NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 1 The Living World
Here are the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 1 The Living World.
Q.1 Why are living organisms classified?
Solution: Living organisms are classified to standardize their identification and study. With millions of organisms on Earth, local names differ, causing confusion. By classifying organisms according to their roles, scientists use a universal naming system that ensures accuracy and consistency in understanding.
Q.2. Why are classification systems changing?
Solution: Classification systems evolve as scientific knowledge advances. Initially, classification focused on habitat and behavior, but over time, other factors like morphology, embryology, phylogeny, and cytology have been considered. Today, biochemical techniques based on nucleic acids are used to classify organisms.
Q.3. What different criteria would you choose to classify people you meet often?
Solution: When classifying people, common criteria include gender, skin color, education, career, hobbies, and personality traits.
Q.4. What do we learn from identifying individuals and populations?
Solution: Identification helps us understand characteristics like sex, skin color, place of origin, language, food habits, religion, and social identity.
Q.5. Given below is the scientific name of Mango. Identify the correctly written name. Mangifera Indica or Mangifera indica?
Solution: The correct scientific name is
Mangifera indica , where
Mangifera is the genus name and
indica is the species name, always written in lowercase.
Q.6. Define a taxon. Give some examples of taxa at different hierarchical levels.
Solution: A taxon is a level in the hierarchical classification system. Examples of taxa at different levels include: (i) Kingdom (ii) Phylum (iii) Class (iv) Order (v) Family (vi) Genus (vii) Species
Q.7. Can you identify the correct sequence of taxonomical categories?
Solution: The correct sequence of taxonomical categories is (c)
Species, Genus, Order, Phylum .
Q.8. What do you understand by the term ‘species’? Discuss its meaning in higher plants, animals, and bacteria.
Solution: Species refers to a group of organisms with similar characteristics. In higher plants and animals, reproductive isolation helps define species, while in bacteria, genetic information is used to classify species due to the inability to use reproduction as a criterion.
Q.9. Define and understand the following terms.
(i)
Phylum : A taxonomical rank below Kingdom and above Class. It includes organisms sharing common characteristics. (ii)
Class : A group of orders with similar characteristics, classified below Phylum and above Order. (iii)
Family : A category below Order and above Genus, grouping closely related genera. (iv)
Order : A group of families with some shared characteristics. (v)
Genus : A group of related species with more similarities than those within different genera.
Q.10. How is a key helpful in the identification and classification of an organism?
Solution: A key helps classify organisms by comparing two contrasting characteristics. This method narrows down possibilities and is useful for identifying specific species, genera, or families.
Q.11. Illustrate the taxonomical hierarchy with suitable examples of a plant and an animal.
Solution: Here is an example of the taxonomical hierarchy for wheat (a plant) and humans (an animal):
Taxonomic Category |
Wheat |
Human |
Kingdom |
Plantae |
Animalia |
Phylum/Division |
Angiospermae |
Chordata |
Class |
Monocotylydonae |
Mammalia |
Order |
Poales |
Primata |
Family |
Poaceae |
Homonidae |
Genus |
Triticum |
Homo |
Species |
aestivum |
sapiens |
Benefits of Solving NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 1
- Clarifies Key Concepts : The solutions help students understand essential concepts such as classification, taxonomic hierarchy, and the diversity of life. These concepts form the foundation for further studies in biology.
- Improves Problem-Solving Skills : By practicing the exercises in the NCERT solutions, students develop better analytical and problem-solving skills, especially in understanding scientific terminology and classification systems.
- Boosts Exam Readiness : Regularly solving the NCERT solutions aids in reinforcing knowledge, making it easier to recall important information during exams.
- Helps in Revision : The solutions cover all important topics in the chapter, making it easier for students to revise key points and definitions in a concise and structured manner.
- Builds Strong Foundation : A strong grasp of Chapter 1 concepts forms a base for understanding advanced topics in biology, particularly in areas related to taxonomy, classification, and biodiversity.
- Enhances Critical Thinking : By answering questions based on classification systems, species identification, and taxonomical hierarchy, students are encouraged to think critically and logically.
- Encourages Self-Learning : NCERT solutions are detailed and easy to follow, promoting self-study and independent learning, which is important for exam success and overall academic development.
- Better Understanding of Biological Diversity : The chapter helps students appreciate the vast diversity of life, and solving the exercises deepens their understanding of how scientists classify and categorize organisms.