CHAPTER
THE LIVING WORLD
1
IN THIS UNIT. .
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CHAPTER PRACTICE TEST
The earth is a home of about 8.7 million
species of living beings. Living beings are
3
14,19 found in varied habitats like mountains,
oceans, forests, lakes, deserts and even hot
water springs. These show both, intra as well
10,19, 20
as interspecific ecological conflicts as well as
22 cooperative interactions. The life as seen and
23
felt today can hardly be defined or described.
Life appeared on earth millions of years ago.
The living possess certain characteristics
23
like :
24 1. Shape and size. Living beings have a
definite shape and size, which get modified to
27 some extent when growth occurs. Living
beings have been called as morphous (with
definite shape) while non-living objects are
28 called as amorphous (no definite shape).
2. Growth. Growth is characterised by
increase in mass and increase in number of
individuals. The growth of a living organism is
an internal and biological process controlled
29
by protoplasm. Non-living structures increase
29 their size mostly due to external factors
29
(accretion). Organisms grow due to cell
30
division. Plants, for growth show cell division
throughout the life. Animals show growth in
up to certain age. Growth hi living organisms
is called intussusceptional growth and is the
30
end result of metabolism going on in the
32
bodies of all living organisms.
32
3. Reproduction. All living organisms
32
have power of reproduction. It is the
33
capability to produce young ones of similar
35 kind. Organisms may reproduce by asexual
or sexual methods. Asexual reproduction
(budding) is observed in yeast, Hydra.
Regeneration is present in Planaria (flat worm).
Fragmentation is very common in many fungi,
filamentous algae and protonema of mosses.
The young ones grow become adult, which
again produce offspring in their turn. Thus the
continuation and multiplication of every
 Table 1. Differences between Anabolism and Catabolism.
Characters Anabolism
1. Definition It is sum total of constructive processes. It is sum total of destructive processes.
2. Energy change
potential energy.
kinetic energy.
3. Substances Complex substances are formed from simpler ones. Simpler substances are
formed from complex ones.
4. Energy Stored.
4. Metabolism. The protoplasm of a
living organism is formed of different types of
biomolecules which are continuously
consumed or synthesized or interchanged by
various types of chemical reactions,
collectively called metabolic reactions or
metabolism. Metabolic reactions may be
anabolic or catabolic. Feeding, digestion and
assimilation together constitute nutrition.
Nutrition in an organism results in the
production of more protoplasm and also in
addition in weight of the body. It is called
Catabolism
Kinetic energy is converted into
Potential energy is converted into
Released.
phase, which results in the formation of
complex substances from simpler ones e.g.
photosynthesis. Catabolism is a process of
breakdown. Here complex substances are
broken down into simpler ones e.g.
respiration. Respiration involves taking of
oxygen and production of carbon dioxide
along with energy. This energy is used for
carrying on various life activities. In the living
organisms, metabolic reactions are also
possible in vitro (i.e., cell-free system).
Metabolism is a peculiar characteristic of life
as no non-living object shows metabolism.
5. Cellular organisation. All living
organisms are made up of cells. Numerous
organelles of cell carry out variety of co-
ordinated functions. Cellular organisation is
the defining characteristic of the living
organisms as no non-living structure has
cellular nature.
6. Consciousness. Consciousness is
ability of organism to sense various
environmental (i.e., external) as well as
internal stimuli and to respond to them to
keep a balanced condition called
homeostasis. Consciousness is a defining
property of all the living organisms. Human
being is the only organism, who is aware of
himself i.e. self-consciousness. The reaction
or response by living organisms to the
changes in environment is called sensitivity.
7. Definite life cycle. The living beings
show a systematic and orderly cycle in their
life time starting from birth to death. Life cycle
involves birth, growth, reproduction,
senescence and death.
8. Movements. Animals are able to move
freely from one place to another. Most of the
plants do not exhibit clear movements. They
remain anchored to tire soil. They show
movements in the form of variations or
curvature.
9. Protoplasm. All living beings show vital
animals have nervous and hormonal systems
for self- regulation, while the higher plants
have only hormonal system for it.
11. Co-ordination. All the parts of an
organism co-ordinate and co-operate with
one another for better functioning of the body.
12. Genetic material. All living beings
bear genetic or hereditary material in the
form of DNA. It is responsible for expression
of traits hi organisms.
13. Adaptations. Adaptations are the
variations which help the Hvuig beings to
modify themselves and show perfect
harmony with changed surroundings.
14. Morphogenesis. Morphogenesis is
the development of germinal layers, organs
and other parts of an organism. During this
process, zygote forms blastula, blastula
changes into gastrula and gastrula forms a
miniature organism.
Activity-I
Welcome to the exciting and amazing
world of living things. Go outside and look
around you. Look at the sky, the soil, trees,
plants, people, animals. Nature is all around
you if you have the eyes to see it. Count how
many living things you can see.
What is it that makes living things
different from things that are not alive?
Briefly, some characters of living beings
are :
1. Living things are highly ordered.
2. Living things are organized into units
called cells.
3. Living things use energy from their
environment.
4. Living organisms respond to stimuli.
5. Living organisms always show
metabolism.
6. Living things reproduce themselves.
7. Living things contain genetic
information.
The group comprising the plants and
animals is so large and there are so many
variations that previously it was almost
have become extinct and still many have
evolved. Out of extinct species some have
been identified with the help of fossils.
The term biological diversity or
biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms
and habitats found in a defined area. UNEP
(1992) defines it "as the variety and
variability of all animals, plants and micro-
organisms and the ecological complexes of
which they are a part". The term biodiversity
was corned by W.G. Rosen (1983). Diversity
characterizes most living organisms, the our
earth supports 8.7 million species of plants
and animals which have been the result of 3
billion years of evolution involving mutation,
recombination and natural selection.
Biodiversity is an umbrella term covering
diversity at genetic, species and ecosystem
level. The convention on Biological Diversity
defines biodiversity as " The variability
among living organisms forms all sources
including, interalia terrestrial, marine and
other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological
complexes of which they are a part; this
includes diversity within species, between
species and of ecosystems." In short it refers
to the whole variety of life on earth.'
Biodiversity represents the totality of genes,
species and ecosystems of a region.
Table 2. Distribution of species of some major
groups of flora and fauna in India.
Group-wise species Distribution
Plants Number Animals Number
1. Bacteria 850 8. Lower groups 9979
2. Fungi 23,000 9. Mollusca 5042
3. Algae 2500 10. Arthropoda 57,525
4. Bryophytes 2564 11. Pisces(Fishes) 2546
12. Amphibia 428
5. Pteridophytes 1022 13. Reptiles 1228
6. Gymnosperms 64 14. Birds 204
7. Angiosperms 15,000 15. Mammals 372
It is the functional science which deals
with identification, nomenclature and
classification of different kinds of organisms
all over the world. The word taxonomy is
derived from two Greek words (taxis + nomos)
meaning classification and law. Term
taxonomy was corned by de Candolle.
 Phylogeny is the evolutionary lristory or
lineage of one or more groups of organisms.
It is based on tire study of fossils,
comparative anatomy and other branches of
study like genetics, developmental biology,
biochemistry, physiology, etc.
Basics of taxonomy are :
(i) Characterization
(ii) Identification
(iii) Classification
(iv) Nomenclature
The present method of classifying
organisms was originated by Carolous
Linnaeus, a Swedish naturalist in eighteenth
century. This linnean system of classification
has since become greatly elaborated and is
now in universal use. It is mainly based on
the fact organisms with similar body
construction belong to same classification
group, hi this classification evolutionary
inference is also made.
Closely related species are grouped
together in the next higher unit of
classification; the genus (pleural— genera).
The scientific names of plants and animals
consist of two words, the genus and the
species, given in Latin. This system of
naming organisms, called the binomial
system, was first used by Linnaeus. This type
of classification was based on their structural
similarities; but these similarities are due to
different gene pools. So, the modem
classification of plants and animals is linked
with evolutionary relationships and resembles
in many respects to the one given by
Linnaeus.
Present day complex organisms have
appeared from simpler ones during
geological time is further confirmed by
various fossils studies.
For animals and some plants, there is an
extensive fossil record that gives the clear-cut
idea of organic evolution and also provides
details of phylogeny. The fossil (L. fossilium —
something dug up) tells us not only about
bones, shells, teeth and other hard parts of
an animal or plant body which have been
preserved, but to any impression or traces
left by some previous organism. The science
Identification should not be confused with
classification. Identification means
determination of correct place of an organism
in a previously established plan of
classification. Classification is just like
grouping a collection of books in a large
library, keeping in mind the author and
subject of books for the first time. To find a
correct place to locate a new title is equal to
identification.
Speciation. The unit of classification in
both plants and animals is species. It is
difficult to give a definition of this term which
can be applied uniformly Throughout the
animal and plant kingdoms, but a species
may be defined as a population of individuals
with similar structural and functional
characteristics, which have common ancestry
and in nature breed only with each other. So,
the basic unit of classification is the species
(plural species). It is like in a library where
the book titles and in a dictionary words act
as basic units.
Systematics (Greek—systema). It is the
scientific study of kinds and diversity of
organisms and of any or all relationships
among them.
Or
It may be defined as a discipline which
deals the kinds and diversity of all organisms
and their existing relationships amongst
themselves.
Or
It is a study of classification of different
organisms and relationships amongst them.
It is based on the following fundamentals :
(i) Taxonomy. It is a functional science
which deals with identification, nomenclature
and classification of different kinds of
organisms all over the world. So, taxonomy is
the theory and practice of identifying and
classifying plants and animals. The word
taxonomy is derived from two Greek words
(taxis + nomos) meaning classification and law.
(ii) Classification. It is the system of
arrangement of organisms into groups
showing relationship, hi this, the various
plants and animals are kept in different
categories based on particular characters.
In other words, it is the placing of an
organism or a group of organisms in
categories according to a particular system
 ♦ lit Artificial Systems of Classification in which habit, habitat and a few
morphological characters are used for grouping or organisms. It was proposed by
Linnaeus.
♦ hi Natural Systems of Classification, organisms are arranged to their natural
affinities through the use of all important permanent characteristics particularly
structural, cytological, reproductive and biochemical. It was proposed by John
Ray.
♦ hi Phylogenetic Systems of Classification, evolutionary relationships of
organisms are brought out. It was proposed by Engler and Prantl.
♦ Numerical taxonomy (Phenetics) is also called Adansonian taxonomy and is
Genus is a group of species which resemble (f) Reproduction
with each oTher hi their structural and (g) Behaviour
functional characters. Species represents a (h) Biochemistry
group of individuals having morphological 1. Classical taxonomy. The branch of
characters hi common and which reproduce taxonomywhich
among themselves to produce their progeny. believes that individuals are mere expression
The name of Pipal is Ficus religiosa. The word
of same type
Ficus is genus and religiosa is species.
hi terms of morphological variations is called
(v) Key. A key provides a convenient way
for easy identification of an organism by classical
applying diagnostic or distinguishing taxonomy. Classical taxonomy orighiated
characters. with Plato.
Now-a-days systematics has gained a Support was provided by Aristotle (Father of
unique and important position hi Biological Zoology),
Sciences. Today it is being studied with other Theoplirastus (Father of Botany), Lhmaeus
branches of Biology such as hi the form of (Father of
'Cytotaxonomy', 'Ecological systematics', Taxonomy) and others.
'Molecular systematics', 'Biosystematics' and Interesting features of classical taxonomy
'Numerical taxonomy'. are :
Functions of biological classification or taxonomy are: (i) This type of classification is based
1. It recognises and describes the basic on few
taxonomic units or species. characters.
2. It tells a possible way of grouping these
(ii) Species are delimited on the basis
units on the basis of their resemblances and
relationships. of
As the species liave a common ancestor, morphological characters.
all the members of a species liave same (iii) Species are said to be immutable or
hereditary or genetic material. static.
(iv) Species are considered to be most
important for
Followhig are the principles and criteria study. Sub-units of species are not
for a taxonomist or systematist while considered
classifying an organism. important for taxonomical studies.
Classification is a mode of arranging (v) Few individuals of a species or their
organisms or group of organisms into preserved
categories according to a systematic plan as specimens are used for study. This
per nomenclature system. is called
Wliile examining the various topological concept.
characteristics, he should keep in mind the 2. Cytotaxonomy. Due to phylogenetic
various similarities and differences hi the studies, it
following fields : has been established that species is a
(a) Morphology (external characters)
 (i) Many individuals are studied to known
the variations.
(ii) Delimitation of species is done on die
basis of all types of biological
characters (biological delimitation).
(iii) Speices have been considered as
dynamic.
(iv) Sub-species, species, varieties,
races, populations, all are studied.
That is why modern taxonomy is
also known as population
systematics.
Nomenclature deals with the correct
naming. An organism must be known by the
same scientific name throughout the world.
Therefore, standardization of
organisms/plants names is very essential for
advancement of biological sciences.
Nomenclature means system of naming
of plants, animals and other objects. In every
nation different names are being used for
plants and animals in their own language.
The present system of binomial
nomenclature dates back from die time of
Linnaeus, who discussed it in 1753 in
Species Plantarum. Hie method was so
convenient to the biologists all over the world
that it was universally accepted. Candolle
(1813) in his 'Theorie elementaire dela
botanique' gave the significant works on
nomenclature after Liiuiaeus:
Advantages of common (vernacular) names
1. Vernacular names are brief e.g. Mirch
(Chilli), Onion, Goblii (Cabbage) etc.
2. Usually they represent a particular
Table 3. Differences between Classical taxonomy and Modern taxonomy.
Characters Classical taxonomy
taxonomy
1. Number of One or few individuals are
Individuals selected for study to describe
species
a species.
2. Charactersstudied Studyisbasedonmorphological
characters oidy.
3. Species type Static or fixed of evolution.
entity.
4. Type of classification Responsible for appearance
phylogenetic
4. They are usually easy to pronounce.
3. By common names, natives are able to
identify them easily.
Disadvantages of common (vernacular) names
1. All the animals and plants have not
been named.
2. Sometimes one animal or plant is given
different names in other parts of the world.
Bird 'gauraiya' in India is known by the name
house sparrow in England;
Pordal in Spain; Muscli in Holland;
Sezune in Japan. Similarly, bird partridge, in
India, is also known as Quat or Bobwhite.
3. A common name may include several
organisms e.g. 'Titlee' includes butterflies as
well as moth.
4. A common names are misleading e.g.
Cuttle fish, Jelly fish and Starfish are not
fishes. Sunflower capitulum is not a flower
but it is an inflorescence.
3. Plants and animals are known with
different names in different states and cities
of same country e.g. a plant is called China
rose in English, Gurhal in Hindi, Jaba in
Bengali and so on. Onion in EngHsh is pyaz in
Hindi and Bengali, vengayam in Tamil and irrulli
in Kamiada and so on.
6. No scientific basis lies for selecting a
common name.
Binomial nomenclature of plants and animals
According to this system every name
comprises of two words a substantive
'Genus' and an adjective 'Species'. Genus is
common to all the species. The name of the
species is based on some fixed and definite
characters. Most of generic names are Latin
and Greek words which usually indicate
some property possessed by plants or
animals. Sometimes generic names are also
given on the names of distinguished Botanist
Modern
Large number of individuals
are selected to describe a
Studyisbased on many fields.
Dynamic and everchanging
Deals with natural and
when they are indicative of important
personages e.g. Pinus roxburghi (after Prof.
Roxburgh). The name of the author is
described after the name of species e.g. Solanuin
tuberosum Linn. Obviously Linn, here refers to
Linnaeus. Other examples are Homo sapiens
Lhuiv Aloe barbadensis Mill. Sometimes specific
name can be given after a country or locality
International Code of Botanical and Zoological Nomenclature
In 1948, International Congress of
Zoology and hi 1950 International Botaiiical
Congress set the various rules for Binomial
nomenclature. To provide for
uniformity and to avoid confusions, 12th
International Congress at Leningrad in 1975,
laid down certain general principles of
nomenclature which were published hi 1978
hi the form of International Code of Botanical
Nomenclature (ICBN) and International Code
of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN).
Thishasbeen done, keeping hi mind to put
the nomenclature of the past in order. It also
provides right guidelines for future
nomenclature. Lanjouw gave the following
principles for classifying the plants :
1. Difficult and long generic names should
be avoided.
2. Species should not be identified due to
its size.
3. Colour should not be criterion for
difference.
4. Species should have a smaller name.
3. The name of the author should be
written after the specific name hi Roman type
and without comma between them.
6. The name should be easy to pronounce.
7. The name should refer to some
important character of the plant.
8. The name should not contain less than
three and more than twelve letters.
Advantages of the system
1. The biological names are the same all
over the world.
2. They are uniformly binomial.
3. They are definite and accepted
universally.
4. They are descriptive.
3. They indicate the general relationship.
Biological names have been derived
mostly from Lathi or Greek language. BoTh of
these are dead languages. Hence, there is no
chance of change in meaning of their words.
An hicorrect name can be easily set right.
All newly discovered plants and animals
can be named and described easily.
Classification is placing of an organism or
group of organisms hi categories accordhig
to a particular system and hi conformity with
 ADDITIONAL USEFUL INFORMATIONS ABOUT BINOMIAL NOMENCLATURE FOR
COMPETITIVE EXAMINATIONS
• Guiding principles of nomenclature
(i) Conect name. It should be in accordance with rules.
(ii) Latin. Scientific names are treated as Latin, regardless of their derivation.
(iii) Priority. Noinenclature of taxonomic groups is based upon priority of publication.
(iv) Type. The application of names is determined by nomenclature types.
(v) Retroactive. Nomenclature rules are retroactive.
(vi) Independent. Botanical nomenclature is independent of zoological nomenclature.
(vii) Publication. Biological names should be effectively and validly published.
• In 1821, Stendel in his booh Nomenclator botanicus gave a list of Latin names of all flowering plants at that time together with
synonyme.
• International Code for Nomenclature is divided into three parts i.e. (i) Principles (ii) Rules and recommendations (iii) Provisions.
• Usually very long names have been avoided but few examples of very long names are :
(i) Swartschezuskiechinogaminarus
(ii) Toxophthalmoechenogammarus
• After the work of Linnaeus, another significant publication was that of Augustin de Candolle in Theory Elemantaire de la botanique.

The classification is not a single step Tribe Sub-

process. Lr it hierarchy of many steps are tribe
involved where each step represents a rank Genus
or category. Because category is die part of Sub-
overall taxonomic arrangement, it is called genus
taxonomic category and all categories Section
together form taxonomic hierarchy. Species
Eachcategory basically represents a rank and
usually called as taxon. Categories below the
Aims of International Code of Botanical rank of species are :
Nomenclature are avoidance and rejection of Sub-species Varieties
the names which may cause confusion, to Sub-varieties Forma
check useless creation of names, stable Clone
method for naming die taxonomic groups and
to keep die old nomenclature in proper order
to be used for future. The principles are being Principal ranks of taxa (widi example) are
discussed below: 1. Ranks or taxa. Taxon is given below:
a taxonomic group of plants of any rank e.g.
The genus Thespesia Sol. ex Correa is a taxon. Rank Example
The family Malvaceae Juss. is a taxon. The rules Kingdom Plantae
of nomenclature prescribe the categories for Division Magnoliophyta
plant classification. These categories (taxa) Class Magnolitae (Dicots)
constitute the units of classification. A taxon Order Malvales
with common ancestral species is called Family Malvaceae
monophyletic taxon or clade. Many taxa bear Genus Thespesia Sol. ex Correa
organisms evolved from many sources but Species populnea
not common ancestor are called polyphyletic
or grade e.g. taxon mammalia. The basic unit 2. Forms of scientific names. Names of
of classification is species. All die units are orders are taken from that of one of dieir
arranged in descending order of magnitude. principal families ending hi - ales. Sub-orders
This arrangement is fixed and shown below: are denoted hi a similar way, widi die ending
Kingdom - ineae. Name of families and sub-families
Division/Phylum Sub- are taken from the name of an existing or
division/Sub-Phylum former genus ending hi - aceae and - oideae,
Class Sub-class Order respectively. Name of genus maybe taken
Sub-order Family Sub-
from any source and may be composed in
any arbitrary manner. Names of species are
binary combinations consisting of the name
of genus followed by a single specific epithet.
Example: Order — Rosales
Family — Rosaceae Genus —
Rosa Species — indica
3. Various taxonomic categories are :
Species. Species is the most important
category hi taxonomic hierarchy. It is the
basic unit of evolution. It is a group of
individuals in plants as well as animals which
resemble closely in structure as well as in
functions. It is very important unit, not only
for taxonomists, but also for working in allied
fields of Biology as well.
General characters of species
1. They show similar
morphological characters.
2. They can interbreed freely and truly hi
nature. They produce fertile offsprings.
3. Ordinarily, they cannot breed with
other species.
In Mangifera indica (Mango), Solanum tuberosum
(Potato) and Panthera Ieo (Lion), indica, tuberosum
and Ieo represent the specific epithet.
Firstwords like Mangifera, Solanum and PanThera are
genera and represent another taxon or
category. Each genus may bear one or more
specific epithet.
Genus (plural — genera)
It informs the taxonomic category higher
than species. It is a group of closely related
species e.g. Dog, Jackal and Wolf are placed
hi the same genus Canis, because they are
closely related to each other but belong to
different species. Similarly potato, brhijal etc.
are placed hi same genus Solatium but belong
to different species e.g. tuberosum and melongena
respectively. Groups of common characters
hi species of a genus Table 4. Differences between Species and Taxon.
Characters Species
Taxon
1. Category It shows basic taxonomy category. It shows any level of taxonomic
category.
2. Representation It is a rank and represents an abstract It represents a group of concrete
biological objects.
term.
are called correlated characters. Sometimes
a genus may be made up of only one
species as hi man the genus is Homo.
Family
A number of genera having several
common characters forms a family e.g. Solanum,
Petunia and Datura have some characters in
common. That is why they have been placed
hi the same family Solanaceae. The genus Vulpus
(of foxes) shows few characters common with
Canis. Thus, both the genera are placed hi
family Canidae.
Order
A number of families having common
characters are placed hi an order. Dogs
belong to family Canidae. The cat, tiger etc.
belong to family Felidae. The bears are
included hi family Ursidae. Because dogs,
cats and bears are carnivorous their families
are included under order Caniivora.
Plant families Hke Convolvulaceae and
Solanaceae are included hi order
Polimoniales mainly based on the floral
characters. Animal order Carnivora includes
famiHes like FeHdae and Canidae.
Class
The class is a basic category. Similar
orders are placed together in a class. Class
MammaHa includes orders like Caniivora,
Chiroptera, Rodentia and Primates. They
have few characters in common i.e. the
presence of mammary glands and hairs.
Phylum
Many classes with some common
characters are included in a Phylum. Phylum
Chordata included classes like Pisces,
Amphibia, ReptiHa, Aves and Mammalia
because aH have common characters Hke
presence of notochord, dorsal hollow nervous
system and pharynx perforated by gill sHts.
Kingdom
It is the highest category of taxonomic
studies. All animals are included in animal
kingdom and all plants are included hi plant
kingdom.
Hierarchy
are placed in order of logical sequence. Tlre
variations noticed in die living organisms are
not uniform. It can be arranged in various
groups of different ranks.
Hierarchy literally means 'a series of
succession of different ranks'. So, the various
species have been arranged into different
categories and taxa.
Linnaeus was first to establish a definite
hierarchy of taxonomic categories. The
structure in which various taxonomic groups
are assigned to each of taxonomic category
in hierarchy is known as taxonomic structure.
The Liiuiean hierarchy consists of
arrangement of categories in descending
sequence. For plants and animals various
seven categories are given below :

Kingdom - Plantae and Homo sapiens respectively hi binomial

system of nomenclature.
Division - Embryophyta
Class - DicoMedonae It is interesting to observe that the liighest
Order - Sapindales category has few characters hi common for
Family - Anacardiaceae diat particular category e.g. Genus Panthera
Genus - Maiigifero (includes tiger, lion, leopard etc.) have large
Species - indica number of common characters as compared
to class Mammalia (higher category). Few
Animalia - Kingdom common characters of class mammalia are :
Phylum - Chordata 1. Presence of mammary glands.
Class - Mannnaha 2. Presence of hair on the body.
Order - Primata 3. Presence of vertebral column and
Family - Hominidae external ears.
Genus - Homo Some categories are further divided into
Species - sapiens
new
Major categories hi descending order ones by prefixing super or sub e.g.
are phylum, class, order, family, genus and subkingdom, subphylum, superclass,
species. The sequence can be remembered subclass. The new category tribe has been
by memorizing "KEEP POT CLEAN OR added in between genus and subfamily.
FAMILY GETS SICK". Such categories are Animals are further identified by subspecies.
They have trinomial names as Gorilla gorilla

Table 5. Examples of Species in each of Four Eukaryotic Kingdoms.

Tiger Mango House fly Wheat
Kingdom Animalia Plantae Animalia Plantae
Phylum or Division Chordata Angiospermae ArThropoda
Angiosperniae (Sub-phylum) (Vertebrata)
Class MammaHa Dicotyledonae Insecta
Monoeotyledonae
Order Caniivora Sapindales Diptera Poales
Family Felidae Anaeardiaeeae Museidae Poaceae
Genus Panthera Mangifera Musea Triticum
Species tigris indica domestica aestivum
 Evolutionary relationships of the major
phyla in five-kingdom system of classification.
R.H. Whittaker had chosen to base
classification on three levels of organization
the prokaryotic, eukaryotic unicellular, and
multicellular-multinucleate and three principal
directions of evolution related to nutrition,
which on the multicellular-multinucleate level
are expressed in the evolutionary
divergences of the three higher kingdoms.
The three higher kingdoms are polyphyletic in
parallel fashions. Each includes a dominant
evolutionary line to higher organisms as its
major subkingdom, and minor subkingdoms
which are independent experiments in
multicellular or multinucleate organization in
one of the three nutritive directions. In each
case these minor subkingdoms are less
widely successful than the principal
subkingdom, represent somewhat lower and
different organization from it, and may to
some degree depart from the typical nutritive
mode of the kingdom.
Fossil records always help in studying the
phylogenetic relationships. Fossils of soft
bodied organisms particularly monerans,
protists, fungi, lower and non-woody plants
are not available. In such cases evolutionary
relationships are deducted by studying living
existing organisms.
Category may bear sub or super-levels.
Key
A key provides a convenient way for
easy identification of an organism by
applying
diagnostic or distinguishing characters e.g.
to
identify various members of family
LiHaceae following diagnostic characters wiU
be applicable to all the members (Onion,
Asparagus, Aspliodelus etc.).
1. Flowers trimerous, pentacycHc arid
hypogynous.
2. Calyx and corolla undifferentiated to
form perianth.
3. Tepals 6, hi two whorls, odd tepal of
outer whorl anterior.
4. Stamens 6, antiphyUous and
epiphyllous.
5. Tricarpellary, axile placentation.
The multiple role of systematics or utility
of
a reconstruction of phylogeny of life. It helps
us hi understanding the evolution which
occurred among living organisms by knowing
the distinction, affinities, habit and habitat.
2. Relationship with other branches. It
provides necessary information required to
other branches of biology e.g. a plant ecologist
should be famihar with the names of the
plants, their habit and habitat. No ecological
survey can be carried out without the
knowledge of systematics. For example, an
ecologist working on soil conservation can
select various plants and grasses for acting
as soil binders. Same is true about other
branches of biology also. As a result several
inter-disciplinary subjects like cytotaxonomy,
biosysteniatics etc. have developed.
3. Applied biology. It has a great role for
applied biology also. The introduction of
harmful plants can be checked.
4. Role in plant breeding. Exact
identification of harmful pests and their
control helps hi plant protection. Many
economically important plants are identified
and selected for breeding work hi the country
to increase the yield and for the production of
disease-resistant varieties.
3. Human health. Systematics is also
useful hi protection of human health. Exact
identification of insects helps hi controlling
the epidemic disease. For example, many
diseases like malaria, filaria, dengue fever,
kala azar etc. are spread by different species
of mosquitoes. It also helps hi conserving the
useful animals and plants.
6. Horticulture and floriculture. Knowledge
of systematics is essential for horticulture and
floriculture also. Several ornamentals have
been introduced due to proper identification
and nomenclature. Its knowledge is also
required to study the natural resources of
areas to know the land potential.
7. Preservation of wildlife. For preserving
wildlife, identification of these organisms is
necessary and systematics helps hi this work.
8. Indicator organisms. Presence of
certain organisms provide important
information. For example, presence of
 Table 6. Some common names and their category level.
Phylum Class Order Fnnuly Genus
Species
Flat worm Fish Bat, monkey Tortoise Wolf Man
Roirnd worm Bird Frog and toad Cobra Hooded cobra Dog
Insect Turtle Eagle Croiv Horse
(Millipede) (Snake) Crane Domestic cat
(Centipede) Lizard Woodpecker Domestic cow
Snail Butterfly Duck Tiger
Beetle Elephant Lioii
Spider Bear Indian elephant
Scorpion Deer Indian peacock
Eartlvvorm Ant House sparrow
Mosquito Hoiise crow
Alga Floivering plant Mushroom Grass Citrus Rice, wheat
(red, broivn, Moss Yeast Qrcliid Eucalyptus Potato
green) Fern Gourd Pinus Lemon
Conifer Bracket fungus Orange
PciLm Neem
Banyan, Pipal
Coconut
Mango, Guava
Edible button
Mushroom
Baker's yeast

H PRACTICE PROBLEMS - SYSTEMATICS - BASIC CONCEPTS

1. What is cohort?
2. Enhst the categories of classification hi their ascending order.
3. Disthiguish between taxon or category.
4. Dhferentiate between species and taxon.
5. Describe liierarcliical classification.
IIH ANSWERS TO PRACTICE PROBLEMS =---------------------
1. Cohort or order represents the unit of classification liigher than family, which includes a
group of closely related families.
2. (a) Species (b) Genus (c) Family (d) Cohort (order) (e) Class (f) Division or Phylum.
3. Characters Taxon Category
Definition Taxon represents to a group of organisms. It refers to rani or status of a
taxon.
Types It is only of one type. It is of two Kpes i.e. major rank and
minor rank.
Examples Dicotyledons, monocotyledons, angiospenns (i) Major ranks : Kingdom,
Division, Class etc.
(ii) Minor ranks : Genus, Species etc.
4. The species is a group of individuals that closely resemble each other either because they
freely hiterbreed hi nature or because they have descended from common ancestors. The
taxon refers to concrete biological objects included hi a category representing a rank.
5. Hierarcliical classification is a system of arrangement for classification hi which categories
or ranks are placed hi other of logical sequence. There are seven categories or ranks in
Organisms are to be identified on the Herbarium. A herbarium is a collection of
basis of intensive laboratory and field studies. well- dried and nicely preserved plants which
First of all plant specimens of different are correctly identified and arranged
species are collected. They are identified and according to an approved system of
classified. classification. The plants are usually pressed
Specimens are preserved and stored for and mounted on the sheets of paper known
future studies. Some of the techniques as herbarium sheets. The plants which are
followed are : not suitable for pressing and mounting, like
succulents, fruits and seeds of plants, cones
etc., are either preserved in 2.5% formaline
(Formaldehyde acetic alcohol) or dried and twigs of proper length. The plants should be
stored in large containers. These dried and coUected at every stage of growth and
preserved specimens in herbaria, are then reproduction and from different habitats in
available for reference in taxononiical, different seasons. For this, the codector
comparative and morphological studies should go out on excursion frequently. The
whenever required. The work on the collection of diseased, infected or distorted
preservation of plants was started in sixteentii plants should be avoided unless they are
century when Caesalpino (about 1550) required. All the information regarding habit,
preserved the plant material he studied. Soon habitat, locality, season, altitude, colour of
after, die importance of herbaria was realized flowers etc. should be recorded at the time of
and it became an essential feature of collection in a field note-book. At least 5-6
botanical work. Today, we find that most of specimens per species should be collected
the developed and developing countries of and numbered corresponding to the
the world have their own herbaria comprising information recorded in field note-book.
of valuable plant specimens. 2. Pressing and drying. The collected
Purpose of Herbarium plants are pressed immediately after
As the taxonomic field is becoming more collection before they get wilted. The plants
and more wide, simple drawings, are pressed in between the sheets of
photographs and written descriptions are ordinarynewspapers' foldings alternating widi
insufficient to provide the morphological and die sheets of blotting paper. Care should be
developmental details about the plants. So, it taken while pressing so that the leaves are
becomes necessary for die taxonomist to well spread. The sheet folders are then
compare the newly collected plants widi die pressed in field press (size 30 x 45 cm).
specimens already collected and preserved Drying of the specimens takes place by the
in herbarium, for die required description. loss of water content to blotting sheets. For
Mainly, die newly collected plants are this, die blotting sheets are to be changed
identified on the frequently to avoid the decay and blackening
basisoftheirniorphologicalvariationsbycompar of the plant material. Initial changes should
ingwidi die actual specimens in herbaria. be done at every 24 Iirs or less duration for 3-
Otiier purposes served by herbaria are: 4 days and after that 3-4 changes of longer
(i) To serve as die reference material for dura tion are sufficient for die plants other
modem taxonomical research. than succulents. The latter require more
(ii) To provide scientific information on frequent changes. Alternatively, the plants
plants to the people through exhibition, maybe dried with the aid of artificial heat, hi
training courses etc. this case, the coUected specimens are
(iii) To serve as national plant wealth
repositories. "sweated" in the field press for 24 lirs. They
(iv) For the training of graduate students are then opened, examined and rearranged.
in botanical studies. Each sheet is tiien transferred to drying
Making of Herbarium press. The drying press is tiien locked up and
Some of the important herbaria of India are :
(i) Central National Herbarium (Kolkata). It is largest herbarium in India.
(ii) Herbarium of Forest Research Institute (Dehradun)
(iii) Madras Herbarium (Coimbatore)
(iv) Herbarium of NBRI (Lucknow)
(v) Regional herbarium of Slullong (Assam)
(vi) Regional herbarium of BSI (Pune)
Some important herbaria of other countries are :
(i) Herbarium Nationale de Historie Laboratories de Phanerogamic, Paris
(Italy)
(ii) Royal Botanic Gardens Herbarium, Kew (Britain). It is largest herbarium in
the world.
(iii) Cordon College Herbarium, Lahore (Pakistan)
(iv) Herbarium of Botanisches Institute de Universtate, Kiel (Germany)
(v) U.S. National Arboretum Herbarium, Washington (U.S.A.)
 3. Poisoning. Stored plant material may
get attacked by insects and pests, thus,
poisoning is needed for a good and intact
specimen. It can be done by dipping the plant
materials in 2% mercuric chloride solution
when they are partially dehydrated. The
specimens are again dried.
Poisoning can also be done by spraying
0.1% mercuric cliloride solution on the
specimens, when they are fully dried. Other
chemicals used for prevention are
naphthalene flakes, paradichlorobenzene,
DDT,carbon- disulphide gas etc.
4. Mounting and labelling. After drying, the
plant ma terials are mounted on herbarium
sheets of appropria te size (29 x 42 cm). The
specimens are either glued or stitched or held
by cellophane tape on the sheets. Only one
specimen should be mounted on one
herbarium sheet. Wliile mounting, care
should be taken so that the specimen is well
spread, there is no overlapping and the
specimen is preferably in the centre of the
herbariumsheet.
Labellhig of the specimen is done by
entering the field information on the right
hand side lower corner of the herbarium
sheet. It bears the common name, genus,
species, family, date of collection, habitat,
locality, name of the collector and any other
information regarding the morphology of the
specimen, geographical or soil characteristics
etc.
5. Storing of the herbarium sheets. The
herbarium sheets mountedwith specimens
are thenstored in1wooden or steel almirahs.
The steel almirahs are preferred over wooden
cabinets because they protect the specimens
from fire andiiisec ts. The herbarimn sheets
carrying specimens are kept arranged hi a
specific order according to a well- known and
approved system of classification. Mostly,
BenThamand Hooker's system of
classification is followed for this purpose.
Another system of classification given by
Engler and Prantl is also followed. The
arrangement of specimens according to a
gardens which were of economic use to him.
Ancient Indian History shows the cultivation
of medicinal and food plants since 4000 to
2000 B.C. The plants were also grown for
ornamental purposes around the temples and
palaces. For this, the plants were being
hitroduced from different places. The
Romans, Chinese, Persians and Aztecs were
very fond of gathering and growing plants for
various purposes.
During the middle ages (about 600-1600
A.D.), no much attention was paid to gather
or introduce the plants. However, the oldest
botanic gardens, that of Pisa and those of
Padua and Florence were established hi Italy
in 1543 and 1545 respectively, mainly for the
study of medicinal and fossil plants. Itwere
sixteenth and seventeenth century, when
there was a great awakening hi respect to the
learnhig of numerous plants and growing
them hi gardens. This led to the development
of great study histitutes and their botanical
gardens, very rapidly. There are more than
500 botanical gardens hi various countries of
the world.
In India, the first garden was orighiated hi
Bombay hi 1830 by agricultural society.
Then, hi 1838, another botanical garden was
established hi Madras. Similarly, many
gardens canie into being afterwards e.g. at
Ootacamimd hi Nilgiri hills; Nainital; Lloyd
Botanic Gardens at Darjeelhig etc.
Royal Botanic Garden, Kew, England
Presently, the garden extends over 250
acres of land. It was originally started in an
area of 16 acres hi 1759. William Aiton was
appointed as its superintendent. It flourished
with the efforts of PliiIlip Miller, Sir Aiton and
Sh Joseph Banks until 1820. Itwas
transferred from Crown of State hi 1838. Sh
W.J. Hooker took over as the director in
1841, who increased the number of plants
and also the area of the garden. The
important plants of the garden are, willows,
lilacs, tulips, defodils, Japanese cedar,
redwood, Philadelphus, oaks, sweet gum,
iii to a scientific institution. It covers an area
of about 273 acres having a large collection
of world's tropical plants. The garden was
headed by WdHani Roxburgh, fatiier of Indian
botany, from 1793 to 1813. He was followed
by various well-known botanists including
Wallich, Griffith, Anderson, George King,
David Prain, D. Chatterjee and many others.
George King is remembered as chief
horticultural designer of the garden. He also
started the publication of Aiuials of the Royal
Botanic Garden, Calcutta in 1887 and later in
1890 initiated the Botanical Survey of India.
The garden possesses, among other
features, a herbarium (Central National
Herbarium). The garden and herbarium were
handed over to the state govenunent after
independence, but later the control was given
to Botanical Survey of India.
The odier interesting features of the
garden are :
The great Banyan tree. A specimen of Ficus
benghalensis is about two centuries old covering
an area of about 4 acres. Its main feature is
diat it has no main trunkbut about 1000pdlar-
like aerial roots which provide support to the
canopy. It is about 100 feet in height and
supposed to be the largest living creature of
die world.
Palm houses. They are elegant metal
structures covered with wire netting. A large
number of pretty creepers are grown over the
structures whose foliage provide the shade
for the growtii of rare palm, ferns and other
shade-loving plants. One of the creeper is
Porana panniculata with white flowers. Over forty
species of palms are grown including the rare
branching palm Hyphaene thebaica.
Nursery. It is one of the best nurseries of
Asia, for die propagation of plants growing in
die garden. It is maintained mainly with the
purpose of replacement of plants, but young
plants are also available for sale to general
public and other institutions.
Some more interesting features of the
garden are various interesting shrubs and
trees including ornamental leguminous trees
(Saraca declinata, Saraca indica, Brownia, Amberstia etc.),
succulent plants from Euphorbiaceae and
Cactaceae, a flower garden and the amazon
Hly (Victoria amazonica).
National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow
The foundation of the garden was laid by
Nawab Saadat Ali Klian (1789-1814) as a
royal garden along the southembank of river
Gomti. Itwas improved later and named as
Zoological Parks are those man-made
places where animals are provided with
conditions as similar as possible to their
natural habitats. These are commonly caUed
zoos.
Significance of zoological parks
1. These inform about mode of livmg,
feeding habits and behaviour of wild animals.
2. Visits to zoological parks are source of
excitation and enjoyment for the people,
especiaUy the children.
3. Their scientific purpose is to breed the
threatened animals to hicrease their number
to prevent their extinction. This is aimed to
counter their decrease in number due to
poaching and habitat destruction.
4. hi the zoological parks, their common
names and scientific names are displayed in
front of tiieir enclosures.
Museums are those institutions which
have collection of preserved plants and
animals for study and reference. All colleges
maintain museums Hi the Botany and
Zoology Departments. Aiumal specimens like
worms, Hisects, fishes, reptiles etc. are kept
in jars m suitable preservatives like 3-7 %
formaline or FAA. Insects after dryuig can be
mounted Hi boxes. Larger aiumals can be
stuffed and can be kept in skeleton forms.
Significance of Museums
1. Hi these, the specimens are preserved
for longer duration by placmg them in
chemical preservatives.
2. Here the plants Hke algae, fungi,
mosses and ferns, parts of gymnosperms are
preserved as these cannot be maintained Hi
the botanical gardens.
3. The preserved plants Hiform about the
habitat, nature of soil and flora of the area.
4. Hi the museums, the specimens are
correctly identified, labelled, classified and
stored. A catalogue of these specimens is
prepared which helps in future reference and
taxonomical studies.
3. These provide first hand Hiformation
about the characters, identification, naming
and classification of the organisms.
Importance of Botanical Gardens
Botanical gardens have important roles in
the followHig fields:
1. Scientific and educational.
2. Pharmaceutical.
The gardens can also be used as (b) Bracketed key
conservatories. They also act as Yolk
acclimatization centres for the introduction of ed or
economically useful plants. indente
d key.
By this
Keys represent the scheme for key,
identification of plants and animals. Every sequen
taxonomore category Hke family, genus and ce of
species has separate taxonomic key. different
choices
Separate taxonomic keys are required for
betwee
each taxonomic category such as family, n two or
genus and species for identification more
purposes. Keys are generally analytical hi stateme
nature. •Such
Some identification
important points are Gardens
Botanical usually of India and other countries are :
(i) Lloyd Botanical Garden, Darjeehng (India)
(ii) Padua (Italy)
(iii) Pisa (Italy)
(iv) Leyden (Netherlands)
(v) Royal Botanic Garden, Kew (England)
(vi) Royal Botanic Garden, Edhiburg (Scotland)
• One third of the total tiger population is hi Madhya Pradesh, (India)
• Tiger behig at the apex of food chain is a liigh profile symbol of richness of
biodiversity.
• Some important museums are :
(i) American Museum of Natural History, New York (USA)
(ii) State Museum of Natural History, Stuttgarut, Germany
(iii) Bird Collection Museum of Natural History, Vienna, Austria
(iv) National Museum of Natural History, Barakhamba Road, New Dellii
(v) Museum of Mumbai Natural History, Murnbai
• Dellii zoo (established 1959), is located near old fort covers an area of 214 acres and
exhibits about 22000 animals.
• Cliliat Bir Zoological Park (established 1977) is located on Chandigarh-Patiala
Table 7. Differences between Zoological Park (Zoos) and Zoological Museums.
Characters Zoological Parks Zoological Museums
1. Life For active and living organisms. For lifeless and inactive
specimens.
2. Place Mostly in open, few in buildings. Usually in buildings.
3. Entity Whole animals are on show.Animal parts/products/stuffed animals
are on show.
4. Fossils Not exhibited. Can be exhibited.
5. Human evolution Caiuiot be depicted. Can be depicted with the help of models
and charts.
6. Representation All groups cannot be represented. It is possible to represent all the
Table 8. Indented key in different genera of family Ranunculaceae.
Character of Identification Genus identified
Carpel with one ovule :
Fruit-achene, leaves opposite and compound, petals absent, leaves without
tendril. Clematis
Petals present, terminal (third) leaflet modified to form tendril. Naravelia
Leaves radical or alternate Ananone
Leaves simple, petals 5, basal placentation Carpel with many ovules. Ranuncuhis
Fruit - follicle Nigella
Carpels fused at base, regular flowers Aconitum
Carpels free at base, irregular flowers.
 Table 9. Bracketed key in family Ranunculaceae.
Number written
on right informs the next choice of paired contrasting
statements.
Character of identification Number for identification
and genus
identified
1. Carpel with one ovule, fruit achene. (2)
1. Carpel with many ovules, fruit follicle. (4)
2. Leaves opposite and compound (3)
2. Leaves alternate and radical Anemone
3. Petals in flowers absent and leaves without tendril Clematis
3. Number of sepals and petals equal, terminal leaf foniis tendril. Naravelia
Identification in animals Correct identification is further helped by :
Different characters in following (i) Manuals are useful hi providing
vertebrates are : information for identification of names of
Bat. Shows the presence of ear, wings species occurhig hi an area.
and mammae. (ii) Monographs provide information
Cat. Presence of hair, mammae, pinnae for reversionary work particularly for taxa
and tail.
Bird. Absence of hair, teeth and like family and genus of the unknown.
mammae. Presence of beak and (iii) Flora accounts on habit and
wings. distribution of plants of given area. It
provides index to the plants known in the
Frog. Absence of gills, fins, pinna and area.
scales. Presence of limbs. Table 8
Fish. Absence of limbs and pinnae. Question Option Clue
Presence of scales, gills. 1. Does it bear external ears? Yes Go to 2
Snake. Absence of limbs, pinnae, eye- ___ No Go to 3
lids. Presence of elongated body with 2. Does it fly? Yes Bat
scales. _________________________No Cat
Here the questions are framed to get only "3. Does it fly? Yes Bird
one answer i.e. yes or no (Refer Table 18) No Go to 4
Couplet. The keys are taxonomic 4. Does it bear limbs? Yes
No Go to 5
Frog
literature based on contrasting characters, 5. Does it bear gills? Yes Fish
generally a pair called couplet. No Snake
Lead. Key represents artificial analytical
order/ arrangement with choice to be applied
between two opposite options. This results hi
ADDITIONAL USEFUL IMFORMATIONS ABOUT HERBARIA AND BOTANICAL
GARDENS FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMINATIONS
• Hooker compiled first complete flora of India.
• There are many good botanical gardens in the world e.g. Padua (Italy), Kew (England) and Missouri (USA).
• The largest herbarium of the world is at Kew (England).
• The plant collection exercise requires specific field equipment like diggers, pruning knife, vasculum and polythene bag, field notebook,
plant press and folders.
• The largest herbarium of India is Central National Herbarium at Kolkata.
• Botanical Survey of India at Kolkata explores the plant wealth of India.
• An administrator ofNazib-ud-Daula, Zabita KJian developed a garden at Saharanpur which was improved by Govan in 1820.
• There is famous 'Shalimar Garden' at Srinagar.

PRACTICE PROBLEMS-WILD LIFE

1. Wlio corned the term "wildlife"?
2. Whatiswildlife symbol of WWF?
3. Give the scientific importance of wildlife.
4. Wliich useful material is derived from the bark of Cinchona plant?
5. Name the most serious threat to wildlife.
6. Wliich animal became extinct from hidia due to excess hunting?
7. What percentage of the living species of animals is threatened?
8. Name three categories of threatened species.
9. Give the full form of IUCN.
10. Wlien does the wildlife week celebrated in India?
11. Wliich sanctuary is called an oasis of water birds?
12. Give the full form of MAB.
13. Name the zoo famous for white tigers.
14. Differentiate between flora and monograph.

ANSWERS TO PRACTICE PROBLEMS

1. William Homday.
2. Red Panda.
3. Wildhfe acts as gene bank and provides research materials to produce new
varieties/species.
4. Anti-malarial drug-Quinine.
5. Destruction of habitats.
6. Acinomyxjubattis (cheetah).
7. Ten per cent.
8. Endangered; vulnerable and Rare species.
9. International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
10. First week of October.
11. Cliilka lake bird sanctuary (Orissa).
12. Man and Biosphere Programme.
14.Nandankananzoo
13. Character (Orissa). Flora Monograph
1. Information Provides information about all plants found Provides detailed information
about a taxon.
hi an area.
2. Description Describesliabitatenvironmentandtaxonomic Describes description in world
and diagnostic
features of an area. features of various members of taxon.

ADDITIONAL USEFUL INFORMATIONS ABOUT BIODIVERSITY

FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMINATIONS
• William Homday : Coined the term ivildlife, wrote the book "Our Vanishing Wildlife".
• Human activities have hastened the extinction of many species which is otherwise a natural phenomenon.
• Marine plants are main producers and produce about 325 thousand million tonnes of dry biomass annually out of 3SO
thousand million tonnes of dry biomass.
• Some more endangered animal species of Iitdia :
A. Reptiles :
Water monitor : Varanus salavator. Tortoise shell turtle : Eretmochelys imbricata.
Gavialis.
B. Birds :
Cheer pheasant: Catreus wallichii. Likh Florican : Sypheotides indica.
White eyed duck.
C. Mammals :
Four homed rhinoceros : Tetracerus quadricornis. Sloth bear : Melurus ursinus.
Indian wild dog : Caitis alpiiius. Golden cat: Felis temminki.
• Out of danger (O) : Those taxa which were earlier placed in one of three categories of threatened species but which are now
considered relatively secure due to application of effective conservation methods.
• Black buck and Hoope are state mammal and bird of Punjab respectively.
• Tiger and Peacock are our National animal and National bird respectively.
• World Conservation Day : 3rd December.
• World Animal Day : 3rd October.
• World Habitat Day : 4th October.
• India spends about 250 million dollars annually to repair the damage caused by floods.
• Endemic species : A species found in a particular natural habitat only e.g. Ficus religiosa, Butea iitoiiospernta, etc.
• Wildlife Institute of India : Located at Dehraduii (Uttrakhand).
• There are about 243 biosphere reserves in 65 countries of the world.
• Animal products e.g. Iac froiii Laccifera lacca. Honey and ivaxfrom Apis dorsata, A. indica. Mulberry silk from Bonibyx inori. Tassar
silk front Anthrea paphita. Muga silk from. A. assama.
• First Earth Summit was held at Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and was aimed at conservation of environment.
• Raugaiitintoo Sanctuary (Mysore): is famous for birds population.
• Tiger population in U.P. has increased by 20 to 423 as per 1997 census as compared to the 1995 census.
• Recently (1998), Chinese doctors and medical researchers have reported that the bones of mole rat can be an effective alternative to
the tiger bones for Chinese medicines used for treating pain. This scientific breakthrough may curb tiger poaching and illegal trade in
tiger parts.
• In September, 1998, about 544 endangered animals, including 40 rhinos, have been killed by poachers or drowned as the result of
massive floods of about 18 feet deep in the 430 sq. km. area of world famous Kaziranga National Park, a world heritage site. Over 40
rhinos, 429 hog deers, 20 wild buffaloes, 8 swamp deers, 10 sambars, 17 wild boars, 4 elephants and many other animal species are
feared dead between June and September. Ofthe 40 rhinos killed, 31 were drowned while nine were killed by poachers.
• Tiger link : A latest newsletter on tiger conservation reported several cases of tiger poisoning in the Corbett Tiger Reserve and
Dudhwa Tiger Re serve of Uttrakhand in the months of December, 1997 and January, 1998.
• Some special projects for endangered animal species :
Tiger project Gir lion project Crocodile breeding project
Rhino conservation project Snow Leopard project.
• Periyar wildlife sanctuary is located at: Idduki (Kerala).
• Ranthainbore National Park is situated in Rajasthan.
• White tigers are conserved in Corbett National Park.
• Flamingoes in India are preserved at Rami of Kachchh.
• Orang National Park (Assam) : One of India's youngest national park and home of the world's third largest population of the one
horned rhinoceros. It covers only 78.8 sq. km. area.
• Cultigens : Domestic animals and cultivated plants both.
• Whales when washed ashore will die because their bones are crushed due to their own weight.
• Dudhwa National Park is located in U.P.
• Biosphere Reserve Project was started in India since 1988.
• SATYA : Save Tiger Youth Association
• Dr. Saliin Ali: Great ornithologist of India.
• King Ashoka : First king to set up wildlife sancuaries.
• World Eiivironiitent Foundation (WEF) President: Madhar Meltra.
• World Congress on Enviroiimeiit Management was organised from June 1-3, 2000 at Neiu Delhi. Its theme ivas "Environ ment
Management : The Key to Global Competitiveness and Improving Quality of Life"
• Olive Ridley turtles : A rare breed of fresh-water turtles scientifically called Trionyx gangeticus (commonly called Ganges soft shells).
Earlier its breeding grounds were destroyed in Orissa. Now these face extinction in Assam's Cachar district due to rampant killing for
its delicate meat.
• National Institute of Oceanography located at Goa.
• India is perhaps the only country in the third -world that has a strict legal framework for conservation of its natural resources
including 'wildlife. Even then, the problems seem to be multiplying.
• WWF-N announced 1998-99 as "year of Tiger"
• Tiger cell: A police-forest cell, first formed in Madliya Pradesh, to combat crimes against wildlife.
• In January 2000, single largest haul of animal parts in history was made when about 70 leopard skins, four tiger skins, 18,000 leopard
claws and 221 black buck skins were seized in a little town of Kltaga in Fatehpur district of UP.
• To protect India's biodiversity, a bill was passed by Indian Parliament in December, 2003. Law was made to Check biopiracy and to
prevent use of biodiversity by foreigners.
• In Chennai, a Biodiversity Board office has been established. The main task of Board is to make sure proper use of biodiversity. It also
targets at equitable distribution of benefits made available by biodiversity.

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY : 5TH JUNE, 2000

THEME
"2000 : THE ENVIRONMENT MILLENIUM — TIME TO ACT"
• COUNTRY SYMBOLS BASED ON PLANTS/ANIMALS
Russia — White beer
Nepal — Rhododendron
China — Giant panda
U.S.A. — Bald eagle
 India — Tiger
U.A.E. — Phoenix
Australia — Kangaroo Ncto
Zealand — Kiwi
• Haryana has named all its tourists resorts after birds.
• RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS :
The 12th Biosphere Reserve was set up at Kaneheitjuga Hills in Sikkiitt.
Assessment of forest cover of the country, finalised by the Forest Survei/ of India, indicates increase in the forest cover. Only
unleaded petrol is supplied in all retail oulets of the country with effect from 1.2.2000 and 0.25% sulphur in diesel with effect from
1.1.2000 respectively. As a result of these efforts, air pollution in Delhi has been found to be reduced. Noise Pollution (Regulation
and Control) Rules, 2000 under Environment Protection Act notified.
• SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON IDENTIFIED THRUST AREAS :
Mangroves-Conservation and Management.
Bamboo Plantations to increase employment opportunities based on bamboo. Coastal Shelter Belt for protection of the coasThne
from cyclonic winds. Medicinal plants to conserve biodiversity and create employment opportunities. Eco-Tourisin in forests and
wildlife sanctuaries. Promotion and use of cleaner technologies for pollution control. Wildlife Conservation.
Eco-Villages to ensure a better living standard for the rural masses.
Mass Awareness to spread consciousness on environmental issues.
Eco-Cities-afforestation drive for pollution control.
Management of Hazardous substances.
Shelf of Projects for External Assistance.
Environment Protection Fund.
Management of Waste Water.
National Forestry Action Programme to increase forest cover upto 33% of land area.
• Nandaiikaiiait Zoo (Orissa): About 12 rare white tigers died in the month of July, 2000 due to Trypanosomiasis caused by a protozoan
Trypanosoma and spread by the insect bite. This zoo has the largest number of white tigers (about 28) in the world. It also has 26 other
tigers. The death of the tigers in Naiidaiikanan is a warning to conservationalists. It clearly shows that if we donot give them space and
their natural prey, the tiger will go the way of cheetah.
• The Zoological Society of San Diego has established a ".Frozen zoo"to store samples of more than 355 species, including mam mals,
reptiles and birds.

CHAPTGR SUMMARY
• Living organisms show characteristics like growth, reproduction, metabolism, cellular
organisation and consciousness.
• Tire number of species that are known and described range between 1.7 to 1.8 million.
• Nomenclature is only possible when the organism is described correctly.
• Each name has two components-the genetic name and specific epithet.
• Tlre system of providing a name with two components is called binomial nomenclature.
• Biological names are generally in Lathi and written in italics.
• Classification is the process by which anything is grouped into convenient categories
based on some easily observable characters.
• The process of classification is called taxonomy.
• Genus comprises a group of related species, which has more characters hi common in
comparison to species of other genera.
• Herbarium is a store house of collected plant specimens that are dried, pressed and
preserved on sheets.
• Botanical gardens are specialised gardens have collections of living plants for
references.
• Museums have collections of preserved plants and animal specimens for study and
 KEY TERMS
Botanical garden : It is a place where there is assemblage of living plants maintained
for botanical teach
ing and research purposes.
Binomial nomenclature : A system of two word names.
Biodiversity : It refers to variety and variability among living organisms and the
ecosystem complexes
hi which they occur.
Blue book : UNEP has compiled endangered species of the world under the
title Blue book'.
Biosphere reserve : A protected area where multiple use of the land is permitted by
dividing into certain
zones.
Conservation : The national management of and care for the biosphere hi order to
avoid the creation of
imbalance resulting hi the destruction of habitats and the extinction
of species.
Deforestation : Destruction of forest i.e. denudation of forest area.
Endangered species : The species which are hi danger of extinction and whose survival is
unlikely, if causal
factors ccttitinue operating.
Ex-sitti conservation : The conservation of components of biological diversity outside their
natural habitats.
Extinction : Complete elimination of a population.
Exotic species : Powerful species introduced hi a country from another country.
Genetic resources : Genetic material of actual or potential value.
Genetic diversity : It refers to the variation of genes within species.
Green book : It lists rare plants growing hi protected areas like Botanic gardens.
Herbarium : It is a collection of well dried and nicely preserved plants after
correct identification.
Herbarium sheets : The sheets of paper on which plants are mounted.
National parks : A protected area aimed at betterment of wild life but where human
activities are not
permitted.
National herbarium : The herbarium which covers flora of the world.
Red Data Book : Book containing a record of threatened animal species.
Sanctuary : A protected area aimed at conservation of only animals and where
certain human activi

1. Wliy are living organisms classified? (ii) Sometimes more diversity is

Axis. (i) Classification makes the
study of living organisms
convenient.
(ii) It helps in specific identification of
various living behigs.
(iii) It informs about the evolutionary
relationship by establishing the
gradually increasing complexity of
form and structure hi different
groups of plants and animals.
2. Wliy are the classification systems
changing every new and then?
Axis. (i)
Organismsexliibitagreatdealofvariati
onhitheh form, structure, mode of
exhibited thai suspected.
(iii) New classification may represent
better relationship amongst
organisms.
(iv) New changed system maybe a
better incoherence and definable
characters.
3. What different criteria, would you choose
to classify people, that you meet often?
Ans. (i) Levels of organisation (ii) Types of
organisation
(iii) Complexity of organism's body
(iv) Mode of obtaining nutrition.
 What do you Ieam from identification
4.
of individuals and populations?
Ans. It determines the correct place of an
organism in a previously established
plan of classification.
5. Given below is the scientific name of
mango. Identify the correctly written
name :
(i) Maiigifera Indica (ii) Mangifera indica
Ans. Mangifera indica
6. Define a taxon. Give some examples
of taxa at different hierarchical levels.
Ans. hi classification, liierarchy of many
steps are involved where each step
represents a rank or category. Each
category basically represents a rank and
usually called an taxon.
For example refer Table 3.
7. Can you identify the correct sequence
of taxonomical categories?
(a) Species —» Order —» Phyhun —»
Kingdom
(b) Genus —» Species —> Order —>
Kingdom
(c) Species —> Genus —» Order
—» Phylum Ans. (c).
1. As we go from species to kingdom in a
taxonomic hierarchy, the number of
common characteristics:
(a) Will decrease (b) Will increase
(c) Remam same (d) May increase or
decrease
2. Wliich of the following 'suffixes' used
for units of classification in plants
indicates a taxonomic category of
'family'?
(a) - Ales (b) - Onae
(c) - Aceae (d) - Ae
3. The term 'systematics' refers to:
(a) Identification and classification of
plants and animals
(b) Nomenclature and identification of
plants and animals
(c) Diversity of kinds of organisms and
their relationship
(d) Different kinds of organisms and their
classification
4. Genus represents:
(a) An individual plant or animal
(b) A collection of plants or animals
(c) Group of closely related species of
plants or animals
(d) None of these
meaning of species of higher plants and
animals on one hand and bacteria on
other hand.
Ans. Species is a group of individuals in
plants as well as animals which
resemble closely in structure as well as
in functions.
Species may be defined as population of
individuals with similar structural and
functional characteristics, which have
common ancestry and in nature breed
only with each other.
To understand better about meaning of
species of liigher organisms and
bacteria, study Kingdom Monera,
Kingdom Plantae and Kingdom Animalia
of Five Kuigdom System of
Classification in Chapter 2.
9. Define and understand the following
terms :
(i) Phylum (ii) Class (iii) Family (iv) Order
(v) Genus
Ans. Refer taxonomic categories in this
Chapter.
10. How is key helpful in the identification
and classification of an organism?
6. Botanical gardens and zoological
parks have :
(a) Collection of endemic living species
only
(b) Collection of exotic living species only
(c) Collection of endemic and exotic living
species
(d) Collection of only local plants and
animals.
7. Taxonomic key is one of the
taxonomic tools in the
identification and classification of plants
and animals.
It is used in the preparation of
(a) Monograplis (b) Flora
(c) Both a & b (d) None of these
8. All living organisms are linked to one
another because
(a) They have common genetic material
of the same
type
(b) They share common genetic material
but to varying
degrees
(c) All have common cellular organization
(d) All of above
9. Wliich of the following is a defining
characteristic of
living organisms?
 Order
(C) iii. Solnnwn
Species
(D) iv. Plantae
Genus
(E) v. Solanaceae
Options:
(a) i-D, ii-C, iii-E, iv-B, v-A
(b) i-E, ii-D, iii-B, iv-A, v-C
(c) i-D, ii-E, iii-B, iv-A, v-C
(d) i-E, ii-C, iii-B, iv-A, v-D

ANSWERS
1. (a); 2. (c); 3. (c); 4. (c); 5. (c); 6. (c); 7. (c); 8. (d); 9. (d); 10. (a);

B. VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. Lixuieaus is considered as Father of Axis. Amoeba is unicellular organism and

Taxonomy. Name two other botanists
known for contribution in the field of plant
taxonomy?
Axis, (i) GeorgeBenThamandJ. D.Hooker
gave important system of classification of
angiosperms. (ii) Eicliler gave famous
phylogenetic system of classification.
2. What does I C Z N stand for?
Axis. International Code for Zoological
Nomenclature.
3. Couplet in taxonomic key means:
Axis. Contrastmg characters.
4. What is a monograph?
Axis. A monograph bears descriptive
information on any one taxon.
5. Amoeba multiplies by mitotic cell division.
Is this phenomena growth or
C. SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
1. A ball of snowwlien rolled over snow
increases mass, volume and size. Is this
comparable to growth as seen in living
organisms? Why?
Ans. No, it is not comparable to growth hi
living organisms, because here growth
is due to internal addition of
protoplasmic materials by which cells
enlarge and divide. However, non-living
increase the size, weight etc. due to
deposition of materials over the surface.
2. In a given habitat, we have 20 plant
species and 20 animal species. Should
we call this as 'diversity' or 'biodiversity'.
Justify your answer.
Ans. Different Kpes of plant and animal
species hi an area constitute
biodiversity. Thus habitat with different
20 plant species and 20 animal species
constitute the biodiversity.
3. Inteniational Code of Botanical
Nomenclature (ICBN) has provided a
code for classification of plants. Give
hierarchy of units of classification,
botanists follow while classifying plants
and mention different 'Suffixes' used for
the units.
reproduction is synonymous with growth.
Here hicrease in number of cells occur.
6. Define metabolism.
Axis. Metabolism represents the sum total of
all chemical reactions that take place hi
an organised and controlled fashion in
livmg organisms. Metabolism is of two
types i.e., anabolism and catabolism.
7. Wliich is the largest botanical garden
in the world? Name a few well known
botanical gardens in India.
Ans. Royal Botanic Garden (RBG), Kew
(London) is the largest botanical garden
hi the world. Few well known botanical
gardens hi India are:
(i) National Botanical Garden (NBG),
Lucknow (UP).
(ii) Lloyd Botanical Garden, Darjeelhig.
(hi) Indian Botanical Garden, Sib pur
similar conditions of growth, the
morphological variations disappear and
all the variants have common
morphology. What are these variants
called?
Ans. These variations are known as
morphological variations and the
variants are called as biotypes.
5. How do you prepare your own
herbarium sheets? What are the
different tools you carry with you while
collecting plants for the preparation of a
herbarium? What information should a
preserved plant material on a herbarium
sheet provide for taxonomical studies?
Ans. A preserved plant material on
herbarium sheet may provide
information about species, genus,
family, date of collection, area of
collection etc. for taxonomic studies.
Further other details refer 'Makhig of
Herbarium' of Chapter 1 (The Living
World).
6. What is the difference between flora,
fauna and vegetation? Eielthoritia erassipes is
called an exotic species, while Rauwolfia
serpentina is an endemic species in India.
 ExideUiic species are indigenous
species and are native to the
OTvironmentxWhere they are found e.g.
Rmiwolfw serpentina. Exotic species are
introduced in an area from outer source
e.g. Eichhornia erassipes.
7. A plant may have different names in
different regions of the country or world.
Howdo botanists solve this problem?
Ans. For solving the problem, binomial
system of nomenclature given by Karl
Von Luuieaus should be used, hi this
system organism name constitutes two
parts, first genus and second species.
8. Brinjal and potato belong to the same
genus Solanum but to two different species.
What defines them as separate
species?
Ans. The biological name for brinjal is Solarium
D. LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
1. What is meant by living? Give any four
defining features of life forms.
Ans. Refer Chapter 1 heading 'What is
Living"?
2. A scientist has come across a plant,
which he feels is a new species. Howwill
he go about its identification,
classification and nomenclature?
Ans. One should the study the
morphological and anatomical features
in detail. Herbarium/botanical garden
can further help in identification etc.
Taxonomic keys provide necessary
information in this regard.
3. Brassiea eampestris Linn.
Give the common name of the plant.
(a)
What do the first two parts of the
(b)
name denote?
(c) Wliy are they written in italics?
(d) What is the meaning of Linn, written
at the end of name?
Ans. (a) Mustard. (b) Genus and
species.
(c) The biological names are written in
italics as it is required by rules of
nomenclature.
(d) Linn, at the end of name represents
the name of the author, who
discovered the plant for the first time.
What are taxonomic aids? Give the
importance of herbaria and museums.
How are Botanical gardens and
zoological parks useful in conserving
biodiversity?
Ans. The aids, which help in identification
classification and nomenclature of
plants and animals are called as
taxonomic aids i.e. herbaria, botanical
gardens, museums, zoological parks,
monographs, manuals and research
publications. For details of Botanical
gardens and zoological parks refer the
chapter.
produced above the ground and in
potato, tubers (stem) are produced
below the ground. They have been
named with different species.
9. Properties of cell organelles are not
always found in the molecular constituents
of cell organelles. Justify.
Ans. Each cell organelle is made up of
several constituent molecules like
proteins, lipids, enzymes and metallic
ions. All these molecules work together
and perform a common function.
10. The number and kinds of organisms is
not constant. How do you explain this
statement?
Ans. Total number of organisms range
between 5-30 million. Every year about
15000 new species are discovered.
Many species become extinct.
characters and number of individuals
get increased, when we go up with
taxonomical hierarchy.
A student of taxonomy was puzzled when
told by his professor to look for a key to
identify a plant. He went to Iiis friend to
classify what key the professor was
referring to? What would the friend
explain to him?
Ans. Word 'Key' means here the taxonomic
key. Taxonomic key is a device of
diagnostic alternate characters which
provide an easy method for identification
of unknown organisms. The taxonomic
keys help in identification, nomenclature
and classification of newly discovered
plant or animal.
Metabolism is a defining feature of all
living organisms without exception.
Isolated metabolic reactions in vitro are
not living things but surely living
reactions. Comment.
Ans. Metabolism is the sum of biochemical
reactions that take place in the cells of
organisms to sustain life, hi a laboratory,
chemical reactions usually occur and
there is no requirement of isolating the
products. The enzyme mediated
biochemical reactions in living beings
are liiglily selective and specific.
Do you consider a person in coma - living
or dead?
Ans. hi coma, a person is in deep state of
unconsciousness.
The person hi coma is alive but not
capable of responding or reacting to life
around. The patient does not speak or
obey commands. Thus in coma, a
person can be considered as living
dead.
 Very Short Answer Questions
1. Wlio coined the term taxonomy? Ans. de Candolle (1813).
2. Name the taxonomist to use the term species for the first time? Ans. Jolin
Ray.
3. Wlio is classical taxonomist?
Ans. Classical taxonomist is the scientist dealing with the study of taxonomy of organisms in all
aspects.
4. Mention the number of plants and animals described by Linnaeus.
Ans. Species Plantarum (1753)- 5900 plants; Systema Naturae (1758)- 4326 animals.
5. In which organism, the reproduction is synonemous with growth?
Ans. In unicellular organisms like Amoeba, bacteria and uncellular algae. Here hicrease in number
of cells occur.
6. How is diversity in living world related to taxonomy?
Ans. The spectrum of diversity in the living world can be known only by the knowledge of
taxonomy.
7. Wlio developed the concept of new systematics? Ans. Julian Huxley (1914).
8. Expand ICZN.
Ans. International Code of Zoological Nomeclature.
Short Answer Questions \two markseadi\
1. Name the steps in process of taxonomy.
Ans. (i) Characterisation; (ii) Identification;
(iii) Classification; (iv) Nomenclature
2. Give examples of two species, having same genera.
Ans. (i) Solanum tuberosum (potato); Solarium melongena (brhijal). (ii) Panthera Ieo (lion); Panthera pardus (leopard).
3. How Amoeba, Planaria and Hydra reproduce?
Ans. Amoeba - cell division; Planaria - Regeneration; Hydra - Budding.
4. What do you mean by typological concept of systematics?
Ans. It represents the study of one or few individuals to get information about all traits of a
species.
5. Define category and hierarchy.
Ans. Category: It is unit of grouping of one rank used in taxonomy e.g.
genus, family, order. Hierarchy means arranging ranks or categories one
above the other hi particular order.
6. A ball of snow, when rolled over, snow increases in mass, volume and size. Is this
comparable to growth as seen in living organisms? Why?
Ans. It is not the case of growth because size of ball is increasing due to addition of particles
which is external. However hi living organisms, growth takes place due to hicrease hi
material from hiside of body.
Short Answer Questions \rhree marks each\
1. Metabolic reactions can be shown outside the body in cell free systems experimentally.
Wliy the cells are required hi living oraganisnis?
2. What makes species a basic taxonomic category?
3. How are plants and animals kept in museums?
4. How are living organisms divided into different taxa? What is the name given to this
process?
5. Name the areas hi which taxonomical aids are helpful. Wliich different Kpes of
 Long Answer Questions
Liirn (i) Write the common name of plant (ii) What do the first two parts of
1. Bmssica eampestris
name indicate?
(iii) Wliy these are written in italics? (iv) What Linn indicates?
2. Define the following terms (i) Genus (ii) Species (iii) Family (iv) Class (v) Order.
3. What are obligate categories? How these differ from intermediate categories. Name
some intermediate categories.
Hint: The taxonomic categories which are always used in liierarcliial classification of
organism are called obligate categories.

A. Say True or False

Write "True" or "False".

1. Zoological parks are centres for recreation and education .
2. The indented key provides a sequence of choices between two or more characteristics.
3. Class is a category which includes related families.
4. Amoeba reproduces by budding.
5. Anabolism is the sum total of all constructive processes.
6. Cells are structural and functional unit of living organisms.

B. Complete the missing links

1. Hie humans have........sense organs which help them to sense the environment.
2. Biological names are generally in. .and written in.............
3. Genus comprises group of related. . .
4...............is a store house of collected plant specimens that are dried, pressed and
preserved on sheets.
5. Zoological parks are the places where animals are kept in protected environment.
C. Choose the correct alternative
1. Flora/monograph provides information as to all the plants growing in an area.
2. hi classical taxonomy/modern taxonomy, a larger number of individuals are studied.
3. Species/taxon represents basic taxonomic category.
4. Museum/zoological park deals with living organisms.
5. hi Homo sapiens, Homo represents genus/order.

(^Answers) GEES MEMORYTEST VJ\

M^lHiJII-J.UJ.Il-M/

1. True; 2. True; 3. False; 4. False; 5. True; 6. True.

\ i . L i . Ii-J jiiu ji.iumi. i. III. iiu /
1. Five; 2. Latin, italics 3. Species; 4. Herbarium; 5. Wild.
'\l»M»I.I.I.L-IJI.IJJ.IJJJJI.IIIJJ.kll[l]=l^
1. Flora; 2. Modern taxonomy; 3. Species; 4. Zoological park; 5. Genus.
 REVISION EXERCISES
Very Short Answer Questions
1. Expand ICBN.
2. Expand ICZN.
3. Expand ICBacN.
4. Wlio gave the concept of New Systematics?
5. Define nomenclature.
6. Wlro corned the term taxonomy?
7. How many new species are described even,'
year?
8. How many species of plants and animals have
been named so far?
9. Define liierarchy.
ANSWERS
1. International Code of Botanical Nomenclature; 2. International Code of Zoological
Nomenclature; 3. International
Code of Bacteriological Nomenclature; 4. Julian Huxley (1940); 5. Nomenclature provides
proper, specific and
distinguishing name to every organism; 6. de Candolle (1813); 7. 1500 species; 8. 0.55
million species of plants and
Short Answer Questions
1. What is metabolism? What are its types?
2. Write any two advantages of common names.
3. What are the disadvantages of common names?
4. Write any two advantages of binomial
nomenclature.
5. How correlated characters help hi defining genus?
6. What is the need of standardizing the names of
ANSWERS____________________________________________________________________
Metabolism represents the sum total of all the biochemical reactions takhig place hiside the
living organisms. It is of two types.
(i) Anabolism: It includes all the building up reactions;
(ii) Catabolism: It constitutes breakhig up reactions.
2. (i) Common names are easy to pronounce.
(ii) They are short.
(iii) Usually they represent some features of living organisms.
3. (i) A common name may have different meanings in different countries.
(ii) Common names may have no relevance to its name e.g. Lady's finger.
(iii) They may mislead e.g. jelly fish, silver fish, star fish are not fishes.
4. (i) Bhiomial nomenclature is not universally accepted.
(ii) They are same in all languages.
(iii) They indicate the relationship also.
5. Correlated characters are common features, which are used in delimitation of a taxon
above the rank of species.
6. Usually, millions of organisms are known by local names which differ from place to place.
Due to this, standard names of an organism is required all over the world.
Short Answer Questions
1. What different criteria, you choose to classify people that you meet often.
2. Write the common names and scientific names of
following organisms:
(a) Dog (b) Cat (c)
Sparrow
3. Write the functions of an museum.
 5. A scientist came across a plant, which he feels is a new species. How will he proceed
towords its identification, classification and nomenclature?
6. Write tire scope of systematics.
7. A plant may have different names in different regions of the country or world. How do
botanists solve the problem?
8. All the organisms have not been yet identified. Justify tire statement.
Long Answer Questions
1. Wlrat are the three major threat categories of species? Describe with examples.
2. Differentiate between two stages of metabolism.
3. Define the following terms:
(i) Phylum (ii) Class (iii) Family (iv) Order (v) Genus
4. Explahi the term of obhgate categories. Discuss the various intermediate categories.
5. Describe the various taxonomic aids.
6. Write the rules and advantages of binomial nomenclature.
7. Discuss the various characteristics of Iiving beings.

COMPETITION FILE
OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS

A. MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (MCQs):

(From AIPMT & Other Competitive Examinations)
1. hi India, tropical rahi forests occur hi:
(a) Jammu Kaslunir (b) Andamans
(c) Uttar Pradesh (d) Himachal Pradesh (MP-PMT 2010)
2. The Central Wildhfe Board was established hi:
(a) 1951 (b) 1955 (c) 1968 (d) 1970 (MP-PMT 2010)
3. "Project Tiger" hi India was larmched hi:
(a) 1989 (b) 1975 (c) 1973 (d) 1968 (MP-PMT 2010)
4. The total number of species, that are known and described range between : (a) 0.5 - 1.0
million (b) 1.1 - 1.2 million
(c) 1.7-1.8 million (d) 2.5 - 3.0 million (DUMET 2010)
5. The timing of seasonal activities of plants hi relation to change hi environmental condition
is termed as :
(a) Dendrochronology (b) Biological clock (c) Lapse rate (d) Phenology (DUMET
2010)
6. The wildlife (protection) act 1972 was first amended hi:
(a) 1991 (b) 1995 (c) 2001 (d) 2007 (DUMET 2010)
7. IUCN stands for :
(a) Indian Union for Conservation of Nature (b) International Union for Conservation of
Nature
(c) Indian Union for Chemical Nomenclature (d) International Union for Conservation of
Nutrients
(DUMET 2010)
8. The Indian rhinoceros is a natural inhabitant of which one of the Indian states?
(a) Uttarakhand (b) Uttar Pradesh (c) Himachal Pradesh (d) Assam (CBSE 2010)
9. An example of ex situ conservation is :
(a) National Park (b) Seed Bank (c) Wildlife Sanctuary (d) Sacred Grove (AIPMT
2014)
10. A location with luxuriant growth of lichens on the trees hidicates that the :
(a) Trees are very healthy (b) Trees are heavily infested
(c) Location hi Iiiglily polluted (d) Location is not polluted (AIPMT 2014)
11. The organization which publishes the Red List of species is :
13. Systenia Naturae is written by :
(a) Linnaeus (b) Aristotle (c) Hippocrates (d) Darwin (Hanjana 200S)
14. Binonrial nomenclature was first issued in :
(a) Systema Naturae (b) Genera Plantarium (c) Genera Animaliiun (d) Historia
Plantarium
(Hanjana 2008)
15. Systematic botany means :
(a) System analysis (b) Systematic arrangement of organs of
plants
(c) Systematic study of plants dealing with identification (d) Namhig and classification study
of plants hi gardens
(J and K 2009)
16. The basic unit of classification is :
(a) Species (b) Genus (c) Family (d) Phylum (J&K 2011)
17. The tenn taxonomy is introduced by :
(a) De Candolle (b) Bentham and Hooker (c) Linnaeus (d) Huxley (J&K 2011)
18. The framework system of classification hi which various taxonomic categories are
arranged hi order of logical sequence is called :
(a) Systematics (b) Classification (c) Hierarchy (d) Taxon (J&K 2011)
19. Scientific study of diversity of organisms and their evolutionary relationships is called :
(a) Morphology (b) Anatomy (c) Taxonomy (d) Systematics (J&K
2011)
20. Select the incorrect 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 characters.
(C) Cat and dog are included hi the same family Felidae.
(D) Binomial nomenclature was introduced by Carolus Lhuiaeus
(a) A, B and C (b) B, C and D (c) A and D
(d) C and D (e) B and C (Kerala 2011)
21. Wliicli of the 4 names are correctly written as per rules of binomial nomenclature? (a)
SOLANUM MELONGENA (b) Solanum melongena
(c) Solanmn Melongena (d) solatium melongena (COMEDK 2015)
22. Wliich of the following is correctly matched with its particular taxonomic category? (a)
Triticiwi aestivum - Species (b) Fishes- Pisces -Phyhmi
(c) Man - Primate - Family (d) Mango- Sapindales-Class (COMEDK 2015)
23. The formation of two species from one ancestral species is known as:
(a) Convergent evolution (b) Phyletic evolution
(c) Allopatry (d) Divergent evolution (Karnataka CET 2015)
24. Wlio gave the nomenclature according to which humans are called Homo sapiens?
(a) Darwhi (b) Mendel (c) Aristotle (d) Lhinaeus (Bihar CECE
2015)
25. Nomenclature is governed by certahi universal mles. Wliicli one of the following is contrary
to the rules of nomenclature?
(a) Biological names can be written in any language
(b) The first word in a biological name represents the genus name, and the second is a
specific epithet
(c) The names are written hi Lathi and are italicised
(d) Wlien written by hand, the names are to be underlined. (NEET-12016)
26. All of the following are included in 'Ex-situ conservation' except:
(a) Sacred groves (b) Botanical gardens(c) Wildlife safari parks (d) Seed banks (NEET
2018)
27. Matcli the items given hi Column I with those hi Cohunn II and select the correct option given
below:
Colunui I Column II
(a) Herbarium i. It is a place having a collection of preserved plants and animals.
 a b e d a b e d
(a) iii ii i iv (b) ii iv iii i
(c) i iv iii ii (d) iii iv i ii (NEET 2018)

ANSWERS
1. (b); 2. (a); 3. (c); 4. (c); 5. (d); 6. (a); 7. (b); 8. (d); 9. (b); 10. (d); 11. (b); 12. (c); 13.
(a); 14. (a); 15. (c); 16. (a); 17. (c); 18. (c); 19. (d); 20. (c); 21. (b); 22. (a); 23. (d); 24.
(d); 25. (a); 26. (a); 27. (d)

B. CBSE - PMT (MAIN EXAMINATION) QUESTIONS :

1. (i) Mentioii the main reasons for maximum bio-diversity in tropical rain forests.
(ii) Give the full form of IUCN.
(iii) What do you mean by sacred groves. Name such groves in Meghalaya, Rajasfhan and
Madhya Pradesh.
(iv) When, where and in which country earth summit was held? (CBSE 2009)
Ans. (i) Tlte main reasons for maximum biodiversity in tropical rain forests are :
(a) Tropical rainforests receive almost 12 hours of sunlight everyday. As there is
plenty of sunlight, there is also a
great amount of energy locked up in the rainforest.
(b) There are more places for plants to grow and animals to live. Suice all their needs are
met in the canopy.
(ii) International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
(iii) Sacred groves in India represents forest fragments of different sizes, which are
communally protected and which
usually have a significant religious connection for the protecting community. Htuiting
etc. are prohibited with in
such areas.
Meghalaya : West Garo hills, East Garo hills, South Garo lulls, Ri Bhoi, West Kliasi
and Jaintia lulls.
RajasThan : Jain Samadhi, Radlia Krisluia Temple, etc. (Ajmer-district), Viratra
Kiaan (District-Barmer),
C. MATCHING TYPE QUESTIONS :
1. Match the columns :
Column A Column B
(i) Taxonomy (a) Order
(ii) Primata (b) Descending arrangement of
categories
(iii) Jidian Huxley (1940) (c) Solamaii
(iv) Hierarcliy (d) CarolusLuuiaeus
(v) Brinjalandpotato (e) Kuigdom
(vi) FaTher of binomial nomenclature (f) de Candolle (1813)
(vii) Highestcategoty (g) NewSystematics
(h) Jolui Ray
ANSWERS
(i) (f); (ii) (a) (iii) (g) (iv) (b) (v) (c) (vi) (d) (vii) (e)

D. ASSERTION TYPE QUESTIONS :

These questions consist of two statements each, printed as Assertion and Reason. Wliile
answering these questions,
you are required to choose any one of the following four responses.
A. If both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is a correct explanation of the
Assertion.
B. If both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not a correct explanation of the
Assertion.
1. Assertion : hi wildlife conservation, there is no need to
conserve micro-organisms.
Reason : Micro-organisms are not of much importance to
mankind.