The Living World Quiz
1. What is the practical significance of taxonomy?
Explanation: The practical significance of taxonomy lies in the identification of unknown organisms, which allows for their proper classification and understanding within the biological world.
2. Binomial nomenclature is :
Explanation: Binomial nomenclature is a universal system where each species is given a two-part name: a generic name (genus) and a specific epithet. The question’s option (3) states “one specific epithet for each species,” which is correct in the context of the binomial system where the second part of the name is the specific epithet. Option (4) is incorrect as it implies two specific epithets.
3. Why scientific nomenclature are given in Latin or Greek languages ?
Explanation: Scientific names are given in Latin or Greek because these are “dead languages,” meaning they are no longer spoken commonly and thus do not evolve or change over time. This ensures stability and universality in scientific naming.
4. Plant classification proposed by Carolus Linnaeus was artificial because it was based on: –
Explanation: Linnaeus’s classification system was considered artificial because it primarily relied on a limited number of easily observable morphological characters, such as the number of stamens and pistils, rather than a comprehensive set of characteristics or evolutionary relationships.
5. Read carefully and find correct statement : –
Explanation: All living organisms are composed of cells, making cellular organization a fundamental and exceptionless defining characteristic of life. Metabolism occurs in all living organisms, including prokaryotes. Viruses do not show metabolism independently. Metabolic reactions can be demonstrated in vitro (test-tube) but are not considered living reactions outside a cell.
Advertisement (Replace with your AdSense code)
6. Which of the following character forms the basis of modern taxonomic studies?
Explanation: Modern taxonomic studies are comprehensive, considering a wide range of characteristics including cellular structure, developmental processes, ecological information, external and internal structure, and genetic information to establish relationships between organisms.
7. Which of the following are mutually exclusive events in majority of higher plants and animals?
Explanation: In higher organisms (both plants and animals), growth and reproduction are generally mutually exclusive events. Growth refers to an increase in mass and number of cells in an individual, while reproduction is the production of offspring. While both are characteristics of living organisms, they are distinct processes in multicellular organisms. In unicellular organisms, growth and reproduction can be synonymous (e.g., cell division leads to both).
8. Increase in mass and increase in number of individuals are twin characters of : –
Explanation: Growth is defined by two main characteristics: an increase in mass and an increase in the number of individuals (especially in the context of unicellular organisms or cell proliferation in multicellular ones).
9. The brain dead coma patient who is supported by machines which replace heart and lungs has: –
Explanation: A brain-dead coma patient, while still exhibiting some basic physiological functions (supported by machines), lacks self-consciousness (awareness of oneself). However, they may still exhibit a basic level of consciousness in terms of responding to stimuli, even if minimal, or maintaining internal body functions. The question implies a state where basic life support maintains physiological processes, which are part of consciousness, but higher-order self-awareness is absent.
10. Which classification is also known as cladistic classification?
Explanation: Cladistic classification, or cladistics, is a method of classifying organisms based on their evolutionary relationships, specifically shared derived characteristics (synapomorphies). This is synonymous with phylogenetic classification, which aims to group organisms based on their common ancestry.
Advertisement (Replace with your AdSense code)
11. Which of the following plant group is most advanced according to phylogeny?
Explanation: Angiosperms (flowering plants) are considered the most advanced group of plants phylogenetically due to their highly evolved reproductive structures (flowers), efficient seed dispersal mechanisms, and diverse adaptations.
12. Which of the following is a fundamental unit of taxonomy ?
Explanation: Species is considered the fundamental unit of taxonomy. It represents a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
13. Which one of the following includes all the others ?
Explanation: In the taxonomic hierarchy (Kingdom, Phylum/Division, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species), Class is a broader category that includes multiple Orders, which in turn include Families, Genera, and Species. Therefore, Class includes all the other options listed.
14. Which of the following is not true for a species?
Explanation: Gene flow *does* occur between populations of the same species, as members of a species can interbreed. This exchange of genetic material helps maintain the species’ genetic integrity. The other statements are generally true for a species.
15. Consider the following statements (A – D) : –
(A) Biological names are Latinised or derived from Latin irrespective of their origin.
(B) Animals, mammals and dogs are different taxa at the different level
(C) By using artificial system of classification, we can get evolutionary relations in organisms.
(D) Bacteria cannot be considered as biological species according to the biological concept of species
Which of the above statements(s) are correct?
Explanation: (A) Biological names are indeed Latinized or derived from Latin for universality and stability. (Correct) (B) Animals (Kingdom), Mammals (Class), and Dogs (Species/Genus) represent different taxonomic levels. (Correct) (C) Artificial systems of classification are based on a few superficial characters and do not reflect evolutionary relationships. (Incorrect) (D) The biological concept of species defines species based on interbreeding and fertile offspring. Bacteria reproduce asexually, so this concept cannot be applied to them. (Correct) Therefore, A, B, and D are correct.
Advertisement (Replace with your AdSense code)
16. Animals, dogs and mammals represent
Explanation: “Animals” refers to the Kingdom Animalia, “mammals” refers to the Class Mammalia, and “dogs” refers to the genus *Canis* (or species *Canis familiaris*). These are all taxonomic groups (taxa) but at different hierarchical levels.
17. Living organisms exhibit distinctive characteristics to differentiate from non living objects. Which one of the following statements can be considered as defining property of living things ?
Explanation: The ability to sense their surroundings and respond to environmental stimuli (consciousness/responsiveness) is a defining property of living organisms. Growth (increase in mass) can also occur in non-living objects (e.g., mountains). While reproduction is a characteristic, it’s not a defining property because some living organisms (e.g., mules) cannot reproduce. Metabolic reactions in a test tube are not considered living.
18. First step of taxonomy is –
Explanation: The first step in taxonomy is characterization, which involves understanding the characteristics of an organism. This is followed by identification (determining if it’s known or new), nomenclature (naming it), and finally classification (placing it into a group).
19. Study of diversity of organisms and evolutionary relationship amongst them on the basis of all possible characters is called as –
Explanation: Systematics is the study of the diversity of organisms and all their comparative and evolutionary relationships. Taxonomy is a part of systematics that deals with classification, nomenclature, and identification.
20. Growth can not be taken as a defining property of living organisms because –
Explanation: Growth is not a defining property of living organisms because non-living objects (like mountains or sand dunes) can also “grow” by the accumulation of material on their surface. True growth in living organisms is intrinsic, from within.
Advertisement (Replace with your AdSense code)
21. Which statement is incorrect w.r.t. genus?
Explanation: The statement “It has more characters in common in comparison to species of other genera” is incorrect. A genus is a group of related species. Species within the *same* genus share more common characters than species belonging to *different* genera. Potato (*Solanum tuberosum*) and brinjal (*Solanum melongena*) both belong to the genus *Solanum*, so option (4) is also incorrect as per the provided answer key, but the question asks for the incorrect statement *w.r.t. genus*. The provided answer key states (4) is the correct answer, implying that “Potato and brinjal belong to different genus” is the incorrect statement about genus. Let’s re-evaluate. * (1) Correct. A genus can have multiple species (specific epithets). * (2) Correct. A genus is a group of related species. * (3) Correct. Species within the same genus share more common characters than species of other genera. * (4) Incorrect. Potato (*Solanum tuberosum*) and brinjal (*Solanum melongena*) both belong to the same genus, *Solanum*. Therefore, the statement “Potato and brinjal belong to different genus” is false. The question asks for the *incorrect* statement. So, (4) is the incorrect statement.
22. Which of the following is not a rule for binomial nomenclature?
Explanation: Binomial nomenclature consists of two parts: the generic name and the specific epithet, both typically Latinized. It does not involve a “Roman word” in addition to two Latin words. The other options are generally true rules or conventions in nomenclature.
23. Which suffix is used for ‘class’ according to international code of Botanical Nomenclature?
Explanation: According to the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN), suffixes like ‘-phyceae’ (for algae) and ‘-opsida’ (for plants) are used for Class. ‘-ales’ is typically used for Order. Therefore, more than one option is correct for Class.
24. Find odd one out w.r.t. taxonomic categories
Explanation: Primata, Diptera, and Poales are all Orders (ending in -ata or -ales). Monocotyledonae is a Class (specifically, a subclass or class within Angiospermae). Thus, Monocotyledonae is the odd one out as it represents a different taxonomic rank.
25. Select the incorrect match
Taxon Category
(1) Insecta – Class
(2) Tiger – Species
(3) Cruciferae – Family
(4) Orchid – Order
Explanation: (1) Insecta is indeed a Class. (Correct match) (2) Tiger (*Panthera tigris*) is a species. (Correct match) (3) Cruciferae (now Brassicaceae) is a Family. (Correct match) (4) Orchid refers to plants of the family Orchidaceae, not an Order. The Order for orchids is Asparagales. Therefore, “Orchid – Order” is an incorrect match.
Advertisement (Replace with your AdSense code)
26. Which of the following are the defining features of living organisms?
Explanation: Metabolism and cellular organization are defining features of living organisms because they are present in all living organisms without exception, and do not occur in non-living things in the same way. Growth and reproduction are characteristics but not defining properties as they can have exceptions (e.g., non-living growth, sterile organisms). Consciousness is a defining feature, but option (1) includes reproduction which is not universally defining.
27. Which of the following criteria form the basis of modern taxonomic studies?
Explanation: Modern taxonomic studies are comprehensive and consider a multitude of criteria, including developmental processes, ecological information, external and internal structure, cellular structure, and genetic information. Therefore, all the listed options contribute to the basis of modern taxonomy.
28. All given are related to the taxonomic hierarchy of mango, except
Explanation: Mango (*Mangifera indica*) belongs to the Family Anacardiaceae, Class Dicotyledonae, and Division Angiospermae. Poales is an Order of monocotyledonous plants (like grasses), which is not related to mango.
29. Suffixes like – phyceae, – ae and – opsida are used for the category called –
Explanation: As mentioned in Q23, suffixes like ‘-phyceae’ (for algae) and ‘-opsida’ (for plants) are used for the taxonomic category Class. The suffix ‘-ae’ is also used for some plant classes (e.g., Magnoliopsida).
30. Which one of the following pair of taxa constitute or form the same taxonomic category?
Explanation: (1) *Solanum* is a genus, Solanaceae is a family. (Different categories) (2) Convolvulaceae and Solanaceae are both plant families. (Same category) (3) Felidae is a family, Carnivora is an order. (Different categories) (4) *Triticum* (wheat) and *Pisum* (pea) are both genera. (Same category, but the provided answer key states (2). Let’s re-check the question and options. The question asks for a *pair* of taxa that constitute the *same taxonomic category*. Both (2) and (4) fit this description. However, adhering to the provided answer key, (2) is the intended answer. It’s possible the question implies a specific level or commonality. Convolvulaceae and Solanaceae are both families within the same order (Solanales), making them closely related at the family level.) **Re-evaluation based on provided answer key:** The answer key states (2). Both Convolvulaceae and Solanaceae are families. *Triticum* and *Pisum* are both genera. Both options (2) and (4) represent taxa in the same category. Without further context or clarification, it’s ambiguous. However, adhering to the provided answer key, (2) is the correct choice.
Advertisement (Replace with your AdSense code)
31. No names are recognised prior to those used by Linnaeus in 1758 in the 10 th edition of
Explanation: The 10th edition of Linnaeus’s *Systema Naturae*, published in 1758, is considered the starting point for zoological nomenclature. For botanical nomenclature, *Species Plantarum* (1753) is the starting point. Given the options and the general context of Linnaeus’s work, *Systema Naturae* is the correct answer for the 1758 reference.
32. Process by which anything is grouped into convenient categories based on some easily observable characters called
Explanation: Classification is the process of grouping organisms into convenient categories based on observable characteristics.
33. Match the column I with column II .
Column I Column Il
a. Dicotyledonae (i) Phylum
b. Arthropoda (ii) Class
c. Diptera (iii) Family
d. Anacardiaceae (iv) Order
Explanation: a. Dicotyledonae is a Class. (a-ii) b. Arthropoda is a Phylum. (b-i) c. Diptera is an Order. (c-iv) d. Anacardiaceae is a Family. (d-iii) Matching these gives option (2).
34. Biological concept of species given by Ernst Mayr cannot be applied to –
Explanation: The biological concept of species, proposed by Ernst Mayr, defines a species as a group of individuals that can interbreed in nature and produce fertile offspring. This concept relies on sexual reproduction and gene flow, and therefore cannot be applied to organisms that reproduce exclusively by asexual methods (e.g., bacteria, some fungi, and plants).
35. Growth and reproduction are mutually exclusive events in
Explanation: In unicellular organisms, growth (increase in cell mass) and reproduction (cell division) are often synonymous. However, in the majority of higher multicellular animals and plants, growth is an increase in the size and number of cells within an individual, while reproduction is the process of producing new individuals, making them mutually exclusive events for the individual.
Advertisement (Replace with your AdSense code)
36. Read the following statements:
(A) All organisms are aware of their surroundings.
(B) Isolated metabolic reactions in – vitro are not living reactions.
Explanation: (A) All organisms, from the simplest bacteria to complex humans, sense and respond to their environment. This is a defining characteristic of life (consciousness/responsiveness). (Correct) (B) Isolated metabolic reactions in vitro (e.g., in a test tube) are *living reactions* but they are not *living things*. They are biochemical reactions characteristic of life. The statement says they are *not* living reactions, which is incorrect. (Incorrect) Therefore, only statement (A) is correct.
37. Which of the following are twin characteristics of growth?
Explanation: The twin characteristics of growth are an increase in mass (due to accumulation of protoplasm) and an increase in the number of individuals (in unicellular organisms) or cells (in multicellular organisms).
38. Taxonomy in which number and codes are assigned to all the characters and the data are processed using computers is
Explanation: Phenetics (also known as numerical taxonomy) is a classification system that groups organisms based on overall similarity, using a large number of characters that are assigned numerical values and processed by computers. It does not necessarily reflect evolutionary relationships.
39. A taxon as a group of related species with more common characters is represented by which one of the following group of organisms?
Explanation: Lion (*Panthera leo*), tiger (*Panthera tigris*), and leopard (*Panthera pardus*) all belong to the same genus, *Panthera*. A genus is a group of related species sharing more common characters. (1) Radish, cabbage, and cauliflower are all different species within the family Brassicaceae, but often in different genera. (2) Tomato (*Solanum lycopersicum*), potato (*Solanum tuberosum*), and chilli (*Capsicum annuum*) are from different genera (*Solanum* and *Capsicum*), though within the same family (Solanaceae). (4) Cat (*Felis catus*), dog (*Canis familiaris*), and mice (*Mus musculus*) belong to different genera and even different families/orders.
40. In which one of the following options the two taxonomic categories given are correctly matched with their organism ?
Taxonomic categories organism
(1) Diptera and Felidae – Musca
(2) Solanaceae and polymoniales – Datura
(3) Canidae and Primata – Gibbon
(4) Triticum and Sapindales – Wheat
Explanation: (1) Diptera (Order) is for flies like *Musca*, but Felidae (Family) is for cats, not flies. (Incorrect) (2) *Datura* belongs to the Family Solanaceae, and Solanaceae is part of the Order Polymoniales. (Correct) (3) Canidae (Family) is for dogs, Primata (Order) is for primates like Gibbon. While Gibbon is a primate, Canidae is not its family. (Incorrect) (4) *Triticum* (wheat) is a genus, but it belongs to the Order Poales, not Sapindales. (Incorrect)
Advertisement (Replace with your AdSense code)
41. External and internal structure along with the structure of cell, development process and ecological information’s of organism are essential and form the basis of –
Explanation: Modern taxonomic studies are comprehensive, integrating all available information including external and internal morphology, cellular structure, developmental processes, ecological data, and genetic information to classify organisms. Older systems were often based on fewer characters.
42. Select odd one w.r.t. family –
Explanation: Muscidae (flies), Felidae (cats), and Anacardiaceae (mango family) are all taxonomic families (ending in -idae for animals, -aceae for plants). Diptera is an Order (for flies), not a family. Therefore, Diptera is the odd one out.
43. Find odd one w.r.t. defining features of life forms.
Explanation: Consciousness, metabolism, and intrinsic growth (growth from within) are considered defining features of life because they are universally present in all living organisms and do not occur in non-living things in the same manner. Reproduction, while a characteristic of life, is not a *defining* feature because there are living organisms (e.g., sterile individuals like mules) that cannot reproduce.
Quiz Results
Total Questions:
Correct Answers:
Incorrect Answers:
Unattempted:
Share your FriendsThank you for participating in the quiz! 🎉
👉 Please comment your score below
📝 Feel free to share any suggestions or feedback
⚠️ If you found any errors in the questions, do let us know!📲 Join our WhatsApp channel for daily quiz updates and never miss a chance to test your knowledge!
29 score
Good