The Living World – NEET Biology Chapter 1 Notes, MCQs & PYQs

Correct Answer: A

ICBN stands for International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. It is a set of internationally accepted rules and recommendations that govern the scientific naming of plants, algae and fungi. The main objective of ICBN is to ensure that every plant has only one correct scientific name and that the same name is used universally by scientists across the world. This avoids confusion that may arise due to local or common names. The rules of ICBN cover principles of binomial nomenclature, priority of publication, typification, and proper author citation. The code is formulated and revised during International Botanical Congress meetings. It provides guidelines on how new plant species should be named and published. Options (B) and (D) are incorrect because they refer to a congress rather than a code of rules. Option (C) is incorrect because the code is international, not limited to India. Therefore, the correct answer is option (A).

Correct Answer: A

The correct answer is option (A) because it is against the rules of ICBN. According to the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN), scientific names follow the system of binomial nomenclature introduced by Carolus Linnaeus. In this system, every species name consists of two parts: the generic name and the specific epithet. The generic name must always begin with a capital letter, while the specific epithet must begin with a small letter. Therefore, writing both generic and specific names starting with small letters violates the rules. Option (B) is correct according to the rules because when scientific names are handwritten, they should be underlined separately to indicate italics. Option (C) is also correct because every species must have a two-word scientific name. Option (D) is correct since scientific names are Latin or Latinized words and must be written in italics when printed. Hence, option (A) is against the rules of ICBN.

Correct Answer: A

The correct scientific name of mango is Mangifera indica Linn. According to the rules of binomial nomenclature given by Carolus Linnaeus, every scientific name must have two parts: the generic name and the specific epithet. The generic name (Mangifera) always begins with a capital letter, while the specific epithet (indica) must begin with a small letter. Both words should be written in italics when printed, or underlined separately when handwritten. Additionally, the name of the author who first described the species can be written in abbreviated form after the scientific name. In the case of mango, it was first described by Carolus Linnaeus, and therefore the abbreviation 'Linn.' (or simply 'L.') is added. Option (B) does not mention the author’s name. Option (C) is incorrect because the specific epithet 'Indica' is wrongly capitalized. Option (D) is incorrect because the author’s name is not written in the proper standard abbreviated form. Hence, option (A) follows all ICBN rules correctly and is the right answer.

Correct Answer: A

Carolus Linnaeus introduced binomial nomenclature, the system of naming organisms with two words—genus and species.

Correct Answer: C

The term New Systematics was introduced by Julian Huxley. It includes modern methods like genetics, cytology and ecology in classification.

Correct Answer: C

Biosystematics considers morphology, anatomy, cytology, genetics, ecology and evolutionary history to establish phylogeny and natural relationships among organisms.

Correct Answer: C

Members of the same species can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Habitat or niche may vary, but interbreeding ability defines species.

Correct Answer: D

Scientific names must be Latin or Latinized and follow international codes. They cannot be written in any language. The other options correctly describe nomenclature rules.

Correct Answer: B

Plasmodium falciparum is correctly written and described as a protozoan causing severe malaria. Musca domestica is housefly, not lizard. Tiger is Panthera tigris, not Felis tigris. E. coli refers to Escherichia coli, a bacterium, not Entamoeba coli.

Correct Answer: B

Genera Plantarum was written by Bentham and Hooker. It describes plant classification based on natural system.

Correct Answer: C

Consciousness, which includes perception of environmental stimuli and the ability to respond and remember, is considered the defining property of living organisms. Isolated metabolic reactions can occur in vitro outside the body, so it is not exclusive. Growth by accumulation on surface occurs in non-living things like crystals. Hence perception and awareness are exclusive features.

Correct Answer: D

Biological organization begins at the molecular level. Atoms combine to form molecules, which form organelles, then cells, tissues, organs and organisms. Therefore, the submicroscopic molecular level is the starting point of biological organization.

Correct Answer: A

All living organisms interact with their environment and show progressive evolution over generations. Reproduction is not universal (e.g., mules), growth can occur in non-living things, and responsiveness to touch is limited. Thus interaction and evolution distinguish living beings.

Correct Answer: B

The ability to replicate genetic material (DNA/RNA) is fundamental to life. It ensures continuity of species and transmission of hereditary information. Not all organisms use oxygen, produce gametes or utilize solar energy. Therefore replication of genetic information is the most essential feature.

Correct Answer: B

Linnaeus proposed the typological or static concept of species, considering species as fixed and unchanging.

Correct Answer: C

Consciousness, including perception and memory of environmental events, is an exclusive property of living organisms.

Correct Answer: A

The term phylum was introduced by Georges Cuvier for classifying animals.

Correct Answer: D

A taxon is a group of organisms of any rank sharing common characteristics.

Correct Answer: D

The main practical aim of classification is to simplify study and help in identification of unknown organisms based on similarities.

Correct Answer: B

Taxon refers to any taxonomic group of any rank and is the unit of classification in taxonomy.

Correct Answer: C

Correct sequence in plants is Division → Class → Order → Family → Tribe → Genus → Species.

Correct Answer: C

Ernst Mayr gave the biological species concept, so (I) is correct. In unicellular organisms, growth and reproduction are synonymous, so (IV) is correct. Photoperiod affects reproduction in plants, and binomial nomenclature was given by Linnaeus, not Whittaker.

Correct Answer: D

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and potato (Solanum tuberosum) belong to the same genus Solanum. Similarities increase at lower taxonomic ranks, so genus level shows maximum common traits.

Correct Answer: A

Tiger’s species name is Panthera tigris, where tigris is the specific epithet. Mollusca is a phylum, Primata is an order, and Musca is a genus.

Correct Answer: A

Species is the real and basic unit of classification. It consists of individuals capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.

Correct Answer: A

The correct ascending hierarchy in animals is Kingdom → Phylum → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species. This sequence follows decreasing rank and increasing specificity. Species is the basic unit of classification.

Correct Answer: A

Housefly (Musca domestica) belongs to family Muscidae under order Diptera. Firefly belongs to Lampyridae, grasshopper to Acrididae and cockroach to Blattidae.

Correct Answer: B

Housefly belongs to the order Diptera. Diptera includes insects having one pair of wings. The word 'Di' means two and 'ptera' means wings.

Correct Answer: C

Housefly belongs to Phylum Arthropoda. Members of Arthropoda have jointed appendages and chitinous exoskeleton.

Correct Answer: B

Housefly belongs to Class Insecta. Insects have three body parts: head, thorax and abdomen, and typically three pairs of legs.

Correct Answer: A

Housefly (Musca domestica) belongs to Family Muscidae under Order Diptera.