The Living World Class 11 – Important Questions, Notes & Mind Map

The Living World Class 11 – Important Questions, Notes & Mind Map

“The Living World” is the first chapter of Class 11 Biology and forms the foundation for understanding the diversity of life on Earth. This chapter introduces key concepts such as biodiversity, classification, nomenclature, taxonomy, and systematics. Whether you’re preparing for your school exams or competitive tests like NEET, this guide provides you with well-structured notes, important questions, and a clear mind map to help you grasp the chapter quickly and effectively. Explore all the essential topics, including binomial nomenclature, scientific naming rules, and the scope of systematics—all in one place!”

NCERT BIOLOGY TEXTBOOK

Topic 1.1 : DIVERSITY IN THE LIVING WORLD

NCERT BIOLOGY TEXTBOOK

 Topic 1.1 : DIVERSITY IN THE LIVING WORLD

Topicwise all possible question and answer

1. VERY SHORT ANSWER / ONE WORD QUESTIONS
  1. What is the process of naming living organisms called?
    Ans: Nomenclature
  2. Who proposed the binomial nomenclature system?
    Ans: Carolus Linnaeus
  3. What does “ICBN” stand for?
    Ans: International Code for Botanical Nomenclature
  4. What does “ICZN” stand for?
    Ans: International Code of Zoological Nomenclature
  5. What are the two parts of a binomial name?
    Ans: Generic name and specific epithet
  6. What is the scientific name of mango?
    Ans: Mangifera indica
  7. What is the Latin word from which “Systematics” is derived?
    Ans: Systema
  8. What term refers to the number and variety of species present on earth?
    Ans: Biodiversity
  9. What does the abbreviation “Linn.” indicate in a biological name?
    Ans: That the species was first described by Linnaeus.
  10. What is classification?
    Ans: The process of grouping organisms into categories based on observable characteristics.
  11. Define ‘taxa’.
    Ans: Taxa are categories used in the classification of organisms at various levels.
  12. What is taxonomy?
    Ans: The science of identification, classification, nomenclature, and characterisation of organisms.
  13. What is the basis of modern taxonomic studies?
    Ans: External and internal structure, cell structure, developmental processes, and ecological information.
2. SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
  1. Why is there a need for scientific names of organisms?
    Because local names vary from place to place, leading to confusion. Scientific names are standardized and recognized globally.
  2. What are the rules of binomial nomenclature?
    • Names are in Latin and italicized (or underlined when handwritten)
    • First word is the genus, starts with a capital letter
    • Second word is the species, starts with a small letter
    • Author’s name appears after the species name
  3. What is taxonomy?
    Taxonomy is the science of naming, describing, and classifying organisms, including all plants, animals, and microorganisms.
  4. Differentiate between identification and classification.
    • Identification is recognizing and assigning a known name to an organism
    • Classification is grouping organisms based on observable traits
  5. What is a taxa? Give examples.
    A taxa is a unit of classification. Examples: animals, mammals, dogs, wheat, rice.
  6. Define systematics.
    Systematics is the study of the diversity of organisms and their evolutionary relationships.
  7. Why is classification important in biology?
    It helps organize and understand the diversity of life and enables easier study and communication among scientists.
  8. Why is classification important in biology?
    Ans: Classification helps in organizing vast biological diversity into manageable categories, making it easier to study and understand organisms.
  9. Give examples to show how different taxa exist at different levels.
    Ans:
    • ‘Animals’ is a higher-level taxa.
    • ‘Mammals’ is a subcategory of animals.
    • ‘Dogs’ is a subcategory of mammals.
      Each level represents a taxon with shared characteristics.
  10. Differentiate between taxonomy and systematics.
    Ans: Taxonomy deals with identification, classification, nomenclature, and characterization of organisms. Systematics includes taxonomy and also considers evolutionary relationships between organisms.
3. LONG ANSWER / DESCRIPTIVE QUESTIONS
  1. Explain binomial nomenclature with an example and its rules.
    • Introduced by Linnaeus
    • Two-part Latin name: Genus + species
    • Example: Mangifera indica
    • Follow rules of italics, capitalization, and authorship
    • Ensures uniform naming worldwide
  2. Describe the importance of identification, classification, and nomenclature in taxonomy.
    • Identification: Finding the correct name based on features
    • Classification: Grouping based on similarities
    • Nomenclature: Standardized naming
    • Together, they help catalog biodiversity systematically
  3. What is biodiversity? How many species have been identified? What does it indicate?
    • Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth
    • About 1.7–1.8 million species identified
    • Indicates the richness and complexity of life forms
  4. Explain the evolution and scope of systematics.
    • Initially based on usage (food, shelter, etc.)
    • Now includes taxonomy and evolutionary relationships
    • Derived from Latin “Systema”
    • Modern systematics involves molecular, anatomical, and ecological data

5.Explain the terms characterization, identification, classification, and nomenclature in relation to taxonomy.
Ans:

  • Characterisation: Observing features of an organism.
  • Identification: Finding the correct name based on characteristics.
  • Classification: Grouping organisms based on similarities.
  • Nomenclature: Giving a scientific name following universal rules.
    These are interrelated and fundamental to the study of taxonomy.

6.Describe the role and evolution of systematics in biology.
Ans:

  • Origin: Systematics comes from the Latin word “systema”, meaning a systematic arrangement.
  • Linnaeus: Used “Systema Naturae” to classify organisms.
  • Modern View: Includes taxonomy and evolutionary relationships among organisms, using morphological, cellular, developmental, and ecological data.

7.How does classification help in studying biodiversity? Illustrate with examples.
Ans:
Classification allows grouping of diverse organisms (e.g., cats, dogs, mammals) for easier study. By categorizing, we understand similarities, differences, and evolutionary lineage, which is essential given the vast number of species (about 1.7–1.8 million known).

4. OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS (MCQs)
  1. The scientific name of mango is:
    A) Mangifera indica
    B) Mangifera Mango
    C) Indica mangifera
    D) Mango indica
    Ans: A
  2. The term “Systematics” was first used by:
    A) Aristotle
    B) Linnaeus
    C) Darwin
    D) Haeckel
    Ans: B
  3. Which of the following is not a rule of binomial nomenclature?
    A) Names must be in English
    B) Genus starts with a capital letter
    C) Names are italicized
    D) Written in Latin
    Ans: A
  4. Which code governs the naming of animals?
    A) ICBN
    B) ICZN
    C) ICUN
    D) WHO
    Ans: B
  5. A category of classification is called:
    A) Type
    B) Order
    C) Taxa
    D) Class
    Ans: C

6. The abbreviation “Linn.” at the end of a scientific name refers to:
A) Scientist who classified it
B) Place of discovery
C) Local name
D) Evolutionary stage
Ans: A

7.Which of the following is not part of taxonomy?
A) Identification
B) Nomenclature
C) Photosynthesis
D) Classification
Ans: C

8. The modern taxonomic studies include all of the following except:
A) Cell structure
B) Ecological information
C) Economic importance
D) Developmental processes
Ans: C

9.The term “Systematics” was first used in a book titled:
A) Origin of Species
B) Systema Naturae
C) Natural History
D) Historia Animalium
Ans: B

The Living World Class 11 – Important Questions, Notes & Mind Map

Topic 1.2 TAXONOMIC CATEGORIES

topic 1.2 TAXONOMIC CATEGORIES
VERY SHORT ANSWER / ONE MARK QUESTIONS
  1. What is a taxon?
    Ans: A taxon is a unit of classification that represents a specific rank or category in the taxonomic hierarchy.
  2. What is the lowest category in the taxonomic hierarchy?
    Ans: Species.
  3. What is a taxonomic category?
    Ans: A taxonomic category is a rank or level in the classification hierarchy, such as kingdom, phylum, class, order, etc.
  4. Give one feature common to all insects.
    Ans: Insects have three pairs of jointed legs.
  5. Which term is used for the sequence of categories in classification?
    Ans: Taxonomic hierarchy.
  6. What is the scientific name of human beings? Ans: Homo sapiens
  7. What does the word ‘sapiens’ represent in Homo sapiens? Ans: It represents the specific epithet (species).
  8. Give one example of a genus that includes more than one species. Ans: Panthera (e.g., Panthera leo, Panthera tigris)
  9. What is the genus of potato? Ans: Solanum
  10. Give one example of a genus that includes both potato and brinjal.
    Ans: Solanum
  11. To which genus does lion belong?
    Ans: Panthera
  12. What is the genus name of domestic cats?
    Ans: Felis
  13. Give an example of a plant family that includes the genera Solanum, Petunia, and Datura.
    Ans: Solanaceae
  14. Name the family to which the genera Panthera and Felis belong.
    Ans: Felidae
  15. To which family does a dog belong?
    Ans: Canidae
  16. What taxonomic category includes related families? Ans: Order
  17. .Give an example of an animal order that includes Felidae and Canidae. Ans: Carnivora
  18. Why is the category ‘Kingdom’ considered the highest in the taxonomic hierarchy?
    Ans:
    Kingdom is the highest taxonomic category because it includes the largest group of organisms that share only very basic characteristics. It is a broad classification encompassing all organisms with fundamental similarities, such as all animals in Kingdom Animalia and all plants in Kingdom Plantae.
  19. Differentiate between Kingdom Animalia and Kingdom Plantae.
    Ans:
    • Kingdom Animalia: Includes multicellular, heterotrophic organisms that lack cell walls and usually show locomotion.
    • Kingdom Plantae: Includes multicellular, autotrophic organisms that have cell walls made of cellulose and carry out photosynthesis.
  20. Why does classification become more complex at higher taxonomic categories?
    Ans:
    As we go higher from species to kingdom, the number of common characteristics decreases, and it becomes more difficult to determine the relationships among organisms at the same taxonomic level, making classification more complex.
  21. Name any two plant families included in the order Polymoniales. Ans: Convolvulaceae and Solanaceae
  22. What taxonomic category includes related orders?
    Ans: Class
  23. Name the class that includes both Primata and Carnivora.
    Ans: Mammalia
  24. Give an example of an order included in class Mammalia.
    Ans: Primata or Carnivora
  25. Which is the next higher category above class in animal taxonomy?
    Ans: Phylum
  26. What is the equivalent of ‘Phylum’ in plant taxonomy?
    Ans: Division
  27. Name the phylum that includes animals like fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
    Ans: Chordata
  28. What is the highest category in the taxonomic hierarchy?
    Ans: Kingdom
  29. Name the two major kingdoms in the classification system of living organisms.
    Ans: Kingdom Animalia and Kingdom Plantae
  30. Do the number of common characteristics increase or decrease as we go higher in taxonomic hierarchy?
    Ans: Decrease

The Living World Class 11 – Important Questions, Notes & Mind Map

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (2–3 Marks)
  1. Why is classification considered a hierarchical process?
    Ans: Classification involves multiple levels or ranks, where each level represents a broader or more specific group. These ranks form a hierarchy, known as the taxonomic hierarchy, from kingdom down to species.
  2. List the main taxonomic categories used in biological classification.
    Ans: The main categories are:
    • Kingdom
    • Phylum (or Division in plants)
    • Class
    • Order
    • Family
    • Genus
    • Species
  3. How does knowledge of an organism’s characteristics help in classification?
    Ans: By understanding the morphological and anatomical features of organisms, scientists can identify similarities and differences, which helps in placing the organisms in appropriate taxonomic categories.
  4. Differentiate between ‘taxon’ and ‘category’.
    Ans:
    • Taxon refers to the actual biological group (e.g., Mammalia, Insecta).
    • Category refers to the rank or level in the hierarchy (e.g., Class, Order, Family).
  5. Define species according to taxonomic studies.
    Ans: In taxonomy, a species is defined as a group of individual organisms that have fundamental similarities and can be distinguished from other closely related species by distinct morphological characteristics.
  6. Differentiate between genus and species with examples.
    Ans:
    • Species is the lowest taxonomic category, representing individual organisms with similar features (e.g., sapiens in Homo sapiens).
    • Genus is a higher taxonomic category that includes one or more species with structural similarities (e.g., Homo in Homo sapiens, which also includes Homo erectus).
  7. Give scientific names for the following organisms and identify their genus and species:
    • Mango
    • Lion
      Ans:
    • Mango: Mangifera indica → Genus: Mangifera, Species: indica
    • Lion: Panthera leo → Genus: Panthera, Species: leo
  8. Define genus with an example. Ans: A genus is a taxonomic category that includes a group of related species which have more characteristics in common among themselves than with species of other genera Example: Panthera includes Panthera leo (lion), Panthera pardus (leopard), and Panthera tigris (tiger).
  9. Differentiate between the genera Panthera and Felis. Ans:
  • Panthera includes large wild cats like lions, leopards, and tigers, which have a roaring ability and larger body sizes.
  • Felis includes smaller cats like domestic cats and wildcats, generally lacking the ability to roar.

10..Name two species under the genus Solanum.
Ans: Solanum tuberosum (potato) and Solanum melongena (brinjal).

11.Define the taxonomic category ‘Family’ with one plant and one animal example.
Ans:
A family is a group of related genera that share fewer similarities compared to genus and species.

  • In plants, genera Solanum, Petunia, and Datura belong to the family Solanaceae.
  • In animals, genera Panthera (lion, tiger, leopard) and Felis (cats) are placed in the family Felidae.

12.Why are cat and dog placed in different families even though they show some similarities?
Ans:
Despite some similar features, cats and dogs have distinct differences in structure and behavior. These differences are significant enough to place them in separate families — cats in Felidae and dogs in Canidae.

13.Define ‘Order’ as a taxonomic category.
Ans:
Order is a higher taxonomic category that includes a group of related families sharing a few similar characters. The number of similar characters is less than in genera of a family, but enough to group them under one order.

14.Differentiate between Family and Order with examples.
Ans:

  • Family is a group of related genera (e.g., Felidae includes Panthera and Felis).
  • Order is a group of related families (e.g., Carnivora includes Felidae and Canidae).
    Thus, order ranks higher than family in the taxonomic hierarchy.

15.Define the term ‘Class’ in taxonomy.
Ans:
In taxonomy, Class is a taxonomic category that includes a group of related orders. It is ranked above order and below phylum. Members of a class share several common features.

16.Give two examples of animal orders that belong to class Mammalia.
Ans:

  • Primata – includes monkey, gorilla, gibbon
  • Carnivora – includes tiger, cat, dog

17.Differentiate between Order and Class with suitable examples.
Ans:

  • Order is a group of related families (e.g., Carnivora includes Felidae and Canidae).
  • Class is a group of related orders (e.g., Mammalia includes Primata and Carnivora).
    So, Class is a higher rank than Order.

    18.Define the term ‘Phylum’.
    Ans:
    A Phylum is a taxonomic category that includes related classes of animals sharing fundamental structural features. It ranks above class and below kingdom.

    19.Give two characteristics of animals placed in phylum Chordata.
    Ans:

    • Presence of notochord (a flexible rod-like structure)
    • Dorsal hollow neural system (nerve cord running along the back)

    20.Differentiate between Phylum and Division.
    Ans:

    • Phylum is used in the classification of animals.
    • Division is the equivalent term used for plants.
      Both represent a category above Class in the taxonomic hierarchy.

    Read also : click here

    LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS (5 Marks)
    1. Explain the concept of taxonomic hierarchy with an example.
      Ans:
      Taxonomic hierarchy is a systematic arrangement of taxonomic categories in a definite sequence. It ranges from the highest rank (kingdom) to the lowest (species). For example, the classification of a housefly:
      • Kingdom: Animalia
      • Phylum: Arthropoda
      • Class: Insecta
      • Order: Diptera
      • Family: Muscidae
      • Genus: Musca
      • Species: Musca domestica
        Each level is a taxonomic category or taxon, representing a group of organisms sharing common features.
    2. Describe how organisms are placed into taxonomic categories.
      Ans:
      Organisms are placed into categories based on their similarities and differences in structure, function, and other characteristics. Taxonomists study features such as body organization, cell structure, mode of reproduction, and evolutionary relationships. Based on this, they classify organisms into a hierarchy of categories—kingdom, phylum, class, etc.—ending with species.
    3. Explain the relationship between genus and species using suitable examples.
      Ans:
      In biological classification, species is the most specific category and represents organisms that can interbreed and share common features. A genus is a higher category that groups together species which are structurally or morphologically similar. For example:
      • Panthera is a genus that includes Panthera leo (lion) and Panthera tigris (tiger), showing similarities in their features but being different species.
      • Solanum is a genus including Solanum tuberosum (potato) and Solanum nigrum (black nightshade), which share structural traits but are different species.
        The naming system follows binomial nomenclature, where the genus name is capitalised and comes first, followed by the species name in lowercase. Example: Homo sapiens.
    4. Explain the concept of genus and how it helps in biological classification. Give examples. Ans: In taxonomy, a genus is a higher taxonomic category than species and consists of closely related species that share structural and functional similarities. Grouping organisms into genera helps in systematically categorizing biodiversity and identifying relationships among organisms Examples:
    • The genus Solanum includes Solanum tuberosum (potato) and Solanum melongena (brinjal), which share several morphological traits.
    • The genus Panthera includes Panthera leo (lion), Panthera pardus (leopard), and Panthera tigris (tiger), all of which are large wild cats with common physical features.
      These genera differ from others like Felis, which includes smaller cats.

    5.Explain the significance of the taxonomic category ‘Family’ with examples from both the plant and animal kingdoms.
    Ans:
    The Family is an important taxonomic rank that helps group related genera based on vegetative and reproductive features (in plants) and morphological and physiological similarities (in animals).

    • In the plant kingdom, the family Solanaceae includes genera like Solanum, Petunia, and Datura that share floral characteristics.
    • In the animal kingdom, the family Felidae includes the genera Panthera (lion, tiger, leopard) and Felis (domestic cats).
    • Although cats and dogs share some similarities, they belong to different familiesFelidae and Canidae – due to distinct anatomical and behavioral traits.
      Thus, the category “family” helps in scientifically grouping organisms for easier study and comparison.

    6.Explain the taxonomic category ‘Order’ with examples from both plants and animals.
    Ans:
    Order is a taxonomic rank higher than family and is based on the aggregate of characters shared by different families.

    • In plants, families like Convolvulaceae and Solanaceae are grouped under the order Polymoniales based on floral characteristics.
    • In animals, families like Felidae (cats, lions, tigers) and Canidae (dogs, wolves) are grouped under the order Carnivora, based on shared features like sharp teeth and carnivorous habits.
      Though families within an order may differ significantly, they still share enough similarities to be grouped together. This classification helps organize biological diversity in a hierarchical manner

    7.Explain the category ‘Class’ with reference to both Primata and Carnivora.
    Ans:
    The Class is a higher taxonomic category that includes related orders. For example,

    • Order Primata includes monkeys, gorillas, and gibbons.
    • Order Carnivora includes carnivorous animals such as tigers, cats, and dogs.
      Both these orders are included in the Class Mammalia, which is characterized by features like mammary glands, hair on the body, and viviparous reproduction.
      Thus, class groups together multiple orders that share a broader set of characteristics, helping in the systematic classification of organisms.

    8.Explain the concept of ‘Phylum’ with an example. Also state how it differs in plants.
    Ans:
    In biological classification, Phylum is a taxonomic rank above Class. It includes organisms with similar fundamental body structures.
    For example, all animals like fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals are placed under phylum Chordata, as they all show characteristics such as:

    • Presence of a notochord Dorsal hollow neural system
    In plants, the equivalent rank is called a Division, which groups together classes based on vegetative and reproductive features.
    Hence, while animals are grouped under phylum, plants use division as a higher classification level above class.

      9.Describe the significance of the taxonomic category ‘Kingdom’ and explain how complexity increases as we move up the hierarchy.
      Ans:
      The category Kingdom is the broadest taxonomic rank, encompassing all living organisms that share only fundamental traits.

      • Kingdom Animalia includes all animals across various phyla.
      • Kingdom Plantae includes all plants from multiple divisions.

      In the taxonomic hierarchy (Species → Genus → Family → Order → Class → Phylum/Division → Kingdom), the number of shared characteristics decreases as we move upward.
      For example, members of the same species have a high degree of similarity, while organisms of the same kingdom may only share basic features (like being multicellular).

      This makes classification at higher levels more challenging and complex, as relationships among diverse organisms are harder to define.

       Organisms with their Taxonomic Categories
      MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)
      1. Which of the following is the correct sequence of taxonomic categories from higher to lower rank?
        A) Species → Genus → Order → Class
        B) Kingdom → Class → Family → Species
        C) Class → Kingdom → Genus → Order
        D) Phylum → Kingdom → Order → Genus
        Ans: B
      2. What is meant by taxonomic hierarchy?
        A) A classification method based on habitat
        B) Step-by-step ranking of organisms
        C) A system of naming organisms
        D) Evolutionary study of organisms
        Ans: B
      3. Which of the following organisms share the feature of three pairs of jointed legs?
        A) Reptiles
        B) Amphibians
        C) Insects
        D) Mammals
        Ans: C
      4. In the scientific name Solanum tuberosum, what does ‘Solanum’ represent?
        A) Species
        B) Genus
        C) Family
        D) Order
        Ans: B
      5. Which of the following sets contains only genus names?
        A) indica, tuberosum, leo
        B) Solanum, Panthera, Homo
        C) sapiens, tigris, nigrum
        D) Animalia, Chordata, Mammalia
        Ans: B
      6. Which of the following organisms belong to the genus Panthera?
        A) Lion and Tiger
        B) Lion and Leopard
        C) Tiger and Cheetah
        D) Lion and Human
        Ans: A

      7.Which of the following organisms belongs to the genus Felis?
      A) Leopard
      B) Lion
      C) Domestic Cat
      D) Tiger
      Ans: C

      8.Potato and brinjal belong to the same:
      A) Species
      B) Genus
      C) Family
      D) Order
      Ans: B

      9.Which of the following is not a member of the genus Panthera?
      A) Tiger
      B) Lion
      C) Leopard
      D) Cat
      Ans: D

      EXERCISES Solution

      EXERCISES Solution
      1. Why are living organisms classified?

      Ans:
      Living organisms are classified to:

      • Organize and simplify the study of the immense diversity of life.
      • Understand evolutionary relationships among organisms.
      • Identify organisms accurately and assign them universally accepted names.
      • Predict characteristics of organisms based on their groupings.

      2. Why are the classification systems changing every now and then?

      Ans:
      Classification systems keep changing due to:

      • New discoveries and advancements in scientific tools and techniques.
      • Better understanding of genetics, molecular biology, and evolutionary relationships.
      • Inclusion of microscopic organisms and fossil records.
      • Revisions based on DNA sequencing and biochemical analysis.

      3. What different criteria would you choose to classify people that you meet often?

      Ans:
      People can be classified based on several criteria such as:

      • Physical traits: Height, complexion, hair color.
      • Profession: Doctor, teacher, engineer.
      • Gender: Male, female, others.
      • Age group: Child, adult, elderly.
      • Region/language: Hindi-speaking, Bengali-speaking, etc.

      4. What do we learn from identification of individuals and populations?

      Ans:
      Identification helps in:

      • Understanding biodiversity and the role of organisms in ecosystems.
      • Knowing the distribution and population structure of species.
      • Assessing endangered species and planning for their conservation.
      • Studying evolutionary relationships and ecological interactions.

      5. Given below is the scientific name of Mango. Identify the correctly written name.
      • Mangifera Indica
      • Mangifera indica(Correct)
        Ans:
        The correct form is Mangifera indica.
        Reason: In binomial nomenclature:
      • The genus name (Mangifera) starts with a capital letter.
      • The species name (indica) is in lowercase.
      • The name is italicized (or underlined when handwritten).

      6. Define a taxon. Give some examples of taxa at different hierarchical levels.

      Ans:
      A taxon is any unit or category used in classification of organisms.
      Examples of taxa:

      • Species: Homo sapiens
      • Genus: Panthera
      • Family: Felidae
      • Order: Carnivora
      • Class: Mammalia
      • Phylum: Chordata
      • Kingdom: Animalia

      7. Can you identify the correct sequence of taxonomical categories?

      Options:
      (a) Species → Order → Phylum → Kingdom
      (b) Genus → Species → Order → Kingdom
      (c) Species → Genus → Order → Phylum ✅ (Correct)
      Ans:
      Correct sequence:
      Species → Genus → Family → Order → Class → Phylum → Kingdom


      8. Try to collect all the currently accepted meanings for the word ‘species’. Discuss with your teacher the meaning of species in case of higher plants and animals on one hand, and bacteria on the other hand.

      Ans:
      Species is the basic unit of classification, defined as a group of similar organisms that can:

      • Interbreed naturally and produce fertile offspring (in higher plants and animals).
      • In bacteria, species are defined based on genetic similarity and biochemical properties, since they reproduce asexually.

      9. Define and understand the following terms:
      (i) Phylum

      A group of related classes.
      E.g., Chordata includes classes like Mammalia, Reptilia, Amphibia.

      (ii) Class

      A group of related orders.
      E.g., Mammalia includes orders like Primates and Carnivora.

      (iii) Family

      A group of related genera.
      E.g., Felidae includes Panthera (lion, tiger) and Felis (cats).

      (iv) Order

      A group of related families.
      E.g., Carnivora includes families like Felidae and Canidae.

      (v) Genus

      A group of related species.
      E.g., Panthera includes species like P. leo (lion) and P. tigris (tiger).


      10. Illustrate the taxonomical hierarchy with suitable examples of a plant and an animal.
      Plant Example – Wheat (Triticum aestivum)
      Taxonomic CategoryName
      KingdomPlantae
      DivisionAngiospermae
      ClassMonocotyledonae
      OrderPoales
      FamilyPoaceae
      GenusTriticum
      SpeciesTriticum aestivum
      resource : https://ncert.nic.in/
      Animal Example – Human (Homo sapiens)
      Taxonomic CategoryName
      KingdomAnimalia
      PhylumChordata
      ClassMammalia
      OrderPrimates
      FamilyHominidae
      GenusHomo
      SpeciesHomo sapiens
      resource : https://ncert.nic.in/

      Mind Map: The Living World

      Mind Map: The Living World
      🌱 1. What is ‘Living’?
      • Growth
      • Reproduction
      • Metabolism
      • Consciousness
      • Cellular organization
      • Self-replication and self-regulation

      🧬 2. Characteristics of Living Organisms

      • Growth – increase in mass and number of cells
      • Reproduction – production of progeny
      • Metabolism – all chemical reactions in a body
      • Cellular Organization – all living beings are made up of cells
      • Consciousness – response to stimuli (unique to living organisms)
      • Homeostasis – internal stability

      🔍 3. Diversity in the Living World

      • ~1.7–1.8 million known species
      • Millions still undiscovered
      • Need for classification to handle biodiversity

      📚 4. Taxonomy

      • Definition: Science of identification, nomenclature, and classification
      • Father of Taxonomy: Carolus Linnaeus
      • Sub-branches:
        • Alpha taxonomy – description
        • Beta taxonomy – arrangement
        • Omega taxonomy – evolutionary relationships

      🏷️ 5. Nomenclature

      • Binomial Nomenclature (Linnaeus)
        • Genus + Species
        • Example: Homo sapiens, Mangifera indica
      • Rules by ICZN (animals) & ICBN (plants)

      🧱 6. Taxonomic Categories (Ranks)

      • Species (basic unit)
      • Genus
      • Family
      • Order
      • Class
      • Phylum/Division
      • Kingdom

      🔺 Hierarchy (Lowest to Highest)
      Species → Genus → Family → Order → Class → Phylum/Division → Kingdom

      🟢 Example (Animal – Human):
      Homo sapiensHomo → Hominidae → Primates → Mammalia → Chordata → Animalia

      🟢 Example (Plant – Mango):
      Mangifera indicaMangifera → Anacardiaceae → Sapindales → Dicotyledonae → Angiospermae → Plantae


      🧰 7. Tools for Study

      • Herbarium – Dried plant specimens
      • Botanical Garden
      • Museum
      • Zoological Parks
      • Keys – For identification
      • Flora, Manuals, Monographs, Catalogues

      🧪 8. Importance of Taxonomy

      • Identifying species
      • Understanding biodiversity
      • Conservation and environmental studies
      • Agriculture, forestry, industry