Correct Answer: (a)
Diatoms form diatomaceous earth; some dinoflagellates are bioluminescent; Euglena is mixotrophic; slime moulds disperse spores. These are distinctive features. Hence, A‑I, B‑II, C‑III, D‑IV is correct (option 0).
Q2. Match Column-I with Column-II characteristics:
Column-I
Column-II
A. Virus
(I) Beijerinck (Contagium vivum fluidum)
B. Viroid
(II) T.O. Diener
C. Prion
(III) Mad cow disease
D. Lichen
(IV) Symbiotic
Correct Answer: (a)
Beijerinck coined the term 'Contagium vivum fluidum' for viruses; T.O. Diener discovered viroids; prions cause mad cow disease; lichens are symbiotic. These are historically and scientifically accurate pairings. Hence, the correct match is A‑I, B‑II, C‑III, D‑IV, option 0.
Q3. Match the fungal groups in Column-I with their characteristic spores in Column-II:
Column-I
Column-II
A. Phycomycetes
(I) Zygospore
B. Ascomycetes
(II) Ascospore
C. Basidiomycetes
(III) Basidiospore
D. Deuteromycetes
(IV) Conidia (Asexual)
Correct Answer: (a)
Phycomycetes produce zygospores; Ascomycetes produce ascospores in asci; Basidiomycetes produce basidiospores on basidia; Deuteromycetes are known only by asexual conidia. This is the standard classification of fungi based on their sexual spores. Thus, the correct match is A‑I, B‑II, C‑III, D‑IV, option 0.
Q4. Which of the following is a heterotrophic protist?
Correct Answer: (c)
Amoeba is a protozoan that is strictly heterotrophic, feeding on bacteria and small particles through phagocytosis. It does not have chloroplasts and cannot synthesise its own food. In contrast, Chlorella and Chlamydomonas are photosynthetic, and Euglena is mixotrophic. Therefore, Amoeba is the only heterotrophic protist among the options.
Q5. Which of the following is a virus?
Correct Answer: (d)
Viruses are non‑cellular infectious agents that are not included in the five‑kingdom system. They consist of genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat. Yeast, Amoeba, and Euglena are all cellular organisms. Thus, none of the options represents a virus, making ‘None of these’ correct.
Q6. Which of the following is a euglenoid?
Correct Answer: (c)
Euglena is the classic example of a euglenoid – a flagellated protist with a protein‑rich pellicle and chloroplasts. Euglenoids are unicellular, typically freshwater, and show mixotrophic nutrition. Therefore, the correct answer is Euglena.
Q7. Regarding slime moulds, which statements are correct? (i) They are saprophytic. (ii) They form plasmodium. (iii) They reproduce only by spores.
Correct Answer: (a)
Slime moulds are saprophytes and form a multinucleate plasmodium. They reproduce by fragmentation and spores, so they do not reproduce only by spores. Therefore, (iii) is false, and only (i) and (ii) are correct, option 0.
Q8. Regarding lichens, which statements are correct? (i) They are symbiotic associations. (ii) They consist of algae and fungi. (iii) They reproduce only by spores.
Correct Answer: (a)
Lichens are mutualistic symbioses between a fungus and an alga (or cyanobacterium). They reproduce by fragmentation, soredia, isidia, and also by fungal spores, so they do not reproduce 'only by spores'. Thus, (iii) is false. The correct statements are (i) and (ii), option 0.
Q9. Assertion: Basidiomycetes produce basidiospores.
Reason: Basidiospores are produced on basidia.
Correct Answer: (a)
Basidiomycetes are characterised by the production of basidiospores, which are borne externally on club‑shaped structures called basidia. This reproductive mode is the key feature of the group. The reason correctly describes the site of spore formation, so both are true and the reason explains the assertion.
Q10. Regarding ascomycetes, which statements are correct? (i) They produce ascospores. (ii) They are mostly multicellular. (iii) They reproduce only by spores.
Correct Answer: (a)
Ascomycetes produce ascospores and are mostly multicellular (though yeast is unicellular). They can reproduce asexually by conidia and vegetatively by budding in yeast, so 'only by spores' is false. Therefore, (i) and (ii) are correct, option 0.
Q11. Assertion: Lichens are symbiotic associations.
Reason: Lichens consist of algae and fungi.
Correct Answer: (a)
Lichens are classic examples of mutualistic symbiosis between a fungus (mycobiont) and an alga or cyanobacterium (phycobiont). This dual composition is the very definition of their symbiotic nature. Hence, both statements are true and the reason correctly explains the assertion.
Q12. Match kingdoms with cell wall features:
Column-I
Column-II
A. Plantae
(I) Cellulose cell wall
B. Animalia
(II) No cell wall
C. Fungi
(III) Chitin cell wall
D. Protista
(IV) Variable cell wall
Correct Answer: (a)
This is a repetition of Q57, but the matching is the same: Plantae – cellulose, Animalia – no cell wall, Fungi – chitin, Protista – variable. Option 0 is correct.
Q13. Assertion: Kingdom Monera includes all prokaryotic organisms.
Reason: Prokaryotes lack a well-defined nucleus.
Correct Answer: (a)
The assertion is true because Monera comprises all prokaryotes. The reason is also true because prokaryotes do not have a nuclear membrane. The reason correctly explains the assertion, as the absence of a defined nucleus is the defining feature of prokaryotes, which justifies placing them in a single kingdom. Hence, both statements are true and the reason is the correct explanation.
Q14. Match Column-I with Column-II features:
Column-I
Column-II
A. Diatoms
(I) Diatomaceous earth
B. Dinoflagellates
(II) Red tides
C. Euglena
(III) Pellicle
D. Slime moulds
(IV) Plasmodium formation
Correct Answer: (a)
Diatoms leave siliceous deposits called diatomaceous earth; Dinoflagellates cause red tides; Euglena has a pellicle; Slime moulds form a multinucleate plasmodium. These features are characteristic. Therefore, the correct matching is A‑I, B‑II, C‑III, D‑IV, option 0.
Q15. Match the nutrition type in Column-I with example kingdom in Column-II:
Column-I
Column-II
A. Autotrophic
(I) Plantae
B. Heterotrophic
(II) Animalia
C. Saprophytic
(III) Fungi
D. Parasitic
(IV) Protozoa
Correct Answer: (a)
Autotrophic nutrition is primarily found in Plantae; heterotrophic nutrition is characteristic of Animalia; saprophytic nutrition is typical of Fungi; parasitic nutrition is well‑represented among Protozoa (e.g., Plasmodium, Trypanosoma). These associations are broadly correct for the five‑kingdom context. Hence, the correct matching is A‑I, B‑II, C‑III, D‑IV, option 0.
Q16. Regarding mycoplasma, which statements are correct? (i) They lack a cell wall. (ii) They are the smallest living cells. (iii) They reproduce only by fission.
Correct Answer: (a)
Mycoplasmas lack a cell wall and are the smallest known living cells. They reproduce by binary fission, budding, and through elementary bodies, so 'only by fission' is incorrect. Thus, only (i) and (ii) are correct, option 0.
Q17. Match the kingdoms in Column-I with their cell wall types in Column-II:
Column-I
Column-II
A. Plantae
(I) Cellulose cell wall
B. Animalia
(II) No cell wall
C. Fungi
(III) Chitin cell wall
D. Protista
(IV) Variable cell wall
Correct Answer: (a)
Plants have cell walls made of cellulose; animals lack cell walls; fungi have chitinous walls; protists show varied cell wall types (some have silica, cellulose, pellicle, etc.). This is a fundamental kingdom‑level difference. Therefore, the correct match is A‑I, B‑II, C‑III, D‑IV, option 0.
Q18. Regarding prions, which statements are correct? (i) They are infectious proteins. (ii) They cause neurological diseases. (iii) They reproduce only in host cells.
Correct Answer: (a)
Prions are infectious proteins that cause neurodegenerative diseases such as BSE. However, they do not 'reproduce' in the genetic sense; they cause normal proteins to misfold and aggregate. Statement (iii) is incorrect because prions do not have a replication machinery; they propagate by inducing conformational change. Hence, only (i) and (ii) are correct, option 0.
Q19. Match the protozoans in Column-I with their locomotory structures in Column-II:
Column-I
Column-II
A. Amoeba
(I) Pseudopodia
B. Paramoecium
(II) Cilia
C. Trypanosoma
(III) Flagella
D. Plasmodium
(IV) Sporozoan (Infectious stage)
Correct Answer: (a)
Amoeba moves by pseudopodia; Paramoecium uses cilia; Trypanosoma has flagella; Plasmodium is a sporozoan (no locomotory organelles in its infectious stage). These are standard protozoan groupings. Hence, the correct matching is A‑I, B‑II, C‑III, D‑IV, which is option 0.
Q20. Match Column-I with Column-II based on cellular features:
Column-I
Column-II
A. Monera
(I) Prokaryotic nucleus
B. Protista
(II) Eukaryotic nucleus
C. Fungi
(III) Chitinous wall
D. Plantae
(IV) Cellulosic wall
Correct Answer: (a)
Monera have a prokaryotic nucleus (no membrane); Protista have a eukaryotic nucleus; Fungi have chitinous walls; Plantae have cellulosic walls. These are key cellular distinctions. The correct matching is A‑I, B‑II, C‑III, D‑IV, option 0.
Q21. Assertion: Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic.
Reason: Cyanobacteria have chlorophyll a.
Correct Answer: (a)
Cyanobacteria perform oxygenic photosynthesis, and this capability is directly due to the presence of chlorophyll a, similar to green plants. The chlorophyll a allows them to capture light energy and convert carbon dioxide into organic matter. Hence, the reason correctly explains the assertion.
Q22. Which kingdom includes all prokaryotic organisms?
Correct Answer: (a)
Kingdom Monera comprises all prokaryotic organisms, including bacteria, cyanobacteria, mycoplasma, and archaea. Prokaryotes lack a well‑defined nucleus and membrane‑bound organelles. This kingdom was created to separate them from eukaryotes, which are placed in the other four kingdoms. Hence, Monera is the correct answer.
Q23. Assertion: Viruses are not included in the five kingdoms.
Reason: Viruses lack cellular structure.
Correct Answer: (a)
Viruses are indeed excluded from Whittaker's five‑kingdom classification because they are non‑cellular. They do not have a cell membrane, cytoplasm, or organelles. This lack of cellular organisation is the fundamental reason they are not placed in any kingdom. Hence, both statements are true and the reason correctly explains the assertion.
Q24. Regarding dinoflagellates, which statements are correct? (i) They have cellulose plates in their cell walls. (ii) They cause red tides. (iii) They reproduce only by spores.
Correct Answer: (a)
Dinoflagellates have stiff cellulose plates (thecae) and can cause red tides due to rapid multiplication. Their reproduction is primarily by binary fission, not exclusively by spores. Hence, (iii) is false, and only (i) and (ii) are correct, option 0.
Q25. Assertion: Plantae exhibit alternation of generations.
Reason: Plants have both sporophytic and gametophytic phases.
Correct Answer: (a)
Alternation of generations is a hallmark of the plant kingdom, where the life cycle alternates between a diploid sporophyte and a haploid gametophyte. The reason describes these two distinct multicellular phases, which is exactly what alternation of generations means. Hence, both statements are true and the reason correctly explains the assertion.
Q26. Which of the following is a dinoflagellate?
Correct Answer: (d)
Dinoflagellates are marine photosynthetic protists with stiff cellulose plates and often two flagella. They are responsible for red tides. The listed organisms are not dinoflagellates; yeast is a fungus, Amoeba and Euglena are different protists. Thus, ‘None of these’ is correct.
Q27. Regarding protozoans, which statements are correct? (i) They are heterotrophic. (ii) They move and capture food. (iii) They reproduce only by spores.
Correct Answer: (a)
Protozoans are heterotrophic and many move to capture food. They reproduce by fission, budding, and sexual methods, not only by spores. Statement (iii) is false. Hence, only (i) and (ii) are correct, option 0.
Q28. Match the kingdoms in Column-I with their descriptions in Column-II:
Column-I (Kingdom)
Column-II (Description)
A. Monera
(I) Prokaryotic
B. Protista
(II) Unicellular eukaryotic
C. Fungi
(III) Heterotrophic eukaryotic
D. Plantae
(IV) Autotrophic eukaryotic
Correct Answer: (a)
Monera is defined by prokaryotic cell structure, Protista by unicellular eukaryotic organisation, Fungi by heterotrophic eukaryotic nutrition, and Plantae by autotrophic eukaryotic cells. This matching follows the fundamental criteria of the five‑kingdom system. The correct pairings are A‑I, B‑II, C‑III, D‑IV, which is option 0.
Q29. Assertion: Animalia are multicellular and lack cell walls.
Reason: Animal cells store food as glycogen.
Correct Answer: (b)
Animals are multicellular, heterotrophic eukaryotes that lack cell walls, and they store carbohydrates as glycogen. However, the storage of glycogen is not the reason for the absence of a cell wall; these are independent characteristics. Therefore, both statements are true but the reason is not the correct explanation.
Q30. Assertion: Mycoplasma lack a cell wall.
Reason: Mycoplasma are the smallest living cells.
Correct Answer: (b)
Mycoplasmas do lack a cell wall, and they are indeed the smallest known living cells (about 0.1‑0.3 µm). However, their small size is not the cause of the lack of a cell wall; it is an independent feature. The absence of a cell wall is due to their evolution and parasitic lifestyle. Therefore, both are true but the reason is not the correct explanation.
Q31. Regarding Protista, which statements are correct? (i) They are unicellular eukaryotes. (ii) They have a well-defined nucleus. (iii) They reproduce only asexually.
Correct Answer: (a)
Protists are unicellular eukaryotes, so they possess a well‑defined nucleus (true). However, they reproduce both asexually (fission, budding) and sexually (by fusion of gametes). Statement (iii) saying 'only asexually' is incorrect. Therefore, only (i) and (ii) are correct, option 0.
Q32. Regarding plantae, which statements are correct? (i) They are autotrophic. (ii) They have cellulose in their cell walls. (iii) They exhibit alternation of generations.
Correct Answer: (d)
Plants are autotrophic, have cellulose‑based cell walls, and show a distinct alternation of generations between sporophyte and gametophyte. All three statements are true for the plant kingdom. Therefore, option 3 is correct.
Q33. Match protozoans with disease or group:
Column-I
Column-II
A. Amoeba
(I) Entamoeba (Parasitic)
B. Paramoecium
(II) Ciliate
C. Trypanosoma
(III) Sleeping sickness
D. Plasmodium
(IV) Malaria
Correct Answer: (a)
Amoeba is a representative of amoeboid protozoans, and Entamoeba is a parasitic example; Paramoecium is a ciliate; Trypanosoma causes sleeping sickness; Plasmodium causes malaria. These are correct associations. Thus, A‑I, B‑II, C‑III, D‑IV is correct (option 0).
Q34. Which of the following is a bacterium?
Correct Answer: (d)
Bacteria are prokaryotic organisms belonging to Kingdom Monera. Yeast is a fungus, Amoeba is a protozoan, and Euglena is a protist. None of the listed organisms is a bacterium. Therefore, the correct answer is ‘None of these’.
Q35. Match nutritional modes:
Column-I
Column-II
A. Autotrophic
(I) Cyanobacteria
B. Heterotrophic
(II) Animals
C. Saprophytic
(III) Mucor
D. Parasitic
(IV) Cuscuta (Plantae)
Correct Answer: (a)
Cyanobacteria are autotrophic (photosynthetic); Animals are heterotrophic; Mucor is a saprophytic fungus; Cuscuta is a parasitic plant. These are representative examples. Therefore, A‑I, B‑II, C‑III, D‑IV is correct (option 0).
Q36. Assertion: Kingdom Protista includes all unicellular eukaryotes.
Reason: Unicellular eukaryotes have a well-defined nucleus.
Correct Answer: (b)
The assertion is correct because Protista gathers all unicellular eukaryotes. The reason is also true – these organisms possess a true nucleus. However, the presence of a nucleus is not the basis for grouping them into Protista; the grouping is based on their unicellular nature and the fact that they do not fit into other eukaryotic kingdoms. Thus, both are true but the reason does not correctly explain the assertion.
Q37. Which of the following is a mycoplasma?
Correct Answer: (d)
Mycoplasmas are prokaryotic organisms that lack a cell wall and are the smallest known living cells. They belong to Kingdom Monera. The options provided are all eukaryotic organisms, so none is a mycoplasma. Therefore, the answer is ‘None of these’.
Q38. Which of the following is a photosynthetic protist?
Correct Answer: (c)
Euglena is a photosynthetic protist because it contains chloroplasts with chlorophyll and can perform photosynthesis in the presence of light. It is a typical euglenoid that also feeds heterotrophically in the dark, making it mixotrophic. The other options – Amoeba, Paramoecium, and Trypanosoma – are heterotrophic protozoans. Hence, Euglena is the correct answer.
Q39. Assertion: Kingdom Fungi includes all heterotrophic eukaryotes.
Reason: Fungi have chitin in their cell walls.
Correct Answer: (b)
Fungi are indeed heterotrophic eukaryotes, but not all heterotrophic eukaryotes are fungi (e.g., animals are also heterotrophic). The assertion is somewhat overstated but within the context of the five‑kingdom system, Fungi is the kingdom for heterotrophic eukaryotes with absorptive nutrition. The reason about chitin is true, but it does not explain why they are heterotrophic; it is a separate characteristic. Therefore, both are true but the reason is not the correct explanation.
Q40. Match the non-cellular entities in Column-I with their compositions in Column-II:
Column-I
Column-II
A. Virus
(I) Nucleoprotein
B. Viroid
(II) RNA without protein
C. Prion
(III) Abnormal protein
D. Lichen
(IV) Algae and fungi
Correct Answer: (a)
Viruses are nucleoproteins (DNA/RNA + protein); Viroids are naked RNA; Prions are infectious proteins; Lichens are symbiotic associations of algae and fungi. These compositions are distinct. Hence, the correct matching is A‑I, B‑II, C‑III, D‑IV, option 0.
Q41. The cell wall in diatoms is made up of:
Correct Answer: (c)
Diatoms, which are photosynthetic protists, have cell walls made of silica (silicon dioxide) embedded in a pectin matrix. Their walls form two overlapping thin shells that fit together like a box and lid, and they are highly ornamented. This unique feature makes diatoms important in the study of palaeobotany and as geological markers. Therefore, the correct answer is silica.
Q42. Match the organisms in Column-I with their characteristic features in Column-II:
Column-I
Column-II
A. Archaebacteria
(I) Extreme habitats
B. Eubacteria
(II) True bacteria
C. Cyanobacteria
(III) Photosynthetic
D. Mycoplasma
(IV) No cell wall
Correct Answer: (a)
Archaebacteria are known for surviving in extreme environments; Eubacteria are the 'true bacteria'; Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic prokaryotes; Mycoplasma lack a cell wall. These are well‑established distinguishing features. Thus, the correct matching is A‑I, B‑II, C‑III, D‑IV, which corresponds to option 0.
Q43. Match the protists in Column-I with their ecological roles in Column-II:
Column-I
Column-II
A. Diatoms
(I) Chief producers in oceans
B. Dinoflagellates
(II) Red tides
C. Euglena
(III) Mixotrophic
D. Slime moulds
(IV) Saprophytic
Correct Answer: (a)
Diatoms are major primary producers in marine ecosystems; Dinoflagellates (like Gonyaulax) cause red tides; Euglena is mixotrophic; Slime moulds are saprophytic. These ecological roles are well documented. Thus, the correct match is A‑I, B‑II, C‑III, D‑IV, option 0.
Q44. Match the fungi in Column-I with their examples in Column-II:
Column-I
Column-II
A. Phycomycetes
(I) Bread mould (Rhizopus)
B. Ascomycetes
(II) Penicillium
C. Basidiomycetes
(III) Mushroom (Agaricus)
D. Deuteromycetes
(IV) Alternaria
Correct Answer: (a)
Rhizopus (bread mould) is a Phycomycete; Penicillium is an Ascomycete; Agaricus (mushroom) is a Basidiomycete; Alternaria is a Deuteromycete. These are classic examples used in NCERT. Thus, the correct match is A‑I, B‑II, C‑III, D‑IV, option 0.
Q45. Match fungi with common names:
Column-I
Column-II
A. Phycomycetes
(I) Algal fungi
B. Ascomycetes
(II) Sac fungi
C. Basidiomycetes
(III) Club fungi
D. Deuteromycetes
(IV) Imperfect fungi
Correct Answer: (a)
Phycomycetes are often called algal fungi; Ascomycetes are sac fungi (asci); Basidiomycetes are club fungi (basidia); Deuteromycetes are imperfect fungi (no sexual stage). These common names are widely used. So A‑I, B‑II, C‑III, D‑IV is correct (option 0).
Q46. The cell wall in fungi is made up of:
Correct Answer: (b)
Fungal cell walls are primarily composed of chitin, a nitrogen‑containing polysaccharide that provides structural strength. Some fungi also contain glucans and other polymers, but chitin is the characteristic component. This distinguishes fungi from plants (which have cellulose) and bacteria (which have peptidoglycan). Thus, the correct answer is chitin.
Q47. Regarding deuteromycetes, which statements are correct? (i) They are called imperfect fungi. (ii) Only asexual stages are known. (iii) They reproduce only by spores.
Correct Answer: (a)
Deuteromycetes are called imperfect fungi because their sexual stages are unknown (only asexual stages known). They reproduce by conidia and also by vegetative methods, so 'only by spores' is false. Hence, (i) and (ii) are correct, option 0.
Q48. Match the protists in Column-I with their structural features in Column-II:
Column-I
Column-II
A. Diatoms
(I) Silica cell wall
B. Dinoflagellates
(II) Cellulose plates
C. Euglena
(III) Pellicle
D. Slime moulds
(IV) Saprophytic
Correct Answer: (a)
Diatoms have siliceous frustules; Dinoflagellates have stiff cellulose plates; Euglena has a flexible pellicle; Slime moulds are saprophytic. Each feature is characteristic of the respective group. Therefore, the correct match is A‑I, B‑II, C‑III, D‑IV, i.e., option 0.
Q49. Which of the following is a colonial protist?
Correct Answer: (c)
Volvox is a well‑known colonial green alga, consisting of hundreds to thousands of cells arranged in a hollow sphere. Each cell is flagellated and embedded in a gelatinous matrix, and the colony shows some degree of cell specialisation. Amoeba and Paramoecium are solitary, and Chlorella is a unicellular alga. Thus, Volvox is the correct colonial protist.
Q50. Regarding phycomycetes, which statements are correct? (i) They are mostly aquatic. (ii) They have aseptate mycelium. (iii) They reproduce only by spores.
Correct Answer: (a)
Phycomycetes are mostly aquatic and have coenocytic (aseptate) mycelium. They produce motile zoospores or aplanospores, but they also reproduce vegetatively by fragmentation; hence 'only by spores' is false. Thus, (i) and (ii) are correct, option 0.
Q51. Assertion: Kingdom Plantae includes all autotrophic eukaryotes.
Reason: Plant cells have chloroplasts.
Correct Answer: (a)
The assertion is correct because Plantae encompasses eukaryotic organisms that are autotrophic (photosynthetic). The reason is also true – plant cells contain chloroplasts that enable photosynthesis. The presence of chloroplasts is the direct reason why they are autotrophic. Hence, the reason correctly explains the assertion.
Q52. Regarding Euglena, which statements are correct? (i) They have a pellicle. (ii) They can be both autotrophic and heterotrophic. (iii) They reproduce only by spores.
Correct Answer: (a)
Euglena has a protein‑rich pellicle and is mixotrophic (autotrophic in light, heterotrophic in dark). It reproduces by longitudinal binary fission, not by spores. Thus, (iii) is incorrect. The correct statements are (i) and (ii), option 0.
Q53. Which of the following is an animal?
Correct Answer: (b)
Amoeba is a protozoan that is considered a primitive relative of animals; it is heterotrophic, lacks a cell wall, and moves using pseudopodia. In the five‑kingdom system, protozoans are placed in Protista, but they are often described as ‘animal‑like’ protists. The other options are fungi or algae, not animals. Hence, Amoeba is the correct choice among the given options.
Q54. The two-kingdom system of classification included:
Correct Answer: (c)
The two‑kingdom system was proposed by Linnaeus, who divided all organisms into the kingdoms Plantae and Animalia. This system was based on the presence or absence of a cell wall and the mode of nutrition. However, it had major drawbacks, such as placing fungi (which are heterotrophic) with plants and bacteria with plants or animals. Despite these flaws, it remained the standard for a long time. Therefore, the correct answer is Plantae and Animalia.
Q55. Match non-living agents with composition:
Column-I
Column-II
A. Virus
(I) Protein + Nucleic acid
B. Viroid
(II) Low molecular weight RNA
C. Prion
(III) Protein only
D. Lichen
(IV) Alga + Fungus
Correct Answer: (a)
Viruses are nucleoproteins (protein + nucleic acid); Viroids are small RNA molecules without protein; Prions are protein‑only infectious particles; Lichens are symbiotic combinations of algae and fungi. These are accurate descriptions. Thus, A‑I, B‑II, C‑III, D‑IV is correct (option 0).
Q56. Assertion: Slime moulds are saprophytic.
Reason: Slime moulds feed on decaying organic matter.
Correct Answer: (a)
Slime moulds are saprophytes because they obtain nutrients by engulfing and digesting decaying organic material, such as dead leaves and wood. This feeding mode is the very definition of saprophytic nutrition. Therefore, the reason correctly explains the assertion.
Q57. The main criteria for Whittaker's classification are:
Correct Answer: (a)
Whittaker used five fundamental criteria: cell structure (prokaryotic/eukaryotic), body organisation (unicellular/multicellular), mode of nutrition (autotrophic, heterotrophic, saprophytic, etc.), reproduction (asexual/sexual), and phylogenetic relationships (evolutionary history). These criteria provided a more natural and comprehensive basis for classification than superficial traits like size or colour. Therefore, the first option is the correct one.
Q58. Regarding animalia, which statements are correct? (i) They are heterotrophic. (ii) They lack cell walls. (iii) They reproduce by copulation.
Correct Answer: (a)
Animals are heterotrophic and lack cell walls. While sexual reproduction is common, not all animals reproduce by copulation; many use external fertilisation, and some reproduce asexually. Thus, statement (iii) is false. Only (i) and (ii) are correct, option 0.
Q59. Regarding basidiomycetes, which statements are correct? (i) They produce basidiospores. (ii) They are mostly multicellular. (iii) They reproduce only by spores.
Correct Answer: (a)
Basidiomycetes produce basidiospores and are mostly multicellular. They also reproduce vegetatively by fragmentation, so they do not rely solely on spores. Thus, only (i) and (ii) are correct, option 0.
Q60. Regarding viroids, which statements are correct? (i) They are smaller than viruses. (ii) They have RNA without protein. (iii) They reproduce only in host cells.
Correct Answer: (d)
Viroids are smaller than viruses because they consist solely of naked RNA without a protein coat. They can only replicate inside a host cell using host enzymes. Thus, all three statements are correct, so option 3 is correct.
Q61. Regarding viruses, which statements are correct? (i) They are non-cellular. (ii) They have DNA or RNA. (iii) They reproduce only in host cells.
Correct Answer: (d)
Viruses are non‑cellular, contain either DNA or RNA (but never both), and are obligate intracellular parasites that can only replicate inside host cells. All three statements are correct. Hence, option 3 is the correct choice.
Q62. Regarding Animalia, which statements are correct? (i) They are heterotrophic. (ii) They lack cell walls. (iii) They reproduce only by copulation.
Correct Answer: (a)
Animals are heterotrophic and lack cell walls, which are correct. However, not all animals reproduce by copulation; some reproduce asexually, while others use external fertilisation without copulation. Statement (iii) is too restrictive and false. Therefore, the correct statements are (i) and (ii), option 0.
Q63. Which of the following is a plant?
Correct Answer: (c)
Chlamydomonas is a unicellular green alga that is classified under Kingdom Plantae (in the NCERT scheme) because it contains chlorophyll and performs photosynthesis. It has a cellulosic cell wall and stores starch. Although some classifications place it in Protista, in the five‑kingdom system it is considered a plant. Yeast, Mucor, and Rhizopus are all fungi. Therefore, Chlamydomonas is the correct plant.
Q64. Assertion: Prions are infectious agents.
Reason: Prions consist of abnormally folded proteins.
Correct Answer: (a)
Prions are indeed infectious agents that cause diseases by inducing misfolding of normal proteins. Their infectious nature is a direct consequence of their abnormal protein structure. Therefore, both statements are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion.
Q65. Which of the following is a lichen?
Correct Answer: (d)
Lichens are composite organisms formed by a symbiotic association between a fungus and an alga (or cyanobacterium). They are not single organisms. None of the given options represents a lichen; yeast is a fungus, Amoeba a protozoan, and Euglena a protist. Hence, ‘None of these’ is correct.
Q66. Assertion: Archaebacteria live in extreme habitats.
Reason: Archaebacteria have a different cell wall structure.
Correct Answer: (a)
Archaebacteria thrive in extreme environments such as hot springs, salty lakes, and anaerobic marshes. Their cell walls are distinct from those of other bacteria, lacking peptidoglycan and having unique lipids that provide stability under harsh conditions. This specialised wall structure is the key reason for their survival in extreme habitats. Thus, both are true and the reason explains the assertion.
Q67. Which of the following is a parasitic protist?
Correct Answer: (c)
Trypanosoma is a flagellated protozoan that is parasitic in nature. It causes sleeping sickness in humans and other diseases in livestock. It lives in the blood and tissue fluids of its host and is transmitted by tsetse flies. The other protists listed are either free‑living or photosynthetic. Therefore, Trypanosoma is the correct choice.
Q68. Which kingdom includes unicellular eukaryotes?
Correct Answer: (b)
Kingdom Protista brings together all unicellular eukaryotic organisms, such as amoeba, paramecium, euglena, and diatoms. These organisms have a true nucleus and organelles but are primarily single‑celled. Some are photosynthetic, some heterotrophic, and some mixotrophic. This kingdom serves as a catch‑all for eukaryotes that do not fit into the other three eukaryotic kingdoms. Therefore, Protista is the correct choice.
Q69. Assertion: Kingdom Animalia includes all heterotrophic eukaryotes.
Reason: Animal cells lack cell walls.
Correct Answer: (b)
The assertion is true in the sense that all animals are heterotrophic eukaryotes, but not all heterotrophic eukaryotes are animals (fungi are also heterotrophic). The reason is true – animal cells lack cell walls. However, the absence of a cell wall is not the cause of heterotrophy; it is just a characteristic feature. Therefore, both statements are true but the reason is not the correct explanation.
Q70. Which of the following is a prion?
Correct Answer: (d)
Prions are infectious protein particles that lack nucleic acids. They cause neurodegenerative diseases such as mad cow disease. They are not cellular and are not classified under any kingdom. None of the given options is a prion, so the answer is ‘None of these’.
Q71. R.H. Whittaker proposed the:
Correct Answer: (c)
R.H. Whittaker, an American taxonomist, put forward the Five‑Kingdom Classification in 1969. This system included Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia, and was based on criteria such as cell structure, mode of nutrition, and evolutionary relationships. It resolved many issues of the earlier two‑kingdom system by separating fungi and prokaryotes. Thus, the correct answer is the five‑kingdom system.
Q72. Assertion: Eubacteria are true bacteria.
Reason: Eubacteria have a rigid cell wall.
Correct Answer: (b)
Eubacteria are commonly referred to as 'true bacteria' and they do possess a rigid cell wall made of peptidoglycan. However, the presence of a cell wall is not the defining criterion for being called 'true bacteria'; the term distinguishes them from archaebacteria based on a combination of genetic, biochemical, and structural features. Therefore, both statements are true but the reason is not the correct explanation.
Q73. Regarding Monera, which statements are correct? (i) They are prokaryotic. (ii) They have a well-defined nucleus. (iii) They reproduce mainly by fission.
Correct Answer: (b)
Monerans are prokaryotic, meaning they lack a nuclear membrane and a well‑defined nucleus. They reproduce mainly by binary fission. Statement (ii) is false because they do not have a well‑defined nucleus. Thus, only (i) and (iii) are correct, which corresponds to option 1.
Q74. Match Column-I with Column-II criteria:
Column-I
Column-II
A. Monera
(I) Prokaryote
B. Protista
(II) Unicellular Eukaryote
C. Fungi
(III) Chitin wall
D. Plantae
(IV) Autotroph
Correct Answer: (a)
Monera are prokaryotic; Protista are unicellular eukaryotes; Fungi have chitinous walls; Plantae are autotrophic. These are the hallmark characteristics used in the five‑kingdom classification. Hence, A‑I, B‑II, C‑III, D‑IV is correct (option 0).
Q75. Which of the following is a saprophytic protist?
Correct Answer: (b)
Slime moulds are saprophytic protists that feed on decaying organic matter such as rotting leaves and wood. They move slowly over the substrate, engulfing bacteria and organic particles. Under favourable conditions, they form a multinucleate mass called plasmodium. This mode of nutrition clearly classifies them as saprophytes, making slime mould the correct option.
Q76. Regarding Fungi, which statements are correct? (i) They are heterotrophic. (ii) They have chitin in their cell walls. (iii) They reproduce only by spores.
Correct Answer: (a)
Fungi are heterotrophic and have chitin in their cell walls, both of which are true. However, they do not reproduce only by spores; they also reproduce vegetatively by fragmentation, budding, and fission. Hence, statement (iii) is false. The correct answer is option 0, which includes only (i) and (ii).
Q77. Which of the following is a viroid?
Correct Answer: (d)
Viroids are infectious agents that consist only of naked RNA without a protein coat. They are smaller than viruses and cause diseases like potato spindle tuber. The listed organisms are all cellular, so none is a viroid. Hence, the correct answer is ‘None of these’.
Q78. Assertion: Viruses are obligate parasites.
Reason: Viruses require a host for replication.
Correct Answer: (a)
Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites because they can only multiply inside a living host cell. They lack their own metabolic machinery and depend entirely on the host's cellular machinery for replication. This requirement for a host is the very definition of obligate parasitism. Thus, both statements are true and the reason explains the assertion.
Q79. Assertion: Fungi are heterotrophic.
Reason: Fungi absorb nutrients from dead substrates.
Correct Answer: (a)
Fungi are heterotrophic because they obtain their food by absorbing soluble organic compounds from dead or decaying organic matter (saprophytic) or from living hosts (parasitic). This absorptive mode of nutrition is the defining characteristic of fungal heterotrophy, and the reason correctly describes this process. Therefore, both are true and the reason explains the assertion.
Q80. Match the fungi in Column-I with their genera in Column-II:
Column-I
Column-II
A. Phycomycetes
(I) Rhizopus
B. Ascomycetes
(II) Neurospora
C. Basidiomycetes
(III) Ustilago
D. Deuteromycetes
(IV) Colletotrichum
Correct Answer: (a)
Rhizopus is a Phycomycete; Neurospora is an Ascomycete; Ustilago (smut) is a Basidiomycete; Colletotrichum is a Deuteromycete (imperfect fungus). These genus‑class associations are standard. Therefore, A‑I, B‑II, C‑III, D‑IV is correct (option 0).
Q81. Assertion: Diatoms have silica in their cell walls.
Reason: Diatoms are found in oceans.
Correct Answer: (b)
Diatoms are abundant in marine and freshwater environments, and their cell walls are impregnated with silica. However, their presence in oceans is not the reason for having silica walls; rather, silica deposition is an intrinsic characteristic of their frustules. Hence, both statements are true but the reason does not explain the assertion.
Q82. The earliest attempt to classify organisms was made by:
Correct Answer: (b)
Aristotle was the first to classify living organisms based on simple morphological characters. He grouped animals into those with blood and without blood, and plants into trees, shrubs, and herbs. His work laid the foundation for later taxonomists. Though his system was artificial, it was the earliest scientific attempt to organise the diversity of life. This makes Aristotle the correct choice among the given options.
Q83. Which of the following is a fungus?
Correct Answer: (a)
Yeast is a unicellular fungus belonging to the phylum Ascomycetes. It reproduces by budding and is widely used in baking and fermentation. It has chitinous cell walls and is heterotrophic. The other options are protozoans or algae, not fungi. Hence, yeast is the correct answer.
Q84. Assertion: Deuteromycetes are called imperfect fungi.
Reason: Only asexual stages are known.
Correct Answer: (a)
Deuteromycetes are termed 'imperfect fungi' because their sexual (perfect) stages have not been observed; only asexual reproduction (via conidia) is known. This lack of a known sexual cycle is the direct reason for the name. Therefore, both statements are true and the reason correctly explains the assertion.
Q85. Regarding eubacteria, which statements are correct? (i) They are true bacteria. (ii) They have a rigid cell wall. (iii) They reproduce only by fission.
Correct Answer: (a)
Eubacteria are known as true bacteria and possess a rigid cell wall made of peptidoglycan. However, they reproduce not only by fission but also by conjugation, transformation, and transduction (genetic exchange). Thus, (iii) is false. The correct set is (i) and (ii), option 0.
Q86. Regarding fungi, which statements are correct? (i) They are heterotrophic. (ii) They have chitin in their cell walls. (iii) They reproduce only by spores.
Correct Answer: (a)
This question is identical to Q78. Fungi are heterotrophic with chitin walls, but they do not reproduce only by spores; vegetative reproduction is common. So only (i) and (ii) are correct, option 0.
Q87. Assertion: Phycomycetes are mostly aquatic.
Reason: Phycomycetes have aseptate and coenocytic mycelium.
Correct Answer: (b)
Phycomycetes (algae‑like fungi) are indeed mostly aquatic and have a coenocytic (aseptate) mycelium. However, the aquatic habitat is not a consequence of the mycelial structure; it is an ecological adaptation. The two features are independent. Hence, both are true but the reason is not the correct explanation.
Q88. Regarding Plantae, which statements are correct? (i) They are autotrophic. (ii) They have cellulose in their cell walls. (iii) They reproduce only by spores.
Correct Answer: (a)
Plants are autotrophic and have cell walls made of cellulose. However, they reproduce by various means, including vegetative propagation, spore formation (in lower plants), and seed formation (in higher plants). The statement 'only by spores' is false because seed plants do not reproduce by spores. Thus, only (i) and (ii) are correct, option 0.
Q89. Match the Monerans in Column-I with specific examples in Column-II:
Column-I
Column-II
A. Archaebacteria
(I) Methanogens
B. Eubacteria
(II) Bacillus
C. Cyanobacteria
(III) Nostoc
D. Mycoplasma
(IV) PPLO
Correct Answer: (a)
Methanogens are a group of archaebacteria; Bacillus is a common eubacterium; Nostoc is a filamentous cyanobacterium; Mycoplasma is also known as PPLO (Pleuro Pneumonia‑Like Organisms). These are standard examples. Thus, the correct match is A‑I, B‑II, C‑III, D‑IV, option 0.
Q90. Assertion: Ascomycetes produce ascospores.
Reason: Ascospores are produced in sac-like asci.
Correct Answer: (a)
Ascomycetes are called sac‑fungi because they produce sexual spores called ascospores, which are formed inside a sac‑like structure called an ascus. This characteristic is the defining feature of the group. The reason directly explains how ascospores are produced, so both statements are true and the reason is the correct explanation.
Q91. Match Column-I with Column-II protozoan features:
Column-I
Column-II
A. Amoeba
(I) Pseudopodia
B. Paramoecium
(II) Cilia
C. Trypanosoma
(III) Flagella
D. Plasmodium
(IV) Sporozoan
Correct Answer: (a)
Amoeba moves by pseudopodia; Paramoecium uses cilia; Trypanosoma has flagella; Plasmodium is a sporozoan. These are the correct locomotory or grouping terms. The only correct option is A‑I, B‑II, C‑III, D‑IV, which is option 0.
Q92. Match the protozoans in Column-I with their groupings in Column-II:
Column-I
Column-II
A. Amoeba
(I) Amoeboid protozoan
B. Paramoecium
(II) Ciliated protozoan
C. Trypanosoma
(III) Flagellated protozoan
D. Plasmodium
(IV) Sporozoan
Correct Answer: (a)
Amoeba is an amoeboid (moves by pseudopodia); Paramoecium is a ciliate; Trypanosoma is a flagellated protozoan; Plasmodium is a sporozoan (non‑motile infectious stage). These are the four major groups of protozoans. Hence, the correct matching is A‑I, B‑II, C‑III, D‑IV, option 0.
Q93. Assertion: Protozoans are heterotrophic.
Reason: Protozoans move and capture food.
Correct Answer: (b)
All protozoans are heterotrophs, and many of them move to capture food particles. However, heterotrophy is not defined by movement; some protozoans are non‑motile in certain stages but still heterotrophic. The reason describes a common behaviour but does not explain the nutritional mode. Hence, both statements are true but the reason is not the correct explanation.
Q94. Regarding diatoms, which statements are correct? (i) They have silica in their cell walls. (ii) They are chief producers in oceans. (iii) They reproduce only by spores.
Correct Answer: (a)
Diatoms have siliceous frustules and are major primary producers in aquatic ecosystems. They reproduce asexually by binary fission and sexually, so they do not reproduce only by spores. Therefore, (iii) is false, and only (i) and (ii) are correct, option 0.
Q95. Match the agent in Column-I with the disease in Column-II:
Column-I
Column-II
A. Virus
(I) TMV
B. Viroid
(II) Potato spindle tuber disease
C. Prion
(III) Mad cow disease
D. Lichen
(IV) Pollution indicator
Correct Answer: (a)
Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) is a virus; Potato spindle tuber disease is caused by a viroid; Mad cow disease (BSE) is caused by prions; Lichens are sensitive to air pollution and serve as indicators. These are well‑known associations. Therefore, A‑I, B‑II, C‑III, D‑IV is correct (option 0).
Q96. Assertion: Viroids are smaller than viruses.
Reason: Viroids lack protein coat.
Correct Answer: (a)
Viroids are composed solely of a small, circular RNA molecule without any protein coat, making them smaller than viruses. The absence of the protein capsid is the direct reason for their smaller size. Thus, both statements are true and the reason explains the assertion.
Q97. Regarding cyanobacteria, which statements are correct? (i) They are photosynthetic. (ii) They have chlorophyll a. (iii) They reproduce only by fission.
Correct Answer: (a)
Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic and contain chlorophyll a. They also reproduce by fragmentation, especially in filamentous forms like Nostoc, so they do not reproduce only by fission. Hence, (iii) is false. The correct statements are (i) and (ii), option 0.
Q98. Assertion: Euglena can be both autotrophic and heterotrophic.
Reason: Euglena has chloroplasts and can move.
Correct Answer: (b)
Euglena is mixotrophic – it is photosynthetic in light (autotrophic) and absorbs organic nutrients in darkness (heterotrophic). It does have chloroplasts for photosynthesis and can move with its flagellum. However, its ability to move does not explain the mixotrophic nutrition; the presence of chloroplasts and the ability to switch to organic uptake are distinct traits. Thus, both are true but the reason is not the correct explanation.
Q99. Regarding archaebacteria, which statements are correct? (i) They live in extreme habitats. (ii) They have a different cell wall structure. (iii) They reproduce only by fission.
Correct Answer: (a)
Archaebacteria thrive in extreme conditions and have a distinct cell wall composition. They do reproduce by binary fission, but also by other mechanisms like budding in some species. The word 'only' makes statement (iii) false. Therefore, (i) and (ii) are correct, option 0.
Q100. Which of the following is a cyanobacterium?
Correct Answer: (d)
Cyanobacteria (blue‑green algae) are photosynthetic prokaryotes belonging to Monera. They have chlorophyll a and perform oxygenic photosynthesis. Yeast (fungus), Amoeba (protozoan), and Euglena (protist) are all eukaryotic, so none is a cyanobacterium. The correct option is ‘None of these’.