Biological Classification — Practice

Question 1

What is the basis of Whittaker's five-kingdom classification?

Accepted Answer

It is based on cell structure (prokaryotic or eukaryotic), body organisation (unicellular or multicellular), mode of nutrition (autotrophic or heterotrophic), mode of reproduction, and phylogenetic (evolutionary) relationships.

Question 2

Differentiate between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan cell wall and stain purple. Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer plus an outer membrane and stain pink.

Question 3

Why are viruses considered both living and non-living?

Accepted Answer

Outside a host they are non-living -- they can be crystallised and show no metabolism. Inside a host cell they are living -- they reproduce, mutate, and evolve using the host's machinery.

Question 4

What are lichens, and why are they indicators of air pollution?

Accepted Answer

Lichens are symbiotic associations of a fungus (mycobiont) and an alga (phycobiont). They absorb nutrients and water directly from the air, making them very sensitive to pollutants like SO2, so they die in polluted areas and serve as pollution indicators.

Question 5

Name the four classes of fungi with one example each.

Accepted Answer

Phycomycetes (Rhizopus), Ascomycetes (Penicillium), Basidiomycetes (Agaricus/mushroom), Deuteromycetes (Alternaria).

Practice — Biological Classification

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