Thursday, July 30, 2026
What is Living 2
Part 1 (Questions 41–50)
Q41. Which one of the following books was written by Linnaeus?
Options:
(a) Systema Naturae
(b) Historia Plantarum
(c) Historia Naturalis
(d) All of these
Answer: (a) Systema Naturae
Explanation:
Carolus Linnaeus, known as the Father of Taxonomy, wrote Systema Naturae, in which he introduced the modern system of classification and binomial nomenclature.
Historia Plantarum was written by Theophrastus.
Historia Naturalis was written by Pliny the Elder.
Therefore, the correct answer is (a).
Q42. The scope of systematics includes
Options:
(a) Identification
(b) Nomenclature
(c) Classification
(d) All of these
Answer: (d) All of these
Explanation:
Systematics is the study of the diversity of organisms and their relationships. It includes:
Identification – recognizing organisms.
Nomenclature – assigning scientific names.
Classification – arranging organisms into categories.
Hence, all the above are included in systematics.
Q43. Organisms are classified according to the
Options:
(a) Similarities among individuals only
(b) Dissimilarities among individuals only
(c) Appearances in biological world
(d) Similarities and dissimilarities among individuals
Answer: (d) Similarities and dissimilarities among individuals
Explanation:
Classification is based on both similarities and differences among organisms. Scientists compare morphological, anatomical, physiological, genetic, and evolutionary characteristics before placing organisms into different taxa.
Q44. A taxonomic category refers to
Options:
(a) The basic unit of classification
(b) A rank or level in taxonomic hierarchy
(c) A group of related organisms able to interbreed
(d) A group of related organisms that are unable to interbreed freely
Answer: (b) A rank or level in taxonomic hierarchy
Explanation:
A taxonomic category is a rank in the hierarchy, such as species, genus, family, order, class, phylum/division, and kingdom.
Species is the basic unit of classification, but category refers to any rank.
Q45. The term 'taxon' is used for
Options:
(a) The ranks of species and genus
(b) The ranks up to phylum
(c) The species epithet only
(d) Any rank of taxonomic hierarchy
Answer: (d) Any rank of taxonomic hierarchy
Explanation:
A taxon is any taxonomic unit or category. It may represent a species, genus, family, order, class, phylum, or kingdom.
Therefore, every rank in the hierarchy is called a taxon.
Q46. Which term can be used for any taxonomic rank?
Options:
(a) Class
(b) Taxon
(c) Family
(d) Cohort
Answer: (b) Taxon
Explanation:
The word taxon is a general term used for any category in biological classification.
Examples:
Species is a taxon.
Genus is a taxon.
Family is a taxon.
Hence, Taxon is the correct answer.
Q47. Basic unit or smallest taxon of classification is
Options:
(a) Species
(b) Kingdom
(c) Family
(d) Variety
Answer: (a) Species
Explanation:
A species is the smallest and most fundamental unit of classification.
Members of a species:
resemble one another,
can interbreed naturally,
produce fertile offspring.
Therefore, species is called the basic unit of classification.
Q48. The basic unit upon which the systems of classification are based is
Options:
(a) Species
(b) Genus
(c) Order
(d) Family
Answer: (a) Species
Explanation:
Classification begins with the identification of species. Higher categories such as genus, family, and order are formed by grouping related species.
Hence, species is the foundation of biological classification.
Q49. Which of the following statements is incorrect?
Options:
(a) Biodiversity is the occurrence of variety of life forms differing in morphology, anatomy, habitats and habits.
(b) Systematics is the branch of biology that deals with cataloguing plants, animals and other organisms into categories that can be named, remembered, compared and studied.
(c) Classification is the branch of biology that deals with principles and procedures of identification and nomenclature of organisms.
(d) Taxonomical studies help in identifying similarities and dissimilarities among individuals of the same kind of organisms as well as of other kinds of organisms.
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Option (c) is incorrect because it describes taxonomy, not classification.
Taxonomy deals with identification, nomenclature, and classification.
Classification specifically means arranging organisms into different groups based on similarities and differences.
Thus, option (c) is the incorrect statement.
Q50. Amongst all the categories, the only taxon that exists in nature as a biologically cohesive unit is
Options:
(a) Species
(b) Genus
(c) Phylum or Division
(d) Kingdom
Answer: (a) Species
Explanation:
A species is the only natural and biologically cohesive unit because:
its members naturally interbreed,
produce fertile offspring,
share a common gene pool.
Higher categories such as genus, family, and kingdom are man-made groupings used for classification.
Therefore, species is the only taxon that exists as a biologically cohesive unit in nature.
Part 2 (Questions 51–60)
Q51. A species consists of a population which is
Options:
(a) Sharing the same niche
(b) Interbreeding
(c) Feeding over the same food
(d) Geographically isolated
Answer: (b) Interbreeding
Explanation:
A species is defined as a group of similar organisms that can interbreed naturally and produce fertile offspring. Sharing the same habitat or food is not enough to define a species.
Q52. Assertion–Reason
Assertion: Each genus may have one or more than one specific epithets representing different organisms.
Reason: Many species belonging to the same genus have similarity in morphological characteristics.
Options:
(a) Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false but reason is true.
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
The assertion is true because a genus can include many species, each having a different specific epithet (e.g., Panthera leo, Panthera tigris).
The reason is also true. Species placed in the same genus resemble each other in many morphological characters, which is why they are grouped together. Thus, the reason correctly explains the assertion.
Q53. In biological terminology, a group of similar organisms which are capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring is
Options:
(a) Species
(b) Genus
(c) Tribe
(d) Family
Answer: (a) Species
Explanation:
The ability to interbreed and produce fertile offspring is the defining feature of a species.
Q54. Genus is a group of similar and related
Options:
(a) Classes
(b) Phyla
(c) Species
(d) Orders
Answer: (c) Species
Explanation:
A genus consists of one or more closely related species that share many common characteristics.
Example:
Panthera leo (lion)
Panthera tigris (tiger)
Panthera pardus (leopard)
All belong to the genus Panthera.
Q55. A collection of related species which bear a close resemblance to one another in the morphological characters of the floral parts constitute a
Options:
(a) Family
(b) Variety
(c) Genus
(d) Division
Answer: (a) Family
Explanation:
A family is formed by grouping together related genera that share similarities, especially in reproductive (floral) characters in plants.
Example:
Family Solanaceae includes the genera Solanum, Petunia, and Datura.
Q56. Select the incorrect statement with respect to the category 'genus'.
Options:
(a) It is a group or assemblage of related species.
(b) The category genus is higher than that of family.
(c) Lion, tiger and leopard are closely related species placed in the genus Panthera.
(d) Solanum, Panthera, Felis and Canis are examples of genera.
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
The taxonomic hierarchy is:
Species → Genus → Family → Order → Class → Phylum/Division → Kingdom
Therefore, family is higher than genus, not the other way around.
Hence, option (b) is incorrect.
Q57. In taxonomic hierarchy, cats are placed under the genus
Options:
(a) Felis
(b) Panthera
(c) Canis
(d) None of these
Answer: (a) Felis
Explanation:
The domestic cat is Felis catus, so its genus is Felis.
Panthera includes lion, tiger, leopard, and jaguar.
Canis includes dog, wolf, and jackal.
Q58. The taxonomic category below the level of family is
Options:
(a) Class
(b) Kingdom
(c) Phylum
(d) Genus
Answer: (d) Genus
Explanation:
The taxonomic hierarchy is:
Kingdom → Phylum/Division → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species
Thus, the category immediately below family is genus.
Q59. In a taxonomic hierarchy, genus is interpolated between
Options:
(a) Kingdom and class
(b) Phylum and order
(c) Order and species
(d) Family and species
Answer: (d) Family and species
Explanation:
The sequence is:
Family → Genus → Species
Therefore, genus lies between family and species.
Q60. Which is the odd one in the following series?
Options:
(a) Leopard
(b) Lion
(c) Tiger
(d) Cat
Answer: (d) Cat
Explanation:
Leopard (Panthera pardus)
Lion (Panthera leo)
Tiger (Panthera tigris)
All belong to the genus Panthera.
The domestic cat belongs to the genus Felis (Felis catus), making it the odd one out.
Part 3 (Questions 61–70)
Q61. Which of the following is less general in characters as compared to genus?
Options:
(a) Species
(b) Division
(c) Class
(d) Family
Answer: (a) Species
Explanation:
In taxonomy, as we move from higher to lower categories, organisms share more common characters.
Hierarchy:
Kingdom → Phylum/Division → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species
Since species is below genus, it is less general and has more specific characteristics than genus.
Q62. In a taxonomic hierarchy, family is interpolated between
Options:
(a) Kingdom and class
(b) Class and order
(c) Order and genus
(d) Class and genus
Answer: (c) Order and genus
Explanation:
The correct hierarchy is:
Kingdom → Phylum → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species
Therefore, family lies between order and genus.
Q63. If a new species of Genus Petunia is found, in which family will it be placed?
Options:
(a) Convolvulaceae
(b) Solanaceae
(c) Anacardiaceae
(d) Poales
Answer: (b) Solanaceae
Explanation:
The genus Petunia belongs to the family Solanaceae, which also includes:
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Potato (Solanum tuberosum)
Brinjal (Solanum melongena)
Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)
Therefore, any new species of Petunia will also belong to Solanaceae.
Q64. Assertion–Reason
Assertion: Family is characterised by only reproductive features of species.
Reason: Cats belong to Family Felidae.
Options:
(a) Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation.
(c) Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false but reason is true.
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
Assertion is false. Families are characterised by both vegetative and reproductive characters. In plants, reproductive (especially floral) characters are important, but not the only basis.
Reason is true. Cats are correctly placed in the family Felidae.
Hence, assertion is false but reason is true.
Q65. Which of the following taxonomic categories includes all the others?
Options:
(a) Family
(b) Order
(c) Genus
(d) Species
Answer: (b) Order
Explanation:
Hierarchy:
Order > Family > Genus > Species
An order contains several related families, so it includes all the lower categories listed.
Q66. The name of a plant order usually ends with
Options:
(a) –aceae
(b) –ales
(c) –idae
(d) –ae
Answer: (b) –ales
Explanation:
Standard suffixes in plant taxonomy:
Order → –ales (e.g., Rosales, Polemoniales)
Family → –aceae (e.g., Solanaceae, Fabaceae)
Therefore, the correct suffix for a plant order is –ales.
Q67. Solanaceae are included in the order Polemoniales mainly based on the
Options:
(a) Floral characters
(b) Vegetative characters
(c) Shape of calyx
(d) Presence and absence of bracts
Answer: (a) Floral characters
Explanation:
According to NCERT, families are placed into orders mainly on the basis of floral (reproductive) characters, which are more stable than vegetative characters.
Thus, Solanaceae is placed in the order Polemoniales mainly due to similarities in floral characters.
Q68. Two organisms are present in the same class but not in the same family. They may belong to same
Options:
(a) Genus
(b) Species
(c) Variety
(d) Order
Answer: (d) Order
Explanation:
If two organisms belong to the same class, they can belong to different orders and families.
However, if they are not in the same family, they cannot belong to the same genus or species.
Thus, they may belong to the same order.
Q69. Which of the following taxonomic categories includes one or more related orders?
Options:
(a) Species
(b) Genus
(c) Family
(d) Class
Answer: (d) Class
Explanation:
The hierarchy is:
Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species
A class consists of one or more related orders.
Example:
Class Mammalia includes the orders Primata, Carnivora, Cetacea, etc.
Q70. 'Aves' taxonomically represent a
Options:
(a) Family
(b) Order
(c) Class
(d) Phylum
Answer: (c) Class
Explanation:
Aves is the class of birds.
Examples:
Sparrow
Pigeon
Peacock
Eagle
All belong to Class Aves under Phylum Chordata.
Part 4 (Questions 71–78)
Q71. Class contains related
Options:
(a) Orders
(b) Phylums
(c) Families
(d) Kingdoms
Answer: (a) Orders
Explanation:
A class is made up of one or more related orders.
Taxonomic hierarchy:
Kingdom → Phylum/Division → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species
For example:
Class Mammalia includes the orders Primata, Carnivora, Cetacea, etc.
Hence, the correct answer is orders.
Q72. In which order will you place gorilla?
Options:
(a) Carnivora
(b) Diptera
(c) Sapindales
(d) Primata
Answer: (d) Primata
Explanation:
Gorillas are mammals belonging to the order Primata.
Their classification is:
Kingdom – Animalia
Phylum – Chordata
Class – Mammalia
Order – Primata
Family – Hominidae
Genus – Gorilla
Therefore, the correct answer is Primata.
Q73. Select the incorrect statements.
Statements:
A. Lower the taxon, more are the characteristics that the members within the taxon share.
B. Order is the assemblage of genera which exhibit a few similar characteristics.
C. Cat and dog are included in the same family Felidae.
D. All organisms including those in the plant and animal kingdoms have species as the lowest category.
Options:
(a) A, B and C
(b) B, C and D
(c) A and D
(d) B and C
Answer: (d) B and C
Explanation:
A – Correct. Lower taxonomic categories contain organisms with more common characteristics.
B – Incorrect. An order is an assemblage of families, not genera.
C – Incorrect. Cat belongs to Felidae, whereas dog belongs to Canidae.
D – Correct. Species is the lowest basic taxonomic category.
Hence, the incorrect statements are B and C.
Q74. Select the mismatched pair.
Options:
(a) Panthera leo — Belongs to Class Mammalia
(b) Musca domestica — The common house lizard, a reptile
(c) Petunia — Belongs to Family Solanaceae
(d) Solanum tuberosum — A dicotyledonous plant
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
(a) Correct – Lion (Panthera leo) belongs to Class Mammalia.
(b) Incorrect – Musca domestica is the common housefly, an insect belonging to Class Insecta, not a house lizard.
(c) Correct – Petunia belongs to Family Solanaceae.
(d) Correct – Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a dicotyledonous plant.
Therefore, the mismatched pair is (b).
Q75. Match Column I with Column II and select the correct option.
Column I
P. Petunia
Q. Solanaceae
R. Polemoniales
S. Plantae
Column II
(i) Order
(ii) Family
(iii) Kingdom
(iv) Genus
Answer: (b) P-(iv), Q-(ii), R-(i), S-(iii)
Explanation:
Petunia → Genus (iv)
Solanaceae → Family (ii)
Polemoniales → Order (i)
Plantae → Kingdom (iii)
Thus, the correct matching is:
P-(iv), Q-(ii), R-(i), S-(iii)
Q76. Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding taxonomic categories?
Options:
(a) Chordates have dorsal hollow neural system.
(b) Taxonomists have also developed sub-categories.
(c) Mangifera belongs to Family Anacardiaceae.
(d) Family lies between class and order.
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
(a) Correct – Chordates possess a dorsal hollow nerve cord.
(b) Correct – Taxonomists have developed subcategories like subfamily, subclass, etc.
(c) Correct – Mango (Mangifera indica) belongs to Family Anacardiaceae.
(d) Incorrect – Family lies between order and genus, not between class and order.
Hence, (d) is the incorrect statement.
Q77. Which of the following statements is correct?
Options:
(a) Family has more common characters than genus.
(b) Order has more common characters than class.
(c) Genus has more common characters than species.
(d) Order has more common characters than family.
Answer: (b) Order has more common characters than class.
Explanation:
As we move down the taxonomic hierarchy, organisms share more common characteristics.
Hierarchy:
Kingdom → Phylum → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species
Therefore:
Order has more common characteristics than Class. ✔
Family has fewer common characters than genus. ✘
Genus has fewer common characters than species. ✘
Order has fewer common characters than family. ✘
Hence, option (b) is correct.
Q78. Which of the following categories possesses maximum number of related characters?
Options:
(a) Order
(b) Phylum
(c) Class
(d) Species
Answer: (d) Species
Explanation:
Members of the same species are the most similar because they:
share the maximum number of characteristics,
can interbreed naturally,
produce fertile offspring,
have the closest evolutionary relationship.
As we move upward in the hierarchy, similarities decrease.
Therefore, species possesses the maximum number of related characters.
Biology – The Living World
Part 1 (Questions 79–84)
Question 79
Question:
The ascending or descending arrangement of taxonomic categories is called
(a) Classification
(b) Taxonomy
(c) Hierarchy
(d) Key
Answer: (c) Hierarchy
Explanation:
Taxonomic categories are arranged from lower to higher or higher to lower levels in a fixed order. This arrangement is known as the taxonomic hierarchy.
Hierarchy:
Species → Genus → Family → Order → Class → Phylum/Division → Kingdom
Classification is the process of grouping organisms.
Taxonomy is the science of identification, nomenclature, and classification.
Key is a tool used for identifying organisms.
Question 80
Question:
Read the given statements and select the correct option.
Statement I: All animals belonging to different divisions are assigned to the highest category kingdom.
Statement II: Phylum Chordata contains animals having notochord and dorsal hollow neural system.
(a) Both statements I and II are true.
(b) Statement I is true but statement II is false.
(c) Statement I is false but statement II is true.
(d) Both statements I and II are false.
Answer: (c) Statement I is false but Statement II is true.
Explanation:
Statement I: False
Animals are classified into phyla, not divisions. The term division is used for plants. Therefore, the statement is incorrect.
Statement II: True
The phylum Chordata is characterized by:
Presence of a notochord
Dorsal hollow nerve cord (neural system)
Pharyngeal gill slits (at least during development)
Hence, Statement II is correct.
Question 81
Question:
Which one of the following statements is incorrect?
(a) indica, tuberosum and leo represent the specific epithets.
(b) Musca and Triticum represent the generic epithets.
(c) Monocotyledonae and Dicotyledonae are the two classes of Division Angiospermae.
(d) Class being a higher category is the assemblage of phylum.
Answer: (d) Class being a higher category is the assemblage of phylum.
Explanation:
(a) Correct. indica, tuberosum, and leo are specific epithets.
(b) Correct. Musca and Triticum are generic names (genus).
(c) Correct. Angiosperms are divided into Monocotyledonae and Dicotyledonae.
(d) Incorrect because a phylum consists of related classes, not the other way around. A class is made up of related orders.
Hence, option (d) is incorrect.
Question 82
Question:
Two animals belong to the same kingdom but different classes. They may belong to the same
(a) Phylum
(b) Order
(c) Division
(d) Species
Answer: (a) Phylum
Explanation:
Taxonomic hierarchy:
Kingdom → Phylum → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species
If two animals belong to different classes, they cannot belong to the same order, family, genus, or species. However, they may belong to the same phylum.
Example:
Frog – Class Amphibia
Human – Class Mammalia
Both belong to Phylum Chordata.
Question 83
Question:
Select the correct statement.
(a) An order includes related classes.
(b) Family comprises a group of related species which has more characters in common.
(c) Triticum aestivum comes under the order Sapindales.
(d) Families like Convolvulaceae and Solanaceae are included in the order Polemoniales mainly based on the floral characters.
Answer: (d) Families like Convolvulaceae and Solanaceae are included in the order Polemoniales mainly based on the floral characters.
Explanation:
(a) Incorrect. An order consists of related families, not classes.
(b) Incorrect. A family consists of related genera, not directly related species.
(c) Incorrect. Triticum aestivum (wheat) belongs to the order Poales, not Sapindales.
(d) Correct. Convolvulaceae and Solanaceae are grouped under Polemoniales because of similarities in their floral characteristics.
Question 84
Question:
Which of the following represents the correct sequence of various taxonomic categories?
(a) Class → Phylum → Order → Family → Genus → Species
(b) Division → Class → Family → Order → Genus → Species
(c) Division → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species
(d) Phylum → Order → Class → Family → Genus → Species
Answer: (c) Division → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species
Explanation:
The correct taxonomic hierarchy in plants is:
Kingdom → Division → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species
Since Kingdom is not included in the options, the correct sequence is:
Division → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species
Hence, option (c) is correct.
Biology – The Living World
Part 2 (Questions 85–90)
Question 85
Question:
In a taxonomic hierarchy, the number of common characters will increase when we go from
(a) Class to Order
(b) Species to Kingdom
(c) Genus to Species
(d) Kingdom to Species
Answer: (d) Kingdom to Species
Explanation:
As we move from higher taxonomic categories to lower categories, organisms become more closely related and share more characteristics.
Taxonomic hierarchy:
Kingdom → Phylum/Division → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species
Thus, moving from Kingdom to Species, the number of common characteristics increases, while the number of organisms decreases.
(a) Class → Order: Common characters increase, but this is only a part of the hierarchy.
(b) Species → Kingdom: Common characters decrease.
(c) Genus → Species: Common characters increase, but not across the entire hierarchy.
(d) Kingdom → Species correctly represents the overall trend.
Question 86
Question:
Which among the following has least similar characters?
(a) Family
(b) Class
(c) Genus
(d) Species
Answer: (b) Class
Explanation:
The higher the taxonomic category, the fewer the similarities among its members.
Order of similarity:
Species > Genus > Family > Order > Class > Phylum > Kingdom
Since Class is the highest category among the given options, organisms belonging to the same class have the least similarity.
Question 87
Question:
Match Column I with Column II and select the correct option.
| Column I | Column II |
|---|---|
| P. Housefly | (i) Musca domestica |
| Q. Potato | (ii) Solanum tuberosum |
| R. Leopard | (iii) Panthera pardus |
| S. Mango | (iv) Mangifera indica |
Options:
(a) P-(i), Q-(ii), R-(iii), S-(iv)
(b) P-(iv), Q-(ii), R-(i), S-(iii)
(c) P-(iii), Q-(i), R-(ii), S-(iv)
(d) P-(ii), Q-(i), R-(iv), S-(iii)
Answer: (a) P-(i), Q-(ii), R-(iii), S-(iv)
Explanation:
Scientific names:
Housefly → Musca domestica
Potato → Solanum tuberosum
Leopard → Panthera pardus
Mango → Mangifera indica
Hence the correct matching is:
P → (i)
Q → (ii)
R → (iii)
S → (iv)
Question 88
Question:
Study the following table which shows different organisms with their taxonomic categories. Select the correct option for A, B, C and D.
| Common Name | Family | Order | Class | Phylum/Division |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Man | Hominidae | Primata | Mammalia | A |
| Housefly | Muscidae | Diptera | B | Arthropoda |
| Mango | C | Sapindales | Dicotyledonae | Angiospermae |
| Wheat | Poaceae | Poales | D | Angiospermae |
Options:
(a) A–Chordata, B–Insecta, C–Anacardiaceae, D–Monocotyledonae
(b) A–Animalia, B–Arachnida, C–Anacardiaceae, D–Monocotyledonae
(c) A–Chordata, B–Arachnida, C–Polygonaceae, D–Monocotyledonae
(d) A–Non-chordata, B–Insecta, C–Anacardiaceae, D–Dicotyledonae
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
A: Human belongs to Phylum Chordata.
B: Housefly belongs to Class Insecta.
C: Mango belongs to Family Anacardiaceae.
D: Wheat is a monocot, so its class is Monocotyledonae.
Thus,
A = Chordata
B = Insecta
C = Anacardiaceae
D = Monocotyledonae
Question 89
Question:
Which one of the following is not a category?
(a) Phylum
(b) Species
(c) Class
(d) Glumaceae
Answer: (d) Glumaceae
Explanation:
Taxonomic categories include:
Kingdom
Phylum/Division
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species
Glumaceae is not a taxonomic category. It is an old family name formerly used for grasses (now Poaceae).
Hence, Glumaceae is not a taxonomic rank.
Question 90
Question:
Select the incorrect statement out of the following.
(a) All animals belonging to various phyla are assigned to the Kingdom Animalia.
(b) As we go higher from species to kingdom, number of common characteristics goes on increasing.
(c) Different classes comprising fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals together constitute the Phylum Chordata.
(d) Plant order Polemoniales includes the families like Solanaceae and Convolvulaceae based on the vegetative and floral characters.
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
(a) Correct. All animal phyla belong to Kingdom Animalia.
(b) Incorrect. As we move from species to kingdom, the number of common characteristics decreases, while diversity increases.
(c) Correct. Fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals belong to Phylum Chordata.
(d) Correct. Polemoniales includes Solanaceae and Convolvulaceae based mainly on vegetative and floral characters.
Therefore, option (b) is the incorrect statement.
Answer Key (Questions 85–90)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 85 | (d) Kingdom → Species |
| 86 | (b) Class |
| 87 | (a) |
| 88 | (a) |
| 89 | (d) Glumaceae |
| 90 | (b) |
Complete Answer Key (79–90):
79–(c), 80–(c), 81–(d), 82–(a), 83–(d), 84–(c), 85–(d), 86–(b), 87–(a), 88–(a), 89–(d), 90–(b).
Answer Key (Questions 79–84)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 79 | (c) Hierarchy |
| 80 | (c) Statement I is false but Statement II is true |
| 81 | (d) |
| 82 | (a) Phylum |
| 83 | (d) |
| 84 | (c) Division → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species |
Answer Key (Q71–Q78)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 71 | (a) |
| 72 | (d) |
| 73 | (d) |
| 74 | (b) |
| 75 | (b) |
| 76 | (d) |
| 77 | (b) |
| 78 | (d) |
Complete Answer Summary (Q41–Q78)
41–50: a, d, d, b, d, b, a, a, c, a
51–60: b, a, a, c, a, b, a, d, d, d
61–70: a, c, b, d, b, b, a, d, d, c
71–78: a, d, d, b, b, d, b, d
Answer Key (Q61–Q70)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 61 | (a) |
| 62 | (c) |
| 63 | (b) |
| 64 | (d) |
| 65 | (b) |
| 66 | (b) |
| 67 | (a) |
| 68 | (d) |
| 69 | (d) |
| 70 | (c) |
Answer Key (Q51–Q60)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 51 | (b) |
| 52 | (a) |
| 53 | (a) |
| 54 | (c) |
| 55 | (a) |
| 56 | (b) |
| 57 | (a) |
| 58 | (d) |
| 59 | (d) |
| 60 | (d) |
Answer Key (Q41–Q50)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 41 | (a) |
| 42 | (d) |
| 43 | (d) |
| 44 | (b) |
| 45 | (d) |
| 46 | (b) |
| 47 | (a) |
| 48 | (a) |
| 49 | (c) |
| 50 | (a) |
Friday, July 17, 2026
What is Living 1
NEET – What is Living? (NCERT Connector)
Complete Questions, Answer Key, and Explanations
Chapter: The Living World (Class 11 Biology, Latest NCERT)
Note: NCERT page numbers may differ slightly between printings. In the latest NCERT (2024–2025 edition), these topics are generally covered on Pages 1–8 of Chapter 1, The Living World.
1. Which biologist has been called "The Darwin of the 20th Century"?
NCERT Reference: Page 1 (Introduction)
Options
(a) Aristotle
(b) Carolus Linnaeus
(c) Ernst Mayr
(d) R.H. Whittaker
Answer:
✅ (c) Ernst Mayr
Explanation:
Ernst Mayr made outstanding contributions to evolutionary biology and is popularly known as the "Darwin of the 20th Century."
2. In plants, growth occurs ______ whereas in animals, ______.
NCERT Reference: Pages 2–3 (Growth)
Options
(a) only up to a certain age, continuously
(b) continuously, only up to a certain age
(c) continuously, continuously
(d) only up to a certain age, only up to a certain age
Answer:
✅ (b) continuously, only up to a certain age
Explanation:
Plants possess meristematic tissues that continue dividing throughout life. Animals generally grow only up to maturity.
3. Which two of the following features are known as the twin characteristics of growth?
NCERT Reference: Page 2
Statements:
Increase in mass
Increase in number of individuals
Cellular organization
Cellular differentiation
Options
(a) (1) and (2)
(b) (1) and (3)
(c) (2) and (3)
(d) (3) and (4)
Answer:
✅ (a) (1) and (2)
Explanation:
NCERT states that growth is characterized by:
Increase in mass
Increase in number of individuals
These are called the twin characteristics of growth.
4. Which of the following groups consists of organisms which multiply by fragmentation?
NCERT Reference: Page 3
Options
(a) Earthworm, Amoeba, fungi
(b) Earthworm, fungi, bacteria
(c) Fungi, filamentous algae, protonema of mosses
(d) Amoeba, Hydra, bacteria
Answer:
✅ (c) Fungi, filamentous algae, protonema of mosses
Explanation:
Fragmentation is an asexual mode of reproduction seen in:
Filamentous algae (e.g., Spirogyra)
Many fungi
Protonema stage of mosses
Earthworms and Amoeba do not reproduce by fragmentation.
5. Which of the following organisms do not reproduce?
NCERT Reference: Page 3
Options
(a) Mules
(b) Worker bees
(c) Infertile human females
(d) All of these
Answer:
✅ (d) All of these
Explanation:
These are exceptions to reproduction as a defining characteristic:
Mules are sterile.
Worker bees are sterile.
Infertile human females cannot reproduce.
6. Why cannot growth be taken as a defining property of living organisms?
NCERT Reference: Pages 2–3
Options
(a) Some living organisms do not show growth at all.
(b) In case of larvae, growth is not visible.
(c) Dormant seeds do not grow.
(d) Non-living objects also grow by increase in body mass.
Answer:
✅ (d) Non-living objects also grow by increase in body mass.
Explanation:
Living organisms grow internally by cell division.
Non-living objects (like mountains or crystals) may increase in size externally by accumulation of material.
Hence growth alone cannot define life.
7. Which of the following statements regarding the response of living organisms to external stimuli is correct?
NCERT Reference: Pages 4–5
Options
(a) External environmental stimuli can be physical, chemical or biological.
(b) All organisms from prokaryotes to complex eukaryotes respond to stimuli.
(c) Consciousness and response to stimuli are defining properties of living organisms.
(d) All of these
Answer:
✅ (d) All of these
Explanation:
NCERT clearly states:
Stimuli may be physical, chemical or biological.
All living organisms respond to them.
Consciousness and response to stimuli are defining properties of life.
8. Read the following statements.
NCERT Reference: Pages 2–6
(i) Increase in mass and increase in number of individuals are twin characteristics of growth.
(ii) Metabolic reactions can be demonstrated outside the body in isolated cell-free systems.
(iii) Response to stimuli is a defining property of living organisms.
Options
(a) (i) and (ii) only
(b) (ii) and (iii) only
(c) (i) and (iii) only
(d) (i), (ii) and (iii)
Answer:
✅ (d) (i), (ii) and (iii)
Explanation:
All three statements are directly supported by NCERT:
Growth is measured by increase in mass and number.
Metabolism can be demonstrated in vitro using cell-free systems.
Response to stimuli is a defining characteristic of life.
9. Match Column I with Column II.
NCERT Reference: Page 3
| Column I | Column II |
|---|---|
| A. Planaria | (i) Binary fission |
| B. Fungi | (ii) Asexual spores |
| C. Yeast | (iii) Budding |
| D. Amoeba | (iv) True regeneration |
| (v) Fragmentation |
Correct Matching
A → (iv) True regeneration
B → (ii) Asexual spores
C → (iii) Budding
D → (i) Binary fission
Answer:
✅ (b)
Explanation:
Planaria shows remarkable regeneration.
Fungi commonly reproduce by spores.
Yeast reproduces by budding.
Amoeba reproduces by binary fission.
10. A living organism is unexceptionally differentiated from a non-living structure on the basis of
NCERT Reference: Pages 4–6
Options
(a) Locomotion
(b) Growth and movement
(c) Response to stimuli
(d) None of these
Answer:
✅ (c) Response to stimuli
Explanation:
According to NCERT, the defining property of living organisms is their ability to sense and respond to environmental stimuli (consciousness/irritability). Growth and reproduction have exceptions, but responsiveness is universal in living organisms.
Answer Key
| 1. | (c) |
| 2. | (b) |
| 3. | (a) |
| 4. | (c) |
| 5. | (d) |
| 6. | (d) |
| 7. | (d) |
| 8. | (d) |
| 9. | (b) |
NEET– What is Living? & Diversity in the Living World (Questions 11–24)Complete Questions, Answer Key, and NCERT ExplanationsChapter: The Living World (Class 11 Biology, Latest NCERT) 11. Which of the following sets does not contain defining characteristics of living organisms?NCERT Reference: Pages 2–4 Options(a) Growth and reproduction (b) Metabolism and cellular level of organisation (c) Response to stimuli and consciousness (d) All of these Answer✅ (a) Growth and reproduction ExplanationAccording to NCERT:
Hence option (a) is correct. 12. Read the following statements and select the correct one(s).NCERT Reference: Pages 2–3 StatementsI. Unicellular organisms grow by cell division. II. Plants grow by cell division up to a particular stage of life. III. Animals exhibit growth throughout their lifespan. Options(a) I and III (b) II and III (c) I and II (d) I only Answer✅ (d) I only ExplanationStatement I ✔️ True
Statement II ✖️ False
Statement III ✖️ False
13. Read the given statements and state which ones are True (T) and False (F).NCERT Reference: Pages 2–4 StatementsA. In single-celled organisms, reproduction is synonymous with growth. ✔️ True Explanation: B. Cellular organisation of the body is the defining feature of life forms. ✔️ True Explanation: C. Metabolic reactions cannot be demonstrated outside the body in cell-free systems. ❌ False Explanation: D. All living organisms are linked to one another by sharing common genetic material to varying degrees. ✔️ True Explanation: Correct PatternT – T – F – T 14. The most obvious and defining feature of all living organisms isNCERT Reference: Pages 4–5 Options(a) Increase in size by cell division (b) Ability to reproduce sexually or asexually (c) Ability to sense their surroundings and respond to them (d) Presence of regeneration properties Answer✅ (c) Ability to sense their surroundings and respond to them ExplanationResponse to environmental stimuli (consciousness) is regarded by NCERT as the defining property of living organisms. Diversity in the Living World15. The scientific names ensure that each organism hasNCERT Reference: Page 4 Options(a) Many names region-wise (b) Only one name (c) Multiple names in different languages (d) One name in one language Answer✅ (b) Only one name ExplanationScientific names are universal. 16. Select the incorrect statement.NCERT Reference: Page 4 Options(a) Nomenclature is possible only after correct identification. (b) Scientific names ensure each organism has only one name. (c) Description of an organism enables people worldwide to identify it correctly. (d) Description is done before identification. Answer✅ (d) Description is done before identification. ExplanationCorrect sequence according to NCERT:
Description follows proper identification. 17. ICBN stands forNCERT Reference: Page 4 Options(a) International Code of Biological Naming (b) International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (c) International Class of Biological Nomenclature (d) International Classification of Biological Nomenclature Answer✅ (b) International Code of Botanical Nomenclature ExplanationICBN provides internationally accepted rules for naming plants. (Modern terminology is ICN, but NCERT and NEET continue to use ICBN in this chapter.) 18. ICZN stands forNCERT Reference: Page 4 Options(a) International Class of Zoological Naming (b) International Code for Zoological Naming (c) International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (d) International Classification of Zoological Naming Answer✅ (c) International Code of Zoological Nomenclature ExplanationICZN provides the universal rules for naming animals. 19. Which of the following is the correct abbreviation?NCERT Reference: Page 4 Options(a) ICBN – Indian Code for Botanical Nomenclature (b) ICZN – International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (c) ICBN – Indian Code for Botanical Naming (d) ICZN – International Coding of Zoological Naming Answer✅ (b) ICZN – International Code of Zoological Nomenclature ExplanationOnly option (b) gives the correct full form. 20. Which of the following holds true for scientific nomenclature?NCERT Reference: Page 4 Options(a) Naming organisms in English language (b) Giving every organism the same name worldwide (c) Naming organisms so that confusion is minimized (d) Naming organisms so that they are easy to pronounce Answer✅ (c) Naming organisms so that confusion is minimized ExplanationScientific nomenclature provides a unique and universally accepted name for every organism. 21. Founder of Binomial Nomenclature wasNCERT Reference: Page 4 Options(a) Linnaeus (b) Mendel (c) Darwin (d) Lamarck Answer✅ (a) Linnaeus ExplanationCarolus Linnaeus introduced the binomial system in the 18th century. 22. Most names in biological nomenclature are taken from which language?NCERT Reference: Page 4 Options(a) Hindi (b) Latin (c) German (d) French Answer✅ (b) Latin ExplanationScientific names are Latin or Latinised because Latin is a universal and stable language. 23. In binomial nomenclature, the second word representsNCERT Reference: Page 4 Options(a) Species (b) Genus (c) Race (d) Family Answer✅ (a) Species ExplanationExample: Homo sapiens
24. Which of the following statements regarding universal rules of binomial nomenclature is incorrect?NCERT Reference: Page 4 Options(a) Biological names are generally written in Latin and in italics. (b) The first word denotes genus and the second denotes species. (c) When handwritten, both words are underlined separately. (d) The specific epithet starts with a capital letter while the generic epithet starts with a small letter. Example: mangifera Indica. Answer✅ (d) ExplanationThe correct rule is:
Correct example: The option reverses this rule, making it incorrect. Answer Key (11–24)
| (c) 10 |