Diversity of Living World (VSAQs)

Zoology-1 | 1. Diversity Of Living World – VSAQs:
Welcome to VSAQs in Chapter 1: Diversity Of Living World. This page includes the most important FAQs from previous exams. Each answer is provided in simple English and presented in the exam format. Use these clear answers to boost your understanding and prepare to achieve top marks in your final exams.

Overview:

VSAQ-1: What does ICZN stand for?

The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) is like the rulebook for naming animals. Just like how we use names to identify people, scientists use scientific names to identify animals. But imagine if everyone called the same animal by different names—it would be confusing! That’s why the ICZN exists, to make sure each animal has a unique scientific name that everyone can agree on.

For example, the domestic cat is known as Felis catus all over the world, thanks to the ICZN. This system helps zoologists and researchers communicate clearly, avoiding any mix-ups. It’s like giving every animal its own special ID card that works everywhere!

VSAQ-2: What is biogenesis?

Biogenesis is the idea that life comes from life. It’s like the basic rule of life’s cycle—living things can only come from other living things. Think of it like this: a plant grows from a seed, a seed comes from a fruit, and the fruit comes from a plant. This cycle shows that life isn’t just popping up out of nowhere.

In the past, people used to believe in spontaneous generation, which was the idea that life could suddenly appear from non-living things, like mice from old clothes or flies from rotting meat. But with scientific discoveries, we now know that life always comes from existing life, like a puppy from its mother dog, or bacteria multiplying from another bacterium. This concept of biogenesis is a cornerstone in understanding how life continues and evolves.

VSAQ-3: Define the term histology. What is it otherwise called?

Histology, also known as Microanatomy, is the study of tissues under a microscope. It’s like zooming in on the tiny building blocks that make up living things. Just as a house is built with bricks, our bodies are built with tissues, which are made up of cells.

For example, when you cut your finger, the cells in your skin tissue start working to heal it. By studying tissues under a microscope, scientists can understand how these cells are organized and how they work together to keep us healthy. Histology is important in fields like medicine, where doctors need to understand what healthy tissues look like compared to diseased ones, helping them diagnose and treat illnesses.

VSAQ-4: What is trinomial nomenclature? Give an example.

Trinomial nomenclature is like giving an animal not just a first and last name, but a middle name too. It’s a system used to identify a species more precisely by including its genus, species, and subspecies in its name. This helps in distinguishing between different groups within the same species.

For example, humans are scientifically named Homo sapiens sapiens. Here’s how it breaks down:

Homo is the genus, like a family name.
Sapiens is the species, similar to a first name.
The second sapiens indicates the subspecies, like a middle name.

This extra layer of naming helps scientists be even more specific when talking about different forms or populations within a species, ensuring that everyone is on the same page.

VSAQ-5: What is meant by tautonymy? Give two examples.

Tautonymy is a unique naming system in science where both the generic name and the specific name of an organism are the same. It’s like calling a person by their full name and middle name being exactly the same.

For instance, consider the Indian cobra, scientifically named Naja naja. Here, both the genus and species names are identical, which helps in precisely identifying the species. Similarly, the spotted deer is known as Axis axis, where the genus and species names are the same. This naming convention helps avoid confusion and ensures that each organism’s identity is clear and specific.

VSAQ-6: Differentiate between Protostomia and Deuterostomia.

In the world of animal development, Protostomia and Deuterostomia represent two different pathways of embryonic development.

In Protostomia, the blastopore, which is the first opening that forms during early development, becomes the mouth. This is like how a building starts with the main entrance (mouth) being the first to be constructed. Examples of Protostomia include:

Annelida, such as earthworms.
Arthropoda, including insects like ants.
Mollusca, such as snails.

On the other hand, in Deuterostomia, the blastopore develops into the anus first, and the mouth forms later. Imagine building a house where the main entrance (anus) is set up before the door (mouth). Examples of Deuterostomia are:

Echinodermata, like starfish.
Hemichordata, including acorn worms.
Chordata, such as vertebrates like humans.

VSAQ-7: What is ecological diversity? Mention the different types of ecological diversities.

Ecological diversity refers to the variety of ecosystems and habitats within a specific region, showing how different environments support various forms of life.

There are three main types of ecological diversity:

Alpha diversity looks at the variety of species within a single ecosystem. For example, a tropical rainforest might have a high alpha diversity because of its many different plant and animal species.
Beta diversity measures the differences in species between two different ecosystems. For instance, comparing a desert to a forest would show how species change from one habitat to another.
Gamma diversity encompasses the overall diversity across a larger geographical area, including multiple ecosystems. It’s like assessing the variety of species across an entire country, such as India, from the Himalayan foothills to the coastal regions.

VSAQ-8: Define species richness.

Species richness is a measure of biodiversity that counts the total number of different species present in a particular area or ecosystem. It’s like keeping track of how many unique types of plants and animals live in a forest.

For example, if you’re in a national park and count 50 different species of birds, that number represents the species richness of birds in that park. Higher species richness means more diversity, which often indicates a healthier and more balanced ecosystem.

Mathematically, species richness can be estimated using the formula: Log S = log C + Z log A, where:

S represents species richness.
A is the area.
Z is the slope of the line.
C is the y-intercept.

This formula helps scientists model and estimate species richness in ecological studies, giving insights into the biodiversity of different habitats.

VSAQ-9: List out any four sacred groves in India.

Sacred groves are special forest areas protected and revered in various cultures. In India, four notable sacred groves include:

Khasi and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, known for their rich biodiversity and cultural significance.
Aravalli Hills stretching across Rajasthan and Gujarat, providing important ecological and cultural value.
Sarguja and Bastar in Chhattisgarh, which are home to diverse plant and animal species.
Chanda in Madhya Pradesh, offering crucial habitat preservation.

These groves are cherished not only for their natural beauty but also for their role in maintaining ecological balance and cultural heritage.

VSAQ-10: Write the full form of IUCN. In which book are threatened species enlisted?

IUCN stands for the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. This global organization is pivotal in assessing and promoting the conservation of nature.

Threatened species are listed in the ‘Red Data Book’ published by the IUCN. This book acts as a comprehensive record, documenting species that are at risk of extinction and helping guide conservation efforts to protect them.

VSAQ-11: Define the term metabolism. Give any one example.

Metabolism is the collection of chemical reactions that occur within cells to keep an organism alive. These reactions are crucial for maintaining the body’s functions and energy levels. Metabolism can be divided into two main types:

Catabolism, which involves breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones to release energy. For example, when you eat food, your body breaks down the carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into energy.
Anabolism, which is the process of building up complex molecules from simpler ones. This includes synthesizing proteins and other molecules needed for cell growth and repair.

A classic example of metabolism is photosynthesis in plants. During photosynthesis, plants use light energy from the sun to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This process not only provides energy for the plant but also produces oxygen, which is essential for the survival of most living organisms.

VSAQ-12: How do you differentiate between growth in a living organism and a non-living object?

Growth in living organisms and non-living objects happens in distinct ways:

Living Organisms:

Growth results from cell division and enlargement. For instance, a baby growing into an adult involves cells dividing and increasing in size.
This growth happens inside the body, such as when a plant grows from a seedling into a full-grown tree.
Growth is an inherent trait of living beings. For example, an animal grows as it matures.
In plants, growth is continuous as they keep adding new cells and tissues throughout their life. In animals, growth is more limited and typically ceases after reaching adulthood.

Non-Living Objects:

Growth in non-living objects happens through accretion or accumulation from the outside. For example, a rock gets larger as more mineral deposits accumulate over time.
These objects lack cells and the ability to reproduce, so their growth is not a sign of life.
The process is determined by external factors such as environmental conditions, not by internal biological processes.

VSAQ-13: ‘Zoos are tools for classification’ Explain.

Zoos play a significant role in the study and classification of animals. They act as tools for classification in several ways:

Observation and Study: Zoos provide a controlled environment where scientists can observe and study animals up close. This helps in understanding their behavior, physiology, and interactions, which are crucial for accurate classification.
Systematic Positioning: Zoos help in classifying animals into their taxonomic groups. For example, by observing different species of primates in a zoo, scientists can better understand their evolutionary relationships and classify them correctly.
Comparative Analysis: By having a variety of species in one place, zoos allow for comparative analysis. Scientists can identify similarities and differences among species, which aids in refining classification systems.
Species Conservation: Zoos contribute to understanding biodiversity and conservation. Through breeding programs, they can help protect endangered species and gather valuable data about them, enhancing efforts to preserve and classify them accurately.

VSAQ-14: Where and how do we preserve skeletons of animals, dry specimens, etc.?

Skeletons of animals and dry specimens are preserved in specialized facilities like museums and research institutions. The preservation process involves several steps:

Cleaning and Preparation: Animal skeletons undergo a careful process of cleaning, bleaching, and articulation. First, the flesh and tissues are removed, often by soaking the bones in water or using enzymes. The bones are then bleached to remove stains and articulated (assembled) in their natural positions for display or study.
Taxidermy for Specimens: For dry specimens like animal skins, taxidermy is used. This involves carefully removing the animal’s skin, treating it to prevent decay, and mounting it on a form to maintain its lifelike appearance. This process preserves the external features of the animal for educational and research purposes.

These preservation techniques ensure that valuable scientific and historical information is maintained for future generations to study and appreciate.