NCERT - DIVERSITY OF LIVING WORLD - 24 - 25
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Questions and Answers

What is the highest category in the classification system of animals?

  • Division
  • Kingdom Animalia (correct)
  • Species
  • Phylum

    • The Kingdom Plantae includes all types of animals.

    False

    What happens to the number of common characteristics as one moves from species to kingdom?

    The number of common characteristics decreases.

    The taxonomic hierarchy is arranged in ___ order.

    <p>ascending</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following taxonomic categories with their descriptions:

    <p>Kingdom = Largest taxonomic category Phylum = Groups of related classes Class = Groups of related orders Order = Groups of related families</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a defining feature of all living organisms?

    <p>Metabolism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Isolated metabolic reactions in vitro are considered living things.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary ability that allows organisms to respond to their environment?

    <p>Sensation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All organisms, from prokaryotes to complex eukaryotes, can sense and respond to __________ cues.

    <p>environmental</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which phenomenon affects reproduction in seasonal breeders?

    <p>Photoperiod</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their definitions:

    <p>Metabolism = The chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life Self-consciousness = Awareness of oneself as an individual Emergent properties = Characteristics that arise from the interactions of simpler components Biology = The study of living organisms and their interactions with the environment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Humans are the only organisms capable of self-consciousness.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What allows the properties of tissues to arise?

    <p>Interactions among constituent cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following genera is NOT part of the family Solanaceae?

    <p>Panthera</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The order Carnivora includes animal families such as Felidae and Mustelidae.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is characterized at the family level in plants?

    <p>Vegetative and reproductive features</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The class Mammalia includes the order Primata and other orders like ________.

    <p>Carnivora</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following classifications with their examples:

    <p>Family = Felidae Order = Carnivora Class = Mammalia Phylum = Chordata</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following plants is included in the order Polymoniales?

    <p>Both A and C</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Phylum is a higher taxonomic category than class.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name an example of a genus that is placed in the family Canidae.

    <p>Dog or Wolf</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these organisms belongs to the family Hominidae?

    <p>Man</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A herbarium contains living plant specimens.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a famous botanical garden?

    <p>Shenzhen Botanical Garden</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Biological museums are only found in universities.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a herbarium?

    <p>To preserve collected plant specimens for taxonomic studies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The scientific name for wheat is ______.

    <p>Triticum aestivum</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a key in taxonomy?

    <p>Identification of plants and animals based on similarities and dissimilarities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following organisms with their taxonomic category:

    <p>Man = Homo sapiens Housefly = Musca domestica Mango = Mangifera indica Wheat = Triticum aestivum</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Insects are preserved in ______ after being collected.

    <p>insect boxes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about zoos is true?

    <p>Animals are kept in conditions identical to their natural habitats.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the classification order for mango?

    <p>Sapindales</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Taxonomic studies are not useful in agriculture.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following taxonomical aids with their descriptions:

    <p>Flora = Actual account of habitat and distribution of plants Manuals = Information for identification of species Monographs = Information on a single taxon Keys = Identification based on contrasting characters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where are larger animals like birds and mammals usually kept in biological museums?

    <p>Stuffed and preserved.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of labels on herbarium sheets?

    <p>Labels provide information about the specimen's collection date, place, names, and collector.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The living world is rich in ______.

    <p>variety</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of living organisms was emphasized by Ernst Mayr in his research?

    <p>The origin of species diversity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Ernst Mayr was known for developing the concept of biological species.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What led to cultural movements for conservation of biodiversity?

    <p>The recognition of shared similarities among living organisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Ernst Mayr was born on _____ in Kempten, Germany.

    <p>5 July 1904</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following awards to their corresponding years:

    <p>Balzan Prize = 1983 International Prize for Biology = 1994 Crafoord Prize = 1999</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What common feature did early human societies observe between living organisms and inanimate matter?

    <p>Both evoked a sense of awe or fear</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Systematic description of life forms was not necessary for progress in biological knowledge.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which university was Ernst Mayr affiliated with during his career?

    <p>Harvard University</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is generally NOT considered a unique feature of living organisms?

    <p>Size</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All living organisms exhibit growth from the inside.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic allows multicellular organisms to grow?

    <p>Cell division</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The age at which Ernst Mayr died was ______.

    <p>100</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following features of living organisms with their descriptions:

    <p>Growth = Increase in mass and number of individuals Reproduction = Production of new individual organisms Metabolism = Chemical processes that occur in living organisms Self-replication = Ability to copy genetic material</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature is primarily associated with the non-living objects?

    <p>Accumulation of material on the surface</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Animals and plants grow continuously throughout their lifespan.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what environments can living organisms be found?

    <p>Cold mountains, deciduous forests, oceans, fresh water lakes, deserts, hot springs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following terms describes the process of classifying living organisms?

    <p>Taxonomy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The term 'taxon' refers to a single category within the taxonomic hierarchy.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of systematics in biological studies?

    <p>Evolutionary relationships between organisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In taxonomy, the broader category that includes more specific categories is referred to as a ______.

    <p>taxonomic category</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following taxa with their corresponding levels:

    <p>Dogs = Species Mammals = Class Animals = Kingdom Plants = Kingdom</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes early classification methods?

    <p>Based on the uses of various organisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The scientific name for wheat is a type of taxon used in classification.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Linnaeus known for in the field of taxonomy?

    <p>He developed the system for naming and classifying organisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of taxonomy?

    <p>To facilitate identification and classification of organisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All organisms are identified and classified under the same naming conventions.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the binomial system of nomenclature entail?

    <p>It is a two-word naming system for identifying organisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Organisms are grouped in a hierarchical system known as ______.

    <p>taxonomic hierarchy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a taxonomic aid?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following taxonomic categories with their examples:

    <p>Species = Tiger (Panthera tigris) Genus = Homo Family = Felidae Order = Carnivora</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what environments can live specimens of plants and animals usually be found?

    <p>Botanical gardens and zoological parks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a taxon?

    <p>A taxon is a group of one or more populations of organisms which a taxonomist identifies and names.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following organisms belongs to the genus 'Mangifera'?

    <p>Mangifera indica</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A herbarium contains living plant specimens.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a herbarium?

    <p>To store and preserve collected plant specimens for taxonomic studies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The family name for houseflies is __________.

    <p>Muscidae</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following organisms with their corresponding taxonomic category:

    <p>Homo sapiens = Hominidae Triticum aestivum = Poaceae Musca domestica = Muscidae Mangifera indica = Anacardiaceae</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a benefit of taxonomic studies?

    <p>They contribute to agriculture, forestry, and industry.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Botanical gardens contain dried and pressed plant specimens.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What classification order does wheat belong to?

    <p>Poales</p> Signup and view all the answers

    As one moves from species to kingdom in the taxonomic hierarchy, what happens to the common characteristics shared by the organisms?

    <p>They decrease.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Kingdom Animalia and Kingdom Plantae have the same classification categories.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the highest taxonomic category for plants?

    <p>Kingdom Plantae</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Higher taxonomic categories have ___ in determining relationships among taxa.

    <p>greater difficulty</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following taxonomic categories with their descriptions:

    <p>Species = The most specific category that groups individuals capable of interbreeding Division = A category that groups plants based on similar characteristics Kingdom = The highest category in biological classification Phylum = A category that encompasses multiple classes of organisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the first word in a biological name represent?

    <p>Genus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The specific epithet in a biological name starts with a capital letter.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the scientific name of mango?

    <p>Mangifera indica</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The system of naming organisms using two words is called _______ nomenclature.

    <p>binomial</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the biological components to their definitions:

    <p>Genus = First part of a scientific name Specific epithets = Second part of a scientific name Author's name = Indicates who described the species Latin = Language typically used in biological naming</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about classification is true?

    <p>Classification groups organisms based on observable characters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Biological names can be written in any language.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is classification necessary in biology?

    <p>To group organisms into convenient categories based on observable characters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the defining property of living organisms that differentiates humans from other organisms?

    <p>Self-consciousness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All living organisms are aware of their surroundings.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes the phenomenon where properties in tissues arise from interactions among constituent cells?

    <p>Emergent properties</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Plants respond to external factors like light, water, and __________.

    <p>temperature</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their characteristics:

    <p>Prokaryotes = Single-celled organisms without a nucleus Eukaryotes = Organisms with complex cells and a nucleus Self-regulating systems = Organisms that maintain internal stability in response to external changes Seasonal breeders = Organisms that reproduce based on environmental changes like photoperiod</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of life is most complicated among living organisms?

    <p>Sensing and responding to the environment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Isolated metabolic reactions in vitro are considered living things.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What connects all living organisms throughout time?

    <p>Common genetic material</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the purpose of botanical gardens?

    <p>To grow and label plant species for identification</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Biological museums only preserve animal specimens.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term is used for the pairs of contrasting characters in a key for identification?

    <p>couplet</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Larger animals like birds and mammals are usually __________ and preserved.

    <p>stuffed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following taxonomic aids with their purposes:

    <p>Flora = Describes the habitat and distribution of plants Manuals = Provides identification information for species Monographs = Contains detailed information on one taxon Keys = Used for identification based on similarities and dissimilarities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a function of zoological parks?

    <p>To extract animal specimens for research</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Specimens in biological museums are generally preserved in dry conditions.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one famous botanical garden located in India.

    <p>Indian Botanical Garden, Howrah</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of taxonomy?

    <p>To classify and identify living organisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Taxonomic keys are tools that help in identification based on characteristics.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are herbaria used for?

    <p>Herbaria are used for collecting and preserving plant specimens.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The scientific naming system based on two words is called __________.

    <p>binomial nomenclature</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following taxonomic ranks with their descriptions:

    <p>Species = The most specific rank representing individual organisms Genus = A group of closely related species Family = A group of genera that share certain characteristics Order = A higher taxonomic category containing multiple families</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a typical taxonomic category?

    <p>Zoonosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    List two examples of taxonomic aids.

    <p>Herbaria and taxonomic keys.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All taxonomic classifications are based on morphological features only.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the number of common characteristics as one moves from species to kingdom?

    <p>It decreases</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the system of naming organisms with two components known as?

    <p>Binomial nomenclature</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Kingdom Plantae includes all organisms from various phyla.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Biological names are typically written in Greek and printed in regular text.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the highest taxonomic category for animals?

    <p>Kingdom Animalia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the first word in a biological name represent?

    <p>Genus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    As we go higher in the taxonomic categories from species to kingdom, the number of common characteristics ______.

    <p>decreases</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The specific epithet ___ starts with a small letter.

    <p>indica</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following taxonomic categories with their corresponding descriptions:

    <p>Species = Lowest taxonomic unit with the highest similarity Genus = Group of related species Family = Group of genera that share certain characteristics Kingdom = Highest taxonomic category that includes diverse organisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following components of a biological name:

    <p>Mangifera = Genus indica = Specific epithet Linn = Author's abbreviation Latin = Language of biological names</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about reproduction is true?

    <p>Some organisms can reproduce asexually.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All living organisms exhibit growth as a defining feature.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is credited with the system of Binomial nomenclature?

    <p>Carolus Linnaeus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Classification is the process of grouping organisms based on easily observable characters.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process do multicellular organisms primarily use for reproduction?

    <p>Sexual reproduction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The sum total of all the chemical reactions occurring in an organism is known as ___.

    <p>metabolism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the scientific name of mango?

    <p>Mangifera indica</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of reproduction with their descriptions:

    <p>Asexual reproduction = Reproduction without gametes, e.g., spores Budding = A form of asexual reproduction seen in yeast True regeneration = Lost body parts are regenerated into new organisms Fragmentation = Organisms split into fragments that grow into new individuals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about metabolism is accurate?

    <p>Metabolism involves countless chemical reactions within all living entities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Reproduction is a definitive characteristic for all living organisms.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In unicellular organisms like bacteria, how is reproduction understood?

    <p>As synonymous with growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of nomenclature in biology?

    <p>To standardize the naming of organisms globally</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All living organisms have multiple scientific names based on different naming conventions.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the estimated range of known and described species on Earth?

    <p>1.7-1.8 million</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The guidelines for naming animals are provided in the __________.

    <p>International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their definitions:

    <p>Nomenclature = The system of naming organisms Biodiversity = Variety of life in the world or a specific ecosystem Identification = The process of determining the name of an organism Classification = The arrangement of organisms into categories</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following refers to the continuous identification of new organisms?

    <p>Species discovery</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The scientific names of plants are standardized by the International Code for Botanical Nomenclature.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What allows biologists to ensure that a scientific name is not reused for another organism?

    <p>Description of the organism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the scientific term for the categories used to classify organisms?

    <p>Taxa</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Taxonomy is a process that only includes the classification of organisms.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What branch of study includes the identification, nomenclature, and classification of organisms?

    <p>Systematics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The process of classifying living organisms is known as ______.

    <p>taxonomy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following taxonomic ranks with their definitions:

    <p>Species = A group of individuals capable of interbreeding Genus = A category that contains one or more species Family = A higher-level category comprising multiple genera Order = A taxonomic rank containing several families</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following categories is considered the broadest in taxonomic hierarchy?

    <p>Kingdom</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All living organisms can be classified in a hierarchical structure.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is known for the publication 'Systema Naturae'?

    <p>Linnaeus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following genera are included in the family Solanaceae?

    <p>Datura</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The order Carnivora includes both Felidae and Canidae families.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the classification order of monkeys and gorillas?

    <p>Primata</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Plants belonging to the order Polymoniales are characterized largely by their __________ features.

    <p>floral</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following taxonomic categories with their examples:

    <p>Phylum Chordata = Includes mammals, birds, reptiles, and fishes Class Mammalia = Includes orders like Primata and Carnivora Order Carnivora = Includes families like Felidae and Canidae Family Solanaceae = Includes genera like Solanum and Petunia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these animal families is classified under the class Mammalia?

    <p>Felidae</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the scientific term for categories used to study organisms?

    <p>Taxa</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name an animal that belongs to the family Canidae.

    <p>Dog</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All living organisms fall under the same taxonomic category.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Family is a higher taxonomic category than order.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process is fundamental to taxonomy?

    <p>Classification</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The branch of study that focuses on evolutionary relationships among organisms is called _____ .

    <p>systematics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a goal of systematics?

    <p>Determining food sources</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following taxonomic categories with their definitions:

    <p>Domain = The highest taxonomic rank in the hierarchy. Species = The most specific taxonomic rank. Class = A group of related orders. Family = A group of related genera.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Taxonomic categories are always hierarchical and represent different ranks.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name the publication by Linnaeus that contributed to the study of systematics.

    <p>Systema Naturae</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a correct example of a scientific name?

    <p>Panthera Leo</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Panthera and Felis are examples of different genera.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the lowest category of the taxonomic hierarchy?

    <p>Species</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The genus that includes both lions and tigers is called _____

    <p>Panthera</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following organisms with their respective genera:

    <p>Mango = Mangifera Potato = Solanum Lion = Panthera Brinjal = Solanum</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which taxonomic category is higher than species but lower than family?

    <p>Genus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The scientific name 'Homo sapiens' indicates a unique species to which humans belong.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All organisms belong to the category of ______, which is the highest taxonomic grouping.

    <p>Kingdom</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the number of shared characteristics as the taxonomic classification moves from a lower category to a higher category?

    <p>The number of shared characteristics decreases</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Kingdom Animalia includes all types of plants.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the highest category in the classification system of plants?

    <p>Kingdom Plantae</p> Signup and view all the answers

    As one moves up from species to kingdom in taxonomic classification, the number of common characteristics becomes ______.

    <p>fewer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following taxonomic categories with their descriptions:

    <p>Species = Lowest taxonomic category pertaining to individuals that can reproduce Division = Category that includes similar classes of plants Phylum = Category that includes various classes of animals Kingdom = The highest taxonomic group that includes multiple divisions or phyla</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic is NOT generally associated with living organisms?

    <p>Accumulation of material on the surface</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All living organisms exhibit continuous growth throughout their lifespan.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one way unicellular organisms grow?

    <p>Cell division</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Living organisms are characterized by their ability to ___ and sense their environment.

    <p>respond</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the feature of living organisms with its description:

    <p>Growth = Increase in mass and number of individuals Reproduction = Producing offspring Metabolism = Chemical processes occurring in a living organism Self-replication = Ability to make copies of oneself</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At what age did Ernst Mayr pass away?

    <p>100</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Growth in non-living objects is similar to growth in living organisms.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What year did Ernst Mayr die?

    <p>2004</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes a characteristic of living organisms?

    <p>Metabolism involves chemical reactions occurring within organisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All non-living objects exhibit metabolism.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name an organism that reproduces asexually by budding.

    <p>Hydra</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Mules, sterile worker bees, and infertile human couples demonstrate that _____ cannot be a defining characteristic of all living organisms.

    <p>reproduction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of reproduction to their examples:

    <p>Asexual Reproduction = Budding in Hydra Sexual Reproduction = Fertilization in mammals Fragmentation = Regeneration in Planaria Spores = Fungi dispersing spores</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In unicellular organisms like bacteria, which process is synonymous with growth?

    <p>Cell division</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A dead organism can still reproduce.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the sum total of all chemical reactions within an organism known as?

    <p>Metabolism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a defining property of living organisms that differentiates humans from other organisms?

    <p>Self-consciousness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All organisms possess self-consciousness.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of systems are living organisms described as being?

    <p>Self-replicating, evolving and self-regulating interactive systems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Living organisms respond to external stimuli that can be _____, chemical, or biological.

    <p>physical</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their definitions:

    <p>Metabolism = The chemical processes that occur within a living organism. Cellular organization = The arrangement of cells into tissues and organs. Emergent properties = Characteristics that arise from the interactions among parts. Environmental stimuli = Factors that affect an organism's response and behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes how living organisms handle chemicals entering their bodies?

    <p>They are aware of them and manage their effects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Higher organisms do not respond to environmental cues.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term is used to describe the influence of light duration on the reproduction of organisms?

    <p>Photoperiod</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'specific epithet' refer to in binomial nomenclature?

    <p>The unique name identifying a species within a genus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The first word in a biological name must always start with a lowercase letter.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who developed the system of naming organisms using binomial nomenclature?

    <p>Carolus Linnaeus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The scientific name for mango is __________.

    <p>Mangifera indica</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms in binomial nomenclature with their meanings:

    <p>Genus = The first word in a scientific name Specific epithet = The second word in a scientific name Classification = Grouping based on observable characteristics Linnaeus = The father of modern taxonomy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a guideline for writing biological names?

    <p>Both parts of the name should be italicized when printed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Biological names are usually derived from English language terms.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the importance of classification in biology?

    <p>It groups organisms into categories based on characteristics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is primarily preserved in biological museums?

    <p>Plant and animal specimens</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All animals in zoos are kept in conditions that simulate their natural habitats.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one famous botanical garden located in India.

    <p>Indian Botanical Garden, Howrah</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Insects are preserved in ______ after collecting.

    <p>insect boxes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their descriptions:

    <p>Key = A taxonomical aid for identification based on contrasting characters Flora = Record of habitat and distribution of plants Manuals = Useful for identifying names of species Monographs = Information on a specific taxon</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a taxonomical aid used for identification?

    <p>Key</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Larger animals like birds are usually stuffed and preserved in biological museums.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main component of the key used in taxonomy?

    <p>Couplet</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term refers to the scientific categories used to study organisms?

    <p>Taxa</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Systematics only focuses on the classification of organisms without considering their evolutionary relationships.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the process of classifying and naming organisms known as?

    <p>Taxonomy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The basic needs of early human societies were food, clothing, and ______.

    <p>shelter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following taxonomic ranks with their descriptions:

    <p>Kingdom = The highest taxonomic category Family = A group of related genera Genus = A group of closely related species Species = The most specific taxonomic rank</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a component of the taxonomic process?

    <p>Observation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Each category in the taxonomic hierarchy is called a taxon.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used for the arrangement of organisms based on their evolutionary relationships?

    <p>Systematics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following characteristics is NOT definitive of all living organisms?

    <p>Ability to move</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A dead organism is capable of growth.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process do unicellular organisms such as bacteria use to reproduce?

    <p>Binary fission</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Metabolism encompasses all the __________ reactions occurring within living organisms.

    <p>chemical</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following reproduction methods with their examples:

    <p>Budding = Yeast Asexual Spores = Fungi Fragmentation = Planaria Binary Fission = Bacteria</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about asexual reproduction is true?

    <p>It results in offspring identical to the parent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of living organisms did Ernst Mayr emphasize in his research?

    <p>The origin of species diversity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All present-day living organisms are unrelated to the organisms that ever lived on Earth.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All organisms exhibit metabolism.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name a living organism that does not reproduce.

    <p>Mule</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the scientific name for wheat?

    <p>Triticum</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Ernst Mayr joined Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences in _____ year.

    <p>1953</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following prizes to their corresponding years awarded to Ernst Mayr:

    <p>Balzan Prize = 1983 International Prize for Biology = 1994 Crafoord Prize = 1999 Nobel Prize = Not awarded</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes a taxonomical aid?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Ernst Mayr retired in 1975 while still holding the title of Professor of Zoology.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What cultural movement was inspired by the realization of the interrelatedness of living organisms?

    <p>Conservation of biodiversity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines self-consciousness in living organisms?

    <p>The awareness of oneself</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All living organisms can respond to environmental stimuli.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are emergent properties in living organisms?

    <p>Properties that arise from interactions among the components at a higher level of organization.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ability to sense and respond to the environment is a defining feature of ______ organisms.

    <p>living</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their definitions:

    <p>Metabolism = Chemical processes that occur within a living organism Consciousness = Awareness of oneself and the surroundings Homeostasis = Regulation of an organism's internal environment Evolution = Changes in living organisms over generations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about coma patients is accurate?

    <p>They have no self-awareness but may be alive</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Only complex eukaryotic organisms can respond to their environment.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do external environmental factors like light and temperature play in living organisms?

    <p>They influence growth, reproduction, and behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a herbarium?

    <p>To store preserved plant specimens</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Living plants are stored in a herbarium.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name the family to which the mango belongs.

    <p>Anacardiaceae</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Wheat's scientific name is ______.

    <p>Triticum aestivum</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the organisms with their respective genus:

    <p>Man = Homo Housefly = Musca Mango = Mangifera Wheat = Triticum</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which taxonomic category is directly above the genus in the classification hierarchy?

    <p>Family</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A botanical garden contains collections of dried plant specimens.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is stored on herbarium sheets along with plant specimens?

    <p>Information about date, place of collection, and other details.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main branch of knowledge that deals with the identification, naming, and classification of organisms?

    <p>Taxonomy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Taxonomic aids help in preserving live specimens in herbaria.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What system is used to give a scientific name to an organism?

    <p>Binomial system of nomenclature</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Taxonomists collect specimens and preserve them in _______ for further study.

    <p>herbaria</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following taxonomic categories with their descriptions:

    <p>Species = Basic unit of classification, representing a group of similar organisms Genus = Group of closely related species Family = Group of related genera Order = Group of related families</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it essential to classify living organisms?

    <p>To identify and understand biodiversity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The scientific name of mango is correctly written as Mangifera indica.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do taxonomic keys assist with in taxonomy?

    <p>Identification of organisms based on their characteristics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which scientist is known as 'The Darwin of the 20th century'?

    <p>Ernst Mayr</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The systematic study of life forms was unnecessary for progress in biological knowledge.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primary question did Ernst Mayr focus on during his career?

    <p>The origin of species diversity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Ernst Mayr was born on _____ in Kempten, Germany.

    <p>5 July 1904</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following awards did Ernst Mayr NOT receive?

    <p>Nobel Prize</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their descriptions:

    <p>Taxonomy = The classification of living organisms Biodiversity = Variety of life in the world Evolution = Change in the heritable traits of biological populations over successive generations Ornithology = The study of birds</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Ernst Mayr's research did not include the history and philosophy of biology.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What common experience did early humans perceive between inanimate matter and living organisms?

    <p>A sense of awe or fear</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic distinguishes growth in living organisms from growth in non-living objects?

    <p>Growth is from inside</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All living organisms exhibit growth until the end of their life span.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At what age did Ernst Mayr die?

    <p>100</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Living organisms exhibit unique features such as metabolism, ability to self-replicate, and ______.

    <p>self-organisation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following examples with their corresponding habitats:

    <p>Shark = Oceans Horse = Mountains Migrating Birds = Fresh Water Lakes Cactus = Deserts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT considered a feature of living organisms?

    <p>Ability to accumulate mass</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cell division in plants occurs continuously throughout their life span.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Define the term 'metabolism' in the context of living organisms.

    <p>Metabolism is the set of life-sustaining chemical reactions that allow living organisms to grow, reproduce, and respond to their environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does biodiversity refer to?

    <p>The number and types of living organisms present on Earth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Nomenclature ensures that each organism has multiple names based on different regions.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature?

    <p>A set of rules for naming animal species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The scientific names for plants are based on the ______.

    <p>International Code for Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many species are known and described currently?

    <p>Between 1.7-1.8 million</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their descriptions:

    <p>Nomenclature = The naming system for organisms Identification = The process of recognizing an organism Biodiversity = The variety of life forms Taxonomy = The science of classification</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All organisms can potentially be identified and given a standardized name.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the importance of standardizing the naming of living organisms?

    <p>To ensure that each organism is known by the same name worldwide.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who developed the system of Binomial nomenclature?

    <p>Carolus Linnaeus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The first word of a biological name represents the specific epithet.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What language are biological names typically derived from?

    <p>Latin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The specific epithet in the scientific name Mangifera indica is _____

    <p>indica</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following components with their meanings in Binomial nomenclature:

    <p>Genus = First word in a biological name Specific epithet = Second word in a biological name Linnaeus = Developed the naming system Italicized names = Indicates Latin origin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about biological names is true?

    <p>Only the genus name is capitalized.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does classification allow biologists to do?

    <p>Group organisms into categories based on observable characters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All biological names are written in Roman characters, regardless of the origin of the name.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which family includes the genera Solanum, Petunia, and Datura?

    <p>Solanaceae</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The order Carnivora includes both Felidae and Canidae families.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one characteristic that distinguishes the class Mammalia.

    <p>Presence of mammary glands</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The animal order that includes monkeys, gorillas, and gibbons is called _____ .

    <p>Primata</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following taxonomic categories with their examples:

    <p>Felidae = Cats Solanaceae = Potatoes Carnivora = Tigers Mammalia = Humans</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly describes a phylum?

    <p>Includes classes with common features like a notochord.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Families within the same order generally share more similarities than those within the same genus.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What features are primarily used to characterize families in plants?

    <p>Vegetative and reproductive features</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Defining Characteristics of Living Organisms

    • All living organisms exhibit metabolism, but isolated metabolic reactions in vitro are not considered living.
    • Cellular organization is a defining feature of life forms.
    • The ability to sense and respond to environmental stimuli (physical, chemical, or biological) is a key characteristic.
    • All organisms, from prokaryotes to eukaryotes, can sense and respond to their surroundings.
    • Photoperiod influences reproduction in seasonal breeders, including plants and animals.
    • All organisms regulate the chemicals entering their bodies.
    • Human beings are the only organisms known to possess self-consciousness, making consciousness a defining property of living organisms.
    • The definition of living state becomes more complex with human beings.
    • Brain-dead patients, supported by machines, raise questions about the definition of living.
    • Emergent properties arise at higher levels of organization due to interactions between constituent components.
    • Living organisms can be characterized as self-replicating, evolving, and self-regulating interactive systems capable of responding to external stimuli.

    Taxonomy - Classification Hierarchy

    • Taxonomy is the science of classifying organisms based on shared characteristics.
    • The hierarchical system of classification organizes organisms into categories ranging from species to kingdom.
    • Species are the basic unit of classification, consisting of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.
    • Genus groups closely related species together.
    • Family includes related genera with a lower level of similarity compared to genus and species.
    • Order groups related families based on shared characteristics.
    • Class includes related orders.
    • Phylum/Division groups related classes based on a few common characters.
    • Kingdom represents the highest and most inclusive category, grouping all organisms with similar fundamental characteristics.
    • As one moves up the hierarchy from species to kingdom, the number of shared characteristics decreases.
    • Lower taxonomic categories share more characteristics than higher ones, making classification more complex at higher levels.

    Taxonomic Aids

    • Herbarium is a collection of dried, pressed, and preserved plant specimens arranged according to a classification system.
    • Botanical Gardens are living collections of plant species that are labelled with their scientific names and families.
    • Museums house preserved plant and animal specimens for study and reference.
    • Zoological Parks provide environments to study wild animals and their behavior in a protected setting.
    • Keys are tools for identifying organisms based on contrasting characters presented in pairs (couplets).
    • Flora provides information about the habitat and distribution of plants in a specific area.
    • Manuals offer guidance on identifying plant species within a certain geographic region.
    • Monographs focus on detailed information about a single taxon.
    • Catalogues list and describe organisms in a specific collection.

    Biology - Science of Life

    • Biology is the study of living things and their processes.
    • The living world exhibits a vast diversity of organisms.
    • Early humans recognized the difference between inanimate objects and living organisms.
    • Recognizing the shared similarities among living organisms led to the understanding that all living things on Earth are related.

    Ernst Mayr

    • Ernst Mayr was a renowned evolutionary biologist, often referred to as the "Darwin of the 20th century."
    • His extensive research spanned ornithology, taxonomy, zoogeography, evolution, systematics, and the history and philosophy of biology.
    • Mayr played a significant role in making the origin of species diversity the central focus of evolutionary biology.
    • He defined the current understanding of a biological species.

    What is 'Living'?

    • Living organisms exhibit specific characteristics, such as growth, reproduction, response to stimuli, and metabolism.
    • Growth involves an increase in mass and number of individuals.
    • In multicellular organisms, growth occurs through cell division.
    • Unicellular organisms grow by cell division.

    Taxonomic Categories

    • Classification involves a hierarchical system of categories, each representing a rank or taxonomic category.
    • These categories are collectively known as the taxonomic hierarchy.
    • Each category is a unit of classification, referred to as a taxon.
    • Examples of taxa at different levels include: "Plants," "Wheat," "Animals," "Mammals," and "Dogs."

    Systematics

    • Systematics deals with the identification, nomenclature, and classification of organisms, considering their evolutionary relationships.
    • The term "systematics" originates from the Latin word "systema," meaning systematic arrangement.
    • Linnaeus used "Systema Naturae" as the title of his publication.

    Taxonomic Aids

    • Taxonomic studies assist in agriculture, forestry, industry, and understanding biodiversity.
    • Herbarium: A collection of dried, pressed, and preserved plant specimens arranged according to a classification system.
    • Botanical Gardens: Specialized gardens housing collections of living plants for reference.
    • Museums: Storehouses of preserved specimens, including plants and animals.
    • Zoological Parks: Contain living animals for observation and study.
    • Manuals and Monographs: Provide information and descriptions for taxonomic studies.
    • Taxonomic Keys: Tools used for identifying organisms based on their characteristics.

    Defining Features of Life

    • Metabolism: All living organisms undergo metabolic processes, but isolated in-vitro metabolic reactions are not themselves living.
    • Cellular Organization: A defining feature of life is the cellular organization of the body.
    • Sensing and Responding to Environment: All living organisms can sense and respond to environmental stimuli, such as light, water, temperature, chemicals, and other organisms.
    • Self-Consciousness: Human beings are the only organisms known to have self-consciousness.
    • Emergent Properties: Properties of living organisms arise from interactions between their components. These interactions result in emergent properties that are not present in the individual components.

    The Importance of Naming and Classifying

    • Taxonomy: Branch of biology dealing with identifying, naming, and classifying organisms.
    • Binomial Nomenclature: The system of giving organisms a two-part scientific name, introduced by Carolus Linnaeus.
    • Rules of Binomial Nomenclature:
      • Biological names are generally in Latin and written in italics.
      • The first word in the scientific name represents the genus, and the second word represents the specific epithet.
      • Both words are underlined when handwritten, indicating their Latin origin.
      • The genus name starts with a capital letter, while the specific epithet starts with a lowercase letter.
      • The author's name appears after the specific epithet, abbreviated, indicating the first person to describe the species.

    Taxonomic Hierarchy

    • Taxonomic Categories: Species, genus, family, order, class, phylum, and kingdom.
    • Ascending Order: As you move up the hierarchy, the number of shared characteristics between organisms decreases.
    • Kingdom Animalia: All animals are classified in this kingdom.
    • Kingdom Plantae: All plants are classified in this kingdom.

    Taxonomic Aids

    • Botanical Gardens: Collections of living plant species, often labeled with their scientific names.
    • Museums: Collections of preserved plant and animal specimens for study and reference.
    • Zoological Parks: Places where wild animals are kept in protected environments, allowing for observation of their behaviors and food habits.
    • Keys: Tools used for identification based on contrasting characteristics.
    • Flora: Provide a systematic account of the plants found in a specific geographical region, including their habitats and distributions.
    • Manuals: Offer information to help identify species found in a particular area.
    • Monographs: Contain information on a single taxonomic group.

    Characteristics of Living Organisms

    • Growth is a characteristic of living organisms, but it is not a defining feature because non-living organisms can also grow in certain conditions.
    • Reproduction is another characteristic of living organisms, but there are exceptions like mules, sterile worker bees, and infertile human couples.
    • Metabolism is a defining characteristic of living organisms which involves a series of chemical reactions that occur constantly in all living organisms.

    Diversity in the Living World

    • There are millions of organisms in the world.
    • Each organism belongs to a specific species.
    • Biodiversity refers to the number and types of organisms present on earth.

    Nomenclature: Naming Organisms

    • All organisms should have a standardized name used worldwide.
    • Scientific names are given based on agreed-upon principles and criteria.
    • International Code for Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN) is used for plants.
    • International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) is used for animals.
    • Scientific names have two components: Generic name (genus) and specific epithet (species). This system is called Binomial nomenclature.
    • The genus starts with a capital letter, and the specific epithet starts with a lowercase letter. Both are written in italics or underlined when handwritten.
    • Example: Mangifera indica (Mango):
      • Mangifera - genus
      • indica - specific epithet
    • The author who first described the species is written after the specific epithet, e.g., Mangifera indica Linn (Linnaeus described Mango).

    Classification: Grouping Organisms

    • Classification involves grouping organisms based on shared characteristics.
    • Different levels of classification are called taxa.
    • Taxa can be arranged in a hierarchical system called taxonomic hierarchy.
    • Taxonomic categories in ascending order are:
      • Species
      • Genus
      • Family
      • Order
      • Class
      • Phylum (animals)
      • Division (plants)
      • Kingdom
    • The higher the category, the fewer common characteristics its members share.
    • Kingdom Animalia includes all animals, and Kingdom Plantae includes all plants.
    • Example: Housefly:
      • Species: Musca domestica
      • Genus: Musca
      • Family: Muscidae
      • Order: Diptera
      • Class: Insecta
      • Phylum: Arthropoda
      • Kingdom: Animalia

    Systematics: Understanding Relationships

    • Systematics is the branch of biology that studies the relationships among organisms, including their identification, nomenclature, classification, and evolution.
    • It involves identifying and classifying organisms based on their characteristics and evolutionary history.
    • Systematics helps us understand the development of the diversity of living organisms on Earth.

    What is Living?

    • Living organisms grow, reproduce, sense the environment, and respond to stimuli.
    • Other characteristics include metabolism, self-replication, self-organization, interaction, and emergence.
    • Growth can be observed in both multicellular and unicellular organisms.
    • Unicellular organisms grow by cell division.
    • Multicellular organisms grow by cell division, but in animals, this growth is limited to a certain age.
    • Non-living objects can increase in mass, but this is not considered growth.
    • Living organisms grow from the inside.

    Taxonomy and Systematics

    • Taxonomy is the science of classifying organisms into groups based on shared characteristics.
    • The scientific term for these groups is taxa.
    • Taxa can be at different levels, such as "plants," "wheat," "animals," "mammals," and "dogs."
    • Modern taxonomic studies consider external and internal structure, cellular structure, developmental processes, and ecological information.
    • The processes of characterization, identification, classification, and nomenclature are fundamental to taxonomy.
    • Systematics is the study of the evolutionary relationships between organisms.
    • Systematics encompasses identification, nomenclature, and classification.

    Taxonomic Categories

    • The classification of organisms involves a hierarchical system known as the taxonomic hierarchy.
    • Each level of the hierarchy is a taxonomic category or rank, also known as a taxon.
    • The major taxonomic categories are kingdom, phylum (or division for plants), class, order, family, genus, and species.
    • The lowest category, species, is a group of organisms with fundamental similarities.
    • Organisms are placed into these categories based on their characteristics, with more shared characteristics at lower levels and fewer shared characteristics at higher levels.

    Species

    • Species are defined as groups of organisms with fundamental similarities that distinguish them from other closely related species.
    • Each species has a specific epithet, which is a descriptive term used to identify the species within its genus.
    • For example, Mangifera indica (mango) has the specific epithet indica.
    • Solanum tuberosum (potato) has the specific epithet tuberosum.
    • Panthera leo (lion) has the specific epithet leo.

    Genus

    • A genus comprises a group of related species with more shared characteristics than species within other genera.
    • For example, Solanum tuberosum (potato) and Solanum melongena (eggplant) are two different species but belong to the same genus, Solanum.
    • Other examples include Panthera leo (lion), Panthera pardus (leopard), and Panthera tigris (tiger), all belonging to the genus Panthera.

    Family

    • Family is a higher category containing related genera with fewer similarities compared to genus and species.
    • For example, the genera Solanum, Petunia, and Datura are all part of the family Solanaceae.
    • In animals, the family Felidae includes the genera Panthera and Felis (cats).

    Order

    • Order is an even higher category that groups families with a few common characteristics.
    • For example, the families Conolvulaceae and Solanaceae are included in the order Polymoniales, based on their floral characteristics.
    • In animals, the order Carnivora includes families such as Felidae and Canidae (dogs).

    Class

    • Class includes related orders.
    • For example, the order Primata (monkeys, gorillas, gibbons) and the order Carnivora are both assigned to the class Mammalia.

    Phylum

    • Phylum (or division for plants) is a category that groups related classes.
    • For example, the classes containing fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals all belong to the phylum Chordata.

    Kingdom

    • Kingdom is the highest category in the taxonomic hierarchy.
    • The animal kingdom, Animalia, includes all animals belonging to various phyla.
    • The plant kingdom, Plantae, includes all plants from various divisions.

    Characteristics of Living Organisms

    • Growth is not a defining characteristic of living organisms. Living organisms grow under specific conditions, while non-living objects do not grow.
    • Reproduction is another characteristic of living organisms. It encompasses both sexual and asexual reproduction.
    • Metabolism is a defining feature of all living organisms. It involves chemical reactions that occur within the body, constantly transforming biomolecules.
    • Cellular organization is the hallmark of living organisms.
    • Responsiveness is a crucial aspect of life. This refers to the ability of organisms to perceive and react to their surroundings.
    • Self-consciousness is unique to humans.
    • Emergent properties appear at higher levels of organization. These properties arise from the interactions between components at lower levels.

    Classification and Nomenclature

    • Classification involves grouping organisms based on shared characteristics.
    • Taxonomy is the science of classifying organisms.
    • Nomenclature is the system of naming organisms.
    • Binomial nomenclature uses two words – the genus and specific epithet – to name each organism.
    • Taxonomic categories are hierarchical levels used for classification.
    • Taxonomic hierarchy is a system of nested categories.

    Taxonomical Aids

    • Botanical gardens are collections of living plants, used for research, education, and conservation.
    • Museums house preserved specimens of plants and animals for study.
    • Zoological parks (zoos) provide a protected environment for wild animals, enabling observation of their behavior and food habits.
    • Keys are tools used for identification based on contrasting characteristics.
    • Flora is a detailed record of plants found in a specific area.
    • Manuals provide information to help with species identification.
    • Monographs focus on providing comprehensive information about a particular taxon.
    • Catalogues list and describe organisms.

    Biology & Living Organisms

    • Biology is the study of life forms and living processes.
    • Living organisms are diverse and can be distinguished from inanimate matter.
    • Early humans recognized the awe or fear evoked by both inanimate and animate objects.
    • Societies with anthropocentric views of biology had limited progress in biological knowledge.

    Systematic Classification of Life Forms

    • Early attempts at describing living organisms, including humans, were limited.
    • Detailed identification, nomenclature, and classification systems were essential for the systematic description of life forms.
    • The recognition of shared similarities among living organisms, both horizontally and vertically, was a significant outcome of these studies.
    • The realization that all present-day organisms are related to each other, as well as to all organisms that have ever lived, led to a greater understanding of the interconnectedness of life and the importance of biodiversity conservation.

    Ernst Mayr - "The Darwin of the 20th Century"

    • Ernst Mayr, born in 1904, was a prominent evolutionary biologist at Harvard University.
    • He contributed significantly to ornithology, taxonomy, zoogeography, evolution, systematics, and the history and philosophy of biology.
    • Mayr's research helped establish the origin of species diversity as the central question of evolutionary biology.
    • He also pioneered the now widely accepted definition of a biological species.
    • Mayr received numerous prestigious awards, including the Balzan Prize, International Prize for Biology, and the Crafoord Prize.

    Defining Characteristics of Living Organisms

    • Growth: An increase in size and mass, often associated with an increase in cell number.
    • Reproduction: The production of offspring with similar features to the parents, usually through sexual reproduction.
    • Metabolism: The sum total of all chemical reactions occurring within a living organism, essential for energy production and maintenance.
    • Cellular Organization: Consists of one or more cells, each with its own internal organization and functions.
    • Sensing and Responding to Stimuli: The ability to detect and react to changes in the environment, whether physical, chemical, or biological.

    Taxonomic Aids: Tools for Classification

    • Taxonomic Studies: These studies are essential for understanding the diversity of life and are used in various fields such as agriculture, forestry, and industry.
    • Herbarium: A collection of dried, pressed, and preserved plant specimens arranged according to a classification system.
    • Botanical Gardens: Specialized gardens that contain living plant collections for reference.
    • Museums: Collections of preserved animal specimens, including skeletons, taxidermied animals, and other artifacts.
    • Zoological Parks: Living animal collections for education, conservation, and research.

    Taxonomy: The Science of Classification

    • Taxonomy involves the identification, naming, and classification of organisms.
    • The binomial system of nomenclature is used to give each organism a unique two-word scientific name.
    • The various categories within a taxonomic hierarchy are known as taxa.
    • Taxonomists employ a range of tools and techniques to facilitate their studies, including manuals, monographs, and taxonomic keys.

    What is ‘Living’?

    • Living organisms display distinct characteristics:
      • Growth: increase in individual size and number through cell division. In plants, continuous growth. In animals, growth up to a certain age.
      • Reproduction: ability to generate new individuals, often mutually exclusive with growth in higher organisms.
      • Ability to sense & respond to environment.
      • Metabolism: chemical processes within living organisms.
      • Self-replicating: creating copies of themselves.
      • Self-organizing: maintaining internal order and structure.
      • Interacting: engaging with each other and the environment.
      • Emergent properties: characteristics arising from the complex interplay of components.

    Diversity in the Living World

    • Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms on Earth, estimated to be between 1.7-1.8 million known species.
    • New species are continuously being discovered as scientific exploration continues.
    • The need for standardized naming and classification arises due to the vast number of living organisms.

    Nomenclature: Naming Living Organisms

    • Nomenclature is the process of assigning scientific names to organisms.
    • Scientific names are based on agreed principles and criteria, ensuring each organism has a unique, universally accepted name.
    • The International Code for Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN) governs plant naming.
    • The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) governs animal naming.
    • Binomial nomenclature, introduced by Carolus Linnaeus, is the system of using two words to name an organism.

    Classification: Grouping Living Organisms

    • Classification categorizes living organisms based on shared characteristics, facilitating their study and understanding.
    • The hierarchical classification system progresses from broader categories to narrower ones:
      • Kingdom: Broadest level, encompassing diverse life forms.
      • Phylum: Grouping organisms with fundamental similarities, e.g., Chordata (animals with a notochord).
      • Class: Includes related orders, e.g Mammalia.
      • Order: Assembles families with shared characteristics, e.g., Primates.
      • Family: Groups related genera, e.g., Felidae (cats).
      • Genus: Similar species with many shared traits, e.g., Mangifera (mango).
      • Species: Most specific level, defining a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring, e.g., Mangifera indica (mango).

    Rules of Biological Nomenclature

    • Scientific names are typically Latin and written in italics or underlined.
    • The first word represents the genus and is capitalized.
    • The second word is the specific epithet and is not capitalized.
    • The author's name may be included after the specific epithet, often abbreviated, indicating who first formally described the species, e.g., Mangifera indica Linn.

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    This quiz explores the essential characteristics that define living organisms, including cellular organization, metabolism, and consciousness. It addresses how various life forms respond to their environment and the complexities introduced by human consciousness. Prepare to test your understanding of what distinguishes life from non-life.

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