was given by:
      (A) Mahatma Gandhi
      (B) Swami Vivekananda
      (C) Rabindranath Tagore
      (D) Sri Aurobindo
      145. Which of the following is generally NOT a critical internal criterion for evaluating a Science textbook?
      (A) Conceptual clarity and accuracy
      (B) Retail price and binding style
      (C) Quality of illustrations and diagrams
      (D) Inclusion of hands-on activities
      146. Which of the following is a widely used open-source software specifically meant for video editing?
      (A) Audacity
      (B) VLC Media Player
      (C) OpenShot
      (D) Blender Audio
      147. “The ability of a test to measure accurately what it explicitly claims or aims to measure.” This quality of an assessment tool is called:
      (A) Validity
      (B) Reliability
      (C) Objectivity
      (D) Usability
      148. Find out the correct word pair relation and fill in the blank:
      Audio aids : Tape recorder :: Audio-Visual aids : __________
      (A) Radio
      (B) Television
      (C) Printed Chart
      (D) Model
      149. Select the most direct, real-world experience for students when learning about “Ecosystems and biodiversity”:
      (A) Reading a dedicated chapter from the textbook
      (B) Organizing a field visit to a nearby nature reserve
      (C) Drawing a comprehensive food web on the board
      (D) Watching an animated documentary clip
      150. Which among the following approaches is heavily discouraged by modern educational frameworks like NCF?
      (A) Child-centered learning
      (B) Rote memorization and passive learning
      (C) Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation
      (D) Inclusive classroom practices

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