62 ORGANISMS AND POPULATIONS

EXERCISE – 1: Basic Objective Questions

Organisms and Its Environment mainly concerned, in increasing order of complexity
1. The branch of biology that deals with the studies of are, organisms-populations-community-biome.
interactions among organisms and their physical
(abiotic) environment is called 5. The average temperature on land varies
(a) Ecology (b) Ecosystem (a) Seasonally
(c) Biome (d) Demecology (b) Decreases progressively from the poles towards
Ans. (a) the equator
Sol. The branch of biology that deals with the studies of (c) Decreases progressively from mountain tops to
interactions among organisms and their physical the plains
(abiotic) environment is called ecology. Ecology at (d) All of the above
the organism level tries to understand how the Ans. (a)
organisms adapt themselves to their environment. All Sol. Temperature is the most ecologically important
organisms from– large trees to small microbes and factor. The average temperature on land varies
from humans to simple unicellular protozoa, depend seasonally. It decreases progressively from the
upon their environment for their survival. equator towards the poles and from plains to the
mountain tops.
2. Who formulated the first postgraduate course of
ecology in India? 6. Several plant and animal species present together at a
(a) P. Maheshwari (b) Ramdeo Misra place constitute a
(c) G. N. Ramchandran (d) K. Esau (a) Genus (b) Population
Ans. (b) (c) Biome (d) Community
Sol. Ramdeo Misra is known as the Father of Ecology in Ans. (d)
India. He obtained a Ph.D. degree in Ecology in 1937 Sol. A natural association of interdependent populations
from Leeds University in the U.K. He formulated the of different species inhabiting a common
first postgraduate course in Ecology in India. Over 50 environment or habitat as a viable, self-contained
scholars obtained Ph.D. degrees under his supervision. unit is called a biotic community or biocoenosis.

3. Which is the ‘celestial source’ of energy? 7. The sphere of living matter together with water, air,
(a) Sun (b) Fossil fuels and soil on the surface of the earth is
(c) Wood/plants (d) All of the above (a) Atmosphere (b) Hydrosphere
Ans. (a) (c) Lithosphere (d) Biosphere
Sol. Sun is the celestial source of energy. Plants are Ans. (d)
autotrophs that produce their own food. They Sol. The surface of the earth made up of layers of rocks
transform water, sunlight, and carbon dioxide into and soil is known as lithosphere. All the water bodies
food and oxygen, by the process of photosynthesis. such as oceans, rivers, etc. constitute hydrosphere.
Fossil fuels are dead and decaying organic matter. The layers of air starting from above the soil surface
up to the outermost region (ionosphere) constitute
4. The four levels of the biological organization with the atmosphere. The biosphere is the total of all areas
which ecology is basically concerned are where living things are found including the
(a) Macromolecules-Tissues-Populations-Biome hydrosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere.
(b) Macromolecules-Organisms-Population-Biome
(c) Tissues-Organs-Community-Biome 8. Autecology is the (Exemplar)
(d) Organisms-Populations-Community-Biome (a) Relation of the biosphere to its environment
Ans. (d) (b) Relation of an individual to its environment
Sol. Ecology deals with the study of relationships between (c) Relation of a community to its environment
organisms and their surroundings. The four levels of (d) Relation of a biome to its environment.
the biological organization with which ecology is Ans. (b)
ORGANISMS AND POPULATIONS 63

Sol. Ecology is the study of interactions among organisms Sol. The biosphere (also called as ecosphere) is the
and between the organisms and their abiotic largest unit in an ecological hierarchy and includes
environment. The study of relationships between all the ecosystems of the world i.e., all organisms
every stage of development of a population/species/ interacting with their physical environment.
individual and its environment is called autecology.
Synecology is the study of relationships between 13. What is the cause of annual variation in the intensity
composition, organization, and development of and duration of temperature?
communities and their environment. (a) Rotation of the Earth around the Sun
(b) Tilt of axis of the Earth
9. Which of the following habitats exhibit the average (c) Annual variation in precipitation
temperature exceeding 100 ? (d) Both (a) and (b)
(a) Thermal springs Ans. (d)
(b) Deep-sea hydrothermal vents Sol. The rotation of our planet (Earth) around the sun and
(c) Tropical deserts in summer the tilt of its axis cause annual variation in the
(d) Both (a) and (b) intensity and duration of temperature. These two
Ans. (d) variations along with annual variation in
Sol. In thermal springs and deep-sea hydrothermal vents, precipitation lead to the formation of major biomes.
the average temperature exceeds 100 .
14. Distinct types of seasons are resulted due to
10. What are the key elements that lead to so much (a) Annual variation in the intensity of temperature
variation in the physical and chemical conditions of (b) Annual variation in the duration of temperature
different habitats? (c) Annual variation in the precipitation
(a) Physico-chemical components (d) Both (a) and (b)
(b) Temperature, water, light, and soil Ans. (d)
(c) Abiotic factors Sol. The rotation of our planet (Earth) around the Sun and
(d) All of the above the tilt of its axis cause annual variation in the
Ans. (d) intensity and duration of temperature resulting in
Sol. Physico-chemical components are also known as distinct seasons. Furthermore, the formation of
abiotic factors, and these include temperature, water, biomes (desert, rainforest, tundra, etc.) results from
light, and soil. These are the key elements that lead to the annual variation in intensity and duration of
the variation in physical and chemical conditions of temperature along with annual variations in
different habitats. precipitation.

11. Ecology at the organismic level is essentially 15. Major biomes such as desert, rain forest, and tundra
(a) Physiological ecology are formed due to
(b) Morphological ecology (a) Annual variation in the intensity of temperature
(c) Behavioural ecology (b) Annual variation in the duration of temperature
(d) Anatomical ecology (c) Annual variation in the precipitation
Ans. (a) (d) All of the above
Sol. Ecology at the organismic level is essentially Ans. (d)
physiological ecology which tries to understand how Sol. Biomes can be defined as the large area which is
different organisms are adapted to their environments characterized by their vegetation, climate, soil, etc.
in terms of not only survival but also reproduction. Biomes such as desert, rainforest, and tundra are
formed due to annual variation in the intensity of
12. Biosphere is (Exemplar) temperature, annual variation in the duration of the
(a) A component in the ecosystem temperature, and annual variation in the
(b) Composed of the plants present in the soil precipitation.
(c) Life in the outer space
(d) Composed of all living organisms present on earth 16. Ecologists assume that over a period of time, the
which interact with the physical environment. organism had evolved adaptations to optimize its
Ans. (d) survival and reproduction in its habitat through
ORGANISMS AND POPULATIONS 65

Ans. (a)
Sol. Temperature and precipitation are generally the most 25. Organisms restricted to a narrow range of temperature
important climatic abiotic factors that influence the are
geographical distribution of plants. The average (a) Stenothermal (b) Eurythermal
temperature decreases from the equator to the poles. (c) Biothermal (d) Geothermal
Precipitation includes rainfall, snow, dew, etc. Ans. (a)
Tropical forests, which are very productive, need 18 Sol. -Organisms restricted to a narrow range of
to 25°C mean annual temperature and 150-400 cm temperature are known as stenothermal.
mean annual rainfall.
-Organisms that can tolerate and thrive in a wide
range of temperatures are known as eurythermal.
-Biothermal is a renewable source of energy that can
Major Abiotic Factors
generate electricity from the composting of organic
22. Most ecologically relevant environmental factor is
materials.
(a) Temperature (b) Water
-Geothermal is the energy that is generated and
(c) Light (d) Soil
stored in the earth.
Ans. (a)
Sol. The most ecologically relevant environmental factor is
26. Organisms that can tolerate and thrive in a wide
temperature. Temperature affects all other biotic and
range of temperatures are called
abiotic components. Temperature especially affects
(a) Eurythermal (b) Stenothermal
the climate. It is one of the major climatic factors that
(c) Poikilothermal (d) Homoiothermal
influence the vegetation of an area. It influences every
Ans. (a)
reaction and activity of organisms.
Sol. -Organisms that can tolerate and thrive in a wide
23. Edaphic factors are related to range of temperatures are known as eurythermal.
(a) Soil (b) Man -Organisms that can tolerate and thrive in a narrow
(c) Animals (d) Temperature range of temperatures are known as stenothermal.
Ans. (a) -Poikilothermic animals are cold-blooded animals
Sol. Edaphic factors are related to soil. It is an abiotic that lack the physiological ability to generate heat.
factor leading to the physical or chemical composition -Homeothermic animals are warm-blooded animals
of the soil found in a particular area. It is an important that can maintain a constant body temperature,
ecological factor as it provides water, minerals or regardless of temperature variations of the
nutrients, and support. Soil influences seed atmosphere.
germination, the capacity of plants to remain erect,
their form, vigor, and woodiness of the stem. 27. Organisms that can tolerate a wide range of salt
concentrations are termed as
24. Plants require sunlight for their (a) Stenosaline (b) Stenohaline
(a) Photosynthesis (c) Euryhaline (d) Eurysaline
(b) Photoperiodic requirement for flowering Ans. (c)
(c) Migratory activities Sol. -Organisms that can tolerate a wide range of salt
(d) Both (a) and (b) concentrations are termed euryhaline.
Ans. (d) -Organisms that can tolerate a narrow range of salt
Sol. Plants need sunlight for the process of photosynthesis. concentrations are termed stenohaline.
Plants contain a molecule called chlorophyll, which
absorbs the sunlight and converts light energy into 28. Read the following statements and find out the
chemical energy. Sunlight is also required for incorrect statement.
photoperiodic flowering. Three types of plants (a) Mango trees do not and cannot grow in tropical
grouped on the basis of photoperiodism are long-day countries like Canada and Germany.
plants, short-day plants, and day-neutral (b) Snow leopards are not found in Kerala forests.
plants. Sunlight is not required for migratory activities (c) Tuna fish are rarely caught beyond tropical
as the plants do not move. They stick to their position. latitudes in the ocean.
66 ORGANISMS AND POPULATIONS

(d) Both (a) and (c) Sol. Soil is defined as the surface layer of the earth
Ans. (a) formed by weathering of rocks. The nature and
Sol. -Mango trees do not grow in temperate regions, such properties of soil in different places vary. It is
as Canada and Germany. They particularly grow in dependent on various factors such as climate,
tropical regions. weathering process (the process in which large rocks
finally break into soil particles), type of the soil,
-Snow leopards are not found in Kerala forests. This is
whether the soil is transported or sedimentary, and
correct.
also how soil development occurred.
-Tuna fish are rarely caught beyond tropical latitudes
in the ocean. This is correct. 32. For many animals, light is important as they use the
diurnal and seasonal variations in light intensity and
29. What determines to a large extent the geographical duration (photoperiod) as cues for timing their
distribution of different species? (a) Foraging activities
(a) Regional and local variations (b) Reproductive activities
(b) Physico-chemical components (c) Migratory activities
(c) The level of thermal tolerance (d) All of the above
(d) All of the above Ans. (d)
Ans. (c) Sol. For many animals, light is important as they use the
Sol. Mostly the different species are affected by diurnal and seasonal variations in light intensity and
temperature. To a large extent, the geographical duration (photoperiod) as cues for timing their
distribution of different species is determined by the foraging activities, reproductive activities, and
level of thermal tolerance. Thermal tolerance is the migratory activities. Foraging activities are the
favorable range of temperature that the organism can methods by which an organism acquires and utilizes
tolerate. a source of energy and nutrients. Migratory activities
are the activities performed in order to avoid stress
30. The significance of temperature to living organisms is or unfavorable circumstances.
appreciable because it affects
(a) Kinetics of the enzymes 33. What determines the percolation and water holding
(b) Basal metabolism and activity capacity of the soils?
(c) Physiological functions of the organism
i. Soil composition ii. Grain size
(d) All of the above
Ans. (d) iii. Aggregation iv. pH
Sol. The significance of temperature to living organisms is v. Mineral composition vi. Topography
appreciable because it affects the kinetics of the (a) i, ii and iii
enzymes like in other chemical reactions. The rate of
(b) iv, v and vi
enzyme-catalyzed reaction increases as the
temperature is raised. It also affects basal metabolism (c) i, ii, iii, iv and v
and in order to maintain a normal temperature, basal (d) i, ii, iii, iv, v and vi
metabolic rate increases. Hence, it also affects the Ans. (a)
activity and physiological functions of the organism. Sol. The water holding capacity of the soil is the amount
of water that a given soil can hold. The slow
31. The nature and properties of soil in different places movement of water in soil through pores is called
vary. It is dependent on the percolation. It can be determined by soil
i. Climate composition, grain size, and aggregation.

ii. Weathering process

34. Which characteristics determine to a large extent the
iii. Whether the soil is transported or sedimentary vegetation in any area?
iv. How soil development occurred
i. Soil composition
(a) i, ii and iii (b) ii, iii and iv
(c) i, iii and iv (d) i, ii, iii and iv ii. Grain size
Ans. (d) iii. Aggregation
iv. pH
ORGANISMS AND POPULATIONS 67

v. Mineral composition (b) i-3, ii-1, iii-2

vi. Topography (c) i-3, ii-2, iii-1
(d) i-2, ii-1, iii-3
(a) i, ii and iii (b) iv, v and vi
Ans. (b)
(c) i, ii, iii, iv and v (d) i, ii, iii, iv, v and vi
Sol. The salt concentration is measured as salinity in parts
Ans. (d)
per thousand.
Sol. The characteristics which determine to a large extent, -The salt concentration is less than 5 percent in
the vegetation in an area are: inland waters.
Soil composition- It includes soil water, soil air, -The salt concentration is 30-35 percent in the
mineral particles, organic matter, or humus. seawater.
Grain size- The size of the grain should be very fine. -The salt concentration is greater than 100 percent in
Aggregation- It is the binding of soil particles. some hypersaline lagoons.

pH- The presence of acid and base is considered as pH

37. Many freshwater organisms cannot live for long in
of soil. For the growth of plants, 5.5 to 7.5 pH is
seawater because the surrounding water will be ___
optimum.
to body cells and ___ may occur.
Mineral composition- Plants need minerals for their (a) Hypertonic, exosmosis
growth and these are obtained from the soil. A soil (b) Hypertonic, endosmosis
rich in nitrogen, potassium, calcium, etc. give better (c) Hypotonic, exosmosis
yields. (d) Hypotonic, endosmosis
Topography- It is known as the configuration of the Ans. (a)
land’s surface. Sol. Many freshwater organisms cannot live for long in
seawater because the surrounding water will be
35. How much deep in the oceans, the environment is hypertonic to body cells and exosmosis may occur.
perpetually dark and its inhabitants are not aware of Seawater is salty and has different pH which shows
the existence of the Sun? hypertonic conditions. In the body cells, water will
(a) > 3500 m move from a region of higher concentration to a
(b) > 500 m region of lower concentration (i.e. from cells to its
(c) > 500 feet outer environment which is the sea in this case)
(d) > 3500 feet called exosmosis.
Ans. (b)
Sol. More than 500 m deep in the oceans, the environment Responese to Abiotic Factors
is perpetually dark and its inhabitants are not aware of 38. Humans can maintain homeostasis through
the existence of the Sun. As light passes down the (a) Physical means only
ocean, its intensity decreases. The blue light of the (b) Physiological means only
visible light spectrum penetrates deeper than the other (c) Both physical and physiological means
wavelengths of light. So, as one goes deeper into the (d) Neither physical nor physiological means
ocean, blue light of the visible spectrum is available Ans. (c)
for organisms deep in the oceans. Sol. Homeostasis is the maintenance of an internal
steady-state by an organism irrespective of the
36. Match columns I and II, and choose the correct fluctuations in the external conditions in which the
combination from the options given. organism lives. Humans maintain homeostasis by
Column I Column II both physical and physiological means. An example
of physical means of maintaining temperature
Salt Example
homeostasis is shivering when the temperature
concentration
becomes less than normal. Regulation of blood
i. <5 1. Sea glucose at a constant level by hormones is
ii. 30-35 2. Hypersaline lagoons physiological means of homeostasis.
iii. > 100 3. Inland waters
(a) i-1, ii-2, iii-3 39. An animal that can survive at 10°C and 40°C both,
can be placed under the category of
68 ORGANISMS AND POPULATIONS

(a) Conformers (b) Regulators

(c) Migratory organisms (d) Modifiers 42. Plants are
Ans. (b) (a) Regulators (b) Conformers
Sol. Regulators are able to maintain a constant body (c) Partial regulators (d) Partial conformers
temperature and constant osmotic concentration Ans. (b)
despite changes in the external environment, e.g., Sol. Most of the plants do not have mechanisms to
birds and mammals. Hence, they can survive at both maintain their internal environment at steady-state
10°C and 40°C without requiring to migrate or escape irrespective of the external environment such as
from the changing environmental conditions, up to temperature changes. Hence, they are called
certain limits. conformers.

40. There are organisms in which body temperature 43. When we are in a hot room, we sweat profusely. It is
changes with the ambient temperature and in aquatic a _____ means of maintaining homeostasis.
animals, the osmotic concentration of the body fluid (a) Morphological (b) Physiological
change with that of the ambient water osmotic (c) Behavioural (d) None of these
concentration. These animals and plants are simply Ans. (b)
(a) Regulators (b) Conformers Sol. Homeostasis is the tendency to maintain body
(c) Migratory (d) Hibernate temperature. This tendency maintains the stable
Ans. (b) equilibrium state. When the room temperature
Sol. The organism in which body temperature changes exceeds body temperature, we sweat profusely.
with the ambient temperature and in aquatic animals, Sweating and evaporation reduce body temperature.
the osmotic concentration of the body fluid changes The stimulus to increased sweating to maintain body
with that of the ambient water osmotic concentration. temperature homeostasis is a physiological response.
These animals and plants are simply known as
conformers. During the course of evolution, the costs 44. Which of the following organisms are indeed
and benefits of maintaining an internal environment capable of thermoregulation and osmoregulation?
have played a vital role. The thermoregulatory ability (a) All birds
of some organisms is very limited and beyond that, (b) All mammals
they simply conform. (c) Very few lower vertebrate and invertebrate
species
41. Organisms that are able to maintain homeostasis by (d) All of the above
physiological (sometimes behavioral also) means Ans. (d)
which ensure constant body temperature, constant Sol. Thermoregulation is the ability of an organism to
osmotic concentration, etc. are called keep its body temperature within boundaries even
(a) Regulators (b) Conformers when the surrounding temperature is different.
(c) Migratory (d) Hibernate Osmoregulation can be defined as the maintenance of
Ans. (a) constant osmotic pressure in the fluids of an
Sol. Organisms that are able to maintain homeostasis by organism by the control of water and salt
physiological (sometimes behavioral also) means concentration.
which ensure constant body temperature, constant It is done by all birds, all mammals, a few lower
osmotic concentration, etc. are called regulators. vertebrates, and invertebrate species.
Mechanisms used by most mammals to regulate their
body temperature are similar to the ones that humans 45. Thermoregulation is energetically expensive for
use. In summer, when the outside temperature is more many organisms, particularly
than our body temperature, we sweat profusely; (a) Small animals (b) Shrews
resulting in evaporative cooling, which brings down (c) Hummingbirds (d) All of the above
the body temperature. In winter, when the temperature Ans. (d)
is much lower than 37°C, we start to shiver, a kind of Sol. Thermoregulation is energetically expensive for
exercise that produces heat and raises the body many organisms. This is especially true for small
temperature. Plants do not have such mechanisms to animals like shrews and hummingbirds. Since
regulate internal body temperature. smaller animals have a larger surface area relative to
ORGANISMS AND POPULATIONS 69

their volume, they tend to lose body heat very fast, Sol. Zooplanktons undergo diapause, i.e., a stage in
when it is cold outside. Then, they have to expend which developmental growth is suspended during
much energy to generate body heat through winters when days are short. This helps the animal to
metabolism. pass through the unfavorable conditions and resume
to develop again once the conditions become
46. Heat loss or heat gain is the function of favorable.
(a) Surface area (b) Body volume
(c) Body weight (d) Body size 50. Various kinds of thick-walled spores which help
Ans. (a) organisms to survive unfavorable conditions and
Sol. Heat loss or heat gain is the function of surface area. germinate on the availability of a suitable
Small animals have large surface areas relative to their environment, are found in
volume, so they tend to lose heat very rapidly. (a) Bacteria (b) Fungi
(c) Lower plants/algae (d) All of the above
47. Evolutionary biologists believe that the success of Ans. (d)
mammals is largely due to their ability to maintain a Sol. Various kinds of thick-walled spores which help
(a) Constant body temperature organisms to survive unfavorable conditions and
(b) Constant osmotic concentration germinate on the availability of a suitable
(c) Both (a) and (b) environment are found in bacteria, fungi, and lower
(d) None of the above plants. This condition is called suspension in which
Ans. (a) they temporarily suspend their activities.
Sol. Evolutionary biologists believe that the success of
mammals is largely due to their ability to maintain a 51. Assertion: The aquatic organisms in which the
constant body temperature and thrive whether they osmotic concentration and temperature of the body
live in Antarctica or in the Sahara desert. change according to the ambient conditions of water
are referred to as conformers.
48. If the stressful external conditions are localized or Reason: These organisms are able to maintain
remain only for a short duration, the organisms have homeostasis through thermoregulation and
some alternatives like osmoregulation by physiological or behavioral
i. Regulate ii. Conform means.
iii. Migrate iv. Suspend (a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is
(a) i and ii (b) ii and iii the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) iii and iv (d) i, ii, iii and iv (b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is
Ans. (c) not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) If assertion is true but reason is false.
Sol. -If the stressful external conditions are localized or
(d) If both assertion and reason are false.
remain only for a short duration, the organisms have
Ans. (c)
some alternatives like migration and suspension.
Sol. The aquatic organisms in which the osmotic
-Organisms can migrate to other places to avoid concentration and temperature of the body change
excessive heat or cold conditions. For example, birds according to ambient conditions of water are called
migrate to avoid unfavorable cold conditions. conformers. About 99 percent of animals and nearly
-If organisms are unable to migrate, they might avoid all plants are included in the category of conformers,
the stress by escaping in time. For example- Bears which do not have a mechanism to maintain a
going into hibernation during winter is an example of constant internal body environment. Their body
escape in time. temperature changes with the surrounding
temperature. On the other hand, some organisms
49. Under unfavorable conditions, many zooplanktons in (e.g., birds and mammals) are able to maintain a
the ponds and lakes are known to enter a stage of constant body temperature and constant osmotic
suspended development, known as concentration despite changes in the external
(a) Dormancy (b) Hibernation environment. They are called as regulators. They
(c) Aestivation (d) Diapause perform homeostasis mostly through
Ans. (d)
70 ORGANISMS AND POPULATIONS

thermoregulation and osmoregulation by Ans. (c)

physiological or behavioral means. Sol. Dart frogs exhibit warning coloration. Predators
usually avoid them because they are easily
Ecological Adaptations noticeable and highly poisonous.
52. An inhabitant of Varanasi goes to Rohtang and
experiences nausea, fatigue, and heart palpitations. It 56. Extremities of animals of colder areas are shorter
is because than those of warmer regions. This is referred as
(a) They experience altitude sickness (a) Gloger’s rule
(b) RBC count is lower than required (b) Allen’s rule
(c) It is an area of low atmospheric pressure (c) Bergmann’s rule
(d) All of the above (d) Both (a) and (b)
Ans. (d) Ans. (b)
Sol. A person at high altitude places (>3500 m) Sol. -Allen’s rule states that the extremities (ears, snouts,
experiences altitude sickness. Its symptoms include tail, legs) of warm-blooded animals become smaller
nausea, fatigue, and heart palpitations. Due to the low in colder areas than those of warmer regions to
atmospheric pressure of high altitudes, the body does minimize heat loss. Example- Arctic fox has small
not get enough oxygen. The body compensates for ears as compared to the desert fox.
low oxygen availability by increasing red blood cell -According to Gloger's rule, animals found in hot
production, decreasing the binding capacity of and humid climates develop more melanin and are
hemoglobin, and increasing breathing rate. darker than animals of colder regions.
-As per Bergmann’s rule, warm-blooded animals
53. Which mammal compensates water requirement (birds and mammals) have a larger size in colder
through internal fat oxidation? areas than in warmer areas. Example- In the
(a) Camel Antarctic area, the size of penguins is 1 m while in
(b) Kangaroo rat Galapagos islands, its maximum size is 0.5 m.
(c) Squirrel
(d) Both (a) and (b) 57. Adaptation to low temperature and freezing in
Ans. (d) animals occurs due to the production of
Sol. Kangaroo rats and camels are found in the deserts and (a) Glycerol
are capable of meeting water requirements through the (b) Chaperonins
internal oxidation of fat in the absence of water. They (c) Proline
can concentrate their urine so that minimal water is (d) Alanine
used to expel the excretory products. Ans. (a)
Sol. Adaptation to low temperature and freezing in
54. A behavioural strategy of adaptation called animals occurs due to the production of antifreeze,
echolocation is found in such as glycerol. This allows animals to live in
(a) Bats (b) Butterfly extreme cold, for instance, Icefish and Antarctic fish
(c) Praying mantis (d) Arctic Tern remain active even at less than 0 .
Ans. (a)
Sol. Bats are nocturnal flying mammals that do not employ 58. Opuntia has spine-like leaves which help in
eyesight for the location of their path, food, place of (a) Reducing the rate of transpiration
rest, etc. They produce high-frequency sound which (b) Increasing the rate of transpiration
produces echoes after striking various objects on the (c) Increasing the rate of photosynthesis
principle of sonar. Echoes are then analyzed by the (d) Reducing the rate of photosynthesis
bats to know their path. Ans. (a)
Sol. Opuntia is a xerophyte and can withstand a
55. Dart frogs found in tropical rainforests of South prolonged period of drought. Leaves are modified
America are highly poisonous as well as brightly into spines to reduce water loss through
colored to be easily noticed. This is referred to as transpiration. Stems may be modified to phylloclades
(a) Camouflage (b) Mimicry or cladodes to carry out the function of
(c) Warning coloration (d) None of these photosynthesis.
76 ORGANISMS AND POPULATIONS

87. Population growth curve is sigmoid, if the growth Sol. In the given equation, ‘r’ represents the intrinsic rate
pattern is of natural increase. The equation which was devised
(a) Logistic (b) Geometric by Verhulst was based on the intrinsic rate of natural
(c) Exponential (d) Accretionary increase which gets progressively reduced as
Ans. (a) population size reaches close to the carrying
Sol. The population growth curve is sigmoid if the growth capacity.
pattern is logistic. It shows that the population does
not continue to rise indefinitely due to environmental 91. After exponential increase, population becomes
resistance. Verhulst devised a logistic equation to stagnant. The growth curve is
describe population growth with an upper limit. The (a) J-Shaped (b) S-Shaped
equation is based on fact that the environment has a (c) Fluctuating (d) Circular
carrying capacity (K) for each population and the Ans. (b)
intrinsic rate of natural increase (r) is progressively Sol. After the exponential increase, the population
reduced as population size reaches close to the becomes stagnant. The growth curve is S-shaped
carrying capacity. which represents logistic growth. S-shaped is for
most of the populations because the environment
88. Ecologists suggest that life-history traits of organisms limits exponential growth. Various biotic and abiotic
have evolved in relation to the constraints imposed by components of the environment act in such a way
(a) Biotic components that a given population will have an upper limit that
(b) Abiotic components cannot be exceeded. Such a limit is called carrying
(c) Both biotic and abiotic components capacity which is denoted by K. It depends on the
(d) None of the above availability of resources such as food, space,
Ans. (c) resistance to predators and diseases, and interaction
Sol. Ecologists suggest that life-history traits of organisms with other populations.
have evolved in relation to the constraints imposed by
both biotic and abiotic components. Biotic represents 92. Who showed that even a slow-growing animal like
the living components whereas abiotic represents the an elephant could reach enormous numbers in the
non-living components. absence of checks?
(a) Darwin (b) Lamarck
89. The formula for exponential growth is (c) Wallace (d) Both (a) and (c)
(a) dN/dt=rN (b) dN/rN=dt Ans. (a)
(c) rN/dN=dt (d) dt/dN=rN Sol. Darwin showed that even a slow-growing animal
Ans. (a) like an elephant could reach enormous numbers in
Sol. The exponential growth occurs when the birth rate is the absence of checks. This was shown by the
high and there are no constraints to slow or hinder the exponential growth curve. In this, any species
growth in the population of a species. The formula growing exponentially under the condition of
representing exponential growth is dN/dt=rN, where availability of unlimited resources can reach
dN/dt is the rate of change in population size, r is the enormous population numbers within a short time.
intrinsic rate of natural increase and N is the
population size. 93. Human population shows
(a) J-shaped growth curve
90. The population growth is generally described by the (b) Z-shaped growth curve
dN  K-N (c) S-shaped growth curve
following equation: = rN  
dt  K  (d) All the above
What does ‘r’ represent in the given equation? Ans. (c)
(a) Population density at time ‘t’ Sol. The human population shows logistic growth which
(b) Intrinsic rate of natural increase gives an S-shaped growth curve. In this type of
(c) Carrying capacity growth, when competition increases then resources
(d) The base of natural logarithm become scarce, and carrying capacity is reached in
Ans. (b) an environment that causes the growth rate to
decrease to zero.
ORGANISMS AND POPULATIONS 77

-I denotes immigration, E- emigration, B- number of

94. Match columns I and II, and choose the correct births, and D- number of deaths.
combination from the options given
Column I Column II 97. In 2005, for each of the 14 million people present in
‘r’ values Organism a country, 0.028 were born and 0.008 died during the
i. 0.12 1. Human population in year. Using exponential equation, the number of
India in 1981 people present in 2015 is predicted as (Exemplar)
ii. 0.015 2. Norway rat (a) 25 millions (b) 17 millions
iii. 0.0205 3. Flour beetle (c) 20 millions (d) 18 millions
(a) i-1, ii-2, iii-3 Ans. (b)
(b) i-3, ii-1, iii-2 Sol. The exponential equation gives population growth
(c) i-2, ii-3, iii-1 rate as
(d) i-3, ii-2, iii-1 dN
= rN Here, r = intrinsic rate of natural increase,
Ans. (d) dt
Sol. The r-value is called the ‘intrinsic rate of natural N = size of original population
increase’. It is a very important parameter chosen for
assessing the impacts of any biotic or abiotic factor on dN
= Increase in population size per unit time (1
population growth. dt
-The value of 'r' for the flour beetle is 0.12. year in this case)
-The value of 'r' for the Norway rat is 0.015. r is the difference between birth and death rate.
-The value of 'r' for the human population in India in r  0.028  0.008  0.02
1981 is 0.0205.
dN
  0.02  14 million  0.28 million
95. In a population, immigration is more than emigration dt
and mortality is lower than natality. The growth curve Over 10 years (2005  2015), this number will
of the population will show
(a) Exponential phase (b) Lag phase become  2.8 million. Expected population in
(c) Declining phase (d) Steady phase 2015  (14  2.8) million.
Ans. (a)
Sol. If immigration is more than emigration and mortality  17 million (approx.)
is lower than natality, the growth curve of the
population will show an exponential phase. In this 98. Assertion: A population growing in a habitat with
phase, a J-shaped curve is obtained in which one limited resources shows initially a lag phase,
component (population) increases much faster than followed by phases of acceleration and deceleration,
the other (time). and finally an asymptote, when the population
density reaches the carrying capacity.
96. For calculating the intrinsic rate of natural increase, Reason: This type of population growth is called
one needs to know the Verhulst-Pearl Logistic growth, in which is a plot of
(a) B and D N (population density) at time (t) results in a sigmoid
(b) B, D, I and E curve.
(c) B, b, D and d (a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is
(d) b and d the correct explanation of assertion.
Ans. (d) (b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is
Sol. -For calculating the intrinsic rate of natural increase, not the correct explanation of assertion.
one needs to know the b and d, where b stands for (c) If assertion is true but reason is false.
birth rate (per capita births) and d stands for the death (d) If both assertion and reason are false.
rate (per capita death rates). Then, the increase or Ans. (b)
decrease in N (population size) during a unit time Sol. A population growing in a habitat with limited
period t (dN/dt) is given by dN/dt = rN, where, r resources shows initially a lag phase, followed by
(intrinsic rate of natural increase) = (b-d) (i.e., Birth phases of acceleration and deceleration, and finally,
rate- Death rate). an asymptote, when the population density reaches
78 ORGANISMS AND POPULATIONS

the carrying capacity. A plot of population density (N) -In competition, both the interactive species have
in relation to time (t) results in a sigmoid curve. This detrimental effects on each other.
type of population growth is called Verhulst-Pearl
Logistic Growth and is described by the following 102. Amensalism is an association between two species
equation: where (Exemplar)
dN K  N (a) One species is harmed and other is benefit
= rN   (b) One species is harmed and the other is
dt  K  unaffected
Where, N = Population density at time t, (c) One species is benefitted and other is unaffected
r = Intrinsic rate of natural increase, (d) Both the species are harmed
and K = Carrying capacity. Ans. (b)
Sol. Amensalism is the interaction between two species
Population Interactions in which one is adversely affected, whereas the other
99. Match columns I and II, and choose the correct is apparently, neither harmed nor benefited. For
combination from the options given below. example, Penicillium does not allow the growth of
Column I Column II Staphylococcus bacterium, by secreting certain
i. ‘+’ 1. Detrimental chemicals, apparently, without any benefit.
ii. ‘–’ 2. Neutral
iii. ‘0’ 3. Beneficial 103. There are two ways of exploitation. One way is
(a) i - 1, ii - 2, iii - 3 (b) i - 3, ii - 1, iii - 2 parasitism, the other one is
(c) i - 2, ii - 3, iii - 1 (d) i - 2, ii - 1, iii - 2 (a) Symbiosis (b) Mutualism
Ans. (b) (c) Predation (d) Commensalism
Sol. The ‘+’ sign denotes the beneficial species in the Ans. (c)
relationship. ‘–’ sign is used for detrimental effect. Sol. In a negative interaction, one or both the interacting
The ‘0’ sign is used for species which is neither organisms are negatively affected. In predation, there
benefited nor harmed (neutral) in the relationship. is an exploitation of one species by the other. In
parasitism also, there is an exploitation of the host by
100. The phenomenon of one organism being benefitted the parasite. In commensalism, mutualism and
without affecting the other is symbiosis, there is no exploitation of one species by
(a) Scavenging (b) Amensalism the other.
(c) Commensalism (d) Symbiosis
Ans. (c) 104. Lichens are the associations of (Exemplar)
Sol. -The phenomenon of one organism being benefited (a) Bacteria and fungus
without affecting the other is called commensalism. (b) Algae and bacterium
-In amensalism, one organism is unaffected but the (c) Fungus and algae
other organism is harmed. (d) Fungus and virus
-In symbiosis, both species have mutual gain. Ans. (c)
-Scavenging involves one dead species while the other Sol. Lichens are associations (mutually beneficial)
species live on the dead species eating it as food. between fungus and alga. The fungal partner is
mycobiont and the algal partner is phycobiont. The
101. Species interaction with negative influence on both is mycobiont is usually an ascomycete and the
referred to as phycobiont is usually green algae. In many
(a) Amensalism (b) Mutualism ecosystems, they are the pioneer species. The role of
(c) Commensalism (d) Competition the mycobiont is providing body structure and
Ans. (d) anchorage and absorption of minerals and water. The
Sol. -In amensalism, one species is harmed and the other role of phycobiont is mainly in providing food
species is unaffected. through photosynthesis.
-In mutualism, both species are benefitted.
-In commensalism, one species benefits and the other 105. The Ophrys is pollinated by the phenomenon of
remains unaffected. (a) Camouflaging (b) Pseudocopulation
(c) Mutual copulation (d) Parasitism
ORGANISMS AND POPULATIONS 79

Ans. (b) 109. The prickly pear cactus introduced in Australia in the
Sol. Ophrys is a species of orchids, commonly known as 1920s got famous because of the lack of which
bee orchids. The flowers of these plants look like population interaction?
female bees. The male bees get attracted towards the (a) Competition (b) Predation
flower and pseudocopulates with the flower, (c) Parasitism (d) Amensalism
mistaking it for a bee. In the process, it pollinates the Ans. (b)
flower. Sol. In the early 19th-century, prickly pear cactus was
introduced in the South Wales area of Australia, to
106. The interdependent evolution of flowering plants and produce red dye from the cochineal insects feeding
pollinating insects together is known as on them. They grew out of proportion in the absence
(a) Mutualism (b) Co-evolution of natural predators and soon became a nuisance.
(c) Commensalism (d) Cooperation
Ans. (b) 110. A high density of elephant population in an area can
Sol. The interdependent evolution of flowering plants and result in
pollinating insects together is known as co-evolution. (a) Mutualism
For example, Orchid flowers resemble the female bees (b) Intraspecific competition
and get pollinated by male bees, which mistake these (c) Interspecific competition
flowers to be females. If there is a change in the (d) Predation of one another
female bee’s color patterns during evolution, Ans. (b)
pollination success by the male bees will be reduced Sol. As the population density of a species increases,
unless the orchid flower co-evolves to maintain the resource availability decreases. This leads to
resemblance of its petals with the female insect. intraspecific competition. Intraspecific competition
and other factors like food, resources, etc., limit the
107. In some shallow South American lakes visiting further increase in the population.
flamingoes and resident fishes compete for their
common food, the 111. A bird introduced from another country will become
(a) Phytoplankton (b) Zooplankton a serious pest due to
(c) Insects (d) Both (a) and (b) (a) Better adaptation to a new area
Ans. (b) (b) More sexual reproduction
Sol. In the shallow South American lakes, migratory (c) Better nesting habitats
flamingos and resident fishes, both compete for the (d) Absence of natural competition
same resource of food, i.e, the zooplanktons. These Ans. (d)
are two totally unrelated species that compete due to Sol. A bird when introduced from another country has no
the migratory nature of the birds making the lakes natural competition in its new habitat. Since other
their habitat for some time. conditions are also favorable, the bird population
will grow rapidly. It will cause competition for
108. Connell’s elegant field experiments are related to resources for native organisms and hence it will be a
(a) Paramecium (b) Barnacles serious pest for the native population.
(c) Viruses (d) Protozoans
Ans. (b) 112. In the rocky intertidal communities of the American
Sol. Connell conducted field experiments on the effect of Pacific Coast, which is an important predator?
competition, predation, and physical factors on (a) Barnacle Balanus (b) Prickly pear cactus
barnacles in Scotland. He found that on the rocky sea (c) Both (a) and (b) (d) Starfish Pisaster
coasts of Scotland, the larger and competitively Ans. (d)
superior barnacle Balanus dominates the intertidal Sol. Starfish Pisaster acts as a keystone species in the
area. It excludes the smaller barnacle Chathamalus rocky intertidal communities of the American Pacific
from that zone. However, if the population of Balanus coast. It is an important predator, preying on
is reduced, competition is released and Chathamalus mussels, and is responsible for maintaining the local
increases in number. This phenomenon is called community’s diversity of species. In a field
competitive release. experiment, when all the starfish were removed from
an enclosed intertidal area, more than 10 species of
80 ORGANISMS AND POPULATIONS

invertebrates became extinct within a year, because of evolves to fit with the evolutionary changes in the
interspecific competition. host. This is known as co-evolution. Without co-
evolution of the parasite, it is impossible for the
113. How many insects are known to be phytophagous? parasite to survive on its specific host.
(a) 25% (b) 50%
(c) 32% (d) 18% 117. In general, which of the following is not an
Ans. (a) adaptation seen in parasites in accordance with their
Sol. Phytophagous insects are those insects that feed on lifestyles?
plant sap and other parts of plants. Around 25% of all (a) Loss of unnecessary sense organs
insects are known to be phytophagous. (b) Presence of adhesive organs
(c) Low reproductive capacity
114. The two interacting species (A and B) live closely (d) Loss of digestive system
together in Ans. (c)
(a) Predation, parasitism, and competition Sol. Parasites have adapted to survive in the host. So,
(b) Mutualism, competition, and amensalism they have lost unnecessary sense organs and
(c) Predation, competition, and commensalism digestive system, and have adhesive organs.
(d) Predation, parasitism, and commensalism Parasites have a high reproductive capacity which is
Ans. (d) important for their perpetuation in the host and
Sol. The two interacting species (A and B) live closely continuation of the species.
together in predation, parasitism, and commensalism.
Predation- A free-living organism that catches and 118. In a broad ecological context, which one of the
kills another species for food. following can also be called a predator?
Parasitism- This association involves individuals of (a) A seed eating sparrow (b) Lion
two species of different sizes in which smaller (c) Tiger (d) Crow
(parasite) is benefited and larger (host) is harmed. Ans. (a)
Commensalism- Association between members of two Sol. Predators are the organisms, which kill the prey and
species in which one is benefited (commensal) while feed on it. If this definition of predator is broadened
the other is almost unaffected i.e. neither harmed nor to include any organism capable of using another
benefited (host). living organism as food, then the sparrow eating the
seed is also a predator as it consumes a living entity
115. In the case of brood parasitism, the host and parasite, i.e., a seed.
respectively are
(a) Crow and koel 119. Two closely related species competing for the same
(b) Koel and crow resources cannot co-exist indefinitely and the
(c) Both (a) and (b) conditions are possible competitively inferior one will be eliminated
(d) Can’t be predicted eventually. This is the statement of
Ans. (a) (a) Connell’s elegant field experiment
Sol. The koel (cuckoo) does not build a nest. It lays its (b) Gause’s competitive exclusion principle
eggs in the nest of crows. The eggs of both species (c) MacArthur experiment
look alike and the unaware crow incubates the eggs of (d) Competitive release
koel among its eggs. This is an example of brood Ans. (b)
parasitism, where the crow is the host and the cuckoo Sol. Gause’s competitive exclusion principle states that
is the parasite. when two closely related species compete for the
same resource, they cannot coexist indefinitely due
116. Which of the following ecological phenomenon is to the limited resources and the competitively
shown by host-specific parasites? inferior one will be eliminated eventually.
(a) Co-evolution (b) Parasitism
(c) Competition (d) Mutualism 120. Abingdon tortoise in Galapagos Islands became
Ans. (a) extinct within …1… after ...2... were introduced on
Sol. If the parasite has a specific host and after several the island, apparently due to…3…browsing
years, the host has evolved, then the parasite also efficiency of the …2…
ORGANISMS AND POPULATIONS 81

(a) 1-a year, 2-Darwin finches, 3-greater 124. Two species competing for the same resource can
(b) 1-a decade, 2-goats, 3-lower avoid competition by choosing different habits. This
(c) 1-a year, 2-goats, 3-lower phenomenon is called ____ and was supported by
(d) 1-a decade, 2-goats, 3-greater ____.
Ans. (d) (a) Competitive exclusion, Gause
Sol. Abingdon tortoise became extinct in Galapagos (b) Competitive exclusion, MacArthur
Islands within a decade after goats were introduced on (c) Resource partitioning, Gause
the island. This was due to the greater browsing (d) Resource partitioning, MacArthur
efficiency of the goats than the tortoise, which led to Ans. (d)
very little food available for the tortoise. Sol. MacArthur studied resource partitioning in five
closely related species of warblers living on the same
121. Why do you never see cattle or goats browsing on tree. He found that they avoided competition by
weed Calotropis? changing their foraging patterns. This is called
(a) The plant produces highly poisonous tannins. resource partitioning. Competitive exclusion is when
(b) The plant produces quinine which is bitter in taste. among two species, a competitively inferior species
(c) The plant produces poisonous cardiac is eliminated if resources are limited.
glycosides.
(d) The plant bears prickles. 125. Many marine fishes are infested with ectoparasitic
Ans. (c) (a) Barnacles (b) Copepods
Sol. The Calotropis (Madar) plant produces highly (c) Ticks (d) Mites
poisonous cardiac glycosides and hence no cattle or Ans. (b)
goats browse on this plant. Hence, the plant is found Sol. -Copepods are parasitic aquatic (marine or
growing in wastelands and abandoned fields as a freshwater) organisms that have adapted themselves
weed. to live as ectoparasites. They live as ectoparasites on
fish or invertebrates.
122. The process in which the fitness of one species -Barnacles have a commensal relation with whales.
(measured in terms of ‘r’) is significantly lower in the -Ticks and mites on animals are examples of
presence of another species, is called ectoparasites on terrestrial animals.
(a) Predation (b) Parasitism
(c) Commensalism (d) Competition 126. The human liver fluke belongs to
Ans. (d) (a) Cestoda (b) Trematoda
Sol. Competition can be best described as a process in (c) Gestoda (d) Turbellaria
which the fitness of a species (measured in terms of Ans. (b)
the intrinsic rate of increase ‘r’, the intrinsic rate of Sol. The human liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) is a
increase) is very low in the presence of another trematode parasite. It requires two intermediate hosts
species. (a snail and a fish) to complete its life cycle. It is a
parasite of the small intestine deriving all the
123. If two species compete for the same resource, they nutrients from the digested food of humans.
could avoid competition by
(a) Choosing different times for feeding 127. Assertion: Plant-animal interactions do not
(b) Different foraging pattern generally involve co-evolution of the mutualist
(c) Behavioural differences in their foraging organisms.
activities Reason: The evolution of plants and animals can
(d) All of the above never go side by side.
Ans. (d) (a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is
Sol. If two species are competing for the same resource, the correct explanation of assertion.
they can avoid competition by choosing different (b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is
times for feeding or changing their foraging patterns, not the correct explanation of assertion.
or by behavioural differences in their foraging (c) If assertion is true but reason is false.
activities. This is known as resource partitioning. (d) If both assertion and reason are false
Ans. (d)
82 ORGANISMS AND POPULATIONS

Sol. Plant-animal interactions often involve co-evolution benefits also, such as resistance to root-borne
of the mutualists, that is, the evolution of the flower pathogens, tolerance to salinity and drought, and an
and its pollinator species are closely linked with one overall increase in plant growth and development.
another. This is because plants need the help of
animals for pollinating their flowers and dispersing 130. Assertion: The tendency for competition to
their seeds. Animals get rewards in the form of pollen eliminate a competitively inferior species, if
and nectar for pollination and juicy and nutritious resources are limited is known as the competitive
exclusion principle.
fruits for seed dispersal.
Reason: If two species compete for the same
resource they could avoid competition by choosing
128. Assertion: The epiphytes use the trees only for
different times for feeding or different foraging
attachment and manufacture their own food by
patterns.
photosynthesis.
(a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is
Reason: Commensalism results in negative effects on
the correct explanation of assertion.
the growth and survival of one or both of the
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is
populations.
not the correct explanation of assertion.
(a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is
(c) If assertion is true but reason is false.
the correct explanation of assertion.
(d) If both assertion and reason are false.
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is
Ans. (b)
not the correct explanation of assertion.
Sol. The tendency for competition to eliminate a
(c) If assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If both assertion and reason are false competitively inferior species, if resources are
Ans. (c) limited is known as the competitive exclusion
Sol. Epiphytes that grow on the branches and in the forks principle. This phenomenon is also called Gause's
of some trees cite an example of commensalism. principle. Gause's 'Competitive Exclusion Principle'
Commensalism is a type of positive interaction in states that two closely related species competing for
which, two organisms (of different species) live the same resources cannot co-exist indefinitely and
together without any physiological dependence the competitively inferior one is eliminated
between them, and one gets the benefit from the eventually. This may be true if resources are
association while the other is neither benefitted nor limiting, but not otherwise. Mechanism of 'Resource
harmed. partitioning' states that if two species compete for the
same resource, they could avoid competition by
129. Assertion: Mycorrhizae represent a mutually choosing, for instance, different times for feeding or
beneficial interspecific interaction of fungi with roots different foraging patterns.
of higher plants.
Reason: In a mutualistic relationship, both organisms
enter into some sort of physiological exchange.
(a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is
the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is
not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) If assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If both assertion and reason are false
Ans. (b)
Sol. Mycorrhizae refer to the symbiotic association of
fungal hyphae with the roots of higher plants. In this
association, the two symbionts are in close contact and
are physiologically interdependent on each other.
Mycorrhizae increase the ability of the plant to extract
minerals from the soil. In return, fungi are provided
with shelter and products of photosynthesis by the
plant. Plants having such associations show other