Science Chapter Two

Living World

Short Notes to Learn Separately:

• Life Definition: Living organisms exhibit certain characteristics (growth, reproduction,
response to environment, etc.) that distinguish them from inanimate objects.
• Characteristics of Living Beings:
o Nutrient Acquisition: Autotrophs (make their own food) vs. Heterotrophs
(consume other organisms).
o Growth and Development: Organisms grow through cell division and biological
processes.
o Energy Conversion: Energy transformation for survival (e.g., cellular
respiration).
o Reproduction: Ensures species continuity through offspring production.
o Response to Environment: Organisms respond to stimuli, e.g., mosquitoes
feeding or plants growing toward light.
o Adaptation: Long-term changes allowing survival in specific environments.
• Classification of Living Beings:
o Whittaker’s Five Kingdoms (1969): Robert Whittaker classified living
organisms into five kingdoms: Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.
o Monera: Unicellular, prokaryotic organisms (e.g., bacteria).
o Protista: Eukaryotic, can be unicellular or multicellular (e.g., amoeba, algae).
o Fungi: Eukaryotic, heterotrophic, mostly multicellular (e.g., mushrooms, yeast).
o Plantae: Eukaryotic, autotrophic, multicellular (e.g., trees, grasses).
o Animalia: Eukaryotic, multicellular, heterotrophic organisms (e.g., mammals,
birds).
• Modern Classification System:
o In 1974, Lynn Margulis reorganized the classification system based on molecular
and genetic data.
 Living
Organisms

Prokaryotic Eukaryotic
Oraganisms Organisms

Monera Protista Fungi Plantae Animalia

The Plant Kingdom:

Plant Kingdom →
• Non-flowering Plants
o Thallophyta: Algae (e.g., Spirogyra), Fungi (e.g., Agaricus)
o Bryophyta: Non-vascular, e.g., mosses
o Pteridophyta: Vascular, seedless, e.g., ferns
• Flowering Plants
o Gymnosperms: Non-flowering, e.g., Cycas, Pinus
o Angiosperms: Flowering plants, e.g., Mango, Jackfruit
▪ Monocots (one cotyledon, e.g., grasses)
▪ Dicots (two cotyledons, e.g., bean

Plant
Kingdom

Non-flowering Flowering
plant Plant

Thallophyta Bryophyta Pteridophyta Gymnosperms Angiosperms

Algae Fungi Monocots Dicots

 30 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) Formatted: Font: 16 pt, Underline, Complex Script Font:
16 pt
1. Which of the following is an example of an inanimate object? Formatted: Centered
a) Fish
b) Car
c) Cow
d) Tree
Answer: b) Car
2. What is an organism that cannot be seen with the naked eye?
a) Cow
b) Amoeba
c) Tree
d) Dog
Answer: b) Amoeba
3. What is a living organism?
a) An entity that can be touched
b) An entity that has life
c) A non-moving entity
d) A non-living thing
Answer: b) An entity that has life
4. Which of these organisms is an autotroph?
a) Human
b) Cow
c) Plant
d) Dog
Answer: c) Plant
5. What is the function of chlorophyll in plants?
a) It aids in reproduction
b) It helps in photosynthesis
c) It prevents water loss
d) It aids in growth
Answer: b) It helps in photosynthesis
6. Which kingdom do bacteria belong to?
a) Protista
b) Fungi
c) Plantae
d) Monera
Answer: d) Monera
7. What is the characteristic of organisms in the kingdom Protista?
a) They lack a defined nucleus
 b) They can be multicellular or unicellular
c) They cannot produce their own food
d) They are always multicellular
Answer: b) They can be multicellular or unicellular
8. Which group of plants is classified as non-flowering plants?
a) Gymnosperms
b) Angiosperms
c) Moss
d) Fern
Answer: c) Moss
9. What is the main characteristic of fungi?
a) They contain chlorophyll
b) They are autotrophs
c) They do not contain chlorophyll
d) They can make their own food
Answer: c) They do not contain chlorophyll
10. What type of plants reproduce through pollination?
a) Non-flowering plants
b) Flowering plants
c) Algae
d) Fungi
Answer: b) Flowering plants
11. Which of the following organisms belongs to the kingdom Animalia?
a) Plant
b) Fungi
c) Fish
d) Algae
Answer: c) Fish
12. What is the characteristic of invertebrates?
a) They have a backbone
b) They do not have a backbone
c) They have feathers
d) They can fly
Answer: b) They do not have a backbone
13. Which of these is an example of a vertebrate?
a) Snail
b) Fish
c) Earthworm
d) Cockroach
Answer: b) Fish
14. What is the main characteristic of mammals?
a) They have feathers
b) They give birth to live young
c) They lay eggs
d) They have scales
Answer: b) They give birth to live young
15. Which group of vertebrates is known for breathing through gills?
a) Mammals
b) Birds
c) Amphibians
d) Fish
Answer: d) Fish
16. What is the main feature of birds (Aves)?
a) They have scales
b) They have feathers
c) They breathe through gills
d) They have no backbone
Answer: b) They have feathers
17. What group of plants produces seeds that are not enclosed in an ovary?
a) Angiosperms
b) Gymnosperms
c) Moss
d) Ferns
Answer: b) Gymnosperms
18. Which of these organisms is a type of fungus?
a) Spirogyra
b) Amoeba
c) Yeast
d) Mango
Answer: c) Yeast
19. Which of these is an example of a non-flowering plant?
a) Mango
b) Fern
c) Pine
d) Coconut
Answer: b) Fern
20. What type of organisms are considered heterotrophs?
a) Plants
b) Bacteria
c) Fungi
 d) Animals
Answer: d) Animals
21. What group of plants is known for producing flowers?
a) Non-flowering plants
b) Angiosperms
c) Gymnosperms
d) Algae
Answer: b) Angiosperms
22. What is the defining feature of rhizoids in Bryophytes?
a) They help in photosynthesis
b) They act like roots
c) They produce flowers
d) They transport water
Answer: b) They act like roots
23. Which of these animals is classified as an amphibian?
a) Frog
b) Lizard
c) Dog
d) Cow
Answer: a) Frog
24. Which type of plants lack chlorophyll?
a) Algae
b) Fungi
c) Moss
d) Fern
Answer: b) Fungi
25. What is the primary feature of the kingdom Monera?
a) Multicellular organisms
b) Unicellular organisms without a well-defined nucleus
c) Organisms with chlorophyll
d) Organisms with well-defined nuclei
Answer: b) Unicellular organisms without a well-defined nucleus
26. What feature differentiates vertebrates from invertebrates?
a) The presence of a backbone
b) The presence of legs
c) The ability to reproduce sexually
d) The ability to fly
Answer: a) The presence of a backbone
27. What is the main distinguishing feature of Gymnosperms?
a) They have no seeds
b) They produce flowers
c) Their seeds are exposed
d) They do not require water
Answer: c) Their seeds are exposed
28. Which of these organisms is classified in the kingdom Protista?
a) Euglena
b) Mushroom
c) Pine tree
d) Fish
Answer: a) Euglena
29. What is the primary function of the energy produced by living organisms?
a) Reproduction
b) Growth
c) Respiration
d) Body functions
Answer: d) Body functions
30. Which group of animals lays eggs and hatches them to give birth to their young?
a) Mammals
b) Reptiles
c) Birds
d) Amphibians
Answer: c) Birds
 30 Fill in the Blanks Questions Formatted: Font: 14 pt, Underline, Complex Script Font:
14 pt
1. An entity that has life is called a __________. Formatted: Centered
Answer: living organism
2. Organisms that make their own food are called __________.
Answer: autotrophs
3. Organisms that obtain their food by consuming other organisms are called __________.
Answer: heterotrophs
4. The process by which living organisms reproduce to propagate their species is called
__________.
Answer: reproduction
5. Organisms like bacteria, amoeba, and mushrooms belong to the kingdom __________.
Answer: Monera
6. Plants that reproduce through flowers, fruits, and seeds belong to the kingdom
__________.
Answer: Plantae
7. The kingdom __________ contains unicellular organisms with a well-defined nucleus.
Answer: Protista
8. Fungi, like yeast and mushrooms, do not contain __________, so they are heterotrophic.
Answer: chlorophyll
9. The process by which plants make their food using sunlight is called __________.
Answer: photosynthesis
10. __________ plants, such as ferns and mosses, do not produce flowers or seeds.
Answer: Non-flowering
11. The cells of __________ organisms do not have a well-defined nucleus.
Answer: prokaryotic
12. __________ are unicellular organisms that can live in diverse environments and lack a
nucleus.
Answer: Bacteria
13. The kingdom __________ consists of organisms like mushrooms, mold, and yeast that
are heterotrophic.
Answer: Fungi
14. Plants that produce seeds within an ovary are called __________.
Answer: Angiosperms
15. __________ is the group of plants that produce seeds that are not enclosed in an ovary.
Answer: Gymnosperms
16. The kingdom __________ consists of multicellular, autotrophic organisms such as trees
and bushes.
Answer: Plantae
17. Invertebrates do not have __________, while vertebrates do.
Answer: a backbone
18. __________ organisms like frogs can live both in water and on land.
Answer: Amphibian
19. __________ is a characteristic that distinguishes birds (Aves) from other animals.
Answer: Feathers
20. The process by which living organisms respond to environmental changes is called
__________.
Answer: response to environment
21. __________ is the ability of organisms to adapt to changing environmental conditions
over time.
Answer: Adaptation
22. __________ is the kingdom that consists of animals that have no cell wall and generally
lack plastids.
Answer: Animalia
23. __________ organisms such as Euglena have a well-defined nucleus and can live as
single cells.
Answer: Protista
24. The class of vertebrates that breathe through gills and live in water is __________.
Answer: Fish
25. The animals in the class __________ lay eggs and typically have feathers.
Answer: Birds (Aves)
26. The characteristic of plants that produce spores instead of seeds is known as __________.
Answer: non-flowering plants
27. __________ are animals that usually breathe through their skin or lungs and lay eggs in
water.
Answer: Amphibians
28. The group of animals that move by crawling or slithering and breathe through lungs are
__________.
Answer: Reptiles
29. __________ are organisms that generally have a well-developed nervous system and are
capable of higher-level brain functions.
Answer: Mammals
30. The main characteristic that distinguishes __________ from other plants is the presence
of chlorophyll.
Answer: Algae
Formatted: Font: 14 pt, Underline, Complex Script Font:
14 pt
30 One-Sentence Answer Questions
Formatted: Centered
1. What is a living organism?
A living organism is any entity that has life, exhibiting characteristics like growth,
reproduction, and response to the environment.
2. What is the main characteristic of heterotrophic organisms?
Heterotrophic organisms obtain their nutrition by consuming other organisms.
3. What is the role of chlorophyll in plants?
Chlorophyll helps plants absorb sunlight for the process of photosynthesis, which
produces food for the plant.
4. What are autotrophs?
Autotrophs are organisms that produce their own food, usually through the process of
photosynthesis.
5. What is the main characteristic of the kingdom Monera?
Organisms in the kingdom Monera are unicellular and lack a well-defined nucleus.
6. Name one example of a Protist.
Amoeba is an example of a Protist.
7. What are fungi lacking that plants have?
Fungi lack chlorophyll, which plants use for photosynthesis.
8. What is the primary characteristic of animals in the kingdom Animalia?
Animals in the kingdom Animalia lack a cell wall and are typically heterotrophic.
9. What type of organisms are classified under kingdom Protista?
Kingdom Protista contains unicellular or multicellular organisms with a well-defined
nucleus, such as amoeba and euglena.
10. What is the main difference between non-flowering and flowering plants?
Non-flowering plants do not produce flowers, seeds, or fruits, while flowering plants do.
11. What is the characteristic of Gymnosperms?
Gymnosperms are plants that produce seeds exposed on cones and do not have ovaries to
enclose the seeds.
12. What is the primary characteristic of Bryophytes?
Bryophytes are non-vascular plants that do not have true roots, stems, or leaves.
13. What do plants in the Pteridophyta group have?
Plants in the Pteridophyta group have true roots, stems, and leaves, and they reproduce by
spores.
14. What do flowering plants produce?
Flowering plants produce flowers, seeds, and fruits.
15. What distinguishes vertebrates from invertebrates?
Vertebrates have a backbone, whereas invertebrates do not.
16. How do amphibians respire?
Amphibians respire through gills in their juvenile form and through lungs in their adult
form.
17. What do mammals feed their young?
Mammals feed their young with milk produced by mammary glands.
18. What do birds use to fly?
Birds use their wings, which are adapted for flight, to fly.
19. What group of animals has a backbone?
Vertebrates are animals that have a backbone.
20. What is the main feature of the kingdom Fungi?
The main feature of fungi is that they are non-photosynthetic and absorb nutrients from
organic matter.
21. What are the two major groups of plants in the Plantae kingdom?
The two major groups of plants in the Plantae kingdom are non-flowering plants and
flowering plants.
22. What is the defining feature of invertebrates?
Invertebrates lack a backbone or vertebral column.
23. What type of animals breathe through lungs?
Mammals, reptiles, birds, and amphibians breathe through lungs.
24. What are the main divisions of Angiosperms?
Angiosperms are divided into two main groups: monocots and dicots.
25. What kingdom do spirogyra belong to?
Spirogyra belongs to the kingdom Protista.
26. What group of plants lacks true roots?
Bryophytes lack true roots, and instead have rhizoids.
27. What is the function of rhizoids in Bryophytes?
Rhizoids in Bryophytes help anchor the plant to surfaces and absorb water.
28. What do Gymnosperms produce?
Gymnosperms produce exposed seeds, often within cones.
29. What do vertebrates have that invertebrates do not?
Vertebrates have a backbone or vertebral column.
30. What type of plants produce seeds that are enclosed in an ovary?
Angiosperms produce seeds that are enclosed in an ovary.

15 Short Questions Formatted: Font: 14 pt, Underline, Complex Script Font:

14 pt
1. Explain the difference between autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms. Formatted: Centered
Autotrophic organisms produce their own food through processes like photosynthesis,
using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. In contrast, heterotrophic organisms rely on
consuming other organisms for nutrition. For example, plants are autotrophs, while
animals are heterotrophs.
2. How do plants adapt to the environment for survival?
Plants adapt to their environment in various ways, such as developing specialized
structures like spiny leaves to conserve water in arid conditions. Additionally, some
plants grow towards light (phototropism), while others may have deep root systems to
access water sources. These adaptations help plants survive in changing environments.
3. Describe the classification of the Plantae kingdom.
The Plantae kingdom is divided into non-flowering and flowering plants. Non-flowering
plants include groups like Thallophyta (algae) and Bryophyta (mosses), which reproduce
through spores. Flowering plants, like angiosperms, produce seeds and are further divided
into monocots and dicots.
4. What are the primary features of the kingdom Monera?
Organisms in the kingdom Monera are unicellular, lack a well-defined nucleus, and are
prokaryotic. These organisms are typically microscopic and include bacteria and
cyanobacteria. They do not have membrane-bound organelles and are among the most
ancient forms of life.
5. Describe the characteristics of the animal kingdom.
The animal kingdom is characterized by multicellular organisms that are typically
heterotrophic and lack a cell wall. These organisms are capable of movement at some
stage in their life cycle and exhibit specialized systems like nervous and digestive
systems. Examples include mammals, birds, and reptiles.
6. Explain how fungi are different from plants.
Fungi are heterotrophic organisms that absorb nutrients from decomposing organic
matter, while plants are autotrophic and produce their own food through photosynthesis.
Fungi lack chlorophyll and do not have true roots, stems, or leaves. They are made up of
a network of hyphae, unlike the vascular structures of plants.
7. How do plants in the kingdom Plantae obtain nutrition?
Most plants in the kingdom Plantae obtain nutrition through photosynthesis, using
sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create glucose. Some plants are heterotrophic, like
parasitic plants, which absorb nutrients from other living plants. Autotrophic plants use
chlorophyll to capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy.
8. How are Angiosperms different from Gymnosperms?
Angiosperms are flowering plants that produce seeds enclosed in an ovary, which later
becomes the fruit. Gymnosperms, on the other hand, are non-flowering plants that
produce exposed seeds, typically in cones. Angiosperms are typically more diverse and
widespread than gymnosperms.
9. Describe the features of mammals.
Mammals are vertebrates characterized by the presence of hair or fur, and they feed their
young with milk produced by mammary glands. They are warm-blooded and possess a
more advanced nervous system compared to other vertebrates. Examples of mammals
include humans, dogs, and whales.
10. What are the different types of vertebrates?
Vertebrates are classified into five major groups: fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and
mammals. Each group has distinct characteristics, such as the type of respiration (gills or
lungs) and the presence of limbs or wings. For example, birds are characterized by
feathers and wings, while mammals have hair and give live birth.
11. How do non-flowering plants reproduce?
Non-flowering plants reproduce through spores rather than seeds. These spores are
released into the environment and can grow into new plants under favorable conditions.
Examples of non-flowering plants include mosses and ferns.
12. Describe the respiration process in amphibians.
Amphibians begin life in water with gills for respiration. As they mature and become
adults, they develop lungs to breathe air. Some amphibians also have the ability to absorb
oxygen through their skin, especially in moist environments.
13. Explain the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis.
Chlorophyll is a green pigment in plants that captures light energy from the sun. This
energy is used in the process of photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide and water into
glucose and oxygen. Chlorophyll is essential for the plant's ability to produce its own
food.
14. How are Bryophytes different from Pteridophytes?
Bryophytes, such as mosses, do not have vascular tissues like xylem and phloem, and
they reproduce using spores. Pteridophytes, such as ferns, have vascular tissues and also
reproduce by spores, but they have more complex structures, including true roots, stems,
and leaves.
15. Describe the classification of living organisms according to the five-kingdom system.
The five-kingdom classification system includes Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and
Animalia. Monera consists of prokaryotic organisms like bacteria. Protista includes
unicellular eukaryotic organisms, while Fungi consists of decomposers. Plantae includes
plants, and Animalia includes multicellular, heterotrophic organisms.
 15 Descriptive Questions Formatted: Font: 14 pt, Underline, Complex Script Font:
14 pt
1. Describe the process of growth and development in living organisms. Formatted: Centered
Growth in living organisms involves the increase in size and mass through cell division
and enlargement. Development refers to the transformation of an organism's structure and
functions over time. In animals, this includes changes like metamorphosis or maturation,
while plants grow by increasing cell size and producing new cells at tips of roots and
shoots. Genetic instructions guide both growth and development, ensuring that organisms
develop specific traits suited to their environment.
2. What is the significance of reproduction in living organisms?
Reproduction ensures the survival of species by allowing organisms to produce offspring
that inherit genetic traits. It is a fundamental biological process that enables the
continuation of life. Sexual reproduction involves the combination of genetic material
from two parents, increasing genetic diversity. Asexual reproduction, however, involves a
single organism producing offspring identical to itself, which is crucial for species in
stable environments.
3. How do living organisms respond to environmental stimuli?
Living organisms respond to environmental stimuli through various mechanisms. Plants
may bend towards light (phototropism), while animals may move towards food or away
from danger. These responses help organisms survive by allowing them to adapt to
changing conditions. For example, when an animal senses danger, it may flee or fight to
protect itself, a response that is crucial for its survival.
4. Describe the characteristics of plants in the Angiosperms group.
Angiosperms, or flowering plants, produce flowers, which contain the reproductive
organs. These plants produce seeds enclosed in a protective ovary that later becomes the
fruit. Angiosperms are the largest group of plants, and they can be further divided into
monocots and dicots based on seed structure. They play a critical role in ecosystems by
producing oxygen and food.
5. How does the process of energy conversion occur in living organisms?
Energy conversion in living organisms typically occurs through the process of cellular
respiration. Organisms break down food molecules like glucose to release energy, which
is stored in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). In plants, energy from sunlight is
captured during photosynthesis and converted into chemical energy stored in glucose,
which is later used during cellular respiration to produce ATP.
6. Explain the concept of adaptation and its importance for survival.
Adaptation refers to the changes in organisms that allow them to better survive and
reproduce in their environment. Over generations, natural selection favors traits that
increase an organism's fitness, such as camouflage for predators or thicker fur for cold
climates. Adaptations can be structural, behavioral, or physiological, and they enhance
the organism's chances of survival in a changing environment.
7. Describe the role of the kingdom Protista in the classification system.
Protista is a diverse kingdom containing unicellular and simple multicellular organisms,
primarily eukaryotic. Protists can be autotrophic, like algae, or heterotrophic, like
amoeba. They are an essential part of the food chain, serving as producers or consumers
in aquatic ecosystems. The kingdom serves as a transitional category between prokaryotic
organisms (bacteria) and more complex multicellular organisms like fungi, plants, and
animals.
8. How do non-flowering plants reproduce through spores?
Non-flowering plants, such as mosses and ferns, reproduce through spores instead of
seeds. Spores are microscopic, single-celled reproductive units that can grow into a new
organism when conditions are right. In ferns, spores are produced in sporangia located on
the underside of leaves. These spores are released into the environment and can
germinate into a gametophyte, which eventually produces the plant's reproductive
structures.
9. Describe the features of the kingdom Animalia and its classification.
The kingdom Animalia consists of multicellular, eukaryotic organisms that are typically
heterotrophic, meaning they consume other organisms for food. They lack a cell wall, and
their cells are specialized for various functions. Animals are classified into groups based
on characteristics such as body symmetry, presence of a backbone (vertebrates versus
invertebrates), and their method of reproduction. Examples of animal groups include
mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects.
10. How are amphibians able to adapt to both aquatic and terrestrial environments?
Amphibians, like frogs and salamanders, are adapted to both aquatic and terrestrial
environments through dual respiratory systems. In their larval stage, they use gills for
underwater respiration, and as adults, they develop lungs to breathe air. Additionally, their
permeable skin allows for gas exchange, and they often require water for reproduction,
which completes their life cycle.
11. Describe the structure of the kingdom Fungi.
Fungi are made up of a network of hyphae, which are thread-like structures that form the
fungal body. The hyphae absorb nutrients from organic matter. Fungi lack chlorophyll
and are non-photosynthetic, meaning they rely on decomposing organic material for
nutrition. They reproduce through spores, which can be released into the air and
germinate when conditions are suitable for growth.
12. Explain how birds are classified as vertebrates.
Birds are classified as vertebrates because they have a backbone made of vertebrae. This
internal skeletal structure provides support and protection to their internal organs. Birds
are also characterized by feathers, which are unique to this group, and they have
adaptations for flight, such as lightweight bones and powerful wings. As vertebrates,
birds belong to the class Aves in the animal kingdom.
13. Describe the importance of the backbone in vertebrates.
The backbone, or vertebral column, provides structural support for vertebrates, protecting
the spinal cord and allowing for greater mobility. It also acts as an anchor for muscles,
enabling more efficient movement. The vertebral column is an essential feature that
distinguishes vertebrates from invertebrates, offering flexibility and protection,
particularly for organisms that move on land.
14. How does the classification of plants into flowering and non-flowering groups affect
their reproduction?
Flowering plants (Angiosperms) produce flowers as reproductive structures, and their
seeds are enclosed within fruits. This method of reproduction allows for greater genetic
diversity through pollination and fertilization. Non-flowering plants, such as ferns and
mosses, reproduce by spores, which are dispersed into the environment. While flowering
plants rely on animals or wind for pollination, non-flowering plants rely on external
environmental conditions for spore dispersal.
15. How are the kingdoms of life different in their cellular structure and organization?
The kingdoms of life differ in their cellular structure and organization. Prokaryotic
kingdoms, like Monera, consist of single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus. Eukaryotic
kingdoms, including Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia, are made up of cells that
contain a nucleus. Organisms in Plantae and Animalia are multicellular, while those in
Monera and Protista can be unicellular or multicellular. The complexity and
specialization of cell structures increase as you move from simpler kingdoms to more
complex ones.