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Taxonomic categories Questions in English

Class 11 Biology · The Living World · Taxonomic categories

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Showing 45 of 567 questions in English

1
MediumMCQ
The science of naming plants is known as
A
Classification
B
Identification
C
Nomenclature
D
Taxonomy

Solution

(C) Nomenclature ($Nomen = \text{name}$; $clature = \text{to call}$) is the process of assigning distinct scientific names to various organisms, allowing them to be easily identified and studied.
2
MediumMCQ
The branch of Botany concerned with the classification,nomenclature,and identification of plants is:
A
Systematic Botany
B
Ecology
C
Morphology
D
Physiology

Solution

(A) Taxonomy is the branch of science that deals with the characterization,identification,nomenclature,and classification of organisms. In the context of plants,this is referred to as Systematic Botany or Plant Taxonomy.
$1$. Identification: Determining the correct identity of an organism.
$2$. Nomenclature: Providing a standardized name to the organism.
$3$. Classification: Grouping organisms into categories based on their similarities and differences.
3
EasyMCQ
In which of the following taxonomy is equal weightage given to each of thousands of characters that a taxon exhibits?
A
Classical taxonomy
B
Chemotaxonomy
C
Numerical taxonomy
D
Alpha taxonomy

Solution

(C) . Numerical taxonomy (Phenetics) is also known as Adansonian taxonomy.
In numerical taxonomy,as many characters as possible are employed for evaluating the degree of similarity and differences.
All characteristics used in the analysis are given equal weightage and importance.
4
EasyMCQ
$A$ person who studies the origin,evolution,and variations in plants,as well as the classification of plants,is called a:
A
Classical taxonomist
B
Herbal taxonomist
C
$\alpha$-taxonomist
D
Systematist

Solution

(A) Taxonomy based on all available information,including the study of origin,evolution,and variations to classify organisms,is known as classical taxonomy.
$A$ taxonomist who is engaged in studying the origin,evolution,variations,and classification of organisms is referred to as a classical taxonomist.
5
MediumMCQ
Who amongst the following is regarded as the "Father of Taxonomy"?
A
Takhtajan
B
Linnaeus
C
Bentham and Hooker
D
Theophrastus

Solution

(B) Carl Linnaeus is widely regarded as the "Father of Taxonomy" because he developed the binomial nomenclature system, which is the formal system of naming organisms that is still used in modern biology today. He also classified organisms into a hierarchical structure, which laid the foundation for modern taxonomic studies.
6
EasyMCQ
If a botanist has to nomenclate a similar species,he will use
A
Syntype
B
Neotype
C
Mesotype
D
Isotype

Solution

(D) The original specimen used for the description of a species is called the $Holotype$.
An $Isotype$ is any duplicate specimen of the $Holotype$ collected at the same time and from the same locality by the same collector.
Therefore,if a botanist needs to nomenclate a similar species or requires a reference specimen,an $Isotype$ is used.
7
MediumMCQ
Which of the following taxonomical ranks contains organisms that are least similar to one another?
A
Class
B
Genus
C
Family
D
Species

Solution

(A) In biological classification,the hierarchy of taxonomic categories is arranged from the most specific to the most general: Species < Genus < Family < Order < Class < Phylum < Kingdom.
As we move from the species level towards the kingdom level,the number of shared characteristics among the organisms decreases.
Therefore,organisms belonging to the same 'Class' share fewer common features compared to those in a 'Genus','Family',or 'Species'.
Among the given options,'Class' is the highest taxonomic rank,meaning it contains the most diverse group of organisms with the least similarity.
8
MediumMCQ
In a hierarchical system of plant classification,which one of the following taxonomic ranks generally ends in '$ceae$'?
A
Family
B
Genus
C
Order
D
Class

Solution

(A) In the hierarchical system of biological classification,taxonomic ranks have specific suffixes to identify them.
For the rank of '$Family$',the names of plants typically end with the suffix '$aceae$'.
For example,'$Solanaceae$' and '$Fabaceae$' are families of plants.
Therefore,the correct option is $A$.
9
MediumMCQ
The basic unit of classification / taxonomy is
A
Genus
B
Species
C
Family
D
Order

Solution

(B) The correct answer is $B$.
Species occupies a key position in biological classification.
It is considered the fundamental or basic unit of classification/taxonomy because it represents a group of individual organisms with fundamental similarities.
10
MediumMCQ
Which of the following is a taxon?
A
Genera
B
Family
C
Class
D
All of these

Solution

(D) taxon is a group of one or more populations of an organism or organisms seen by taxonomists to form a unit.
In biological classification,taxonomic categories such as Kingdom,Phylum,Class,Order,Family,Genus,and Species represent different levels of the taxonomic hierarchy.
Each of these categories represents a rank and is commonly referred to as a taxon (plural: taxa).
Since Genera,Family,and Class are all levels within the taxonomic hierarchy,they are all considered taxa.
11
MediumMCQ
$A$ group of plants with similar traits of any rank is known as:
A
Species
B
Genus
C
Order
D
Taxon

Solution

(D) In biological classification,a $Taxon$ (plural: $Taxa$) represents a group of organisms of any rank that share similar traits or characteristics. It is a fundamental unit of classification used in taxonomy to categorize living beings at various levels,such as species,genus,family,order,class,phylum,or kingdom.
12
EasyMCQ
Identify the correct sequence of taxa in the Linnaean hierarchy.
A
Class,order,genus,species,variety
B
Class,family,species,genus,order
C
Phylum,class,family,species,order
D
Species,genus,phylum,family,class

Solution

(A) The taxonomic hierarchy was first proposed by Linnaeus,who originally used five categories: $Class$,$Order$,$Genus$,$Species$,and $Variety$.
In modern taxonomy,the $Variety$ category is generally discarded,and additional categories like $Phylum$ and $Family$ have been added.
Currently,there are seven obligate taxonomic categories in the hierarchy: $Kingdom$,$Phylum$,$Class$,$Order$,$Family$,$Genus$,and $Species$.
Among the given options,option $A$ represents the sequence originally proposed by Linnaeus.
13
MediumMCQ
In botanical nomenclature of plants:
A
Genus is written after the species
B
Both in genus and species the first letter is a capital letter
C
Genus and species may be same name
D
Both genus and species are printed in italics

Solution

(D) According to the rules of binomial nomenclature:
$1$. The scientific name consists of two parts: the generic name (genus) and the specific epithet (species).
$2$. The generic name starts with a capital letter,while the specific epithet starts with a small letter.
$3$. When printed,the scientific name is written in italics to indicate its Latin origin.
$4$. Therefore,option $D$ is correct as both parts are printed in italics.
14
MediumMCQ
What criteria must be followed for naming a plant technically at present?
A
Name should not be too long
B
Name should not be difficult to pronounce
C
Name should be latinised
D
None of the above

Solution

(C) According to the $International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants$ $(ICN)$,scientific names are generally derived from $Latin$ or are $latinised$. This ensures uniformity and prevents confusion across different languages and regions. Therefore,the requirement for a scientific name is that it must be latinised.
15
MediumMCQ
The binomial nomenclature system of Linnaeus means that every organism has:
A
One name given by two scientists
B
Two names,one Latin and the other of a person
C
Two names,one scientific and the other popular
D
One scientific name consisting of a generic name and a specific epithet

Solution

(D) Binomial nomenclature is a formal system of naming species of living things by giving each a name composed of two parts.
$1$. The first part is the generic name (genus).
$2$. The second part is the specific epithet (species).
This system was proposed by Carolus Linnaeus. Therefore,every organism has one scientific name consisting of a generic name and a specific epithet.
16
MediumMCQ
Genus is a group of similar and related
A
Order
B
Genera
C
Families
D
Species

Solution

(D) Genus is a taxonomic category that comprises a group of related species which has more characters in common in comparison to species of other genera.
For example,the genus $Panthera$ includes species like $Panthera$ $leo$ (lion) and $Panthera$ $tigris$ (tiger),which share many common features.
Therefore,the correct option is $D$.
17
MediumMCQ
Systema Naturae is concerned with
A
Solar system
B
Ecosystem
C
Classification of plants and animals
D
Natural selection

Solution

(C) Systema Naturae is a monumental work written by Carolus Linnaeus,published in $1735$.
It laid the foundation for modern biological nomenclature and taxonomy.
The book focuses on the systematic classification of plants,animals,and minerals,making option $C$ the correct answer.
18
MediumMCQ
What is the meaning of 'taxon' in the classification of animals?
A
$A$ group of the same species
B
$A$ group of animals based on the number of chromosomes
C
$A$ group of any rank in the classification of organisms
D
$A$ group of similar genera

Solution

(C) In biological classification,a 'taxon' (plural: taxa) represents a taxonomic group of any rank.
It is a unit of classification that represents a group of organisms that are considered to be related and are placed together in a specific category (e.g.,species,genus,family,order,class,phylum,or kingdom).
Therefore,a taxon is a group of any rank in the classification of organisms.
19
EasyMCQ
The suffix '$idae$' refers to:
A
Family
B
Genus
C
Order
D
Division

Solution

(A) In biological classification,taxonomic categories are assigned specific suffixes to indicate their rank.
The suffix '$idae$' is standardly used to denote the taxonomic category of '$Family$' in the animal kingdom (e.g.,$Felidae$ for cats,$Canidae$ for dogs).
In contrast,the suffix '$aceae$' is typically used for plant families.
20
MediumMCQ
Studies under karyotaxonomy are based upon
A
Nature of $DNA$
B
Shape of the nucleus
C
Structure or number of chromosomes
D
Contents of karyoplasm

Solution

(C) Karyotaxonomy is a branch of taxonomy that uses cytological characteristics to classify organisms.
Specifically,it relies on the study of chromosome number,structure,and behavior during cell division.
Therefore,studies under karyotaxonomy are based upon the structure or number of chromosomes.
21
EasyMCQ
The third name of the trinomial nomenclature is of
A
Sub-genus
B
Species
C
Sub-species
D
Type

Solution

(C) In trinomial nomenclature,the scientific name consists of three parts: the genus name,the species name,and the sub-species name (or variety in plants).
Therefore,the third name represents the sub-species.
22
MediumMCQ
The most recent branch of taxonomy is:
A
Karyotaxonomy
B
Cytotaxonomy
C
Morphotaxonomy
D
Taxidermy

Solution

(A) Karyotaxonomy is considered the most recent branch of taxonomy. It involves the classification of organisms based on the characteristics of their chromosomes,such as number,size,shape,and banding patterns. While Cytotaxonomy deals with cellular structures,Karyotaxonomy focuses specifically on the detailed analysis of the karyotype,making it a more advanced and modern approach compared to traditional Morphotaxonomy.
23
EasyMCQ
Interbreeding natural populations of animals are referred to as belonging to the same
A
Family
B
Species
C
Genus
D
Variety

Solution

(B) The correct answer is $B$. $A$ species is defined as a group of organisms that can interbreed under natural conditions to produce fertile offspring. This is the fundamental unit of biological classification.
24
EasyMCQ
The correct sequence of the various taxons while naming an organism is:
A
Order,class,family
B
Class,order,family
C
Family,class,order
D
Order,family,class

Solution

(B) The hierarchical classification of organisms follows a specific order from higher to lower categories: Kingdom,Phylum/Division,Class,Order,Family,Genus,and Species.
Among the given options,the sequence that follows the descending order of hierarchy is Class $\rightarrow$ Order $\rightarrow$ Family.
Therefore,the correct sequence is Class,Order,Family.
25
MediumMCQ
In the zoological name of an organism,the first word represents the:
A
Generic name
B
Specific name
C
Name of the order
D
Family name

Solution

(A) According to the binomial nomenclature system,the scientific name of an organism consists of two components: the first word is the $Generic$ name (genus) and the second word is the $Specific$ epithet (species name). Therefore,the first word represents the $Generic$ name.
26
MediumMCQ
The main purpose of classification is
A
To locate animals
B
To study facts of evolution
C
To establish relationships
D
To study ecology of animals

Solution

(C) The primary objective of biological classification is to organize the vast diversity of living organisms into manageable groups. By classifying organisms,scientists can identify,name,and categorize them based on their similarities and differences. This process helps in establishing evolutionary relationships (phylogeny) among different groups of organisms,which allows for a better understanding of their common ancestry and biological diversity.
27
MediumMCQ
Phylogeny and inter-relationship found between taxa on the basis of number,type,and arrangement of chromosomes is known as:
A
Cytotaxonomy
B
Chromotaxonomy
C
Karyotaxonomy
D
Chemotaxonomy

Solution

(C) Karyotaxonomy is a branch of taxonomy that uses the characteristics of chromosomes,such as their number,size,shape,and banding patterns,to determine the evolutionary relationships (phylogeny) and classification of organisms.
Cytotaxonomy is a broader term that uses cellular structures,while Karyotaxonomy specifically focuses on the karyotype (the complete set of chromosomes) of an organism.
28
MediumMCQ
Cytotaxonomy is connected with
A
Chemical composition of cytoplasm
B
Cell organelles
C
Cytochromes
D
Shape and size of cells

Solution

(B) Cytotaxonomy is a branch of taxonomy that uses cytological information to classify organisms. It is primarily based on the study of cytological structures,chromosome numbers,chromosome structure,and their behavior during meiosis,as well as the study of cell organelles. Therefore,option $B$ is the correct answer.
29
MediumMCQ
The suffix $-phyta$ indicates
A
Family
B
Order
C
Class
D
Division

Solution

(D) $Division$ is a major taxonomic category in the Linnaean hierarchy used in the classification of plants,which is equivalent to the category of $Phylum$ used in animal classification. The standard suffix used for $Division$ in botanical nomenclature is $-phyta$.
30
MediumMCQ
Which of the following represents a species?
A
Carnivora
B
Canis
C
Familiaris
D
Canis familiaris

Solution

(D) According to binomial nomenclature,a species name consists of two parts: the generic name $(Genus)$ and the specific epithet $(species)$.
$Canis$ is the genus,and $familiaris$ is the specific epithet.
Together,$Canis \text{ } familiaris$ represents the species (domestic dog).
$Carnivora$ is an $Order$,not a species.
31
MediumMCQ
$A$ scientist who made a significant contribution in the field of classification is
A
Pasteur
B
Oparin
C
Darwin
D
Linnaeus

Solution

(D) Carl Linnaeus is known as the 'Father of Taxonomy'. He introduced the binomial nomenclature system for naming organisms and developed a hierarchical system of classification,which forms the basis of modern biological classification.
32
MediumMCQ
Classical systematics embodies the concept of classical taxonomists as:
A
Biological concepts
B
Species concept
C
Typological concept
D
All the above

Solution

(C) Classical systematics,also known as traditional taxonomy,is primarily based on the $Typological$ $concept$ of species.
In this approach,organisms are classified based on their morphological characteristics and the idea that each species has a fixed,ideal 'type' or essence.
This contrasts with modern systematics,which incorporates evolutionary relationships and biological species concepts.
33
MediumMCQ
What is a species?
A
Specific unit of evolution
B
Specific unit in the evolutionary history of a race
C
Specific class of evolution
D
Not related to evolution

Solution

(A) species is defined as the fundamental or basic unit of classification in biological taxonomy. In the context of evolutionary biology,it is considered the specific unit of evolution because it represents a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring,thereby sharing a common gene pool that evolves over time through natural selection and genetic drift.
34
MediumMCQ
Two plants are taxonomically related if
A
They store carbohydrate in the same type of molecule
B
Both obtain energy from hydrolysis of $ATP$ into $ADP$ and inorganic phosphate
C
Both have similarly lobed palmate leaves
D
Both have pinnately veined leaves

Solution

(A) Taxonomic relationship is determined by evolutionary history and shared characteristics. Among the given options,storing carbohydrates in the same type of molecule (e.g.,starch) indicates a shared biochemical pathway and evolutionary lineage,which is a fundamental criterion for taxonomic classification compared to morphological traits like leaf shape,which can be subject to convergent evolution.
35
EasyMCQ
Naming of cultivars is determined by
A
International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants $(ICNCP)$
B
International Code of Botanical Nomenclature $(ICBN)$
C
International Association of Breeders and Geneticists
D
International Code of Nomenclature for Microbes $(ICNM)$

Solution

(A) The naming of cultivated plants (cultivars) is governed by the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants $(ICNCP)$.
This code provides the rules and recommendations for the naming of agricultural,forestry,and horticultural plants.
In contrast,the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature $(ICBN)$ deals with the naming of wild plants.
36
MediumMCQ
In the scientific name of $Mangifera$ $indica$ $L$.
A
Letter $L$. signifies Latin language.
B
The name is reversed with $indica$ preceding $Mangifera$.
C
Letter $L$. signifies the taxonomist Linnaeus.
D
Letter $L$. is superfluous.

Solution

(C) In binomial nomenclature,the scientific name consists of two parts: the genus and the specific epithet.
Following these,the name of the author who first described the species is written in an abbreviated form.
In the case of $Mangifera$ $indica$ $L$.,the letter $L$. stands for $Linnaeus$,who was the first to describe this species.
37
MediumMCQ
The first act in taxonomy is
A
Description
B
Identification
C
Naming
D
Classification

Solution

(B) The correct answer is $B$. Identification is the first step in taxonomy,which involves determining the correct identity of an organism and placing it in its proper taxonomic category based on its characteristics.
38
MediumMCQ
Taxonomy based on determination of genetic relationships is
A
Cytotaxonomy
B
Numerical taxonomy
C
Biochemical taxonomy
D
Experimental taxonomy

Solution

(D) The correct answer is $D$. Experimental taxonomy is a branch of taxonomy that relies on the experimental determination of genetic relationships,environmental impacts,and evolutionary divergence within a group of organisms. It involves breeding experiments and field studies to understand the genetic basis of variation.
39
MediumMCQ
The branch connected with nomenclature,identification,and classification is:
A
Ecology
B
Taxonomy
C
Morphology
D
Physiology

Solution

(B) . Taxonomy is a branch of biology that deals with the study of principles and procedures of classification,nomenclature,and identification.
The term taxonomy was coined by De Candolle in $1813$.
40
MediumMCQ
The correct sequence of taxonomic categories is:
A
Class - Phylum - Tribe - Order - Family - Genus - Species
B
Division - Class - Family - Tribe - Order - Genus - Species
C
Division - Class - Order - Family - Tribe - Genus - Species
D
Phylum - Order - Class - Tribe - Family - Genus - Species

Solution

(C) The taxonomic hierarchy is a sequence of categories in decreasing order of similarity. The standard hierarchical arrangement is: Kingdom $\rightarrow$ Division (in plants) or Phylum (in animals) $\rightarrow$ Class $\rightarrow$ Order $\rightarrow$ Family $\rightarrow$ Tribe $\rightarrow$ Genus $\rightarrow$ Species. Option $C$ represents the correct sequence for plants,starting from the highest rank (Division) to the lowest rank (Species).
41
MediumMCQ
Systema Naturae was written by
A
Lamarck
B
Cuvier
C
Aristotle
D
Linnaeus

Solution

(D) In $1735$,Carolus Linnaeus published the first edition of his classification of living things in his book,Systema Naturae.
42
EasyMCQ
The suffix $-oideae$ is used for
A
Tribe
B
Family
C
Class
D
Subfamily

Solution

(D) In plant taxonomy,the suffix $-aceae$ is used for the rank of Family,while the suffix $-oideae$ is used for the rank of Subfamily.
In animal taxonomy,the suffix $-idae$ is used for the rank of Family,and $-inae$ is used for the rank of Subfamily.
Therefore,the correct option is $(d)$.
43
EasyMCQ
Two similar holotypes are called
A
Mesotypes
B
Meotypes
C
Syntypes
D
Isotypes

Solution

(D) In taxonomy,a $Holotype$ is the single specimen designated by the author as the nomenclatural type of a taxon.
When multiple specimens are used to describe a species in the absence of a single $Holotype$,they are called $Syntypes$.
An $Isotype$ is any duplicate of the $Holotype$ collected at the same time,from the same place,and by the same person.
Therefore,when two or more specimens are considered equivalent to the $Holotype$ (duplicates),they are referred to as $Isotypes$.
44
MediumMCQ
Characteristics which delimit a family are more general than those which delimit a
A
Cohort
B
Phylum
C
Class
D
Genus

Solution

(D) In biological classification,the hierarchy of taxonomic categories is arranged from the most general (Kingdom) to the most specific (Species).
The order is: $Kingdom > Phylum > Class > Order > Family > Genus > Species$.
As we move from higher categories to lower categories,the number of shared characteristics increases,meaning the criteria become more specific.
Conversely,as we move from lower categories to higher categories,the characteristics become more general.
Since a $Family$ is a higher taxonomic category than a $Genus$,the characteristics defining a $Family$ are more general than those defining a $Genus$.
45
MediumMCQ
Which of the following taxonomic categories is less general in characters as compared to genus?
A
Species
B
Family
C
Class
D
Division

Solution

(A) In the taxonomic hierarchy,the categories are arranged in descending order of generality: $Kingdom > Phylum/Division > Class > Order > Family > Genus > Species$.
As we move from $Kingdom$ to $Species$,the number of common characters decreases,meaning the groups become more specific.
Conversely,as we move from $Species$ to $Kingdom$,the number of common characters decreases,making the groups more general.
Since $Species$ is lower in the hierarchy than $Genus$,it contains organisms with more specific shared characteristics and is therefore less general than $Genus$.

The Living World — Taxonomic categories · Frequently Asked Questions

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