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(Mollusca); Hagfish (Cyclostomata); Devilfish (Mollusca) • Bats are mammals of the order Chiroptera, with their
and Crayfish (Arthropoda) etc. forelimbs adopted as wings, they are the only mammals
naturally capable of true and sustained flight. Bats are
• The some true fishes are flying fish, catfish, pipe fish,
more manoeuvrable than birds, flying with their very
paddle fish, gold fish, globe fish, dogfish etc. long spread-out digits covered with a thin membrane or
• Scoliodon is also known as dogfish. It is a cartilaginous patagium.
fish. • The smallest bat (arguably the smallest extant mammal)
is Kitti’s hog-nosed bat (bumblebee bat), which is about
• Seahorse (Hippocampus) is a bony fish.
29-34 mm in length and 15 cm across the wings. The
• Most fish exchange gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide largest bats are the flying foxes (fruit bat) and the giant
using gills that are protected under the gill covers on both golden-crowned flying fox, which have a wingspan of
sides of the pharynx (throat). Gills are tissues that are like about1.7 metre.
short threads, protein structures called filaments. • The blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is a marine
mammal measuring upto 33 metre in length and with
• During winter ice forms on top of the water. Beneath the a maximum recorded weight of more than 180 metric
layer of ice there are layers of water where the temperature tonnes. It is the largest animal known to have ever existed.
is more than 0oC. This is why the fishes live. Its lifespan is 80-90 years.
• Amphibians (Class-Amphibia) are any member of the • Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) is the largest of
the toothed whales measuring about 55 feet and weight
group of vertebrate animals characterized by their ability
about 35 to 45 tonnes. It is carnivorous.
to exploid both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. The • Sea Lion, Seal, Phoca, Walrus and Dolphins are aquatic
name amphibian, derived from the ancient Greek term mammals. Dolphin belongs to the order Cetacea while
'amphibios' which means ‘both kinds of life’. other belong to the order Carnivora.
• Reptiles are tetrapod animals in the class Reptilia, • Dolphin is very intelligent animal.
• River Ganga Dolphin is the National Aquatic Animal of
comprising today’s turtles, crocodiles, snakes,
India. Its scientific name is Platanista gangetica.
amphisbaenians, lizards and their extinct relatives. • Sea cow is a giant herbivorous aquatic mammal.
• The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is a venomous • Echdina and Platypuss are egg-laying mammals.
snake species in the family Elapidae, endemic to forests • Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) is the largest Asian
from India through South-East Asia. It is threatened by antelope (It is not a cow). It is one of the most commonly
habitat destruction and has been listed Vulnerable on the seen wild animals of central and northern India, often seen
IUCN Red List since 2010. It is the world longest venomous in farmlands or scrub forests.
snake. Adult king cobras are about 3.18 to 4 metres long. • Apes (super family-Hominoidea) are tailless primate of
families Hylobatidae (gibbons-small ape) and Hominidae
The female king cobra lays eggs (20 to 50 eggs) in the nest
(chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans, gorillas and human
(Oviparous). Parental care is found in this snake i.e. guards beings - great apes).
its own nest till the emerging of offsprings from the eggs. • Human beings are categorized zoologically as member of
Non-poisonous and poisonous snakes broader ape superfamily, they are usually placed within
their own subcategories on account of their larger brain
• Most snakes are non-poisonous but some snakes as krait,
size, more advanced cognitive abilities (particularly the
cobra and viper are poisonous snake. ability to speak) and striding two legged gait.
• Fangs are sharp, long, hollow or grooved teeth that are • The capacity of an adult human cranial cavity is 1200 -
connected to a small sac in the snake’s head behind 1700 cm3.
its eyes. These sacs produce a poisonous liquid called
venom. For some snakes with really long fangs, the Question Bank
@

fangs will fold back into the mouth so they do not bite 1. Which of the following is the correct order of plant
themselves. species from higher to lower order?
ap

• Snake venom may contain twenty or more toxins. (a) Class – Phylum – Order – Plant Kingdom
• The cobra and krait venoms are neurotoxic and (b) Order – Class – Phylum – Plant Kingdom
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cardiotoxic while the venom of viper is vasculotoxic and (c) Class – Plant Kingdom – Phylum – Order
haemotoxic. (d) Plant Kingdom – Phylum – Class – Order
•
_c

The poison gland of snakes are homologous to the U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2024
salivary glands of vertebrates. Ans. (d)
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Plant taxonomy is the science of classifying, naming, and 4. Who discovered bacteria?
identifying plants, organizing them into groups based on (a) Fleming (b) Lamble
shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships. Plant (c) Temin (d) Leeuwenhoek
taxonomy uses a hierarchical system to classify plants, with 56th to 59th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2015
each level representing a group of organisms with shared Ans. (d)
characteristics : Antony Van Leeuwenhoek is regarded as the father of
z Kingdom : The broadest level, encompassing all plants
microbiology. He is known for the discovery of bacteria. He
(Plantae).
was born on October 24, 1632 in Delft, Netherlands.
z Phylum : A major group within the kingdom, such as
flowering plants (Magnoliophyta) or non-flowering plants 5. Bacteria can be seen by :
(Bryophyta). (a) Naked eye (b) Compound microscope
z Class : A group within a phylum, such as monocots or (c) Hand lens (d) None of the above
dicots (within Magnoliophyta) U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995
z Order : A group within a class, such as the order Rosales Ans. (b)
(within Magnoliopsida). Bacteria are microscopic living organisms. Most of the
z Family : A group within an order, such as the rose family bacterias are just 0.5 to 5.0 micron (μ) in size but some of them
(Rosaceae). are about 0.5 mm or more in size. Some of the microscopic
z Genus : A group within a family, such as the genus Rosa organisms can be seen by a compound microscope as it can
(roses). magnify an object up to 1500-2000 times.
z Species : The most specific level, representing a group of
plants that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring, 6. Assertion (A) : Some bacteria can synthesize their own
such as Rosa rubiginosa (dog rose). food.
Reason (R) : These bacteria have green matter
2. A group of individual organism with fundamental called chloroplasts.
similarities is called as a : Code :
(a) Family (b) Species (a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct
(c) Genus (d) Order explanation of (A).
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2024 (b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct
Ans. (b) explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
A group of individual organism with fundamental similarities
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
is called as a species. When the group of related species have
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2000
more common characters among them they are referred to Ans. (c)
as genus. A family is a broader group that contains multiple
genera. Families which exhibits few similar characters are Bacteria have a wide range of diets. Some are heterotrophs
placed under the same order. and others are autotrophs. Most heterotrophic bacteria are
saprobes (they absorb dead organic material like rotting
3. Biologists have so far known, found and identified flesh). Some of these parasitic bacteria kill their host while
a large number of species in the plant and animal others help their host. Autotrophic bacteria make their own
kingdom. In terms of numbers, the largest found and food, either by photosynthesis (which uses sunlight, carbon
identified so far is from among the – dioxide, and water to make food) or by chemosynthesis
(a) Fungi (b) Plants (which uses carbon dioxide, methane and chemicals like
(c) Insects (d) Bacteria ammonia, hydrogen sulphide to make food). Phototrophic
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I.A.S. (Pre) 1996 bacteria do not have chloroplast. Bacteriochlorophylls are

Ans. (c)
ap

photosynthetic pigments that occur in various phototrophic

All insects belong to the group 'Insecta' which is a class bacteria.
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of phylum Arthropoda. Class Insects represents the largest 7. Which of the following statement about bacteria is
number of world species. Over 1.5 million living animal correct :
_c

species have been described - of which more then 1 million (a) They are on the borderline of living and non-living
are insects. (b) They are on the borderline of plants and animals
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(c) They are on the borderline of flowering and non- (c) A is true but R is false.
flowering plants (d) A is false but R is true.
(d) None of the above I.A.S. (Pre) 2005
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995 Ans. (a)
Ans. (d)
Amoeba is an unicellular organism which has the ability
Bacteria are single-celled microbes. They are unicellular to alter its shape, primarily by extending and retracting
organisms consists of prokaryotic cell. Their cell structure pseudopods. Amoeba reproduces by fission.
is simple than that of other organisms as there is no nucleus Binary fission is a type of asexual reproduction practiced by
or membrane bound organelles. Bacteria are universal, can unicellular organisms in which the parent cell divides into
be found everywhere. There are some harmful bacteria that two daughter cells.
can cause illness and disease. There are other bacteria that are Generally unicellular organisms reproduce by asexual
essential for us to survive. Bacteria in the digestive system methods only while some unicellular eukaryotes (like
also supply needed vitamins like biotin and vitamin K and
Paramecium) are capable of both asexual and sexual
are our primary source for some of these nutrients.
reproduction.
8. Which one of the following is responsible for
11. In which organisms does spore formation occur as a
differentiation between Gram-positive and Gram-
mode of reproduction ?
negative bacteria?
(a) Cell membrane (b) Cell wall (a) Fungi (b) Algae
(c) Ribosome (d) None of the above (c) Yeast (d) Fern
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2013 70th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2024
Ans. (b) Ans. (*)
Spore formation is a common method of asexual reproduction
There are two different types of cell wall in bacteria, called
in organisms like bacteria, fungi, algae, and some plants like
Gram-positive and Gram-negative. The names originate from
mosses and ferns, where spores are produced and can develop
the reaction of cells to the Gram stain, a test long-employed
into new individuals without fusion of reproductive cells.
for the classification of bacterial [Link]-positive
Hence, more than one option are correct.
bacteria possess a thick cell wall containing many layers of
peptidoglycan and teichoic acids. In contrast, Gram-negative 12. Consider the following :
bacteria have a relatively thin cell wall consisting of a 1. Bacteria 2. Fungi
few layers of peptidoglycan surrounded by a second lipid 3. Virus
membrane containing lipopolysaccharides and lipoproteins. Which of the above can be cultured in artificial/
synthetic medium?
9. The smallest organism, capable of autonomous growth
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
and reproduction, is :
(a) Virus (b) Bacteria (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) Mycoplasma (d) Bacteriophage I.A.S. (Pre) 2021
56th to 59th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2015 Ans. (a)
Ans. (c) Bacteria and fungi can be cultured in artificial/synthetic
medium. Many of them can be grown on nutritive media
Mycoplasma is the smallest known organism, capable of
(e.g. nutrient agar, dextrose agar) to form colonies that can
autonomous growth and reproduction.
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be seen with naked eyes. Viruses require a living host cell

10. Assertion (A) : Amoeba reproduces by fission. for replication. They cannot be cultured in artificial/synthetic
ap

Reason (R) : All unicellular organisms reproduce medium due to lack of metabolic machinery of their own.
by asexual methods. Viruses can be grown in vivo (within a whole living organism,
na

(a) Both A and R are individually true, and R is the correct plant, or animal) or in vitro (outside a living organism in cells
explanation of A. in an artificial environment). Infected host cells (eukaryotic or
_c

(b) Both A and R are individually true, but R is not the prokaryotic) can be cultured and grown, and then the growth
correct explanation of A. medium can be harvested as a source of virus.
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13. Warm-blooded animals are those which are able to 17. Of the following, which one is a true fish ?
keep their body temperature – (a) Silverfish (b) Crayfish
(a) Lower than environment (c) Jellyfish (d) Catfish
(b) Higher than environment
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Mains) 2002
(c) Constant temp. all time
(d) Equal to the atmospheric temp. Ans. (d)
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1996 Silverfish are nocturnal insects. Their abdomens taper at the
Ans. (c) end, gives them a fish like appearance due to grayish blue
Warm-blooded creatures like mammals and birds are and metallic shine as they get older.
able to keep their bodies at a constant temperature. They Crayfish, also known as crawfish, crawdads or mudbugs, are
do this by generating their own heat when they are in a fresh water crustaceans resembling small lobsters to which
cooler environment and by cooling themselves in a hotter they are related taxonomically. They are the members of the
environment. This process of maintaining a consistent superfamilies Astacoidea.
environment inside the body is called homeostasis. Jellyfish is also known as Aurelia. They are classified as
14. Which one of the following statements is not correct? free-swimming marine animals consisting of a gelatinous
(a) All echinoderms are viviparous. umbrella-shaped bell.
(b) Roundworm has no circulatory system. Catfish (order Siluriformes) are a diverse group of ray-finned
(c) In bony fishes, swim bladder is usually present. fish. Named for their prominent barbels which resemble a
(d) In cartilaginous fishes, fertilization is internal. cat's whiskers, catfish range in size and behaviour.
I.A.S. (Pre) 2002 18. Which one of the following is a true fish?
Ans. (a) (a) Starfish (b) Jellyfish
Echinoderm is the common name given to any member of (c) Hagfish (d) Seahorse
the Phylum Echinodermata of marine animals. The adults are R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1997
recognizable by their (usually five-point) radial symmetry Ans. (d)
and include such well-known animals as starfish, sea
urchins, sand dollars and sea cucumbers. All echinoderms Starfish or Sea stars are star-shaped echinoderms belonging
are not viviparous. Fertilization is usually external in them to the class Asteroidea. Jellyfish (Cnidaria) and Hagfish
and development is indirect with free-swimming larva. (Cyclostomata) are also not true fishes.
Hence, statement of option (a) is incorrect, while other three Seahorse is the name given to 45 species of small marine fish
statements are correct. in the genus Hippocampus which is a bony fish.

15. Which one of the following creatures have no blood 19. Which of the following is fish ?
but respires ? (a) Sea cucumber (b) Sea cow
(a) Hydra (b) Cockroach (c) Seahorse (d) Sea lion
(c) Earthworm (d) Fish U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2008
Uttarakhand Lower Sub. (Pre) 2010 Ans. (c)
Ans. (a)
See the explanation of above question.
Hydra has no blood but respires. In hydra both, the gaseous
exchange and excretion occur by simple diffusion. 20. How many bones are in Shark Fish?
(a) 100 (b) 0
16. Of the following which one is not a fish?
(c) 200 (d) 300
(a) Starfish (b) Sawfish
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Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011

(c) Pipefish (d) Guitarfish
Ans. (b)
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
ap

Ans. (a) Shark Fish contains no bones in its body. Sharks and other
cartilaginous fish (skates and rays) have skeletons made of
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Starfish popularly called sea stars are related to the phylum cartilage and connective tissues.
Echinodermata while true fishes belong to the phylum
_c

Chordata. Starfish do not have gills, scales or fins which are 21. Which of the following is not a bird?
basic characteristics of fishes. (a) Golden Mahseer (b) Indian Nightjar
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(c) Spoonbill (d) White Ibis (c) Porcupine (d) Whale
I.A.S. (Pre) 2022 I.A.S. (Pre) 2008
Ans. (a) Ans. (a)

Among the given options, Golden Mahseer is not a bird. It is Echidnas, sometimes known as spiny anteaters, belong to the
an endangered species of cyprinid fish that is found in rapid family Tachyglossidae in the monotreme order of egg-laying
streams, riverine pools, and lakes in the Himalayan region. mammals. The four extant species, together with the Platypus
Its scientific name is Tor putitora. Indian Nightjar, Spoonbill are the only surviving members of that order and are the only
and White Ibis belong to group aves (birds).
living mammals that lay eggs. Their diet consists of ants and
22. Which is the largest mammal? termites but they are not closely related with the true anteaters
(a) Whale (b) African Elephant of America. They live in Australia and New Guinea.
(c) Hippopotamus (d) Polar bear
27. Which of the following mammals lays eggs?
M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
(a) Loris (b) Kangaroo
Ans. (a)
(c) Hedgehog (d) Echidna
Whales are the largest mammals ever known to have lived on U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2022
earth. Whales range in size from the blue whale, the largest
Ans. (d)
animal known to have ever existed at 33 m and more than
180 tons to pygmy species such as the pygmy sperm whale See the explanation of above question.
at 3.5 m (11 ft).
28. Mammal capable in flying is –
23. From which of following groups does the whale belongs – (a) Jaguar (b) Ostrich
(a) Fishes (b) Mammals (c) Pellican (d) Bat
(c) Reptiles (d) Amphibians M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1993 Ans. (d)
Ans. (b)
Bats are the mammals of the order Chiroptera whose
See the explanation of above question. forelimbs form webbed wings, making them the only
24. Which one is a mammal? mammals naturally capable of true and sustained flight. Bat
(a) Shark (b) Squid does not belong to the group aves (birds).
(c) Octopus (d) Whale 29. Amongst the following flying organisms, which one
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2010 does not belong to the group, Aves?
Ans. (d) (a) Bat (b) Crow
(c) Eagle (d) Parrot
See the explanation of above question.
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011
25. Which of the following species is the largest of the Ans. (a)
'toothed-whales'?
See the explanation of above question.
(a) Finback whale (b) Blue whale
(c) Sperm whale (d) Humpback whale 30. Consider the following statements :
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2015 Statement-I : The Indian Flying Fox is placed under
the 'vermin' category in the Wild Life (Protection) Act,
Ans. (c)
1972.
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The sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) is the largest of Statement-II: The Indian Flying Fox feeds on the blood
the toothed whales with males growing up to 20 metres in of other animals.
ap

length. The mass of sperm whales ranges between 35 to 45 Which one of the following is correct in respect of the
tons. Females only weigh about 1/3 of the males. above statements?
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(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and

26. Which among the following one lays eggs and does not Statement-II explains Statement-I
_c

produce young ones directly? (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but
(a) Echidna (b) Kangaroo Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
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(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect 33. From the following option, seal is the species of–
(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct (a) fish (b) bird
I.A.S. (Pre) 2024 (c) reptiles (d) mammal
Ans. (*) Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2003
The nectar and fruit-eating large bat Indian Flying Fox Ans. (d)
(Pteropus giganteus) is generally considered a vermin as
Seals are semi-aquatic mammals, they are in a group called
they raid orchards. It had a similar official status under
erstwhile Schedule V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of pinnipeds means fin-footed. All seals are carnivores. Their
1972 until it was put on the Schedule II list entailing a diet consists of mostly fish, crustaceans, and shellfish.
higher degree of protection (by the Amendment Act of 2022
34. Amphibians are –
w.e.f. 1-4-2023). As per amended Section 62 of Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972, the Central Government may, by (a) Very fastly moving boats
notification, declare any wild animal specified in Schedule (b) Animals living in water only
II to be vermin for any area and for such period as may (c) Animals living on land only
be specified therein and so long as such notification is in (d) Animals living equally in water and on land both
force, such wild animal shall be deemed not to be included
in Schedule II for such area and for such period as specified 38th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1992
in the notification. Schedule V of the Wildlife (Protection) Ans. (d)
Act of 1972 (which listed vermin category of animals) was The word 'amphibian' is derived from the ancient Greek term
omitted by the Amendment Act of 2022. Hence, at present, amphibios, which means 'both kinds of life'. The term was
the Indian Flying Fox is not directly placed under the initially used as a general adjective for animals that could
‘vermin’ category in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
live on land or in water. They are ectotherms or cold–blooded
Hence, statement-I is incorrect in the present context.
Indian Flying Fox is a frugivorous animal and feeds animals, means they are unable to regulate their own body
primarily on fruits, nectar, and flowers, not on the blood of temperature.
other animals. It helps in seed dispersion and pollination,
35. Which organism among these breaths from skin ?
making them an integral part of the ecosystem. Hence,
statement-II is also incorrect. (a) Fish (b) Pigeon
(c) Frog (d) Cockroach
31. Consider the following animals – Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
1. Sea cow 2. Seahorse
Ans. (c)
3. Sea lion
Which of the above is/are mammal/mammals? The frog is an amphibian creature and can live in water and
(a) Only 1 (b) 1 and 3 land both. They are cold-blooded animal who often change
(c) 2 and 3 (d) All of these their body temperature according to climate. The frog's
I.A.S. (Pre) 2013 skin is composed of thin membranous tissue that is quite
Ans. (b) permeable to water and contains a large network of blood
Sea cow is a huge herbivorous sea mammal. Seahorse is a vessels. The thin membranous skin allows the respiratory
small marine bony fish. Sea lion is also a mammal. Hence gases to readily diffuse directly down their gradients between
option (b) is correct. the blood vessels and the surrounding. When the frog is out
of the water, mucus gland in the skin keeps the frog moist,
32. Dolphins are classified in –
which helps absorb dissolved oxygen from the air. So a frog
(a) Fish (b) Amphibians
can breathe by skin and lungs both.
(c) Reptile (d) Mammals
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40th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1995 36. Frogs are cold-blooded animals –

Ans. (d) (a) True (b) False
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Dolphins are highly intelligent aquatic mammals and are part (c) None of the above (d) All of the above
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
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of the family of toothed whales. They are found worldwide,

mostly in shallow seas of the continental shelves and are Ans. (a)
_c

carnivores, mostly eating fish and squid. India has declared Frogs are cold-blooded animals, it is true. Some other cold-
Ganga Dolphin as the national aquatic animal. blooded animals are snakes, lizards, fish, crocodile etc.
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37. During the metamorphosis of frog – Hedgehogs are spiny mammals of the subfamily Erinaceinae,
(a) Hind legs disappear in the eulipotyphlan family Erinaceidae. All species of
(b) Ingestion of food is slowed down hedgehogs can roll into a tight ball in self-defense, causing
(c) Skin becomes rough all of the spines to point outwards. The hedgehog's back
(d) Intestine is shortened contains two large muscles that control the position of the
U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010 quills. When the creature is rolled into a ball, the quills on
Ans. (d) the back protect the tucked face, feet, and belly, which are
Metamorphosis is a biological process by which an animal not quilled.
physically develops after birth or hatching, involving a Marmots are large herbivores ground squirrels in the genus
conspicuous and relatively abrupt change in the animal’s Marmota. They do not roll up when threatened. Marmots
body structure through cell growth and differentiation. live in burrows and hide themselves in holes when there is
Thyroid hormone controls remodelling of the tadpole a predator.
intestine during the climax of amphibian metamorphosis. Pangolins, sometimes known as scaly anteaters are mammals
During the metamorphosis of frog, intestine shortens in length of the order Pholidota. The name "pangolin" comes from
which helps to digest flesh food. the Malay word pengguling, meaning "one who rolls up".
The physical appearance of a pangolin is marked by large,
38. Gavialis crocodile are mostly found in ?
hardened, overlapping, plate-like scales, which are soft on
(a) Ganga (b) Godavari
newborn pangolins, but harden as the animal matures. The
(c) Krishna (d) Kaveri pangolin's scaled body is comparable in appearance to a
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1993 pine cone. It can curl up into a ball when threatened, with its
Ans. (a) overlapping scales acting as armor, while it protects its face
The Gharial, also known as Gavialis is a crocodilian of family by tucking it under its tail. The scales are sharp, providing
Gavialidae mostly found in Ganga River. The large breeding extra defense from predators.
population of gharial is found in Bangladesh, Nepal and India. 41. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian
squirrels :
39. Which is an atrocious animal?
1. They build nests by making burrows in the ground.
(a) Penguin (b) Whale
2. They store their food materials like nuts and seeds
(c) Otter (d) Tortoise
in the ground.
39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994
3. They are omnivorous.
Ans. (c)
How many of the above statements are correct?
Among the given options, otter is an atrocious animal. Otters (a) Only one (b) Only two
are said to be murderous, necrophilic aqua-weasels. Otters are (c) All three (d) None of these
mammels of the subfamily Lutrinae, one of two subfamilies I.A.S. (Pre) 2023
contained within family Mustelidae. Otters are also called Ans. (b)
serial-killing fur monsters of the sea.
Indian squirrels, like many squirrel species, are primarily
40. Consider the following animals : arboreal creatures, which means they live in trees. They build
1. Hedgehog nests, often called dreys, in trees, not burrows in the ground.
2. Marmot Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
Similar to many other squirrel species, Indian squirrels also
3. Pangolin
hoard food. They store their food (like nuts and seeds) in
@

To reduce the chance of being captured by predators, various places, which can often include burying them in
which of the above organisms rolls up/roll up and the ground, so they can retrieve them later when it turns
ap

protects/protect its/their vulnerable parts? to conditions of food scarcity like winter season. Hence,
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only statement 2 is correct.
na

Indian squirrels are omnivores. They feed mainly on nuts

(c) 3 only (d) 1 and 3
and fruits but will also eat seeds, insects, small mammals and
I.A.S. (Pre) 2021
_c

reptiles, eggs, and even sometimes chicks of birds. Hence,

Ans. (d) statement 3 is correct.
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42. Which one of the following varieties of dogs is unable 47. Smallest man-like ape is :
to bark ? (a) Gibbon (b) Chimpanzee
(a) Dingo (b) Alsatian (c) Gorilla (d) Orangutan
(c) Dalmatian (d) Labrador U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010 Ans. (a)
Ans. (a)
The gorilla, chimpanzee, and orangutan are called great
Dingoes are commonly found throughout Australia and in apes in recognition of their comparatively large size and
scattered groups across south-east Asia. Its scientific name is humanlike features. The gibbons are called lesser apes. They
Canis lupus dingo. Dingoes do not bark but howl like wolves. are smallest, cleanest and gentlest man like an ape.
48. Which one of the following makes a tool with a stick to
43. The bear commonly performing on streets is –
scrape insects from a hole in a tree or a log of wood?
(a) Sloth bear (b) Sun bear
(a) Fishing cat (b) Orangutan
(c) Brown bear (d) Cat bear
(c) Otter (d) Sloth bear
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008
I.A.S. (Pre) 2023
Ans. (a)
Ans. (b)
The bear which we see commonly performing on streets is
Orangutans are known for their high cognitive abilities and
sloth bear.
have been observed using tools in the wild. One of the most
44. Which of the following is not one of the animals that common tools that orangutans use is a stick, which they use
has been taught to use language with some success? for a variety of purposes. Orangutans use sticks to remove
(a) Chimpanzee (b) Parrot insects from tree holes, poke logs for honey, and when eating
(c) Dog (d) Dolphin Neesia fruits, which are known for their irritant hairs. Once
U.P. P.C.S. (Mains) 2017
they use the sticks to remove these impediments, they can
Ans. (c)
feast on the fruit's seeds unencumbered.
The Chimpanzee, Parrot and Dolphin can be trained to use 49. The Panda belongs to the same family as that of :
language with some success but a dog can not be trained to (a) Bear (b) Cat
use language. (c) Dog (d) Rabbit
45. Which of the following property separate a man/human I.A.S. (Pre) 2009
from apes ? Ans. (a)
(a) Evince a desire to learn The panda is a member of the bear family, Ursidae.
(b) By a rudimentary sense of smell
(c) Contrary thumb 50. Which one of the following animals have three
(d) Broader chin chambered heart?
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1994 (a) Monkey (b) Crocodile
Ans. (a) (c) Fish (d) Frog
Human is the smartest creature in the animal kingdom. They U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2013
are the only creature, who has a desire to learn and the ability Ans. (d)
to express. Amphibians and most reptiles have a heart with three
46. Among the following, which one is not an ape? chambers- two atria and a single ventricle. The heart of the
(a) Gibbon (b) Gorilla frog has three chambers, one ventricle and two atria. Fish
(c) Langur (d) Orangutan has two chambered heart while monkey and crocodile has
I.A.S. (Pre) 2008 four chambered heart.
@

Ans. (c) 51. Three chambered heart is found in :

ap

Apes are human's closest living relatives. They do not (a) Mammals (b) Birds
have tails. In the animal kingdom, they belong to the group (c) Amphibians (d) Pisces
na

(Super- family) Hominoidea e.g. gibbon, gorilla, orangutans, U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2016
chimpanzees and humans. Langur is the general name given Ans. (c)
_c

to numerous species of Asian monkeys. They have long tails.

They are not Apes. They belong to the subfamily Colobinae. See the explanation of above question.
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52. Which out of the following does not have a gallbladder? The correctly matched lists are as follows :
(a) Camel (b) Giraffe Asiatic wild ass – Equus hemionus
(c) Rat (d) Fish Barasingha – Cervus duvaucelii
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl.) (Mains) 2004 Chinkara – Gazella bennettii
Ans. (*) Nilgai – Boselaphus tragocamelus

All members of the deer family except for the musk deer, 56. What is the scientific name of Leopard?
all of the equine family (including zebras), camels, giraffes, (a) Panthera leo
elephants, rhinoceroses, whales, some birds (such as doves), (b) Panthera pardus
rats and some fish do not have gallbladder. (c) Panthera tigris
(d) Panthera uncia
53. In which of the following animals hooves are not found?
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2024
(a) Deer (b) Jackal
Ans. (b)
(c) Zebra (d) Horse
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017 The scientific name of Leopard is 'Panthera pardus'. It is one
Ans. (b) of the five largest living species of the cat (Felidae) family
in the genus Panthera. Other four are : Lion (Panthera leo),
Among the given options except Jackal, all are hooves
Tiger (Panthera tigris), Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) and
animals. Jackal is the species of canidae. The scientific name
Jaguar (Panthera onca).
of common Jackal is Canis aureus. The feet of Jackals are
padded with nails. 57. Consider the following statements:
1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season.
54. Nilgai belongs to the following family :
2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.
(a) Cow (b) Goat
3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim
(c) Sheep (d) Deer their territory by scent marking.
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006 Which of the statements given above are correct ?
Ans. (d) (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
Nilgai is the largest Asian antelope (deer-like) species. (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Antelope are creatures having strong permanent horns. There I.A.S. (Pre) 2024
are more than 90 species of antelope. Ans. (a)
Lions are polygamous, with the dominant male of the pride
55. Match List-I (Indian wild life species) with List-II
breeding with multiple females in the group. There is no
(Scientific names) and select the correct answer using
specific breeding season for lions. In captivity lions often
the codes given below : breed every year, but in the wild they usually breed no more
List-I List-II than once in two years. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
(Indian Wildlife Species) (Scientific Names) Unlike most other big cats, including lions, tigers, leopards,
A. Asiatic wild ass 1. Boselaphus tragocamelus and jaguars, cheetahs don’t roar. They growl when there
B. Barasingha 2. Cervus duvaucelii is danger, and usually only chirp, purr and meow. Hence,
statement 2 is correct.
C. Chinkara 3. Equus hemionus
Like male lions, male leopards also proclaim their territory
D. Nilgai 4. Gazella bennettii
by scent marking. Both male and female leopards use urine
Code : to mark their territories, and often after urinating a male will
@

A B C D then scrape the ground to transfer the scent of his urine onto
ap

(a) 2 3 1 4 his feet to be carried during territorial boundary patrols.

(b) 3 2 4 1 Leopards are also often seen rubbing their faces and necks
na

(c) 2 3 4 1 on vegetation as they are walking along their territory. By

(d) 3 2 1 4 doing this, the Leopard is transferring secretions from a
_c

I.A.S. (Pre) 2002 cheek gland, which then carries olfactory messages to other
Ans. (b) Leopards. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
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58. Consider the following statements : The correctly matched lists are as follows :
Statement-I : Marsupials are not naturally found in
Wingless insect – Silverfish
India.
Flightless bird – Kiwi
Statement-II : Marsupials can thrive only in montane
grasslands with no predators. Limbless reptile – Snake
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the Lungless creature – Fish
above statements?
60. Kiwi is –
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and
(a) A species of vulture found in Amazon forest only
Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Flightless bird found only in New Zealand
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct
(c) A desert snake
and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for
(d) Fastest flying Chiropteran mammal of Australia
Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2013
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Ans. (b)
I.A.S. (Pre) 2023 Kiwi are flightless birds native to New Zealand in the genus
Ans. (c) Apteryx and Family Apterygial.
Marsupials are a diverse group of mammals belonging to 61. Which of the following is of organic origin ?
the infraclass Marsupialia. One of the defining features of (a) Coral (b) Emerald
marsupials is their unique reproductive strategy, where the (c) Ruby (d) Topaz
young are born in a relatively undeveloped state and then
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
nurtured within a pouch. Living marsupials encompass a wide
Ans. (a)
range of species, including kangaroos, koalas, opossums,
Tasmanian devils, wombats, wallabies, and bandicoots, Corals are marine invertebrates in the class Anthozoa of
among others. Each species exhibits distinct adaptations and phylum Cnidaria. They typically live in compact colonies
behaviors suited to its particular ecological niche. of many identical individual polyps. The group includes
Marsupials are primarily found in Australasia, Wallacea, the important reef builders that inhabit tropical oceans and
and the Americas. They are not naturally found in India.
secrete calcium carbonate to form a hard skeleton.
However, marsupials can thrive in various habitats, not only
in montane grasslands with no predators. For example, some 62. Octopus is :
marsupials live in deserts, woodlands, and savannas. They (a) an arthropod (b) an echinoderm
can be found in dry scrublands, temperate deciduous forests (c) a hemichordate (d) a mollusc
and tropical rainforests. Hence, Statement-I is correct while I.A.S. (Pre) 2003
Statement-II is incorrect. U.P.P.C.S. (Spl.) (Mains) 2004
59. Match List-I with List-II and choose the right answer Ans. (d)
from the given code - An octopus is a cephalopod mollusc of the order octopoda,
List-I List-II
also known as devilfish. It has two eyes and four pairs of
(Symptoms) (Creature)
arms and like other cephalopods, it is bilaterally symmetric.
A. Wingless insect 1. Kiwi
B. Flightless birds 2. Silverfish 63. The largest invertebrate is –
C. Limbless Reptiles 3. Kurma (a) Octopus (b) Squid
D. Lungless creature 4. Snakes (c) Coral (d) Jellyfish
5. Fish U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004
@

Code : Ans. (b)

A B C D
ap

Invertebrates are the animals that do not have a backbone.

(a) 1 3 2 5
The colossal squid is the largest invertebrate. It's maximum
(b) 2 1 4 5
size is 12-14 metre.
na

(c) 2 1 3 4
(d) 3 1 4 2 64. Among the following organisms, which one does not
_c

I.A.S. (Pre) 1993 belong to the class of other three?

Ans. (b) (a) Crab (b) Mite
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(c) Scorpion (d) Spider (c) Endoparasitism (d) Ectoparasitism
I.A.S. (Pre) 2014 Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Mains) 2002
Ans. (a) Ans. (b)
Class of crab – Malacostraca A hyperparasite is a parasite whose host is also a parasite.
Class of mite – Arachnida This form of parasitism is especially common among
Class of scorpion – Arachnida entomophagous parasites. The term is used loosely to refer
Class of spider – Arachnida also to parasitoids whose hosts are parasites or parasitoids.
Hence, crab does not belong to the class of other three. Hyperparasites are found mainly among the wasp-waisted
Apocrita within the Hymenoptera, and in two other insect
65. White leg-horn is a variety of :
orders, the Diptera (true flies) and Coleoptera (beetles).
(a) Parrot (b) Peacock
(c) Fowl (d) Owl 70. Female Anopheles can be distinguished from female
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Mains) 2002 Culex because it sits :
Ans. (c) (a) at right angle to the surface of substratum
White leg-horn is a variety of fowl. (b) at an angle with substratum
(c) parallel to the surface of substratum
66. Ticks and mites are actually : (d) More than one of the above
(a) Arachnids (b) Crustaceans (e) None of the above
(c) Insects (d) Myriapods 68th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2022
I.A.S. (Pre) 2002 Ans. (b)
Ans. (a)
There are differences between female culex and female
Ticks and mites belongs to one of the most diverse groups of
anopheles in their feeding pattern, size, eggs, and habitat.
class, Arachnids. They have 4 pairs of legs, although some
Female Anopheles body rests at an angle to the substratum
juveniles only have 3 pairs gaining the fourth pair with their
while Culex body rests parallel to the substratum. Adult
first molt. There is no external segmentation of the abdomen,
Anopheles can be identified by their typical resting position:
individuals appear as a single body mass.
males and females rest with their abdomens sticking up in
67. Termites are also known as : the air rather than parallel to the surface on which they are
(a) Ants (b) Red ants resting. Anopheles mosquito makes angles its body at around
(c) White ants (d) Black ants 45 degrees from the surface.
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Mains) 2002
Ans. (c) 71. Which one of the following is not an insect ?
(a) Bed bug (b) Spider
Termites are eusocial insects that are classified at the (c) House fly (d) Mosquito
taxonomic rank of infraorder Isoptera. Termites are also U.P.P.C.S. (Spl.) (Pre) 2008
known as white ants.
U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2010
68. Glow-worm is : Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2021
(a) A mollusca (b) An insect Ans. (b)
(c) A worm (d) A nematode
Spiders belong to a group of animals called 'Arachnids'.
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Mains) 2002
Arachnids are creatures with two body segments, eight legs
Ans. (b)
and no wings or antennae. All spiders are predators and many
@

Glow-worm is a medium to large sized invertebrate luminous eat each other. Rest three options are insects. They have six
insect, that emits light. The light of the glow-worm larva is
ap

legs, while spider has eight legs. Thus spider is not an insect.
given off by small tubes ending around the glow-worms anus,
72. Spiders are different from insects because they have :
as a product of excretion.
na

(a) Six legs (b) Eight legs

69. The presence of parasites within parasites is a (c) Ten legs (d) Twelve legs
_c

phenomenon known as : R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1996

(a) Commensalism (b) Hyperparasitism Ans. (b)
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77. Which one of the following is a secretion from the body
See the explanation of above question.
of an insect ?
73. Which is not insect amongst following? (a) Pearl (b) Coral
(a) Butterfly (b) Cockroach (c) Lac (d) Gum
(c) Mosquito (d) Spider U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011 Ans. (c)
Ans. (d)
Lac is the scarlet resinous secretion of a number of species of
See the explanation of above question. lac insects, of which the most commonly cultivated species
74. The silk produced by spiders is called : is Kerria lacca. Cultivation begins when a farmer gets a stick
(a) Tussar silk (b) Gossamer silk (brood lac) that contains eggs ready to hatch and ties it to
(c) Munga silk (d) Ahimsa silk the tree to be [Link] of lac insects colonize the
U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2021 branches of the host trees and secrete the resinous pigment.
U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2017 It is used in the manufacture of varnishes, sealing wax,
Ans. (b) shellac etc.
Spider silk is protein fiber spun by spiders. It is also known as 78. Which of the following is not obtained from insects?
'Gossamer silk'. Spider silk is an extremely strong material. (a) Silk (b) Honey
It is one of the most miraculous natural substances on Earth.
(c) Lac (d) Pearl
Most building materials are either strong or elastic, but spider
silk is both. It has been often described as stronger than steel U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018
(which is not quite accurate, but close). Ans. (d)
75. At which stage in its life cycle, does the silkworm yield
Among the given options silk, lac and honey are obtained
the fibre of commerce?
from insects, while pearl is produced within the soft tissue
(a) Egg (b) Larva
of a living shelled mollusk or another animal such as fossil
(c) Pupa (d) Imago
I.A.S. (Pre) 2000 conulariids. The most valuable pearls occur spontaneously
Chhattisgarh P.C.S (Pre) 2005 in the wild (natural pearls which are rare), while cultured or
Ans. (c) farmed pearls are obtained from bivalve mollusks, such as
pearl oysters (Pinctada) and freshwater mussels.
The silkworm produces the silk of commercial importance
in pupa stage of its life cycle. The egg is the first stage of a 79. Which of the following organisms has white blood?
silkworm's life cycle. The larva is the vegetative stage where (a) Lizard (b) Cockroach
growth takes place. In pupa stage, as the silkworm prepares (c) House bug (d) Mosquito
to pupate, it spins a protection cocoon. About the size and U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019
colour of a cotton ball, the cocoon is constructed from one Ans. (b)
continuous strand of silk perhaps 1.5 km long. The silk
cocoon serves as protection for the pupa. Imago is the adult Cockroaches have white or colourless blood because they
stage which completes the life cycle of a silkworm. lack haemoglobin in their blood. Cockroaches do not use
hemoglobin to carry oxygen. In fact their bloodstream is not
76. Silkworm grows on – used to carry oxygen either. They use a system of tubes called
(a) Reetha leaves (b) Ficus leaves tracheae to bring the oxygen and remove carbon dioxide
@

(c) Peach leaves (d) Mulberry leaves from their tissues.

Uttarakhand Lower Sub. (Pre) 2010
ap

80. The animal without red blood cells is :

Ans. (d)
(a) frog (b) earthworm
na

The silkworm is the larva or caterpillar of the domesticated (c) snake (d) peacock
silkmoth, Bombyx mori. It is an economically important (e) None of the above/More than one of the above
_c

insect, being a primary producer of silk. It grows on leaves 67th B.P.S.C. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2022
of the mulberry tree. Ans. (b)
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Earthworms lack red blood cells, yet they have a unique Which of these are correct ?
type of haemoglobin called erythrocruorin. The blood of (a) 1 and 2 (b) 1, 2 and 3
earthworms is red due to the presence of this haemoglobin (c) 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4
dissolved in the plasma. I.A.S. (Pre) 2001
Ans. (b)
81. How do most insects respire ?
(a) Through skin (b) Through gills According to the question, statement 1, 2 and 3 are correct
while statement 4 is not correct because guinea worm is a
(c) By lungs (d) By tracheal system
parasite organism whose scientific name is Dracunculus
I.A.S. (Pre) 2007 medinensis. Dracunculus medinensis or guinea worm is a
Ans. (d) nematode that causes dracunculiasis, also known as guinea
Insects require oxygen to live and produce carbon dioxide worm disease. The disease is caused by the female which
as a waste product just as we do. They do not have lungs nor is up to around 800 mm in length and among the longest
nematodes infecting humans.
do they transport oxygen through their circulatory systems.
Instead, insects use a series of tubes called a tracheal system 84. Which of the following are detritivores?
to perform oxygen exchange throughout the body. 1. Earthworms 2. Jellyfish
3. Millipedes 4. Seahorses
82. The organisms "Cicada, Froghopper and Pond skater"
5. Woodlice
are:
(a) Birds (b) Fish Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(c) Insects (d) Reptiles (a) 1, 2 and 4 only (b) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
I.A.S. (Pre) 2024 (c) 1, 3 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans. (c) I.A.S. (Pre) 2021
Ans. (c)
The organisms “Cicada, Froghopper and Pond skater” are
insects. A detritivore is an organism that eats dead or decaying plants
The cicadas are a superfamily, the Cicadoidea, of insects or animals as food. Detritivore is a combination of the word
in the order Hemiptera (true bugs). Cicadas are more than detritus and the suffix-vore. In other words detritivores are
3,000 species of sound-producing insects. Cicadas are heterotrophs that obtain nutrients by consuming detritus. By
found in tropical and temperate areas worldwide and occur doing so, all these detritivores contribute to decomposition
in deserts, grasslands, and forests. They are physically and the nutrient cycles. Detritivores are usually arthropods and
distinguished by their stout bodies, broad heads, clear- help in the process of remineralization. Typical detritivorous
membraned wings, and large compound eyes. animals include millipedes, springtails, woodlice, dung flies,
The froghoppers, or the superfamily Cercopoidea, are slugs, many terrestrial worms (e.g. earthworm), sea stars,
insects in the order Hemiptera. They are numerous species sea cucumbers, fiddler crabs etc. Seahorses and jellyfish are
of small hopping insects worldwide in distribution. Adults not detritivores as they are generally secondary consumers.
are capable of jumping many times their height and length, Hence, option (c) is the correct answer.
giving the group their common name, but many species are
85. Which one of the following is a filter feeder?
best known for their plant-sucking nymphs which produce
foam shelters, and are referred to as “spittlebugs”. (a) Catfish (b) Octopus
The Gerridae are a family of insects in the order Hemiptera, (c) Oyster (d) Pelican
commonly known as pond skaters, water striders, water I.A.S. (Pre) 2021
skimmers or puddle flies etc. They are anatomically built to Ans. (c)
transfer their weight to be able to run on top of the water’s Filter feeders are a sub-group of suspension feeding animals
@

surface. They can be often seen running or skating in groups that feed by straining suspended matter and food particles
over the surface of a pond or stream. With their short front
from water, typically by passing the water over a specialized
ap

legs they capture insects that fall onto the water’s surface.
filtering structure. Filter feeders can play an important role
83. Consider the following statements : in clarifying water, and are therefore considered ecosystem
na

1. Tapeworm is a hermaphrodite. engineers. They are also important in bioaccumulation and,

2. Roundworm has separate sexes. as a result, as indicator organisms. Some animals that use
_c

3. Filaria is caused by a nematode. this method of feeding are clams, oysters, krill, sponges,
4. Guineaworm is an annelid. baleen whales, and many fish (including some sharks). Some
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birds, such as flamingos and certain species of duck, are 88. Consider the following fauna :
1. Lion-tailed Macaque 2. Malabar Civet
also filter feeders. Oysters like other shellfish have unique
3. Sambar Deer
filter-feeding ability, in the sense it takes in water through
How many of the above are generally nocturnal or
its gills, which then filters it for nutrients like suspended
most active after sunset?
fragments of plankton, while automatically draining out the
(a) Only one (b) Only two
rest of the water.
(c) All three (d) None
86. Consider the following: I.A.S. (Pre) 2023
1. Carabid beetles 2. Centipedes Ans. (a)
3. Flies 4. Termites
The lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus), also known as the
5. Wasps
wanderoo, is an Old World monkey endemic to the Western
Parasitoid species are found in how many of the above
Ghats of India. The lion-tailed macaque is a rainforest
kind of organisms?
dweller, often being found in the upper canopy of tropical
(a) Only two (b) Only three
moist evergreen forests or monsoon forests. It is diurnal,
(c) Only four (d) All five
meaning it is active exclusively in daylight hours. They sleep
I.A.S. (Pre) 2024
at night in trees (typically, high in the canopy of rainforest).
Ans. (b)
Hence, 1 is incorrect.
A parasitoid is an animal, typically an insect, that lays its The Malabar large-spotted civet (Viverra civettina), also
eggs on or inside a host, with the larvae feeding on the host known as the Malabar civet, is a viverrid endemic to the
and eventually killing it. There are two general categories Western Ghats of India. The Malabar civit is considered
of parasitoids: endoparasitoids, which hatch within the host nocturnal and so elusive that little is known about its biology
from eggs or larvae laid there by an adult female, and then and ecology apart from habitat use. Hence, 2 is correct.
feed and develop inside the host; and ectoparasitoids, which The sambar (Rusa unicolor) is a large deer native to the Indian
are fastened to the outside of the host and feed through the subcontinent, South China and Southeast Asia. Sambars are
host skin, sucking out body fluids. in general mostly crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk)
Most parasitoids are either wasps or flies, although a few animals, with significant nocturnal activity as well. Thus, 3 is
species of beetles, twisted wing insects, moths, and other not completely true and could be taken as incorrect.
insects have been identified as parasitoids. Several genera
of carabid beetles are ectoparasitoids as larvae. 89. Which of the following has the largest brain in
Centipedes are predatory arthropods. Centipedes are proportion to its body size?
predominantly generalist carnivorous, hunting for a variety (a) Ant (b) Elephant
(c) Dolphin (d) Human Being
of prey items that can be overpowered. Termites are primarily
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
detritivores (also known as detritus feeders), needing water,
Ans. (a)
cellulose, and shelter to survive. Termites consume a wide
variety of decaying plant material, generally in the form of The largest brain belongs to the sperm whale : about 7 kg
wood, leaf litter, and soil humus. (17.5 pounds). The blue whale, the largest animal on the
Hence, among the given organisms, parasitoid species are planet, being twice longer and thrice heavier, has a brain
found in only three organisms. weighing about 5 kg (12.5 pounds).
87. Which of the following group of animals are nocturnal Human brain has an average weight of about 2.7 pounds
animals? (1.2 kg), variations between 1.1 and 1.4 kg being considered
normal. Our brain represents about 1.5- 2% of our weight.
(a) Housefly, Bedbug, Parrot (b) Mosquito, Bat, Owl
The largest brain of terrestrial animal is that of elephant :
(c) Mosquito, Sparrow, Deer (d) Owl, Bats, Dog about 10.5 pounds (4.78 kg). Still, the brain of the elephant
@

Uttarakhand U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2005 makes less than 0.1% of its body weight.
Ans. (b)
ap

Ant has the largest brain in proportion to its body size.

Nocturnal animals are more active at night than during the day. 90. When ants bite, they inject :
na

These animals sleep during the day, often in a burrow or den. (a) Glacial acetic acid (b) Methanol
Nocturnal creatures generally have highly developed senses (c) Formic acid (d) Stearic acid
_c

of hearing, smell, and specially adapted eyesight. Mosquito, I.A.S. (Pre) 1999
bat, owl and kiwi are some example of nocturnal animals. Ans. (c)
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The formic acid is produced by the ants. Chemically it is a Camels have some special abilities which enable it to walk for
simple carboxylic acid. When ants bite, they inject this acid. a long distance over sandy desert hills when there is neither
water nor vegetation. That is why it is called 'The Ship of the
91. Certain species of which one of the following organisms Desert'. They have broad, flat, leathery pads with two toes
are well known as cultivators of fungi? on each foot. Their breathing rate is very slow. A camel can
(a) Ant (b) Cockroach drink more than 100 litres of water at once and they store it
(c) Crab (d) Spider in their intestine for future needs.
I.A.S. (Pre) 2022 94. Which of the following animals can live for the longest
Ans. (a) duration without drinking water?
Many species of ants are well known as cultivators of fungi. (a) Giraffe (b) Camel
The ant-fungus mutualism is a symbiosis seen between (c) Kangaroo (d) Kangaroo rat
certain ants (tribe Attini) and fungal species, in which ants U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018
actively cultivate fungus much like humans farm crops as Ans. (d)
a food source. The leafcutter ant is a well-known example
Among the given animals, Kangaroo rat can live for the
of this symbiosis. They are known to farm fungus in the
longest duration without drinking water. The Kangaroo rat
Americas and the Caribbean. However, ants are not the
is a rodent native to the desert areas of North America. The
only ground-dwelling arthropods which have developed Kangaroo rat adapted to live in the desert climate because
symbioses with fungi. A mutualism with fungi is also noted it produces the most concentrated urine in all mammals.
in some species of termites in Africa. Their kidneys concentrate the urine so much that it becomes
92. Consider the following statements about mosquitoes : almost solid.
1. Only males suck blood 95. Which among the following animals excretes solid urine?
2. Only females suck blood (a) Kangaroo rat (b) Giraffe
3. Females suck plant juices
(c) Squirrel (d) Crow
4. Males have bigger wings than females
U.P. P.C.S. (Mains) 2017
5. Females have bigger wings than males
Ans. (a)
Of these :
(a) Only 2 and 4 are correct. See the explanation of above question.
(b) Only 1 and 2 are correct.
(c) Only 3 and 5 are correct. 96. In which one of the following kinds of organisms is the
(d) Only 2 and 5 are correct. phenomenon found wherein the female kills the male
U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2016 after copulation?
Ans. (d) (a) Dragonfly (b) Honeybee

Only female mosquitoes suck the blood of warm-blooded (c) Spider (d) Pit Viper
vertebrate birds and mammals and live on them as an I.A.S. (Pre) 2008
ectoparasite. The male mosquitoes do not suck blood, they Ans. (c)
survive by feeding on flowers and fruit juices. Occasionally, Spider cannibalism is the act of a spider consuming all or
females may also suck juices. Generally, female mosquitoes part of another individual of the same species as food. In the
are larger than male mosquitoes. That is why option (d) is majority of cases, a female spider kills and eats a male spider
before, during or after copulation. But the strong male spider
@

the correct answer.

escapes and again copulate.
93. Which one of the following animals stores water in the
ap

intestine? 97. King Cobra is the only snake that makes its own nest.
Why does it make its nest?
(a) Moloch (b) Camel
na

(a) It is a snake-eater and the nest helps attract other

(c) Zebra (d) Uromastix snakes
_c

I.A.S. (Pre) 1994 (b) It is a viviparous snake and needs a nest to give birth
Ans. (b) to its offspring
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(c) It is an oviparous snake and lays its eggs in the nest 102. Poison glands of snakes are homologous to –
and guards the nest until they are hatched (a) Electric organs of fishes
(d) It is a large, cold blooded animal and needs a nest to (b) Stings of rays
hibernate in the cold season (c) Sebaceous glands of mammals
I.A.S. (Pre) 2010 (d) Salivary glands of vertebrates
Ans. (c) I.A.S.(Pre) 1993
Ans. (d)
The king cobra is unusual among snakes in such a way that
the female king cobra is a very dedicated parent. She makes Poison glands of snakes are homologous to salivary glands
a nest for her eggs, scraping up leaves and other debris into of vertebrates. Snake venom is actually the refined form of
a mound in which to deposit them and remains in the nest its saliva.
until the young hatch. A female usually deposits 20 to 40 103. Poisonous fangs of a snake are modified form of :
eggs into the mound, which acts as an incubator. (a) Mandibular teeth (b) Palatine teeth
98. The only snake that builds a nest is : (c) Canine teeth (d) Maxillary teeth
(a) Chain Viper (b) King Cobra U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2016
(c) Krait (d) Saw-scaled viper Ans. (d)
I.A.S. (Pre) 1995
Ans. (b) Poisonous fangs of a snake are modified form of maxillary
teeth. There are 1-3 pairs (usually 1 pair) of long, curved,
See the explanation of above question. sharp and pointed maxillary teeth attached to the poison
glands of the upper jaw of a snake.
99. The venom of cobra is–
(a) Neurotoxic (b) Haemotoxic 104. Consider the following:
(c) Both (a) & (b) (d) None of [Link] 1. Butterflies 2. Fish 3. Frogs
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2010 How many of the above have poisonous species among
Ans. (a) them?
(a) Only one (b) Only two
The venom of the cobra is mainly neurotoxic which (c) All three (d) None
affects nervous tissues. It has some other major compound I.A.S. (Pre) 2024
as cardiotoxic. Toxins presents are mainly protein and
Ans. (c)
polypeptide.
A number of butterflies actually have evolved to be
100. For which one of the following snakes is the diet mainly
poisonous. Butterflies typically get the poison from the
composed of other snakes?
plants they eat as caterpillars - which are sometimes toxic.
(a) Krait (b) Russell’s viper
They then accumulate these toxins and they remain in the
(c) Rattlesnake (d) King Cobra
adult butterfly's body. Examples of poisonous butterflies
I.A.S. (Pre) 2008
include the African Giant Swallowtail, Atala Butterfly, and
Ans. (d)
Monarch.
The king cobra’s diet consists primarily of other snakes, A number of fish species are poisonous. Poisonous fish
including rat snakes, small pythons and even other venomous contain toxins which are not destroyed by the digestive
snakes such as various members of the true cobras and the systems of animals that eat the fish. Species of puffer fish
krait. When food is scarce, they may also feed on other small (the family Tetraodontidae) are the most poisonous fish in
vertebrates, such as lizards, birds, and rodents. the world, and the second most poisonous vertebrate after
the golden dart frog. Many fish species are venomous too.
101. Which snake of the following is nonpoisonous? Reef Stonefish is the most venomous known fish in the
@

(a) Cobra (b) Viper

world.
(c) Coral-Snake (d) Python
Many species of frog are known to be poisonous. Poisonous
ap

M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012

Ans. (d) frogs produce and store alkaloid poisons or toxins in
their skin, which makes them harmful to touch. They are
na

The Pythonidae, commonly known as pythons are a family commonly called poison arrow frogs or poison dart frogs.
of nonvenomous snakes found in Africa, Asia and Australia. But although incredibly rare, there are some frog species
_c

Among its members are some of the largest snakes in the that are venomous too.
world. Hence, option (c) is the correct answer.
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105. Consider the following statements : Insectivorous plants grow in nitrogen-deficient soil and
1. Some species of turtles are herbivores.
fulfill their nitrogen requirement by trapping small insects.
2. Some species of fish are herbivores.
Insectivorous plants are especially adapted for capturing and
3. Some species of marine mammals are herbivores.
digesting insects and other animals by means of ingenious
4. Some species of snakes are viviparous.
pitfalls and traps.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only 109. Which one of the following is an insectivorous plant?
(c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (a) Passion flower plant (b) Pitcher plant
I.A.S. (Pre) 2019 (c) Night queen (d) Flame of the forest
Ans. (d) I.A.S. (Pre) 2008
When green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) becomes adult Ans. (b)
it becomes strictly herbivores. Many species of fish are A pitcher plant is a carnivorous plant or an insectivorous
herbivores, like parrot fish which eats algae. Some marine plant. Carnivorous plants are plants that eat insects and other
mammals like dugong are herbivores. Some species of snakes small animals. Carnivorous plants grow in a soil that has less
like green anaconda are viviparous means they give birth live nitrogen. All living things must have nitrogen. Carnivorous
young ones rather than laying eggs like other reptiles. Hence, plants get nitrogen from the insects they eat.
option (d) is the correct answer.
110. Which one of the following parts of the pitcher plants
106. Dogs are herbivores –
becomes modified into a pitcher?
(a) True (b) False
(a) Stem (b) Leaf
(c) None of the above (d) All of the above
(c) Stipule (d) Petiole
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011
I.A.S. (Pre) 2007
Ans. (b)
Ans. (b)
The dog is not herbivorous animal. The assumption that dogs
are natural omnivores remains to be proven, whereas the truth The pitcher plant is a carnivorous plant with highly modified
about dogs being natural carnivores is very well-supported leaves in the form of pitchers that acts as pitfall traps for prey.
by the evidence available to us. The narrow pitcher leaves are tapered tubes that rise up to
about 75 cm from the ground, with a mouth about 6 to 10 cm
107. The largest flower in the world is– in circumference.
(a) Lotus (b) Sunflower
(c) Rafflesia (d) Glory Lily 111. Which one of the following is not correctly matched?
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1998 (a) Yeast – Fermentation
39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994 (b) Casein – Milk protein
Ans. (c) (c) Aloe Vera – Angiosperm
(d) Nepenthes – Parasitic angiosperm
Rafflesia plant with no leaves, no roots, no stem is the biggest
U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2016
flower in the world .It sounds like the stuff of comic books or
Ans. (d)
science fiction. ‘It is perhaps the largest and most magnificent
flower in the world’ was how Sir Stamford Raffles described Pitcher plants or Nepenthes are able to synthesize their food
his discovery in 1818 of Rafflesia Arnoldii, modestly named by the process of photosynthesis, hence they are autotrophs.
after himself and his companion, surgeon-naturalist Dr. Usually, they grow on soils deficient in nitrogenous
@

James Arnold. compounds and fulfill their required nitrogen by digesting

insects. Other options are correctly matched.
ap

108. Insectivorous plants grow in soil deficient in :

(a) water (b) magnesium 112. Which of the following is an insectivorous plant?
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(c) nitrogen (d) calcium (a) Nyctanthes (b) Nelumbo

(e) None of the above/More than one of the above (c) Nicotiana (d) Nepenthes
_c

67th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2022 U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2023

Ans. (c) Ans. (d)
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Nepenthes are insectivorous pitcher plant. Nepenthes species 117. Turmeric is an example of underground stem, known
are perennial herbaceous plants and frequently grow in very as :
acidic soil, though some are epiphytes. All the species are (a) Bulb (b) Tuber
carnivorous plants that capture insects and other prey by (c) Corm (d) Rhizome
means of modified pitcher-shaped leaves that function as U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2021
passive pitfall traps. Ans. (d)

113. Nependthes khasiana a rare and endangered plant is See the explanation of above question.
found in – 118. Which of the following underground produced vegetables
(a) Himachal Pradesh (b) Madhya Pradesh is a modified root ?
(c) Meghalaya (d) Uttar Pradesh (a) Potato (b) Sweet Potato
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011 (c) Bandda (d) Jimikand
Ans. (c) U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005
Ans. (b)
Nependthes khasiana is India's only pitcher plant and is
named after the Khasi Hill region of Meghalaya. They are The sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a dicotyledonous plant
mostly found in Garo, Khasi and Jaintia hills region of that belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. Sweet potato is a
Meghalaya. modified root cultivated by vegetative propagation.
114. Turmeric is obtained from which part of the plant : 119. The storage organ of which of the following plants is
(a) Root (b) Stem not a stem ?
(c) Fruit (d) Flower bud (a) Sugarcane (b) Ginger
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006 (c) Potato (d) Sweet potato
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 1999 U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2010
Ans. (d)
Ans. (b)
Sugarcane, potato, and ginger are modified stems i.e., their
Turmeric is obtained from the modified stem (rhizome) of the
storage organ is stem, while the storage organ of sweet potato
plant. It is a member of the curcuma botanical group, which
is root. It is developed by radicle.
is part of a ginger family of herbs, the Zingiberaceae. Its
120. Which of the following is a stem?
botanical name is Curcuma longa. All curcumas are perennial
(a) Turnip (b) Ginger
plants native to southern Asia. They grow in warm humid
(c) Carrot (d) Sweet potato
climates and thrive only in temperatures above 60o F (29.8oC). U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2015
India, Srilanka, Fiji and Queensland (Australia) all have the Ans. (b)
climate, which is conducive to grow turmeric.
Among the given options turnip, carrot and sweet potato are
115. Turmeric powder is obtained from which part of modified roots while ginger is a modified stem.
turmeric plant ? 121. Ginger is a stem and not root because :
(a) Dried fruit (b) Dried root (a) it stores food material
(c) Seed (d) None of the above (b) it has nodes and internodes
70th B.P.S.C. (Pre) (Re-Exam) 2024 (c) it grows horizontally in the soil
Ans. (d) (d) it lacks chlorophyll
See the explanation of above question. (e) None of the above / More than one of the above
66th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2020
@

116. Which of the following is the eatable part of turmeric Ans. (b)
ap

plant ?
Stems get modified into underground structures for storage of
(a) Root (b) Rhizome
food as seen in potato (tuber), ginger (rhizome), garlic (bulb),
(c) Fruit (d) Flower
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yam (corm). Presence of an eye (node) in potato, distinct nodes

M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993 with internodes and scaly leaves in ginger/yam, a cluster of
Ans. (b)
_c

roots at the base of the reduced stem in garlic/onion, all indicate

See the explanation of above question. that these underground plant parts are modified stems.
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122. Match the following : Pea plant is a dicotyledonous herbaceous annual plant. The
A. Rhizome 1. Garlic pea plant may adapt to a variety of growing conditions, but
B. Tuber 2. Jimikand-suran it prefers cool damp weather with temperature ranging from
C. Bulb 3. Ginger 60 to 75 degree Fahrenheit. It belongs to a large family of
D. Corm 4. Potato plants, the fabaceae or leguminosae.
Code :
A B C D 126. Consider the following plants:
(a) 1 2 3 4 1. Groundnut 2. Horse-gram
(b) 3 4 2 1 3. Soybean
(c) 3 4 1 2 How many of the above belong to the pea family?
(d) 3 1 2 4 (a) Only one (b) Only two
(e) 3 2 1 4 (c) All three (d) None
Chhattisgarh P.C.S (Pre) 2013 I.A.S. (Pre) 2024
Ans. (c) Ans. (c)

Tubers, rhizomes, corms and bulbs actually all serve the same Fabaceae (pea family) is a large family of angiosperms. It is
purpose, but in a different way. also known as Leguminosae and the plants are commonly
Plants that have rhizomes include ginger, turmeric, sugarcane known as legumes. It is widely distributed all over the
etc. world.
Common examples of plants with tubers include potatoes, The groundnut (Arachis hypogaea), also known as peanut,
cassava and dahlias. is a legume crop grown mainly for its edible seeds. It
Examples of bulbs include onion, garlic, tulip, amaryllis, belongs to the family Fabaceae or Leguminosae, commonly
narcissus. known as the legume, bean, or pea family.
Examples of corm include Jimikand, crocus, colocasia, etc. Horse-gram or kulthi (Macrotyloma uniflorum) is a legume
native to tropical southern Asia, known for its distinct taste
123. Which one of the following is a modified stem ?
and texture. It also belongs to the family Fabaceae or pea
(a) Carrot (b) Sweet potato
family.
(c) Coconut (d) Potato
The soybean (Glycine max) is a species of legume native
I.A.S. (Pre) 1996 to East Asia, widely grown for its edible bean, which has
Ans. (d) numerous uses. It also belongs to the family Fabaceae or
Potato is a starchy red or brown skinned modified stem called pea family.
a tuber. Tuber is storage area for nutrient reserves of plants
127. Clove is a –
such as starch or sugar. The scientific name of potato plant
(a) Buds of stem (b) Bales of root
is Solanum tuberosum and it is a member of the nightshade
(c) Closed buds (d) Seed
family of plants, Solanaceae.
U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl.) (Pre) 2002
124. Potato is a : U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl.) (Pre) 2003
(a) Root (b) Fruit Ans. (c)
(c) Tuber (d) Bulb Cloves are the aromatic closed, dried floral buds, which is
M.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2016 used in Ayurvedic medicines, making food and as an anodyne
Ans. (c) for dental emergencies. The botanical name of clove tree
@

is Syzygium aromaticum (Eugenia caryophyllata) which

See the explanation of above question.
belongs to Myrtaceae family. Cloves are native of Indonesia
ap

125. Pea plant is : and used as a spice in cuisines all over the world. The clove
tree grows to a height ranging from generally 8-12 metres,
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(a) Herb (b) Flower

(c) Bush (d) None of these having large oval leaves.
_c

39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994 128. A clove represents to which of the following?
Ans. (a) (a) Terminal bud (b) Accessory bud
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(c) Flower bud (d) Vegetative bud 134. Saffron is dried mixture of :
U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2021 (a) Leaf and stem
Ans. (c) (b) Petals and roots
(c) Seed forming parts of flower
See the explanation of above question. (d) Seeds and buds
129. Which one of the following spices is a flower bud ? U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2002
(a) Cumin (b) Clove Ans. (c)
(c) Pepper (d) Turmeric Saffron is obtained from the gynoecium parts (stigma and
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011 styles) of the flower of Crocus sativus which are seed forming
Ans. (b)
parts of flower.
See the explanation of above question.
135. In the following pairs of plants and their edible parts,
130. 'Cloves' are – which pair is not correctly matched ?
(a) Nodules of stem (b) Nodules of roots (a) Ginger – Rhizome
(c) Leaves (d) Dried flowers (b) Onion – Fleshy leaves
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2015 (c) Potato – Roots
(d) Coconut – Endosperm
Ans. (d)
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011
See the explanation of above question. Ans. (c)

131. Cloves are obtained from which of the following parts The edible part of the potato is tuber (modified stem), not
of the plant? root. Thus, option (c) is not correctly matched. Other options
(a) Dried leaves (b) Dried stems are correctly matched.
(c) Dried seeds (d) Dried flower buds
56th to 59th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2015 136. Which of the following parts of potato is edible?
Ans. (d) (a) Stem (b) Seed
(c) Root (d) Fruit
See the explanation of above question. U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2013
132. Clove, a spice, is obtained from which part of the Ans. (a)
plant?
See the explanation of above question.
(a) Fruit (b) Stem
(c) Root (d) Flower bud 137. Which one of the following is a fruit –
(e) None of the above / More than one of the above (a) Potato (b) Radish
66th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2020 (c) Ladies finger (d) Sweet Potato
Ans. (d) R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
Ladies finger (okra) is a flowering plant in the mallow family.
133. Which of the following is not correctly matched–
Its botanical name is Abelmoschus esculentus. Its fruit is a
(a) Ginger – Rhizome
capsule up to 18cm long with the pentagonal cross section,
(b) Saffron – Seed
containing numerous seeds. The entire part of the fruit is
(c) Opium – Opium capsule
edible. In remaining options, the edible part of the potato is
@

(d) Jute – Stem

tuber and root is the edible part of radish and sweet potato.
U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2001
ap

Ans. (b) 138. Among the following, which is not a true fruit?
(a) Apple (b) Grape
Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus,
na

(c) Date (d) Plum

commonly known as the 'Saffron Crocus'. Saffron is obtained
(e) None of the above / More than one of the above
from the styles and stigmas of the flower of Crocus sativus.
_c

66th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2020

Other options are correctly matched.
Ans. (a)
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The true fruit can be defined as the fruit, which is formed Chillies are valued principally for their high pungency and
from the fertilized ovary of the flower. Mango, grapes, cherry, colour. Pungency in chillies is due to the active constituent
watermelon, lemon, date, plum, etc. are examples of true 'capsaicin', an alkaloid which is extracted from chillies and is
fruits. The false fruit can be defined as the fruit, which is also used in the medicine. The molecular formula of capsaicin
formed from the ripened ovary along with some other parts is C18H27NO3.
of the flower. Some examples of false fruit are cashew-nut,
143. Red chillies are hot because these contain :
which develops from the peduncle; apple, pear, gourd and (a) Ricin (b) Capsaicin
cucumber, which develop from the thalamus; jack fruit and (c) Arecoline (d) Caffeol
pineapple, which develop from the entire inflorescence, etc. U.P.P.C.S. (Spl.) (Mains) 2008
139. The type of fruit in which lychee can be placed in – Ans. (b)
(a) Drupe (b) Hesperidium
Red chillies are hot because they contain capsaicin. Its
(c) Nut (d) One seeded berry
chemical formula is C18H27NO3.
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010
Ans. (a) 144. The cause of sweet taste in fruits is :
(a) Maltose (b) Ribose
Lychee is a juicy fruit belonging to the soapberry family.
(c) Lactose (d) Fructose
The fruit grows on an evergreen tree, with pinnate leaves.
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
It is a drupe (like a plum, a cherry, or a mango), externally
Ans. (d)
covered by a pink-red rough textured rind, easily removable.
Fructose is also known as fruit sugar. This type of sugar is
140. The characteristic odour of garlic is due to –
mainly found in fruits. Fructose is a monosaccharide.
(a) a chloro compound
(b) a sulphur compound 145. Which one of the following groups of organisms has
(c) a fluorine compound significance in diagnosing the death by drowning?
(d) acetic acid (a) Lichens (b) Protozoa
I.A.S. (Pre) 1997 (c) Cyanobacteria (d) Diatoms
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2005 R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2008
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl.) (Mains) 2008 Ans. (d)
Ans. (b) Diatoms are useful in forensic studies. It has significance
Garlic is made up of sulphuric compounds (Allyl methyl in diagnosing the death by drowning. Diatoms are
sulphide) that render the pungent smell to it. It is also used photosynthetic algae and are found in almost every aquatic
as diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant and for treating blood environment including fresh and marine waters, soils and
pressure and heart disease. almost at every humid place.

141. Peeling of onions causes tears as onions release – 146. The mulberry fruit is :
(a) Sulphonic acid (b) Sulfenic acid (a) Sorosis (b) Syconus
(c) Samara (d) Nut
(c) Amino acid (d) Carbolic acid
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015
Ans. (a)
Ans. (b)
The mulberry fruit is also known as the sorosis. Sorosis is
@

Sulfenic acid found in onions irritates lacrymal glands and

a multiple fleshy fruit that is derived from the ovaries of
produces tears in eyes.
ap

multiple flowers. The seeds are achenes, on the outside of

142. Pungency in chillies is due to the presence of : a fleshy fruit. Pineapple and Ficus are also the examples of
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(a) Lycopene (b) Capsaicin Sorosis fruit.

(c) Carotene (d) Anthocyanin 147. Which one of the following fibre is not a product of
_c

U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2016 plant stem :

Ans. (b) (a) Sunn (b) Hemp
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(c) Jute (d) Cotton 151. Read the given statements–
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2002 Assertion (A) : The root systems of desert plants are
Ans. (d) longer.
Reason (R) : High temperature of soil encourages
The fibres of sunn, hemp, and jute are obtained from stems,
the growth of roots.
while cotton is obtained from the fruit of the cotton plant,
Referencing above, which one is the right answer?
called cotton balls. Cotton fibres are classified into two types
Code :
namely lint and fuzz respectively. Lint fibre is more important
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct
for the commercial purpose than fuzz fibre.
explanation of (A).
148. Which among the following is a man-made cereal? (b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct
(a) Secale cereal (b) Pomato explanation of (A).
(c) Triticale (d) None of the Above (c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
U.P. P.C.S. (Mains) 2017 (d) (A) is false but (R) is true.
Ans. (c) U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 1998
Ans. (c)
Triticale is the first man-made cereal crop. It has been
obtained by crossing wheat (Triticum) with rye (Secale) in Desert plants have the capability to complete their life-cycle
laboratories during the late 19th century in Scotland and even in a dry atmosphere. The root system of these plants
Germany. Though the Triticale is a cross between wheat become longer in search of water from the soil and their
and rye, it is self-pollinating (similar to wheat) and not stems are small, adapted and underground sometimes. Plant
cross-pollinating (like rye). varieties that have adapted by developing very long roots are
collectively known as phreatophytes.
149. Which one of the following is a man-made cereal, not
found in nature? 152. Desert plants have longer root system because :
(a) Dwarf wheat (b) Hybrid maize (a) High temperature of the soil stimulates the growth of
(c) Triticale (d) Soybean roots
I.A.S. (Pre) 1993 (b) Roots grow in search of water
Ans. (c) (c) Soil does not contain water, hence becomes compact
and presses the roots to grow longer
See the explanation of above question.
(d) Roots moves opposite to the solar heat
150. In the nature, which of the following is/are most likely U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996
to be found surviving on a surface without soil? Ans. (b)
1. Fern 2. Lichen
See the explanation of above question.
3. Moss 4. Mushroom
Select the correct answer using the code given below. 153. Deserts have phreatophytes, i.e., plants that have :
(a) 1 and 4 only (b) 2 only (a) Succulent stem (100-200 mm thick)
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 3 and 4 (b) Lipid accumulation (20-30 mg) in leaves
I.A.S. (Pre) 2021 (c) Long (20-30 ft) tap roots
Ans. (c)
(d) Small (2-3 mm) or spine-like leaves
Land without soil can support only very small primitive plants R.A.S./R.T.S. (Re. Exam) (Pre) 2013
such as lichens and mosses that can cling onto a rock surface.
@

Lichens are generally found on substrates like rock, tree bark, Ans. (c)
soil, peat, houses, tombstones, old farm equipments etc. They Phreatophyte is a deep-rooted plant that obtains a significant
ap

can grow on wood, glass, metal, plastic, and even cloth and portion of water that it needs from the phreatic zone or the
have no need of roots. Mosses are non-vascular plants and
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capillary fringe above the phreatic zone. These plants main-

don't have true roots. They have a rhizoid multi-cell anchoring
structure that is used to climb and grip over rocky surfaces. tain water status which is largely independent of soil water.
_c

They thrive in moist and shady areas and do not need soil to Their long tap roots (up to around 25-30 metres length)
survive. Hence, option (c) is the correct answer. reaches underground water level to take water.
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154. Plants adapted to dry climate are known as : 159. A hydrophyte is :
(a) Epiphyte (b) Xerophyte (a) A marine animal (b) An aquatic plant
(c) Hydrophytes (d) Mean plants (c) A plant disease (d) A rootless plant
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1993 U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1994
Ans. (b) R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (b)
A xerophyte is a species of plant that has adapted to survive
in a dry environment. Cactus, opuntia, madar, nerium are the See the explanation of above question.
major plants of this type.
160. Plants growing on rocks are called :
155. Desert plants are generally – (a) Epiphytes (b) Halophytes
(a) Viviparous (b) Succulent
(c) Xerophytes (d) Lithophytes
(c) Herbaceous (d) Heterophyllous
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2010
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2013
Ans. (d)
Ans. (b)
Lithophytes are plants that grow in or on rocks. Those that
A succulent is a plant that stores water for times when water
grow on rocks are also known as epipetric or epilithic plants.
is not available to it. Succulent plants are generally found in
Lithophytes feed off nutrients from rain water and nearby
arid environments such as deserts and semi-deserts. decaying plants, including their own dead tissues.
156. Epiphytes are plants which depend on other plants for :
161. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly
(a) Food (b) Mechanical support
matched?
(c) Shade (d) water
I.A.S. (Pre) 2001 (a) Cuscuta – stem parasite
Ans. (b) (b) Chandan – root parasite
(c) Orchids – epiphyte
An epiphyte is a plant that grows harmlessly upon another (d) Nepenthes – hydrophyte
plant (such as a tree), fulfill moisture and nutrients from the U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2017
air, rain and sometimes from debris accumulating around Ans. (d)
it, instead of the structure to which it is fastened. Epiphytic
organisms usually derive only physical support and not Nepenthes are not hydrophytes. They are tropical pitcher
nutrition from their host, though they may sometimes damage plants and a genus of carnivorous plant. Other pairs are
the host. correctly matched.

157. Plants which grow on saline soils are : 162. Consider the following statements :
(a) Xerophytes (b) Hydrophytes 1. Weeping jelly is due to an excess of acid.
(c) Halophytes (d) Succulents 2. Biofertilizer most suited to sugarcane are rhizobium.
53rd to 55th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2011 3. Plants grown in salt water are called thallophytes.
Ans. (c) 4. Dormancy breaking hormone is cytokinin.
Which of these statements are correct ?
Hydrophytes or aquatic plants are plants that have adapted
(a) Only 1 and 2 (b) Only 2 and 3
to live in an aquatic environment. Plants growing on saline
(c) Only 3 and 4 (d) Only 4 and 1
soils or water are called halophytes (salt-loving plants). They
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2013
grow in saline semi-deserts, mangroove swamps, marshes
Ans. (d)
and sloughs and seashores.
@

Weeping jelly is most often caused by an excess of acid

158. What are salt-loving plants called?
in the fruit or recipe in general. So statement 1 is correct.
ap

(a) Xerophytes (b) Mesophytes

Acetobacter diazotrophicus is more suitable for sugarcane
(c) Glycophytes (d) Halophytes
crop than other biofertilizers. Therefore statement 2 is
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above
na

incorrect. A halophyte is a plant that grows in waters of high

67th B.P.S.C. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2022
salinity, therefore, statement 3 is also wrong. Dormancy in
Ans. (d)
_c

some seeds is broken by treating them with hormones such

See the explanation of above question. as gibberellins and cytokinin. So statement 4 is correct.
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163. Plants and animals that live on land are called : animal anatomically and physiologically adapted to eating
(a) Abiotic (b) Aquatic habitants plant material (for example foliage) for the main component
(c) Terrestrial habitants (d) Biotic of its diet. More generally, herbivores feed on autotrophs
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2024 and are known as primary consumers. Thus, option (d) is
Ans. (c) not correctly matched.
Plants and animals that live on land are called terrestrial 167. Trophic level-I includes :
organisms, and their habitats are known as terrestrial habitats. (a) Herbivorous animals (b) Carnivorous animals
These are the natural environments where terrestrial (c) Omnivorous animals (d) Green plants
organisms live, providing them with the necessary resources M.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
for survival, such as food, water, shelter, and space. These Ans. (d)
include diverse environments like forests, grasslands, deserts
and mountains. Trophic level-I includes all autotrophs which synthesize their
food by themselves. All green plants belong to this trophic
164. Work as intermediaries between biotic and abiotic level. Organisms of trophic level-I usually utilize the radiant
components : energy of the sun to synthesize their organic molecules.
(a) Parasite (b) Decomposers
(c) Producers (d) Consumers 168. Consider the following kinds of organisms :
U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2017 1. Copepods 2. Cyanobacteria
Ans. (c) 3. Diatoms 4. Foraminifera
Which of the above are primary producers in the food
Producers or autotrophs are the intermediaries between Biotic chains of oceans?
and abiotic components of the environment. (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
165. The process of breaking down organic matter by (c) 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 4
microorganisms is called : I.A.S. (Pre) 2021
(a) Respiration (b) Photosynthesis Ans. (b)
(c) Decomposition (d) Fermentation Copepods are a group of small crustaceans found in nearly
70th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2024 every freshwater and saltwater habitat. Copepods are
Ans. (c) major primary consumers and secondary producers in the
World Ocean. Most free-living copepods feed directly on
The process of breaking down organic matter by micro-
phytoplankton, catching cells individually. Some of the larger
organisms is called decomposition. This is a natural process
species are predators of their smaller relatives. Many benthic
where microorganisms, like bacteria and fungi, break down
copepods eat organic detritus or the bacteria that grow in it.
complex organic substances (like dead plants and animals)
Many copepods (e.g., fish lice like the Siphonostomatoida)
into simpler inorganic substances. Decomposers are the
are parasites, and feed on their host organisms.
microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, etc.) that carry out the
Cyanobacteria, also called bluegreen algae, are microscopic
decomposition process. The end products of decomposition
organisms found naturally in all types of water. Cynobacte-
include carbon dioxide, water, and nutrients, which are then
ria are important primary producers and form a part of the
released back into the environment and can be utilized by
phytoplankton. They use photosynthetic pigments, such as
other organisms.
carotenoids, phycobilins, and various forms of chlorophyll,
166. Which of the following is not correctly matched : which absorb energy from light.
(a) Autotroph – Producer Diatom refers to any member of a large group comprising
(b) Heterotroph – Consumer several genera of algae, specifically microalgae, found in
(c) Saprotroph – Decomposer the oceans, waterways and soils of the world. They are
(d) Herbivore – Secondary consumer especially important in oceans, where they contribute an
@

U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2000 estimated 45% of the total oceanic primary production of
Ans. (d) organic material.
ap

Foraminifera are amoeba-like, single-celled protists (very

Autotrophs are the producers in a food chain such as simple micro-organisms). They are heterotrophic organisms
na

plants on land or algae in water, in contrast to heterotrophs which consumes smaller organisms like bacteria and organic
as consumers of autotrophs. Saprotroph, a term used for matter. They are characterized by streaming granular ecto-
_c

organisms which obtain nutrients from dead organic matter plasm for catching food and other uses; and commonly an
(this term commonly applies to fungi). A herbivore is an external shell (called a "test") of diverse forms and materials.
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169. Fishes survive under the frozen lake, because – 174. Which one of the following is responsible for the red
(a) Fishes have hot blood colour of tomato?
(b) Fishes are in hibernation under it (a) β-Carotene (b) Anthocyanin
(c) Water does not freeze near bottom (c) Lycopene (d) None of the above
(d) Ice is the conductor of heat. Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2013
U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010 Ans. (c)
Ans. (c)
See the explanation of above question.
Lakes and rivers are frozen when the outer temperature
decreases below the freezing point in winters. But only the 175. Red colour in tomato is due to :
upper layer freezes in this condition. Water remains in liquid (a) Capsaicin (b) Lycopene
form below the upper layer. So fishes and other aquatic (c) Xanthophyll (d) None of the above
creatures can survive even in a frozen lake. U.P.P.C.S. (Spl.) (Mains) 2008
170. After bringing out of water fishes die, because – Ans. (b)
(a) They get excess quantity of oxygen
(b) Their body temperature increases See the explanation of above question.
(c) They cannot breathe 176. The yellow colour of papaya is due to -
(d) They can not move in water (a) Papain (b) Lycopene
39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994 (c) Caricaxanthin (d) Carotene
Ans. (c) U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2015
Fishes respire with the help of their gills. Gills can readily Ans. (c)
absorb the oxygen dissolved in water. When fishes are taken The botanical name of papaya is ‘Carica papaya’. It is
out of water, the supply of oxygen to the fishes is cut as their rich in carotene, which is a precursor of vitamin A. The
gills cannot absorb the oxygen present in the atmosphere. papain enzyme presented in papaya is helpful in digestion
Hence, they die after sometime. of protein. The yellow colour of papaya is due to presence
171. Fish generally breathe through – of caricaxanthin.
(a) Skin (b) Nose
177. Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and
(c) Gills (d) Fins
distinct species of banana plant which attains a height
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Mains) 2006
of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp.
Ans. (c)
In which part of India has it been discovered?
See the explanation of above question. (a) Andaman Islands (b) Anaimalai Forests
(c) Maikala Hills (d) Tropical rainforests of northeast
172. Redness in apple is due to – I.A.S. (Pre) 2016
(a) Anthocyanin (b) Lycopene Ans. (a)
(c) Carotene (d) Xanthophyll
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2002 Scientists at the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), have
Ans. (a) discovered a new species of banana from a remote tropical
rain forest on the Little Andaman Islands. The species,
Red apples get their colour from anthocyanin pigment. Musa indandamanesis, was located about 16 km inside the
Krishna- Nalah forest on the Island. The scientist who has
173. Which of the following accounts for the red colour of
made discovery described it as a distinct global species with
tomato?
unique green flower and fruit bunch lux thrice the size of a
(a) Capsaicin (b) Carotene
regular banana species. The new species is about 11 metres
@

(c) Anthocyanin (d) Lycopene

high, whereas the usual banana species is about three to four
U.P. P.C.S. (Mains) 2016
metres high. The fruit lux of the new species is about one
ap

Ans. (d)
metre which are thrice the size of the regular species.
The red colour of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) fruit
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is due to the carotenoid pigment lycopene. The red colour 178. Which of the following groups of living beings belong
formation in the apple skin is due to the formation of to the same species?
_c

anthocyanin pigments. The red-orange colour of carrot is due (a) Chinese, American, Indians and Black Africans
to the pigment β-Carotene. (b) Tigers, Lions, and Cats
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(c) Pigeons, Doves, and Partridges 183. Mushroom used in for making juicy vegetable is a –
(d) Lizards, Crocodiles, and Snakes (a) Fungus (b) Alga
R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2003 (c) Green vegetable (d) Flesh of animal
Ans. (a) U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008
Ans. (a)
Chinese, American, Indians and Black Africans groups of
living beings belong to the same species. Homo sapiens is the See the explanation of above question.
binomial nomenclature (also known as the scientific name) 184. With reference to 'Gucchi' sometimes mentioned in
for the human species. While the animals in other options the news, consider the following statements :
are related to different species. 1. It is a fungus.
2. It grows in some Himalayan forest areas.
179. Fungi are plants that lack :
3. It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan
(a) oxygen
foothills of north-eastern India.
(b) carbon dioxide
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(c) chlorophyll
(a) 1 only (b) 3 only
(d) sunlight
(c) 1 and 2 (d) 2 and 3
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above I.A.S. (Pre) 2022
67th B.P.S.C. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2022 Ans. (c)
Ans. (c)
Gucchi mushroom (morels) is a species of fungus in the
A fungus (Plural : fungi) is any member of the group of family Morchellaceae of the Ascomycota. They are pale
eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yellow in colour with large pits and ridges on the surface
yeasts and molds, as well as the more familiar mushrooms. of the cap, raised on a large white stem. Gucchi is known
to be one of the most expensive mushrooms. Apart from its
These organisms are classified as a kingdom, separately
flavour, guchhi also owes its high price to the challenges
from the other eukaryotic kingdoms (earlier they were in cultivation. These mushrooms cannot be cultivated
considered plants). Fungi lack chlorophyll so they do not commercially and grow in Himalayan conifer forests across
photosynthesize. temperate regions, and the foothills in Himachal Pradesh,
Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir. And it takes months
180. Yeast is an example of : for villagers to collect enough of these mushrooms, dry them
(a) Bacteria (b) Fungus and bring them to the market.
(c) Virus (d) Algae
U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2013 185. Which one of the following shows a unique relationship
Ans. (b) with an insect that has coevolved with it and that is the
only insect that can pollinate this tree?
Yeasts, moulds (molds) and mushrooms are examples
(a) Fig (b) Mahua
of fungi. Fungi is the plural word for fungus. Fungi lack
(c) Sandalwood (d) Silk cotton
chlorophyll and vascular bundle. I.A.S. (Pre) 2024
181. Yeast and mushrooms are : Ans. (a)
(a) Algae (b) Gymnosperm Plant-animal interactions often involve co-evolution of
(c) Fungi (d) Tuberous Roots the mutualists, that is, the evolutions of the flower and
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2003 its pollinator species are tightly linked with one another.
Ans. (c) In many species of fig trees, there is a tight one-to-one
relationship with the pollinator species of wasp. It means
@

See the explanation of above question.

that a given fig species can be pollinated only by its ‘partner’
182. What is a mushroom? wasp species and no other species. The female wasp uses the
ap

(a) Fungi (b) Plant fruit not only as an oviposition (egg-laying) site but uses the
(c) Animal (d) Bacteria developing seeds within the fruit for nourishing its larvae.
na

Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011 The wasp pollinates the fig inflorescence while searching
Ans. (a) for suitable egg-laying sites. In return for the favour of
_c

pollination the fig offers the wasp some of its developing

See the explanation of above question. seeds, as food for the developing wasp larvae.
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186. Which of the following have species that can establish (c) Lichens (d) Mycorrhiza
symbiotic relationship with other organisms? I.A.S. (Pre) 1999
Ans. (d)
1. Cnidarians 2. Fungi
3. Protozoa See the explanation of above question.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
188. 'Mycorrhiza' is a symbiotic association between :
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(a) Algae and plants
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(b) Algae and fungi
I.A.S. (Pre) 2021
(c) Fungi and plants
Ans. (d)
(d) Blue-green algae and fungi
Cnidaria is a phylum under Kingdom Animalia containing U.P. B.E.O. (Pre) 2019
over 11,000 species of aquatic animals found both in Ans. (c)
freshwater and marine environments. Mostly marine
animals, the cnidarians include the corals, hydras, jellyfish, See the explanation of above question.
Portuguese men-of-war, sea anemones, sea pens, sea whips, 189. Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological
and sea fans. The symbiosis between cnidarians (e.g., corals succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic
or sea anemones) and intracellular dinoflagellate algae of the association of –
genus Symbiodinium is of immense ecological importance. In (a) Algae and bacteria (b) Algae and fungi
particular, this symbiosis promotes the growth and survival (c) Bacteria and fungi (d) Fungi and mosses
of coral reefs in nutrient-poor tropical waters; indeed, coral I.A.S. (Pre) 2014
reefs could not exist without this symbiosis. Ans. (b)
Fungi have several symbiotic (mutualistic) relationships with
Lichens are association of two organisms that grow together in
other organisims. In mutualism, both organisms benefitted
a symbiotic relationship . Lichens are a partnership between
from the relationship. Two common mutualistic relationships
fungi and algae.
involving fungi are mycorrhiza and lichen. Mycorrhiza are
symbiotic relationships that form between fungi and vascular 190. Lichen are the complex creature, made from–
plants. The fungi colonize the root system of a host plant, (a) Fungi and Bacteria (b) Fungi and Algae
providing increased water and nutrient absorption capabilities (c) Fungi and Bryophyta (d) Algae and Bacteria
while the plant provides the fungus with carbohydrates R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1997
formed from photosynthesis. A lichen is an organism that Ans. (b)
results from a mutualistic relationship between a fungus and
See the explanation of above question.
a photosynthetic organism. The other organism is usually a
cyanobacterium or green algae. The fungus grows around 191. The interaction between algae and fungi to form lichen
the bacterial or algal cells. The fungus benefits from the is called :
constant supply of food produced by the photosynthesizer. (a) parasitism (b) mutualism
The photosynthesizer benefits from the water and nutrients (c) commensalism (d) conversion
absorbed by the fungus. (e) None of the above/More than one of the above
Symbiosis in protozoa mostly represents a close mutualistic 65th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2019
@

association between a protozoan and unicellular symbionts

Ans. (b)
(bacteria, cyanobacteria or/and unicellular algae) or
ap

protozoans and a multicellular organism (ruminants, lower The interaction between algae and fungi to form lichen is
called mutualism. Symbiosis of algae and fungi in lichens is
termites, wood-eating cockroaches, plants).
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the mutually helpful symbiotic relationship between them.

187. Which one of the following is a useful functional The algae or cyanobacteria (chlorophyll – containing partner)
_c

association between fungi and the roots of higher plants ? benefit their fungal partner by producing organic compounds
(a) Biofertilizer (b) Coralloid root through photosynthesis. In return, the fungal partner benefits
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the algae or cyanobacteria by protecting them from the Cell
environment by its filaments, which also gather moisture
and nutrients from the environment, and (usually) provide Notes
an anchor to it.
• The cell (from Latin-Cella- meaning small room) is the
192. In lichen, a chlorophyll-containing partner, ____ live basic structural, functional and biological unit of all known
together. living organisms.
(a) alga and a fungus • A cell is the smallest unit of life. Cells are often called the
(b) fungus and a bacterium ‘building blocks’ of life.
(c) alga and a virus • The study of cells is called cell biology or cellular biology.
(d) More than one of the above • The cell consists cytoplasm enclosed within a membrane,
(e) None of the above which contains many biomolecules such as proteins and
68th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2022 nucleic acid.
• The number of cells in plants and animals varies from
Ans. (a)
species to species. Human contain around 40 trillion (4 ×
See the explanation of above question. 1013) cells.
• Most plant and animal cells are visible only under
193. Which of the following do not grow in polluted area?
a microscope, with dimensions between 1 to 100
(a) Pseudomonas (b) Algae
micrometres.
(c) Lichen (d) Gymnosperms
• Cells were discovered by Robert Hooke in 1665 (detailed
Rajasthan P.C.S. (Pre) 2023
description in a book written by him – Micrographia).
Ans. (c)
• Cell theory, first developed in 1839, by Schleiden and
Lichens usually grow in a wide range of environmental Schwann. According to his theory, all organisms are made
conditions. But they are quite sensitive to atmospheric of one or more cell and all cells originate from pre-existing
pollutants like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen. To grow, cells.
lichens get their nutrients from the air. Because lichens • Cells emerged on Earth at least 3.5 billion years ago.
have no roots or protective surface, they cannot filter what • On the basis of absence or presence of a nucleus, the cells
they absorb, so anything in the air is taken straight inside. have been divided into two groups-
If there are pollutants, it can accumulate in the lichen and I . Prokaryotic cells :
can become toxic very quickly. Air pollution also leads to a • Prokaryotic cells are cells that do not have a true nucleus
decline in the lichen population and thus, they can be used
or most cell organelles. Organisms that have prokaryotic
as indicator organisms. As a rule of thumb, the smaller the
cells are unicellular and called prokaryotes.
size and less variety of lichens in the area, the more polluted
• Prokaryotic cells do not have a true nucleus that contains
is the environment.
their genetic material as eukaryotic cells do. Instead,
194. Nitrogen fixing bacteria present in the nodules of the prokaryotic cells have a nucleoid region, which is an
root of leguminous plant are– irregularly shaped region that contains the DNA and is
(a) Saprophytic (b) Parasitic not surrounded by the membrane. The cell wall is present
(c) Symbiotic (d) Protolytic in prokaryotes.
Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2007 • The ribosome is found in cytoplasm.
• Histone protein is not annexed with the nucleic acid.
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Ans. (c)
• Such type of cells is found in bacteria and blue green algae.
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Nitrogen fixing bacteria present in the nodules on the roots of Prokaryotes include bacteria and archaea, two of the three
the leguminous plant are symbiotic. During nitrogen fixation, domains of life. There cells were the first form of life on
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bacteria such as Rhizobium japonicum convert nitrogen gas Earth.

(N2) into ammonium compounds (NH4OH). These bacteria II . Eukaryotic cells :
live in the roots of legumes including alfalfa, clover, peas and •
_c

Eukaryotic cells are cells that contain a nucleus and

beans. Some blue-green algae can also fix nitrogen. organelles, which are enclosed by a plasma membrane.
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G–477 General Studies General Science

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