Prepare for NEET Biology Diversity in Living World with MCQs & PYQs on NEET.GUIDE. Access free practice, previous year questions, and expert notes to master classification and taxonomy.
A scientist discovers a novel entity exhibiting complex organic molecules, compartmentalization, and energy transformation. However, it lacks a definitive cellular structure and doesn't demonstrate heritability. Which characteristic of life is MOST definitively absent in this entity?
Metabolism
Reproduction and growth
Adaptation
Response to stimuli
Consider a theoretical organism that utilizes silicon as its primary structural element instead of carbon. Assuming all other characteristics of life are present, which fundamental biological process would be MOST significantly challenged by this substitution?
Cellular respiration
Formation of complex, stable biomolecules
Active transport across membranes
Photosynthesis
A researcher observes an isolated system containing complex organic molecules undergoing spontaneous self-assembly into membrane-bound structures. These structures exhibit rudimentary metabolism but no reproduction or heritability. Which characteristic of life is the MOST significant barrier preventing these structures from being classified as living organisms?
Metabolism
Cellular organization
Reproduction and growth
Adaptation
Viruses exhibit characteristics of both living and non-living entities. Which of the following properties of viruses MOST strongly supports the argument AGAINST their classification as living organisms?
Presence of genetic material (DNA or RNA)
Ability to evolve and adapt to their environment
Inability to reproduce independently outside a host cell
Specific interaction with host cells
A newly discovered organism exhibits radial symmetry in its larval stage but bilateral symmetry as an adult. Its body cavity is formed by splitting of the mesoderm. It possesses a water vascular system. To which phylum does this organism MOST likely belong?
Echinodermata
Chordata
Cnidaria
Annelida
Certain members of the kingdom Protista exhibit characteristics of both plants and animals. Which of the following combinations correctly identifies a protist with plant-like and animal-like features, respectively?
Diatoms (plant-like: cell wall of silica); Paramecium (animal-like: cilia for movement)
Euglena (plant-like: photosynthetic); Amoeba (animal-like: heterotrophic by phagocytosis)
Slime molds (plant-like: saprophytic); Dinoflagellates (animal-like: bioluminescence)
Amoeba (plant-like: pseudopodia); Paramecium (animal-like: heterotrophic)
While creating a phylogenetic tree for a genus of insects, a taxonomist finds conflicting information between a recently published monograph and a classical museum catalogue. Which resource should be prioritized and why?
The museum catalogue, due to its historical precedence and established nomenclature.
The monograph, as it likely incorporates newer molecular data and revised classifications.
Equal weight to both, synthesizing the information.
Neither, consult a field guide for practical identification.
A researcher is studying the biodiversity of a remote rainforest. Which combination of taxonomical aids would be MOST effective for on-site species identification and documentation?
Monograph, Key, and Preserved specimens
Flora, Catalogue, and Zoological park access
Manual, Key, and Herbarium sheets
Treatise, Monograph, and Botanical garden access
You discover an unusual marine organism. To determine its taxonomic classification, you consult a key, but it leads to conflicting results with a previously published monograph. Assuming both resources are reliable within their scope, what is the MOST likely explanation for the discrepancy?
The key is outdated and needs revision.
The monograph is too specialized and overlooks common variations.
The organism may represent a newly discovered species or a variant not yet documented in the monograph.
There's a fundamental error in the taxonomic system itself.
