Study Materials Available

Access summaries, videos, slides, infographics, mind maps and more

INTRODUCING BIOLOGY - Q&A

PROGRESS CHECK

1. Name the specific branches of Biology concerned with the study of:
(i) Fungi
Mycology

(ii) Fishes
Ichthyology

(iii) Insects
Entomology

(iv) Transmission of body characteristics from parents to children
Genetics

2. Mention the kind of study made under the following branches of science:
(i) Histology
It is the study of the minute structure of tiny bits of the body (tissues) as seen with the help of a compound microscope.

(ii) Ecology
It is the study of the relationship of an organism to both its living and non-living environment.

(iii) Cytology
It is the study of the structure and function of animal and plant cells.

(iv) Pathology
It is the study of diseases of plants and animals.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

A. MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE

1. Choose the most appropriate option in the following statements.

(a) Palaeontology is the study of
(i) embryos
(ii) blood
(iii) classification
(iv) fossils
Answer: (iv) fossils

(b) Clones of animals are being produced through the practice of
(i) genetics
(ii) ecology
(iii) embryology
(iv) biotechnology
Answer: (iv) biotechnology

B. VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE

1. Name the following branches of biology
(a) Application of biological processes in technologies.
Biotechnology

(b) Science of growing fruits and vegetables.
Horticulture

(d) Study of causes of immunity (resistance to or defence against diseases).
Immunology

(e) Study of fishes.
Ichthyology

2. Fill in the blanks:
(a) Bioengineering deals with making artificial limbs and joints.
(b) Genome is the entire DNA sequence of an organ.
(c) Silk is produced by rearing silkworms.
(d) Evolution deals with the study of origin and descent of organisms.
(e) Organisms which draw food from the host body are called parasites.
(f) Animals which give birth to young ones are known as viviparous.
(g) Hippocrates is called the Father of Medicine.

3. Match the branches of biology in Column A with the respective areas of study in Column B.

Column A	Column B	Correct Match
Ichthyology	Viruses	Fishes
Ornithology	Fishes	Birds
Ecology	Birds	Environment
Virology	Cells	Viruses
Herpetology	Diseases	Snakes (and lizards)
Palaeontology	Fossils	Fossils
Cytology	Snakes	Cells
Pathology	Environment	Diseases

4. Name any two borderline sciences which are connected with Biology.
Biotechnology and Biochemistry. (Other valid answers include Biogeography, Bioengineering, etc.)

5. Name the respective sub-divisions of Biology which deal with the study of insects, birds, fungi and heredity.
Insects: Entomology
Birds: Ornithology
Fungi: Mycology
Heredity: Genetics

6. Name some professions other than medicine which require a basic knowledge of Biology.
Bacteriologist, Pathologist, Entomologist, Forester, Veterinary Doctor, and Biotechnologist.

C. SHORT ANSWER TYPE

1. What is Biology and when did it begin?
Biology is the study of living beings, that is, all plants and animals including humans. It is difficult to say exactly when it began, but it likely started when primitive man began collecting food, hunting, and recognizing plants and animals in his surroundings.

2. How does Biology help us in leading a healthier life?
Biology helps us understand the causes of many diseases and how germs are spread by agents like insects, wind, or water. This knowledge enables us to take proper care of our health, maintain sanitation, and live longer.

3. A farmer and a housewife may have never studied biology, yet both of them know some of its general principles through experience. State any two principles which they know.
(i) A farmer knows that crops require water and specific seasons to grow, which is a basic understanding of plant physiology and ecology.
(ii) A housewife knows that keeping food covered prevents it from spoiling or that boiling milk kills germs, which is a practical application of microbiology and hygiene.

4. Distinguish between the following pairs of sciences:
(a) Zoology and Entomology
Zoology is the general study of animals, whereas Entomology is a specific branch of Zoology that deals exclusively with the study of insects.

(b) Genetics and Embryology
Genetics is the science of the transmission of body characteristics from parents to offspring, whereas Embryology is the study of the formation and development of the embryo of plants and animals.

(c) Botany and Mycology
Botany is the general study of plants, whereas Mycology is the specific study of fungi.

(d) Space Biology and Exobiology
Space Biology is the study of survival problems of living things in outer space, whereas Exobiology is the study of life elsewhere in the universe.

(e) Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
Biotechnology is the use of living cells or microorganisms in industry and technology (e.g., biogas, food processing), whereas Bioinformatics involves the management and analysis of biological information stored in databases.

D. LONG ANSWER TYPE

1. Do you think Biology can help in further increasing the yield of food? If so, how?
Yes, Biology helps in increasing the yield of food in the following ways:
1. New Varieties: New varieties of plants and breeds of cattle and poultry are developed using the knowledge of Biology (Genetics and Biotechnology).
2. Disease Control: The science helps in understanding diseases of plants and animals and how to cure them, reducing losses.
3. Agriculture and Farming: Advances in agriculture, dairy, and poultry farming practices ensure higher production of food.

Quick Navigation:

Multiple Choice Questions - Test your understanding with these MCQs. Click "Show Answer" to reveal the correct answer.

Question 1What does the Greek word 'bios' mean in the context of Biology?

A. Death

B. Study

C. Life

D. Earth

Question 2What does the Greek word 'logos' mean?

A. Study

B. Life

C. Plant

D. Animal

Question 3Which of the following is NOT listed as one of the three major branches of science?

A. Physics

B. Chemistry

C. Mathematics

D. Biology

Question 4What term do modern scientists often prefer to use instead of 'Biology'?

A. Earth Sciences

B. Life Sciences

C. Natural Sciences

D. Bio Sciences

Question 5Who is known as the 'Father of Biology' and 'Father of Zoology'?

A. Theophrastus

B. Hippocrates

C. Aristotle

D. Robert Hooke

Question 6Who is considered the 'Father of Botany'?

A. Aristotle

B. Theophrastus

C. Hippocrates

D. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek

Question 7Who rationalized the science of healing and is called the 'Father of Medicine'?

A. Aristotle

B. Hippocrates

C. Socrates

D. Theophrastus

Question 8In ancient India, how were animals that give birth to young ones classified?

A. Andaj

B. Jeevaj

C. Oviparous

D. Asexual

Question 9In ancient India, how were animals that lay eggs classified?

A. Jeevaj

B. Viviparous

C. Andaj

D. Mammalian

Question 10Approximately how many varieties of rice had been developed in ancient India?

A. More than 100

B. More than 500

C. More than 1,000

D. More than 10,000

Question 11In which century was the microscope invented, opening up a new world of minute animals and plants?

A. Fourteenth century

B. Fifteenth century

C. Sixteenth century

D. Eighteenth century

Question 12In which century did biology take leaps through the discovery of germs and the cell theory?

A. Seventeenth century

B. Eighteenth century

C. Nineteenth century

D. Twentieth century

Question 13What is a recent pursuit by scientists regarding the creation of life?

A. Creating synthetic plants

B. Creating single-celled bacteria from lifeless material

C. Creating human clones

D. Discovering alien life forms

Question 14Which branch of Biology deals specifically with the study of plants?

A. Zoology

B. Mycology

C. Botany

D. Ecology

Question 15Which branch studies humans as living organisms and their relationships with other living organisms?

A. Anthropology

B. Human Biology

C. Anatomy

D. Genetics

Question 16The study of humans and their interaction with society comes under which field?

A. Human Biology

B. Sociology

C. Anthropology

D. History

Question 17What does Virology study?

A. Bacteria

B. Fungi

C. Viruses

D. Algae

Question 18Mycology is the branch of biology dedicated to the study of what?

A. Insects

B. Fungi

C. Reptiles

D. Bacteria

Question 19Phycology or Algology focuses on the study of which group of organisms?

A. Fungi

B. Viruses

C. Algae

D. Fishes

Question 20Entomology is the study of what?

A. Birds

B. Fishes

C. Reptiles

D. Insects

Question 21The study of fishes is known as what?

A. Ichthyology

B. Herpetology

C. Ornithology

D. Entomology

Question 22Herpetology is the study of which group of animals?

A. Birds

B. Insects

C. Fishes

D. Reptiles

Question 23Ornithology is the study of what?

A. Mammals

B. Birds

C. Reptiles

D. Amphibians

Question 24Which branch deals with the study of the gross structure of organs as seen in a dissection?

A. Anatomy

B. Morphology

C. Histology

D. Cytology

Question 25The study of form and structure of plants and animals, both external and internal, is called what?

A. Physiology

B. Morphology

C. Ecology

D. Taxonomy

Question 26What does Histology study?

A. Gross organ structures

B. Fossils

C. Minute structures at the tissue level

D. Genes

Question 27The study of structure and function of animal and plant cells is known as what?

A. Histology

B. Cytology

C. Embryology

D. Anatomy

Question 28Which branch of biology focuses on the metabolism and organic functions of organisms?

A. Morphology

B. Ecology

C. Physiology

D. Genetics

Question 29Embryology is the study of what?

A. Fossil records

B. Formation and development of embryo

C. Animal behavior

D. Plant distribution

Question 30The science of naming, grouping, and classifying plants and animals is called what?

A. Taxonomy

B. Ecology

C. Evolution

D. Biogeography

Question 31Ecology studies the relationship of an organism to what?

A. Only other living organisms

B. Only its physical environment

C. Its biotic and abiotic environment

D. Its evolutionary ancestors

Question 32The geographical distribution of plants and animals is studied under which branch?

A. Ecology

B. Biogeography

C. Palaeontology

D. Systematics

Question 33Palaeontology is the study of what?

A. Evolution

B. Prehistoric forms of life through fossils

C. Genetics

D. Taxonomic classification

Question 34The study of the origin and descent of organisms is called what?

A. Genetics

B. Evolution

C. Embryology

D. Histology

Question 35Genetics is the science that studies what?

A. Ecosystems

B. Taxonomic rules

C. Transmission of body characteristics from parents to offspring

D. Cellular functions

Question 36The raising of crops and livestock is known as what?

A. Horticulture

B. Apiculture

C. Agriculture

D. Sericulture

Question 37What does Apiculture refer to?

A. Raising silkworms

B. Growing fish

C. Keeping bees for honey

D. Growing ornamental plants

Question 38Veterinary science deals with what?

A. Treatment and surgery of animals

B. Breeding of wild animals

C. Studying animal fossils

D. Creating animal clones

Question 39Horticulture is the science and art of growing what?

A. Cereals and pulses

B. Forest trees

C. Fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants

D. Medicinal herbs only

Question 40Sericulture is the technique of producing silk by raising what?

A. Bees

B. Earthworms

C. Silkworms

D. Fish

Question 41Pisciculture refers to the technique of what?

A. Producing pearls

B. Growing fish

C. Raising aquatic plants

D. Studying marine biology

Question 42Which branch interprets biological events in terms of molecules in the cell?

A. Cytology

B. Histology

C. Molecular Biology

D. Biotechnology

Question 43The use of living cells or microorganisms in industry and technology is called what?

A. Bioengineering

B. Biotechnology

C. Genomics

D. Biometrics

Question 44What is the rapidly advancing branch that produces genetically identical individuals without male sperm?

A. Evolution

B. Reproduction

C. Cloning

D. Taxonomy

Question 45Making artificial limbs and modifying crops for better food quality falls under which branch?

A. Biotechnology

B. Bioengineering

C. Bioinformatics

D. Biometrics

Question 46Nuclear Biology, which studies the effects of radioactivity on living things, is also known as what?

A. Space Biology

B. Exobiology

C. Radiation Biology

D. Molecular Biology

Question 47Exobiology is one of the newest sciences that contemplates what?

A. Survival problems in outer space

B. Life elsewhere in the universe

C. Effects of radiation on cells

D. Genetic engineering of microbes

Question 48The study of the entire DNA sequence of an organism is called what?

A. Genetics

B. Genomics

C. Bioinformatics

D. Biometrics

Question 49The verification of a person by body features such as fingerprints or iris patterns is known as what?

A. Bioinformatics

B. Biometrics

C. Genomics

D. Anatomy

Question 50Which of the following is a superstition that a biologist would DISAGREE with?

A. Cutting down forests affects wildlife

B. Head lice are produced from sweat and dirt

C. Bacteria can cause diseases

D. Insects help in pollination

Quick Navigation:

Quick Review Flashcards - Click to flip and test your knowledge!

Question

How is 'Science' defined as a body of knowledge?

Answer

It is an organised body of knowledge supported by observation and experimentation.

Question

Science is derived from the study of natural phenomena within which domain?

Answer

The entire material universe.

Question

What are the three major branches of science?

Answer

Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Question

What is the literal meaning of the Greek word 'bios' in 'Biology'?

Answer

Life.

Question

What is the literal meaning of the Greek word 'logos' in 'Biology'?

Answer

Study.

Question

Why do modern scientists often prefer the term 'Life Sciences' over 'Biology'?

Answer

To emphasise the focus on the study of life processes.

Question

Who is recognised as the 'Father of Biology' and the 'Father of Zoology'?

Answer

Aristotle ($384$-$322$ B.C.).

Question

Who is known as the 'Father of Botany'?

Answer

Theophrastus ($370$-$285$ B.C.).

Question

Who is known as the 'Father of Medicine'?

Answer

Hippocrates ($460$-$377$ B.C.).

Question

During what historical period did biology flourish greatly in ancient India?

Answer

$2500$ B.C. to $650$ B.C.

Question

In ancient Indian classification, what are 'Jeevaj' animals?

Answer

Viviparous animals that give birth to young ones.

Question

In ancient Indian classification, what are 'Andaj' animals?

Answer

Oviparous animals that lay eggs.

Question

Which country is credited with first introducing the cultivation of rice?

Answer

India.

Question

Which 16th-century invention allowed for the discovery of cells and minute organisms?

Answer

The compound microscope.

Question

Identify three major biological advancements of the nineteenth century.

Answer

Discovery of germs, the theory of organic evolution, and the cell theory.

Question

What current 21st-century goal are scientists pursuing regarding 'lifeless material'?

Answer

Creating life, such as single-celled bacteria, using fatty acids and nucleotides.

Question

What is the study of plants called?

Answer

Botany.

Question

What is the study of animals called?

Answer

Zoology.

Question

Which branch of biology studies humans and their relationship with other living organisms and society?

Answer

Human Biology (Anthropology).

Question

What is the specific study of bacteria called?

Answer

Bacteriology.

Question

What is the specific study of viruses called?

Answer

Virology.

Question

What is the specific study of fungi called?

Answer

Mycology.

Question

Which branch of biology is concerned with the study of algae?

Answer

Phycology (or Algology).

Question

What is the specific study of insects called?

Answer

Entomology.

Question

What is the specific study of fishes called?

Answer

Ichthyology.

Question

Which branch of biology focuses on reptiles like lizards and snakes?

Answer

Herpetology.

Question

What is the specific study of birds called?

Answer

Ornithology.

Question

Define 'Anatomy' as a branch of biology.

Answer

The study of gross structure of organs in an organism as seen in dissection.

Question

What does the branch of 'Morphology' encompass?

Answer

The study of form and structure of plants and animals, including internal and external interpretation.

Question

What is the study of minute structures at the tissue level called?

Answer

Histology.

Question

Which branch of biology deals with the structure and function of animal and plant cells?

Answer

Cytology.

Question

Define the branch of 'Physiology'.

Answer

The study of metabolism (functions and activities) of organisms and their parts.

Question

What is the study of the formation and development of embryos called?

Answer

Embryology.

Question

What is the science of naming, grouping, and classifying plants and animals called?

Answer

Taxonomy (also called Systematics).

Question

What does the branch of 'Ecology' study?

Answer

The relationship of an organism to both its biotic and abiotic environment.

Question

Define 'Biogeography'.

Answer

The study of the geographical distribution of plants and animals.

Question

Which branch of biology studies prehistoric life through fossils?

Answer

Palaeontology.

Question

What is the study of the origin and descent of organisms called?

Answer

Evolution.

Question

Define 'Genetics'.

Answer

The science of the transmission of body characteristics from parents to offspring.

Question

What is 'Apiculture'?

Answer

The practice of keeping bees for the manufacture of honey and beeswax.

Question

Which applied branch of biology involves the treatment and surgery of animals?

Answer

Veterinary science.

Question

What is 'Horticulture'?

Answer

The science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, or ornamental plants.

Question

What is the technique of producing silk by raising silkworms called?

Answer

Sericulture.

Question

Define 'Pisciculture'.

Answer

The technique of growing fish.

Question

What is the focus of 'Molecular Biology'?

Answer

Interpreting biological events in terms of molecules in the cell.

Question

Define 'Biotechnology'.

Answer

The use of living cells or microorganisms in industry and technology.

Question

What biological process produces genetically identical individuals of an organism without male sperm?

Answer

Cloning.

Question

What does the field of 'Bioengineering' include?

Answer

Techniques like making artificial limbs, joints, or modifying crops to improve quality.

Question

What is the study of the effects of radioactivity on living things called?

Answer

Nuclear Biology (or Radiation Biology).

Question

What is 'Exobiology'?

Answer

One of the newest sciences, which contemplates study of life elsewhere in the universe.

Question

Define 'Genomics'.

Answer

The study of genomes (the entire DNA sequence of an organism).

Question

What is 'Bioinformatics'?

Answer

The management and analysis of biological information stored in databases.

Question

Define 'Biometrics'.

Answer

The verification of a person by body features like fingerprints or iris patterns.

Question

How does biology contribute to the conservation of natural resources?

Answer

It helps people realise the dangers of deforestation and advocates for conserving minerals and wild animals.

Question

How does biology contribute to 'conscious citizenship' regarding population?

Answer

It makes citizens conscious of the need to reduce the rate of rapid population growth.

Question

Identify the incorrect belief: 'Head lice are produced from sweat and dirt.'

Answer

Biology states 'NO' to this superstition.

Question

Identify the branch of biology: Naming and classification of organisms.

Answer

Taxonomy.

Question

In 'Systematics', organisms are grouped based on what?

Answer

Their characteristics for naming and classification.

Question

What is the primary difference between Anatomy and Histology?

Answer

Anatomy studies gross structure via dissection, while Histology studies minute structure at the tissue level via microscope.

Question

Which field uses biological knowledge to develop new breeds of cattle and poultry?

Answer

Agriculture.