Taxonomy Archives

1. What is the common name for the Asiatic wild dog that was once found a

What is the common name for the Asiatic wild dog that was once found all over the continent?

Dhole

Dachshund

Beagle

Mudhol Hound

This question was previously asked in

UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2019-20

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The common name for the Asiatic wild dog that was once found all over the continent is Dhole.

The Dhole (Cuon alpinus) is a canid native to South, Southeast, East, and Central Asia. It is also known as the Asian wild dog, Indian wild dog, whistling dog, red dog, and mountain wolf. The Dhole is a highly social animal, living in packs, and is a formidable predator.

Dholes are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, facing threats from habitat loss, depletion of prey base, competition with other predators, and persecution. Dachshund, Beagle, and Mudhol Hound are breeds of domesticated dogs and are not wild species found across the continent.

2. Lichens represent the symbiotic relationships between algae and fungi.

Lichens represent the symbiotic relationships between algae and fungi. The algae component present in lichen is best known as

mycobiont

phycobiont

prion

symbiont

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UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2024

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The correct answer is B) phycobiont.

Lichens are composite organisms resulting from the symbiotic association between a fungus and a photosynthetic partner, usually an alga or cyanobacterium. The fungal component is called the mycobiont, and the photosynthetic algal or cyanobacterial component is called the phycobiont.

In the lichen symbiosis, the fungus typically provides structure, protection, and absorbs water and minerals, while the phycobiont produces food through photosynthesis. This mutualistic relationship allows lichens to survive in harsh environments where neither partner could thrive alone. A prion is a misfolded protein that can cause disease. Symbiont is a general term for an organism involved in a symbiotic relationship.

3. In which one of the following kingdoms, would you place an organism wh

In which one of the following kingdoms, would you place an organism which is eukaryotic, multi-cellular and non-photosynthetic ?

Protista

Monera

Fungi

Animalia

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UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2022

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The question asks for a kingdom containing an organism that is eukaryotic, multi-cellular, and non-photosynthetic. Let’s examine the options based on these characteristics.

– Monera: Prokaryotic. Does not fit the ‘eukaryotic’ criterion.
– Protista: Eukaryotic, but mostly unicellular. While some multi-cellular forms exist (like some algae, which are photosynthetic) and some non-photosynthetic forms exist (like amoeba, which are unicellular), being *both* multi-cellular and non-photosynthetic is not a defining characteristic of the kingdom as a whole.
– Fungi: Eukaryotic (fits). Mostly multi-cellular (fits, except for yeasts). Non-photosynthetic (all are heterotrophic, so fits). Fungi contain organisms like mushrooms that are eukaryotic, multicellular, and non-photosynthetic.
– Animalia: Eukaryotic (fits). Multi-cellular (all are, fits perfectly). Non-photosynthetic (all are heterotrophic, fits perfectly). Animalia contain organisms like humans or insects that are eukaryotic, multicellular, and non-photosynthetic.

Both Fungi and Animalia fit the criteria of containing organisms that are eukaryotic, multicellular, and non-photosynthetic. However, all members of the Kingdom Animalia are multicellular, whereas the Kingdom Fungi includes unicellular organisms like yeasts. Given that all three criteria perfectly describe all members of the Kingdom Animalia, and multicellularity is not universal in Fungi, Animalia is a stronger fit as a kingdom primarily characterized by these features among the options, when compared to Fungi. The question asks in which kingdom *an organism* with these properties would be placed, and Animalia universally contains such organisms.

4. The kingdom Plantae as laid down by R. Whittaker comprises which of th

The kingdom Plantae as laid down by R. Whittaker comprises which of the following group of plants?

Bryophyta, Pteridophyta, Protista, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms

Thallophyta, Pteridophyta, Fungi, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms

Thallophyta, Bryophyta, Monera, Pteridophyta and Gymnosperms

Thallophyta, Bryophyta, Pteridophyta, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms

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UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2020

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The kingdom Plantae as laid down by R. Whittaker comprises Thallophyta, Bryophyta, Pteridophyta, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms.

– R.H. Whittaker proposed the five-kingdom classification system: Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.
– According to Whittaker’s system, the kingdom Plantae includes multicellular eukaryotic organisms that are autotrophic (perform photosynthesis) and have cell walls primarily made of cellulose.
– The major groups traditionally placed under Plantae in Whittaker’s system are Algae (specifically multicellular forms), Bryophytes, Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, and Angiosperms.
– The term ‘Thallophyta’ is an older classification group (or a descriptive term) that included organisms with an undifferentiated body structure (thallus), such as algae, fungi, and lichens. In Whittaker’s system, Fungi were placed in a separate kingdom, and Algae were distributed among Protista (unicellular eukaryotes) and Plantae (multicellular eukaryotes).
– Option D lists Thallophyta, Bryophyta, Pteridophyta, Gymnosperms, and Angiosperms. Given the other options include members of Monera, Protista, and Fungi (separate kingdoms), option D is the most accurate representation of the groups typically included in Whittaker’s Plantae. ‘Thallophyta’ in this context likely refers to the multicellular algae forms included in Plantae by Whittaker, such as some green algae (e.g., Spirogyra, Ulothrix) and brown/red algae.

Whittaker’s five-kingdom system was a significant step in biological classification, separating organisms based on cell structure, mode of nutrition, and ecological role. While ‘Thallophyta’ is somewhat an outdated term as a formal taxon in modern cladistics, its inclusion in Option D reflects the historical context and how these groups were often discussed under the umbrella of Plantae in earlier classification frameworks like Whittaker’s, distinguishing them from Embryophytes (Bryophytes, Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, Angiosperms).

5. Which one of the following statements is correct?

Which one of the following statements is correct?

Euplectella and Spongilla belong to different phyla of Animalia.

Sea anemone belongs to phylum Echinodermata.

Holothuria is a member of phylum Mollusca.

Scolopendra (Centipede) is a member of phylum Arthropoda.

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UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2019

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Scolopendra (Centipede) is indeed a member of the phylum Arthropoda.

Arthropoda is the largest phylum in the animal kingdom and includes insects, spiders, crustaceans, and myriapods (like centipedes and millipedes). Centipedes belong to the class Chilopoda within Arthropoda.

Let’s analyze the other options: A) Euplectella and Spongilla are both types of sponges and belong to the phylum Porifera, so they are in the same phylum. B) Sea anemones belong to the phylum Cnidaria (or Coelenterata), not Echinodermata. C) Holothuria (Sea cucumber) belongs to the phylum Echinodermata, not Mollusca.

6. Binomial nomenclature means

Binomial nomenclature means

Biological names are generally in Latin and written in italics. The first word is the genus and the second word is the species.

Biological names are generally taken from father and mother.

Biological name originates from order and genus.

Biological name originates from phylum and genus.

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UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2018

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Binomial nomenclature means Biological names are generally in Latin and written in italics. The first word is the genus and the second word is the species.

– Binomial nomenclature is a formal system of naming species of living things by giving each a name composed of two parts, both of which use Latin grammatical forms, although they can be based on words from other languages.
– The first part of the name is the genus name, and the second part is the specific epithet (often called the species name).
– The genus name is always capitalized, and the specific epithet is not.
– Both parts are italicized when printed (e.g., Homo sapiens) or underlined when handwritten.
– This system was largely standardized by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century.
– Options B, C, and D describe incorrect origins or structures for biological names.

Binomial nomenclature provides a unique and internationally recognized name for each species, avoiding confusion caused by common names which can vary regionally or for the same organism. This standardized naming system is fundamental to biological classification (taxonomy).

7. Kingdom Monera includes

Kingdom Monera includes

Euglenoids and Protozoans

Archaebacteria and Eubacteria

Fungi and Phycomycetes

Basidiomycetes and Deuteromycetes

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UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2018

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Kingdom Monera includes Archaebacteria and Eubacteria.

– The Kingdom Monera is a biological kingdom composed of prokaryotic organisms, which are single-celled organisms that lack a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
– This kingdom traditionally included all bacteria. In modern classification systems (like the three-domain system), Monera is split into two domains: Archaea (Archaebacteria) and Bacteria (Eubacteria). However, in the older five-kingdom system (Whittaker’s classification), Monera encompassed both groups.
– Euglenoids and Protozoans belong to the Kingdom Protista (unicellular eukaryotes).
– Fungi, Phycomycetes, Basidiomycetes, and Deuteromycetes belong to the Kingdom Fungi (multicellular or unicellular eukaryotes, heterotrophic).

The classification of life into kingdoms has evolved over time. The five-kingdom system (Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia) is widely taught but has been partly superseded by the three-domain system (Archaea, Bacteria, Eukarya) based on genetic analysis. Under the three-domain system, Monera as a single kingdom is obsolete, but the components (Archaea and Bacteria) align with the older Archaebacteria and Eubacteria.

8. The organisms “Cicada, Froghopper and Pond skater” are :

The organisms “Cicada, Froghopper and Pond skater” are :

Birds

Fish

Insects

Reptiles

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2024

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Cicadas, Froghoppers, and Pond skaters are all members of the class Insecta.
– Cicadas are well-known for their noisy songs and belong to the order Hemiptera.
– Froghoppers, also known as spittlebugs, are small insects belonging to the order Hemiptera, superfamily Cercopoidea.
– Pond skaters, also known as water striders, are insects in the family Gerridae, also part of the order Hemiptera, adapted to live on the surface of water.
All three are common examples of insects.

– Cicadas are insects known for sound production.
– Froghoppers are insects known for producing spittle.
– Pond skaters are insects that live on water surfaces.

The order Hemiptera includes a diverse range of insects, often characterized by having piercing-sucking mouthparts. It contains many familiar insects like true bugs, aphids, cicadas, leafhoppers, and scale insects.

9. Consider the following plants : 1. Groundnut 2. Horse-gram 3. Soyb

Consider the following plants :

1. Groundnut
2. Horse-gram
3. Soybean

How many of the above belong to the pea family ?

Only one

Only two

All three

None

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2024

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All three plants listed – Groundnut (*Arachis hypogaea*), Horse-gram (*Macrotyloma uniflorum*), and Soybean (*Glycine max*) – belong to the pea family, also known as Fabaceae or Leguminosae. Plants in this family are commonly referred to as legumes and are known for their characteristic pods and ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic relationships with bacteria in root nodules.

The Fabaceae family is one of the largest plant families and includes many economically important crops such as beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas, soybeans, peanuts, and clover.

Legumes are a valuable source of protein and fiber in human diets and play a significant role in agriculture due to nitrogen fixation, which improves soil fertility.

10. Which of the following is not a bird ?

Which of the following is not a bird ?

Golden Mahseer

Indian Nightjar

Spoonbill

White Ibis

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2022

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Golden Mahseer is not a bird.

– Golden Mahseer (Tor putitora) is a species of fish, found in the Himalayan region.
– Indian Nightjar (Caprimulgus indicus) is a species of bird.
– Spoonbill is the common name for birds in the subfamily Plataleinae, known for their distinct spatulate beaks.
– White Ibis is the common name for several species of birds in the genus Eudocimus, belonging to the family Threskiornithidae (ibises and spoonbills).

The question requires basic knowledge of common animal names and classification. Identifying the Golden Mahseer as a fish readily distinguishes it from the other options, which are all birds.