Topic–5 Variety of Life

TWO TO FIVE KINGDOM CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

FIVE KINGDOM CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

IAL
• Five kingdom system was proposed by Robert Whittaker.
• Organisms were chiefly assorted in 5 groups based on their mode of nutrition i.e.,
photosynthesis, absorption, and ingestion.

FFIC
Kingdom Nutrition Cells Nature Locomotion Cell Wall Example
Monera Autotrophic/ Unicellular Pro Can move Murein Bacteria,
Heterotrophic Cyanobacteria
Protista Autotrophic/ Mostly Eu Can move Mostly Euglena, Amoeba
Heterotrophic unicellular/ cellulose
simple

DY O
multicellular
Plantae Photosynthetic Multicellular Eu Can’t move Cellulose Mosses, ferns,
autotrophs angiosperms
Fungi Absorptive Multicellular Eu Can’t move Chitin Penicillium,
Reducers heterotroph mushrooms
Animalia Ingestive Multicellular Eu Can move No Birds, reptiles

U
heterotroph

INTRODUCTION
•
•
KINGDOM PROTISTA
TST
It consists primarily aquatic eukaryotic unicellular, colonial or simple multicelluar organisms.
Protists do not develop from a blastula or an embryo.
DCA
• All protists evolved from prokaryotes.
• It contains four major groups, single cell protozoans, unicellular algae & multicellular
Algae, slime molds and water molds.
• Margulis and Schwartz have listed 27 phyla to accommodate this diverse assemblage of organisms
M/M

PROTOZOA: ANIMAL - LIKE PROTISTS

Common Name Form Existence Structure Examples
Pseudopodia (false Entamoeba histolytica
Amoebas
Free living feet) cytoplasmic (Amoebic dysentery in
Unicellular
projections. humans.)
CO

Trichonymphas (symbiotic in
termite’s gut)
Free living, One (usually at
Unicellular, Trypanosoma (African
Parasitic or anterior end) or more
OK.

Zooflagellates some colonial sleeping sickness)

symbiotic. flagella
Choanoflagellates
Euglena
Pseudopods
Actinopods Unicellular Free living Radiolarians
Siliceous shell
EBO

Pseudopods
Foraminifera Unicellular Free living Calcerous shell Forams
Chalk & lime stone
Apicomplexans Unicellular Parasitic None, flexing. Plasmodium (malaria)
FAC

Cilia
Pellicle
Contractile vacuole
Ciliates Unicellular Free living Paramecium, Vorticella, Stentor
Diploid micronuclei
Polyploid
macronucleus
MDCAT SUPPLEMENT 7
Topic–5 Variety of Life

Life Cycle of Plasmodium (Malarial Parasite)

• Plasmodium is transmitted to man by a bite of an infected female anopheles mosquito.
•

IAL
Upon entry, gain access to liver cells, then in RBC, where they multiply, and upon
bursting of R.B.C newly formed plasmodium infect other R.B.Cs.
• Simultaneous bursting of millions of cells result chills, fever from number of toxic
substances.

FFIC
U DY O
TST
DCA
M/M

THE ALGAE: PLANT LIKE PROTISTS

• Algae are photosynthetic protists, carrying out probably 50-60% of all the photosynthesis
on earth.
• A body which is not differentiated into true roots, stem and leaves and lack xylem and
CO

phloem is called “Thallus”

• Algal life cycle show extreme variation but, all algae except members of phylum rhodophyta
have forms with flagellated motile cells in at least one of stage of their life cycle.
OK.

Classification of the Photosynthetic Protoctists

General
Phylum Structure Locomotion Pigments Examples
Features
Euglenoids Two flagella one Chl.a, Chl.b,
EBO

Euglenophyta Unicellular Euglena

Cellulose long one short Carotenoids
Dinoflagellates Unicellular Chl.a, Chl.c,
Phyrrophyta 2nd most abundant Interlocking Carotenes Gonyaulax,
Two flagella
(2nd Abundant) Bloom/ Red tides cellulose plates including Ceratium
+ Silica Fucoxanthin
FAC

Diatoma,
Diatoms Usually
Chrysophyta Usually none Same as above Frequilaria,
Major producers unicellular
Pinnularia

MDCAT SUPPLEMENT 8
Topic–5 Variety of Life

Multicellular Two flagella on

Brown algae Fucus,
Phaeophyta Blade, Stipe, reproductive
Giants Same as above Macrocystis
Holdfast cells

IAL
Multicellular or
unicellular Chl.a, Carotenes, Chondrus,
Rhodophyta Red algae None
CaCO3 in cell Phycoerythrin Polysiphonia
wall

FFIC
Unicellular,
Chlorella, Ulva,
colonial, Most have Chl.a, Ch.b,
Chlorophyta Green algae Acetabularia,
multicellular flagella carotenes
Spirogyra
Cellulose
FUNGUS LIKE PROTISTS

DY O
There are two major groups of fungi-like protist i.e. slime molds and water molds.
FUNGUS vs FUNGUS LIKE PROTISTS:
Similarities
• Both are not photosynthetic.

U
• Formed of thread like structures called hyphae.
Differences
•
•
These protists have centrioles.
TST
Cell wall is made of cellulose. While that of fungi’s is made of chitin.
SLIME MOLDS OR MYXOMYCOTES
DCA
• The feeding stage of a slime mold is a plasmodium, a multinucleate mass of cytoplasm
that can grow to 30cm (1ft) in diameter. Plasmodium is a naked mass of cytoplasm
having many nuclei.
• Reproductive structures of slime molds are stalked sporangia.
M/M

• Sporangia produce haploid spores meiosis formed during unfavorable conditions.

• In slime molds under favourable condition, the spores germinate into biflagellated or
amoeboid reproductive or swarm cells, which unite to form diploid zygote.
• The plasmodial slime mold Physarum polycephalum is the model organism that has been
used in many fundamental biological processes such as growth and differentiation,
CO

cytoplasmic streaming and the function of cytoskeleton.

OK.
EBO

WATER MOLDS OR OOMYCOTES

FAC

• Their cell wall contains cellulose, not chitin with aseptate hyphae.
• Phytophthora infestans was the cause of Irish potato famine of the 19th century.
• It causes a disease commonly known as late blight of potatoes.

MDCAT SUPPLEMENT 9
Topic–5 Variety of Life

PRACTICE EXERCISE
Q.1 Organisms of which of the following kingdom have absorptive mode of nutrition:

IAL
A) Prokaryotae C) Protoctista
B) Animalia D) Fungi
Q.2 Amoeba belongs to which kingdom:
A) Prokaryotae C) Plantae

FFIC
B) Monera D) Protista
Q.3 Kingdom Protoctista includes:
A) Prokaryotic organisms C) Unicellular organisms
B) Fungi D) Eu- cariotiquic organisms

DY O
Q.4 Which of the protozoa has a striking resemblance to collar cells in sponges?
A) Zooflagellates C) Choanflagellates
B) Trypanosomoa D) Trichonymphas
Q.5 Radiolarians belong to which of the following protozoal group?
A) Zooflagellates C) Actinopods
B) Foraminifera D) Apicomplexans

U
Q.6 Lime stone deposits are formed from:

Q.7
A) Zooflagellates
B) Actinopods
Plasmodium belongs to:
A) Ciliates
TST C) Foraminiferans
D) Apicomplexans

C) Apicomplexans
DCA
B) Actinopods D) Foraminferans
Q.8 Complex specialized flagellates living symbiotically in the gut of termites are:
A) Trichonymphas C) Trypanosoma
B) Euglena D) Radiolarians
Q.9 The definite shape to ciliates is given by:
M/M

A) Pellicle C) Penicle
B) Calcium D) Cell wall
Q.10 In which of the following phyla, major food reserves and cell wall are like plants?
A) Rhodophyta C) Chlorophyta
B) Phaeophyta D) Chrysophyta
CO

Q.11 Most of the photosynthesis on earth is carried by:

A) Kelps C) Gymnosperms
B) Angiosperms D) Algae
OK.

Q.12 The only group of algae having no flagellated motile cells at any stage is:
A) Chrysophyta C) Phaeophyta
B) Pyrrophyta D) Rhodophyta
Q.13 Brown algae are also known as:
EBO

A) Phaeophyta C) Rhodophyta
B) Pyrrophyta D) Chrysophata
Q.14 Based on molecular data, euglenoids are thought to be closely related to:
A) Dinoflagellates C) Zooflagellates
FAC

B) Protozoans D) Algae
Q.15 The most important group of producers in marine ecosystem is of:
A) Diatoms C) Euglenoids
B) Dinoflagellates D) Brown algae.

MDCAT SUPPLEMENT 10
Topic–5 Variety of Life

Q.16 Spores produced by slime molds are:

A) Haploid C) Diploid
B) Triploid D) Polyploid

IAL
Q.17 Which of the following is responsible for Irish potato famine?
A) Dinoflagellates C) Kelps
B) Physarum polycephalum D) Phytophthora infestans

FFIC
Q.18 Specific locomotory structures are not present in:
A) Ciliates C) Zooflagellates
B) Foraminiferans D) Apicomplexans
Q.19 Water regulation in fresh water ciliates is controlled by:
A) Food vacuole C) Contractile vacuole

DY O
B) Lysosomes D) Fine canals
Q.20 Zooflagellates do not live as:
A) Free living C) Symbionts
B) Parasites D) Autotroph
Q.21 Chlorophyll ‘b’ is found in:

U
A) Dinoflagellates C) Brown algae
B) Diatoms

A) Acetabularia
B) Ulva
TST
Q.22 It is a multicellular example of algae:
D) Euglenoids

C) Chlorella
D) Euglena
DCA
Q.23 Intermediate host for Plasmodium is:
A) Human C) Female anopheles
B) Male anopheles D) Snail
Q.24 Entamoebae is a:
A) Free living fresh water amoeba C) Free living marine water amoeba
M/M

B) Free living soil inhabiting amoeba D) Parasitic amoeba

Q.25 “Physarum polycephalum” is a/an:
A) Oomycote C) Myxomycote
B) Phaeophyte D) Phyrrophyte
Q.26 Plasmodium enters humans in the form of:
CO

A) Gametocytes C) Sporozoites
B) Merozoites D) Oocyst
Q.27 Bloom forming algae are:
OK.

A) Phaeophytes C) Chrysophytes
B) Pyrrophytes D) Chlorophytes
Q.28 Tests of actinopods are made up of:
A) Calcium carbonate C) Magnesium carbonate
EBO

B) Silica D) Silicates
Q.29 Kelps are:
A) Slime molds C) Ciliated protozoans
B) Giant brown algae D) Giant green algae
FAC

MDCAT SUPPLEMENT 11
Topic–5 Variety of Life

NUTRITION IN FUNGI
Fungi are absorptive heterotrophs i.e. they lack chlorophyll, thus can’t synthesize their

IAL
own food, instead obtain it from their immediate environment via absorption.
Saprotrophic Fungi
• Fungi, which get their food directly from dead organic matter, are called saprotrophs,
saprobes or decomposers.

FFIC
• Digestive enzymes are secreted out to digest dead organic matter into small organic
molecules to be absorbed in the cell.
• Fungi are major decomposers of cellulose and lignin (most bacteria cannot break them).
• Saprotrophic fungi have root-like hyphae called rhizoids. They anchor the fungi on the

DY O
substratum and provide enormous surface for absorptive mode of nutrition.
Parasitic Fungi
Fungi, which absorb nutrients directly from the living host cytoplasm are called parasites.
• Parasitic fungi have special roots called haustoria.
• Obligate parasites can grow only on their living host and cannot be grown on available

U
defined growth culture medium e.g. various mildews and most rust species.
•

Predators
•
•
TST
Facultative parasites can grow parasitically on their host as well as by themselves on
artificial growth media.

Fungi, which capture and kill other organisms, are called predators.
DCA
Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) is a carnivorous (predator) fungus of nematods.
• Some species of Arthrobotrys trap soil nematods by forming constricting ring.
• Predators use animals to fulfill nitrogen requirements.
Mutualists (Symbiotic Association)
• Fungi, which provide benefits to some other organisms and get some other benefits from
M/M

them are called mutualists e.g. lichen and mycorrhizae.

• Lichen is symbiotic (mutualistic) association between fungi (mostly Ascomycetes,
imperfect fungi and few Basidiomycetes about 20 out of 15000) and certain
photoautotrophs (green algae, cyanobacteria or both). Most of the visible part of lichen
consists of fungus and algal components are present within the hyphae.
CO

• Lichens are ecologically important as bioindicators of air pollution.

• Crustose lichens grow tightly attached to rocks, tree trunks, Foliose lichen are leaf-like
while Fruticose lichen are branching.
OK.

• Mycorrhizae are mutualistic association between certain fungi and roots of vascular
plants (about 95% of vascular plants).
• In mycorrhizae, fungi increase surface area for absorption and help in direct absorption
EBO

of phosphorous, zinc, copper and other nutrients from the soil into roots while plant
supplies organic food to fungal hyphae.
• There are two types of mycorrhizae i.e. endomycorrhizae and ectomycorrhizae.
• In endomycorrhizae, fungal hyphae penetrate the outer cells of the plant root forming
FAC

coils, swellings and minute branches and also extend out into surrounding soil.
• In ectomycorrhizae, hyphae surround and extend between the cells but do not penetrate
the cell walls of the roots. These are mostly formed with pines, firs etc.

MDCAT SUPPLEMENT 12
Topic–5 Variety of Life

CLASSIFICATION OF FUNGI
Sexual Asexual
Phylum (group) Typical Examples Hyphae

IAL
Reproduction Reproduction
Zygomycota Rhizopus (Black bread Zygospores Non-motile Non-septate,
(conjugating fungi) mold), Pilobolus spores form in multinucleate

FFIC
(spitting fungus) sporangia
Ascomycota Yeasts, morels, 8 Ascospores Conidia cut Septate,
(sac-fungi) truffles, powdery in a sac-like off from tips lengthy
Largest group mildews, molds ascus of dikaryotic
conidiophores phase.

DY O
Basidiomycota Mushrooms, rusts, 4 Uncommon Septate,
(club-fungi) smuts, puff balls, Basidiospores lengthy
bracket fungi on club dikaryotic
shaped basidia phase
Deuteromycota Aspergillus, Parasexuality Conidia Varied

U
(Imperfect fungi) Penicillium,

•
Alternaria
Rust, Smut and Mushrooms
Puccinia species are most common rust
fungi.
TST
DCA
• Ustilago species are most common smut
fungi.
• Rusts are so called because of numerous
rusty, orange yellow coloured disease
spots on host surface (mostly stem,
M/M

leaves).
• Smuts are so called because of their black
dusty spore masses that resemble soot or
smut.
• Spores of Ustilago tritica (loose smut of wheat) are called teliospores.
CO

Penicillium
• Saprophytic species
• Septate hyphae.
OK.

• Reproduce asexually by means of naked spores called conidia.

• Brush like arrangement of conidia is characteristic of Penicillium.
LAND ADAPTATION OF FUNGI
EBO

• Fungi grow best in moist habitats.

• Extensive system of fast spreading hyphae increases surface area for absorption.
• Cytoplasmic flow throughout the hyphae is responsible for rapid growth and spread of fungi.
• Chitin is more resistant to decay than cellulose and lignin.
FAC

• Rhizoids in saprobes are involved in anchorage, digestion and absorption.

• Lack of flagellated cells, non- motile spores and conidia.
• Fungi tolerate in hyperosmotic surrounding (where bacteria cannot survive) and temperature
extremes (less than –5°C to more than 50°C).
MDCAT SUPPLEMENT 13
Topic–5 Variety of Life

PRACTICE EXERCISE
Q.1 Fungi which get their food directly from dead organic matter are called?

IAL
A) Parasitic fungi C) Predators
B) Mutualists D) Decomposers
Q.2 Root like structure in saprotrophic fungi are called:

FFIC
A) Rhizoids C) Haustoria
B) Hyphae D) Constricting rings
Q.3 Those fungi which can grow only on their living host and cannot be grown on available
defined growth culture medium e.g. various mildews and most rust species are called:
A) Parasitic fungi C) Obligate parasitic fungi

DY O
B) Facultative parasitic fungi D) All A, B, C
Q.4 Oyster mushroom is an example of predator fungi, which attack on:
A) Pin worms C) Tape worms
B) Round worms D) Ring worm

U
Q.5 Lichen is a symbiotic mutualistic association of fungi with:
A) Autotrophs C) Roots of vascular plants

Q.6
B) Green algae and cyanobacterium
Foliose lichen are:
A) Stem like
TST D) Leguminous plants

C) Branching
DCA
B) Leaf like D) Crust like
Q.7 An association in which fungal hyphae penetrate the outer cells of the plant root
forming coils, swellings and minute branches and also extend out into surrounding
soil is called:
M/M

A) Mycorrizae C) Endomycorrhizae
B) Ectomycorrhizae D) Lichen
Q.8 Fungi can tolerate pH from:
A) 3-7 C) 2-6
B) 2-9 D) 3-6
CO

Q.9 Which one of the following is the largest group of fungi?

A) Zygomycota C) Ascomycota
B) Basidiomycota D) Deuteromycota
OK.

Q.10 All such fungi in which sexual phase has not been observed are present in:
A) Zygomycota. C) Ascomycota.
B) Basidiomycota D) Deuteromycota
EBO

Q.11 Mode of nutrition in Penecillium is:

A) Saprotrophic C) Parasitic
B) Predator D) Mutualistics
Q.12 Mycelial cells of Ustilago tritici become teliospores in:
FAC

A) Stem C) Leaves
B) Ovary D) Kernels
Q.13 Exchange of chromosomal segments between nuclei of same fungi is called:
A) Parasexuality C) Conjugation
B) Transformation D) Sporogenesis
MDCAT SUPPLEMENT 14
Topic–5 Variety of Life

KINGDOM PLANTAE

IAL
FFIC
U DY O
•
•
•
First plant to colonize land.
Evolved from green algae.
Vascular system is absent.
TST
BRYOPHYTA
DCA
• Gametophyte generation is dominant
• Sporophyte is attached to gametophyte and dependent for food.
• They are homosporous, poorly adapted to life on land, mainly confined to damp and
shady places.
M/M

• They are flowerless plants.

• They show a regular alternation of heteromorphic (morphologically different) generations.
• They require water for fertilization thus called amphibians of plants.
ALTERNATION OF GENERATION
• Process in which one multicellular, haploid gametophyte generation (n) alternates with
CO

another multicellular, diploid sporophyte generation (2n) is called alternation of

generations.
• Alternation of morphologically different generations is called heteromorphic alternation
OK.

of generation while that of morphologically similar generations is called homomorphic

alternation of generation.
• Bryophytes show heteromorphic alternation of generation.
ADAPTATION TO LAND HABITAT
EBO

• Compact multicellular plant body and cuticle reduces the exposed surface area thus
conserving water.
• Photosynthetic tissue is present in special chambers.
• They exhibit heterogamy consisting of non- motile egg containing food and motile
FAC

sperms.
• Gametes and embryo are protected by multicellular sex organs.
• Alternation of generation provides a chance of genetic variability, selection of best
genetic makeup for survival and adaptation in the changing environment.
MDCAT SUPPLEMENT 15
Topic–5 Variety of Life

FEATURES OF THREE CLASSES OF BRYOPHYTES

Feature Hepaticopsida Bryopsida Anthoceropsida

IAL
Liverworts, 900 species, Mosses, cushion or Hornworts, slightly
Introduction
simplest mat like advanced & different.
Damp places, some
Habitat Moist rocks, wet soil Moist places
dry places

FFIC
Examples Marchantia,Porella Funaria,Polytrichum Anthoceros
Haploid, having
Haploid, thalloid, ribbon
stems and leaves, Haploid, lobed,
like, dichotomously
antheridia and irregular, antheridia
Gametophyte branched,

DY O
archegonia on same and archegonia
Antheridiophore and
or different plants, partially sunken
archegoniophore
Paraphyses
Diploid, develops Free, independent,
Sporophyte Diploid, dependent
from protonema meristematic tissue

U
Marchantia Funaria
Examples Anthoceros
Porella (Falsely leafy) Polytrichum

•
•
TST
TRACHEOPHYTES
They are called vascular plants due to presence of vascular tissue xylem and phloem.
Tracheophytes are most successful plants of land habitat due to presence of roots, stems,
DCA
leaves, vascular tissue, flowers, fruits, seed formation, pollen tube and heteromorphic
alternation of generations.
Division of Tracheophytes
Tracheophytes are further subdivided into four sub-divisions i.e.
• Psilopsida
M/M

• Lycopsida
• Sphenopsida
• Pteropsida.
Feature Psilopsida Lycopsida Sphenopsida
Club moss, spike moss
CO

Psilophyta, earliest
Introduction (due to club/spike shaped Horsetails, arthrophytes
group
strobili), ground pries
Diploid, dominant, Diploid, dominant, Diploid, dominant,
OK.

Sporophyte rootless, rhizome with differentiated root, stem differentiated root,

rhizoids, leafless & leaves stem & leaves
Thalloid, colourless,
underground, haploid,
Haploid, reduced, Thalloid, growing on
EBO

Gametophyte reduced, with

underground clayed soil & mud
mycorrhizal
association
Fossils are Rhynia,
Horneophyton,
FAC

Psilophyton,
Examples Cooksonia. Living Lycopodium, Selaginella Equisetum
members are
Psilotum,
Tmesipeteris
MDCAT SUPPLEMENT 16
Topic–5 Variety of Life

EVOLUTION OF LEAF
• Leaf is photosynthetic organ of plant.

IAL
• Primitive vascular plants were without leaves containing dichotomously branching
naked stem without leaves.
• Initially small scale like outgrowth formed on these naked stems, without any vascular
bundle which were not true leaves.

FFIC
• Lycopods are the first to have true leaves with one single undivided vein.
• There are two types of leaves i.e. microphylls and megaphylls.
• Microphylls are small with single undivided vein (vascular bundle).
• Megaphylls are large leaves with divided veins and veinlets with expanded leaf blade or

DY O
lamina.
• Megaphylls are present in ferns and seed plants.
• Evolution of megaphylls started from a dichotomous branching system in some primitive
fern-like plants approximately 350 million years ago.
• Evolution of megaphylls was completed in 15-20 million years.

U
• Three steps are considered in evolution of megaphylls i.e. overtopping, planation and

•
•
•
fusion/webbing.

TST
Overtopping is an unequal development of various branches.
Planation is arrangement of unequal dichotomous branches in one plane.
Fusion/webbing is development of photosynthetic tissue between branches, which itself
DCA
converted into veins.
• Major function of leaves is increase in absorptive area of light.
Lycopodium and Selaginella
Feature Lycopodium Selaginella
M/M

Two kinds i.e. microsporangia &

Sporangia One kind
megasporangia
Strobili (cone) Absent Present
Two types i.e. microspores &
megaspores, thus resembles seed
Spores One type (homosporous)
producing plants (spermatophyte)
CO

because of its heterosporic conditions.

Ligule No ligule Ligule is present
OK.

PTEROPSIDA
This group is divided into three classes i.e. filicineae, gymnospermae and angiospermae.
Filicinae
• Plants present in class filicineae are called ferns.
EBO

• Ferns are seedless plants.

• Their leaves are called fronds.
• Circinate vernation is a pattern of development of fronds, such that when they are
immature and young they are coiled.
FAC

Adiantum
Adiantum (Maiden hairfern) is most common example of fern, which grows at along
moist walls, water courses and drains.

MDCAT SUPPLEMENT 17
Topic–5 Variety of Life

IAL
FFIC
U DY O
TST
DCA
EVOLUTION OF SEED HABIT
• All the seed producing plants are called spermatophytes.
• Seed is a fertilized ovule.
M/M

• An ovule is an integumented indehiscent megasporangium.

• Integuments are specialized protective coverings around megasporangium, which vary in
number.
• Development of seed started about 390 million years ago.
• First complete seed appeared approximately 365 million years ago during late Devonian
CO

period.
VARIOUS STEPS INVOLVED IN THE EVOLUTION OF SEED HABIT
1. Evolution of Heterospory
OK.

2. Retention and Germination of Megaspore Within the Megasporangium

3. Development of Protective Layers around Megasporangium
4. Reduction to a Single Functional Megaspore per Sporangium
5. Development of an Embryo Sac within the Sporangium
EBO

6. Modification of Distal End of Megasporangium for Pollen Capture and Development of

Pollen Tube
7. Formation of Seed and Seed Coats
GYMNOSPERMS
FAC

• These are heterosporous plants which produce seeds but no fruit.

• They are worldwide in distribution, one of successful group of land plants, 1/3rd of total
world’s forest.
• ‘Gymno’ means ‘naked’ and ‘spermae’ means ‘seeded’ so they are naked seeded plants.

MDCAT SUPPLEMENT 18
Topic–5 Variety of Life

• Naked ovules are born on exposed surfaces of megasporophylls, which unlike those of
angiosperms are not enclosed in fruit but lie naked on the surface of fertile leaves.
•

IAL
Different genera of gymnosperms are: Cycas (sago-palm), Pinus (pines), Taxus (yew),
Picea (hemlock), Cedrus (deodar), Ginko etc.

FFIC
U DY O
TST
DCA
CO M/M
OK.

ANGIOSPERMS
• They are heterosporous autotrophic plants which produce flowers, fruits and seeds.
• ‘Angio’ means ‘close’ and ‘sperm’ means ‘seed’.
EBO

• Most abundant of land plants, 235,000 species out of 360,000 plant species.
• A flower is a modified shoot, which consists of a pedicel, thalamus (torus) and floral
leaves (sepals, petals, stamens and carpals.
• Thalamus, stamens and carpals are modified leaves.
FAC

• Sepals and petals are non-essential or non-reproductive parts.

• Sepals protect the inner parts.
• Petals attract insects for pollination.
• Sepals and petals fall off after pollination.

MDCAT SUPPLEMENT 19
Topic–5 Variety of Life

• Stamens and carpals are essential or reproductive parts of flower.

• Stamen consists of a filament and anther. It is male reproductive part of flower.

IAL
• Carpal consists of ovary (basal broader part), style and stigma (terminal part of style). It
is female reproductive part of flower.
Alternation of Generation & Life Cycle
• Angiosperms exhibit heteromorphic alternation of generation in which dominant

FFIC
diploid sporophyte generation alternates with inconspicuous gametophyte generation.
• Main plant is diploid sporophyte differentiating into roots, stems and leaves At maturity
flowers are also formed.

U DY O
TST
DCA
CO M/M

Seed Formation
OK.

• Testa & tegmen are coverings of seed that develop from integuments of the ovule
• Fruit is formed from the ovary wall.
• Seed under suitable conditions germinates and produces a seedling which gradually
EBO

changes into sporophyte.

CLASIFICATION OF ANGIOSPREMS
Difference Monocot Dicot
Number of cotyledons One cotyledon Two cotyledon
FAC

Number of sepals and petals 3 or multiple of 3 4 or 5 or multiple of 4 or 5

Arrangement of vascular bundle in
Bundles scattered Bundles in a ring
stem
Pattern of veins Parallel veins Net veins
MDCAT SUPPLEMENT 20
 re
Leaves Stem Plants Familiar plants

Featu
flower:

Examples
Topic–5

Alternate, rarely opposite,

simple or compound with Shrubby having Trees, shrubs, Pyrus (pear), Rosa (rose), Malus (apple),
paired stipules, spines on spines herbs Fragaria (strawberry)
rachis

Rosaceae
female flower parts:

MDCAT SUPPLEMENT
FAC
Solanum tuberosum (potato), Nicotiana
Individual or united petals:

Alternate or rarely opposite, tobacum (tobacco), Lycopersicum

Herbs, shrubs,
EBO
Presence or absence of wood

Relative position of male and

simple, petiolate, rarely Hairy or prickly esculentum (tomato), Capsicum

trees, vines
sessile frutescene (red pepper), Capsicum
annum (pepper)

Solanaceae
Symmetry of accessory parts of the

OK.
Compound or rarely simple,
CO
Herbaceous or Lathyrus odoratus (sweet pea), Arachis
sometimes tendrils, Herbs, shrubs,
woody or climber hypogea (peanut), Cicer arientum (chick
alternate, stipulate, stipules trees
by tendrils pea), Dalbergia sisso (shisham)
leafy
M/M Fabaceae
gamopetalous
All herbaceous

inferior ovaries

STRUCTURE

DCA
Both separate and

Both superior and

Wheat, rice, maize

Trees, shrubs,
Erect, woody, Tamarindus indica (tamarind), Cassia
Compound, pinnate, rarely woody
herbaceous or fistula (amaltas), Bauhinia veriegata
simple and stipulate climbers, rarely
Both regular & irregular

climbing (kachnar)
TST
herbs U
ANGIOSPERMIC FAMILIES

Caeselpiniaceae
ovaries

DY O
Trees, shrubs,
Compound, pinnate, Acacia nilotica, Albizzia lebbek, Mimosa
Gram, pea

rarely climbers,
alternate, stipulate, stipules Woody pudica (touch me not), Prosopis
herbs, most
gamopetalous

modified into thorns glandulosa, P.Cineraria

xerophytes
FFIC
Mimosaceae
Both separate and

IAL
Solitary at nodes, sometimes Triticum vulgare (wheat), Zea mays
Jointed, hollow at
Both regular & irregular

crowded at base, alternate, Annual or (corn), Avena sativa (oat), Oryza sativa
internodes and
Both superior and inferior

exstipulate, ligulate, mostly perennial herbs (rice), Bambusa (bamboo), Saccharam

closed at nodes
Poaceae
Both herbaceous and woody

sessile, simple officinarum (sugar cane)

Variety of Life

21
 Gynoecium Androecium Corolla Calyx Flower Inflorescence
Topic–5

1 to numerous, carpals separate Numerous, 5 petals or multiple,

5 sepals, rarely 4, Bisexual, actinomorphic, often Variable, solitary. May
or variously united, ovary sometimes 5 or free, rosaceous, large,
united at base perigynous, showy, scented be racemose or cymose
superior sometimes inferior 10 showy

MDCAT SUPPLEMENT
FAC
5 stamen rarely Bisexual, usually Axillary cyme or combination
2 united carpals, ovary oblique,
4, free, 5 united petals, rotate 5 united sepals, actinomorphic, weakly of cymes, sometimes
EBO
superior, bilocular or imperfectly
epipetalous, to tubular usually persistent zygomorphic, hypogynous, helicoids or axillary umbellate
4-locular by false septum
didynamous pentamerous cyme
OK.
CO 5 petals, Bisexual, zygomorphic,
1 carpal with 1 locule, ovary 10 stamens,
papillionaceous, 5 sepals, united in a bracteate, pedicellate, Racemose or solitary,
superior, style long & slightly diadelphous
clawed, dissimilar: tube, hairy perigynous, pentamerous, axillary
bent (9+1)
standard, wing, keel papilionaceous
M/M
DCA
10 stamen or Axillary or terminal
5 sepals, free or
1 carpal, ovary superior, fewer, rarely Bisexual, zygomorphic, rarely raceme or panicle or
5 petals, free connected at base,
unilocular, stigma simple numerous, free or actinomorphic, perigynous spikes, rarely cymose,
often coloured
TST
variously united U showy
DY O
5 to numerous
5 sepals, generally Bisexual, actinomorphic, Spike-like or head or
1 carpal, ovary unilocular, stamens, free or 5 petals, free or fused
fused, toothed or hypogynous to slightly umbel, rarely racemose
superior, many ovules attached to base and lobed
lobed perigynous, bracteate or globos umbels
of corolla
FFIC
IAL
Bisexual, sometime unisexual,
1 to 6 stamens, Perianth absent or
3 united carpals, stigmas usually small, inconspicuous, sessile, Compund, composed of
usually 3, (As Above) represented by 2,
large and feathery bracteate, incomplete, units called spikelets
delicate filaments rarely 3 lodicules
zygomorphic, hypogynous
Variety of Life

22
 Ornamen Fruit Placentation
Other substances Use in medicine Use as food
tals
Topic–5

Basal in
Cretaegus (walking sticks), Pyrus pastia (tobacco Apple, pear, apocarpous,
pipes), Rose petals (gulkand), Rose oil (perfumes), Genus peach, almond, Fleshy
axile in
Rose water (Ark-e-Gulab). Rose water is produced Rosa apricot, syncarpous

MDCAT SUPPLEMENT
FAC
when rose is distilled with water strawberry

Petunia, Potato, tomato,

Fleshy &
EBO
Alkaloids e.g. Atropa Axile
Nicotiana tobacum (tobacco). Nicotiana, pepper, ground dry
belladonna, Atura
Capsicum is source of vit. A & C. Cestrum, cherry, egg
(atropin & daturin)
Solanum plant (brinjal)
OK.
Medicago sativa, Melilotus, Trifolium (fodder), Pulses e.g.
CO Lathyrus,
Butea, Dalbergia (timber), Arachis hypogea (edible, Glycyrrhiza glabra gram, pea, Legume or
Lupinus, Marginal
peanut oil)Indigofera tinctoria (indigo dye), Butea (cough & cold), Clitoria bean. Pulses
Clitoria, Pod
monosperma (yellow dye), Seed of Abrus ternatea (snake bite) are rich in
M/M
Butea
precatorious (weights as rattit) proteins
Bauhinia
Cassia alata (ringworm, Bauhinia
variegata
DCA
skin diseases), Cassia variegata
(kachnar),
Bark of Bauhinia & Tamarindus (tanning), Heartwood senna & Cassia obovata (vegetable),
Cassia Legume Marginal
(longwood) of Haematoxylon (dye haematoxylin) (senna= laxative), Tamarindus
fistula,
TST
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE

Cynometera cauliflora indica (acidic

Parkinson
(skin diseases)
U
ia
fruit)
Mimosa
Acacia, Albizzia, Xylia (wood), Albizzia lebbek pudica,
DY O
(cabinet work, railway carriage), Acacia nilotica & Tender leaves of Acacia Acacia Legume,
Acacia sensegal (Arabic gum), Acacia catechu (dye nilotica (blood purifier) melanoxyl dehiscent or Marginal
i.e. katha) on, indehiscent
FFIC
Prosopis
Fodder, Cymbopogon squarrosus i.e. lemon grass
IAL
Cereals and
(lemon grass oil= aromatic oil), paper, Rye, barley, Leaves of bamboo (cure
millets. Wheat, Grain or
corn, rum molasses of sugar cane (whisky=beverage), for cough and cold of Bambusa Axile
oats, corn, rise, caryopsis
Saccharum munja (fibers, rope), Bambusa (huts, horses)
barley, rye
Variety of Life

boats, carts, pipes, mats, baskets, fans, hats, umbrella)

23
Topic–5 Variety of Life

PRACTICE EXERCISE
Q.1 Which of the following statement about plants is incorrect?

IAL
A) All are eukaryotes. C) They are multicellular
B) Non- motile organisms D) Sporophyte dominant in all
Q.2 Hornworts are included in sub-class:
A) Anthoceropsida C) Bryopsida

FFIC
B) Hepaticopsida D) Psilopsida
Q.3 Horsetails are included in class:
A) Sphenopsida C) Lycopsida
B) Psilopsida D) Pteropsida
Q.4 In bryophytes, fertilization takes place in:

DY O
A) Antheridia C) Archegonia
B) Water D) Ovule
Q.5 Which of the following of bryophytes is the simplest one?
A) Porella C) Funaria
B) Anthocerus D) Polytrichum

U
Q.6 Sporophyte is:
A) Monoploid C) Haploid

Q.7
B) Diploid
Mosses are included in sub-division:
A) Anthoceropsida
B) Bryopsida
TST D) Polyploidy

C) Hepaticopsida
D) Lycopsida
DCA
Q.8 Ferns are included in:
A) Psilopsida C) Lycopsida
B) Sphenopsida D) Pteropsida
Q.9 The simplest of all bryophytes are:
A) Thallophytes C) Embryophytes
M/M

B) Mosses D) Liverworts
Q.10 Protonema is:
A) Thallus like C) Algae like
B) Fungus like D) Plant like
Q.11 The part of sporophyte which is called sporangium is:
CO

A) Capsule C) Foot
B) Stalk D) Seta
Q.12 The first cell of the sporophyte generation is:
OK.

A) Oospore C) Spore mother cell

B) Spore D) Gametes
Q.13 Which of the following tracheopytes are leafless?
A) Psilopsida C) Lycopsida
EBO

B) Sphenopsida D) Pteropsida
Q.14 Which of the following is an example of the living member of Psilopsida?
A) Rhynia C) Psilophyton
B) Psilotum D) Cooksonia
Q.15 Which of the following tracheophytes are also called arthrophytes?
FAC

A) Psilopsida C) Lycopsida
B) Sphenopsida D) Pteropsida
Q.16 Equistem is an example of:
A) Psilopsida C) Lycopsida
B) Sphenopsida D) Pteropsida
MDCAT SUPPLEMENT 24
Topic–5 Variety of Life

Q.17 Today, the land habitat is dominated by:

A) Fungi C) Gymnosperms
B) Angiosperms D) Bryophytes

IAL
Q.18 Megaphylls are characteristic for:
A) Mosses C) Seed plants
B) Lycopsids D) Bryophytes

FFIC
Q.19 The dichotomously branching system has shape similar to:
A) U C) W
B) Y D) V
Q.20 The space between the overtopped dichotomous branches was occupied by a sheet of
_____ cells during evolution of megaphylls.

DY O
A) Sclerenchyma C) Chlorenchyma
B) Parenchyma D) Collenchyma
Q.21 Production of two types of spores is known as:
A) Heterospory C) Homospory
B) Heterogamy D) Gamospory.
Q.22 Which of the following plant group first formed true leaves?

U
A) Psilopsida C) Lycopsida
B) Sphenopsida
TST D) Pteropsida
Q.23 The arrangement of unequal dichotomous branches in one plane during evolution of
leaves is called:
A) Overtopping C) Fusion
DCA
B) Webbing D) Planation
Q.24 Specialized protective coverings around megasporangium, which vary in number
are called:
A) Sporangium C) Integuments
B) Ovule D) Pericarp
M/M

Q.25 In which group of tracheophytes, ovules are born on the exposed surface of
megasporophylls?
A) Sphenopsida C) Filicinae
B) Gymnosperms D) Angiosperms
Q.26 Pinus, Taxus, and Picea belong to:
A) Sphenopsida C) Filicinae
CO

B) Gymnosperms D) Angiosperms
Q.27 Microspore of a seed plant that contain male gametophyte including the gamete is called:
A) Pollen grain C) Ovule
OK.

B) Microgametophyte D) Microsporangium
Q.28 Gymnosperms constitute _______ of total world forests.
A) 1/2 C) 1/3
B) 1/4 D) 1/5
EBO

Q.29 Monocots are characterized by:

A) Number of sepals and petals are 2 or multiple of 2
B) Number of sepals and petals are 3 or multiple of 3
C) Number of sepals and petals are 4 or multiple of 4
FAC

D) Number of sepals and petals are 5 or multiple of 5

Q.30 Maize is an example of:
A) Monocot C) Dicot
B) Gymnosperm D) Fern

MDCAT SUPPLEMENT 25
Topic–5 Variety of Life

KINGDOM ANIMALIA
PHYLUM PORIFERA

IAL
Characters Details
Common Name Parazoa, Sponges, Pore bearing animals
Symmetry Asymmetrical

FFIC
Organization No tissue and organ formation
Pinacoderm (outer layer), Choanoderm (Inner layer)
Body Mesenchyme
Ostia and osculum
Cavity Spongocoel

DY O
Habitat Aquatic, mostly marine
Mode of Life Sessile, Detritivores
Examples Sycon, Leucoselenia, Euplectella (Venous flower basket), Spongilla
Digestive System Absent
Excretory System Absent

U
Nervous System Absent
Respiratory System
Circulatory System
Locomotion
Reproduction
Absent
Absent
TST
4 Bands of Longitudinal Muscles
Asexual: Budding, Internal buds – gemmules
DCA
Sexual: Hermaphrodite, Protandrous
Skeleton Spicules (calcerous/ siliceous)
PHYLUM CNIDARIA
Characters Details
Common Name Coelenterata
M/M

Symmetry Radial
Organization Diploblastic
Cnidocytes, Nematocyst
Polyps and medusae
Body
Polymorphism
CO

Tentacles
Cavity Enteron/ Coelenteron/ Gastrovascular cavity
Habitat Aquatic
OK.

Mode of Life Carnivores

Hydra, Obelia, Aurelia (Jelly fish), Actinia (Sea anemone),
Examples
Medrepora (Coral)
Digestive System Sac like
EBO

Excretory System Absent

Nervous System Diffused type
Respiratory System Absent
Circulatory System Absent
FAC

Locomotion Sessile/ Motile

Asexual: Budding
Reproduction
Alternation of generations
Exoskeleton
Skeleton
CaCO3
MDCAT SUPPLEMENT 26
Topic–5 Variety of Life

Classification of Mollusca
Character Gastropoda Bivalvia Cephalopoda

IAL
Symmetry A-symmetrical Bilateral Bilateral
Usually coiled one piece of
Shell Two pieces of shell Much reduced
shell.
Habitat Aquatic, and terrestrial Aquatic Aquatic

FFIC
Aquatic species have lungs. In
Respiration land, the mantle cavity is By plate-like gills -
converted into lungs.
Mytillus, Anodonta Loligo, Sepia
Examples Helix aspersa Limad (slug)

DY O
Ostrea Octopus.
PHYLUM ECHINODERMATA
Characters Details
Common Name Spiny skinned animals
Bilateral in larva forms
Symmetry

U
Radial in adult form
Organization Triploblastic
Body
Cavity
Habitat
Mode of Life
Coelom
Marine
Free living
TST
Variety of shape, Oral and aboral surface
DCA
Examples Star fish, Sea urchin, Cake urchin, Brittle star
Digestive System Tube like
Excretory System Poorly organized
Nervous System Pharyngeal nerve ring
M/M

Respiratory System Poorly organized

Circulatory System Poorly organized
Water Vascular System Medreporite, Canals
Locomotion Tube feet
Reproduction Sexual: Unisexual, External fertilization, Bipinnaria, Brachiolaria
CO

Skeleton Spines, Mesodermal exoskeleton

PHYLUM HEMICHORDATA
• Hemichordata is group present between echinoderms and chordates.
OK.

• Hemichordates are also called pre-chordates.

• They are soft bodied worm-like animals.
• Body is divided into an anterior proboscis, collar and trunk.
EBO

• Body wall is made of unicellular epidermis with mucous-secreting cells.

• Digestive tract is tube-like.
• Circulatory system consists of a median dorsal and a median ventral vessel.
FAC

• Respiratory system is composed of gill-slits.

• Excretory system has single glomerulus connected to blood vessels.
• Nervous system has a sub-dermal plexus of cells and fibers.
• Common examples are Balanoglossus and Saccoglossus.
MDCAT SUPPLEMENT 27
Topic–5 Variety of Life

PHYLUM CHORDATA

IAL
FFIC
U DY O
TST
DCA
• Phylum chordata derives its name from notochord.
M/M

• Three fundamental (basic) features of chordates are notochord, central nervous system
and paired gills.
• Notochord is a rod-like semi-rigid body of vacuolated cells, which are filled with
proteinaceous material.
• Central nervous system is hollow and dorsal.
•
CO

All chordates possess paired gill openings in embryonic stage.

SUBPHYLUM VERTEBRATA
• Vertebrates have cranium enclosing brain and vertebral column enclosing spinal cord.
OK.

• Vertebrates are placed in two super classes Pisces (fishes, which are strictly aquatic) and
Tetrapods (four footed, which are mostly land dwelling).
• Vertebrates may be divided into amniotes (having foetal membranes e.g. reptilia, aves,
mammals) and anamniotes (without foetal membranes e.g. amphibia and pisces).
EBO

SUPERCLASS PISCES
• They have stream-lined body (boat shaped).
• They have swim bladder which is a hydrostatic organ and can change the effect of
gravity.
•
FAC

They have paired (pectoral & pelvic) & unpaired (dorsal, caudal & anal) fins.
• Heart is with two chambers with afferent & efferent branchial system.
• Respiratory structures are gills.
• Super class pisces includes three important classes i.e. cyclostomata, chonrichthyes and
osteichthyes.
MDCAT SUPPLEMENT 28
Topic–5 Variety of Life

Feature Cyclostomata Chondrichthyes Osteichthyes

Common name Most primitive, jawless Cartilaginous Bony
Body Long, eel-like Fusiform Small fishes

IAL
Dermal scales, ganoid,
Scales (exoskeleton) No Placoid
cycloid or ctenoid
Both paired and
Both types, single median

FFIC
unpaired fins present,
and paired
Appendage (fins) No paired appendages anterior pair of fins
(pectoral fins) are
enlarged
Ventral, olfactory Terminal, jaws with or
Mouth Ventral suctorial

DY O
sacs not connected without teeth
Endoskeleton Cartilaginous Cartilaginous Bony
Digestive system No stomach J-shaped stomach Normal stomach
2-chambered heart, one
Many pairs of aortic
Circulatory system Heart with one auricle atrium, one ventricle,
arches
nucleated RBCs

U
5-7 pairs of gills, no Gills supported by gill
Respiratory system 6-14 pairs of gills
Swim bladder
Sexes
Fertilization and
No
Separate in lamprey,
hermaphrodite in hagfishes
External, long larval
TSToperculum
No
Separate
Internal, oviparous or
arches and operculum
Present
Separate, paired gonads
DCA
External
development period in lamprey viviparous
Shark (dog fish), Perch, Trout, Rohu,
Examples Lampreys, Hagfishes
Skates and Rays Palaice
CLASS AMPHIBIA
M/M

• Amphibians are on the border line between aquatic and true terrestrial animals.
• They are the first vertebrates to come on land.
• Lobe-finned fish (dipnoi) are considered as ancestors of amphibians.
• Structurally they are between fish and reptiles.
• Skeleton is mostly bony.
CO

• Limbs usually four but some are legless (e.g. caecilians). Webbed feet often present.
• Skin smooth and moist with many glands. In some glands, pigment cells
(chromatophores) present in the skin. Scales absent.
OK.

• Heart is 3-chambered with double circuit circulation.

• Sexes are separate, fertilization is external. Larva stage present.
• Heart is 3-chambered and respire by gills.
•
EBO

Metamorphosis and hibernation are important characters.

• They are cold blooded animals.
• Common examples are frogs, toads and salamanders.
CLASS REPTILIA
• Reptiles are truly terrestrial.
FAC

• Reptiles flourished throughout Mesozoic period (225-65 million years ago).

• Reptiles of today have been derived from dinosaurs of Jurassic (195-136 million years)
and Cretaceous period (136-65 million years).
• They have developed copulatory organ necessary for internal fertilization.
MDCAT SUPPLEMENT 29
Topic–5 Variety of Life

• Shell of egg is leathery which can resist dryness and injury. They have large yolky eggs.
• They have dry scaly skin.
•

IAL
They have protective membranes i.e. amnion, allantois and chorion.
• Their heart is 4-chambered with ventricles incompletely partitioned except in crocodile.
• They have better developed limbs for efficient locomotion.
• They are cold blooded and hibernate in winter.

FFIC
CLASS AVES
• BIRDS are considered to be evolved from crocodile.
• Birds share with mammals the highest development in the animal kingdom.
• The earliest known bird fossil is of archaeopteryx, two species of it have been found in
Jurrasic period.

DY O
• Their body is streamlined and spindle shaped with four divisions i.e. head, neck, trunk
and tail.
• They are warm blooded.
• Limbs are adapted for flying. The forelimbs are modified into wings and hindlimbs for
perching and in some for running e.g. in ostrich.

U
• They have epidermal exoskeleton of feathers, legs bear scales.
•
•
•
•
•
TST
The skeleton is light due to air spaces.
The skull has large sockets, jaws extend into horny beak, teeth are absent.
The circulatory system has 4-chambered heart with right aortic arch.
The organ of voice is syrinx, located at lower end of trachea.
Excretory system does not have a bladder, urine is semisolid.
DCA
• Sexes are separate. Fertilization is internal and eggs are of large size with much yolk.
• Only one ovary and oviduct is functional except eagle.
• Teeth have been replaced by gizzard.
• Some have secondarily lost the power of flight and are called running birds e.g. Ostrich,
M/M

Kiwi etc.
CLASS MAMMALIA
• The term MAMMAL was given by Linnaeus to that group of animals, which are
nourished by milk from the breast of mother.
• Mammalia is considered highest in animal kingdom.
• It is believed that mammals have been evolved from reptilian ancestor, the Cotylosaurs.
CO

• Varanope is an example of mammal-like reptile.

• During Jurrasic period, nearly five groups of mammal-like reptiles developed mammalian
characters and were 50% mammals.
OK.

• Mammals became dominant in Cenozoic period.

• Presence of hair and feeding by mammary glands are two fundamental features of
mammals.
•
EBO

PROTOTHERIANS are also called egg-laying mammals.

• Egg production and common cloaca are their reptilian features.
• Presence of hair and feeding of young ones with milk are their mammalian features.
• METATHERIANS are also called pouched mammals or marsupials.
• They have an abdominal pouch called marsupium where they rear young ones with milk.
FAC

• Opossum, Kangroo and Tasmanian wolf of Australia and America are common examples.
• EUTHERIANS are also called placental or typical mammals.
• During development, placenta is formed between foetus and mother through which
exchange of material occurs.

MDCAT SUPPLEMENT 30
Topic–5 Variety of Life

PRACTICE EXERCISE
Q.1 Aschelminthes is also known as:

IAL
A) Protozoans C) Eumatazoa
B) Nematodes D) Protoctist ancestors
Q.2 Of the following, which one is not included in Proterostomes?

FFIC
A) Arthropods C) Hemichordates
B) Annelids D) Molluscs
Q.3 Coelom that develops from the archenteron as outpouching is:
A) Pseudocoelom C) Enterocoelom

DY O
B) Schizocoelom D) Haemocoelom
Q.4 The animals in which coelom is formed due to splitting of mesoderm are known as:
A) Pseudocoelous C) Schizocoelous
B) Enterocoelous D) Emphicoelous

U
Q.5 Of the following, which one is non-cellular in most cases in animals?
A) Mesenchyme
B) Chlorenchyma TST
Q.6 Inner layers of the sponges are made up of:
C) Sclerenchyma
D) Mesoderm
DCA
A) Pinacocytes C) Choanoderm
B) Choanoytes D) Pinacoderm.
Q.7 The internal buds are known as:
A) Spicules C) Choanocytes
M/M

B) Gemmules D) Pellicles
Q.8 The sponges in which sperms develop first are included in the category of:
A) Hermaphordite C) Unisexual
B) Gynobasic D) Protandrous
CO

Q.9 The skeleton of the sponges is in the form of variously shaped needle like structures
called:
OK.

A) Stipules C) Spicules
B) Brails D) Spines
Q.10 In sponges, fertilization takes place in:
EBO

A) Ectoderm C) Mesenchyme
B) Endoderm D) Uterus
Q.11 The single main opening of the sponge cavity is:
A) Osculum C) Ostia
FAC

B) Spongocoel D) Medreporite

MDCAT SUPPLEMENT 31
Topic–5 Variety of Life

Q.12 All of the following coelenterates show alternation of generation except:

A) Hydra C) Obelia

IAL
B) Aurelia D) Valella
Q.13 All of the following are true for platyhelminthes except:
A) Flatwroms C) Triploblastic

FFIC
B) Coelomate D) Bilateral symmetry
Q.14 Excretory system of platyhelminthes consists of:
A) Nephridia C) Flame cells
B) Malpighian tubules D) Nephrons

DY O
Q.15 Pseudocoelom is character of:
A) Coelenterates C) Platyhelminthes
B) Aschelminthes D) Annelids
Q.16 _____ are the first group of invertebrates which have developed a closed circulatory

U
system.
A) Nematods
B) Arthropods TST
Q.17 Placental mammals are also called as:
C) Annelids
D) Molluscs
DCA
A) Prototherians B) Mesotherians
C) Metatherians D) Eutherians
Q.18 Teeth in birds have been replaced by:
A) Beek B) Gizzard
M/M

C) Stomach D) Cloaca
Q.19 These are an-amniotes:
A) Amphibians B) Birds
C) Reptiles D) Mammals
CO

Q.20 Paired appendages are absent in:

A) Cyclostomata B) Osteichthyes
OK.

C) Chondrichthyes D) Aves
EBO
FAC

MDCAT SUPPLEMENT 32
 ANSWER KEY (BIOLOGY)

IAL
Topic -1 (The Cell)
1 A 2 C 3 A 4 C 5 B 6 B
Topic -2 (Biological Molecules)

FFIC
1 B 2 C 3 C 4 C 5 A
Topic -3 (Chromosomes and DNA)
1 D 2 C 3 C 4 A

DY O
Topic -5 (Variety of Life)
Protista
1 A 11 D 21 D
2 D 12 D 22 B
3 D 13 A 23 C

U
4 C 14 C 24 D
5 C 15 A 25 C

TST
6 C 16 A 26 C
7 C 17 D 27 B
8 A 18 D 28 B
DCA
9 A 19 C 29 B
10 C 20 D
Fungi
1 D 11 A
2 A 12 D
M/M

3 C 13 A
4 B
5 B
6 B
7 B
CO

8 B
9 C
10 D
OK.

Plantae
1 D 11 A 21 A
2 A 12 A 22 C
EBO

3 A 13 A 23 D
4 C 14 B 24 C
5 A 15 B 25 B
6 B 16 B 26 B
FAC

7 B 17 B 27 A
8 D 18 C 28 C
9 D 19 B 29 B
10 C 20 B 30 A

MDCAT SUPPLEMENT 42
 ANSWER KEY (BIOLOGY)

Animalia
1 B 11 A

IAL
2 C 12 A
3 C 13 B
4 C 14 C

FFIC
5 A 15 B
6 B 16 C
7 B 17 D
8 D 18 B
9 C 19 A

DY O
10 C 20 A
Topic -8 (Transport in Plants)
1 A 11 C
2 C 12 B
3 A

U
4 C
5 C
6 A
7 B
8 C
TST
DCA
9 C
10 B
Topic -13 (Communication)
1 D 11 A
M/M

2 C 12 C
3 B
4 A
5 D
6 A
CO

7 C
8 D
9 C
OK.

10 A

Topic -15 (Genetics)

1 D
EBO

2 B
3 D
4 A
5 A
FAC

MDCAT SUPPLEMENT 43