Free Biodiversity and Variety of Life MCQs with Answers

1891. The flower of family Poaceae (gramineae) contain two scales below ovary which are called:

• A. Glumes
• B. Lemma and palea
• C. Lodicule
• D. Rochella

Explanation: In the family Gramineae, which is now commonly referred to as Poaceae, the reproductive structure is not a typical flower with petals, sepals, and ovary, but rather a specialized structure called a spikelet. In a grass spikelet, there are indeed two scales (bracts) called glumes located at the base, below the florets. The florets are the individual flowers within the spikelet. Each floret typically consists of palea and lemma, which are also specialized bracts associated with the reproductive structures.

1892. It looks like a single flower but it is in fact an inflorescence called:

• A. Pencil
• B. Typical raceme
• C. Compound umbel
• D. Capitulum

Explanation: A capitulum, also known as a head or composite flower, is a unique type of inflorescence found in plants such as sunflowers and daisies. It consists of a dense cluster of small, individual flowers called florets, which are tightly packed together on a flattened receptacle. The outermost ring of florets is often larger and showier, resembling petals, while the inner florets are usually tubular in shape. The capitulum gives the appearance of a single flower, but it is actually made up of many individual flowers.

1893. Below the point at which the cotyledons are attached, the embryo axis is called _.

• A. Radicle
• B. Epicotyl
• C. Hypocotyl
• D. Coleoptile

Explanation: Below the point at which the cotyledons are attached, the embryo axis in a plant is called the "hypocotyl." The hypocotyl is the region of the embryo axis between the attachment point of the cotyledons (seed leaves) and the radicle, which is the embryonic root. The hypocotyl plays a crucial role during seed germination, as it often elongates to lift the cotyledons and the shoot tip (plumule) above the soil surface, allowing the young plant to emerge and initiate photosynthesis.

1894. Prosopis glandulosa is the botanical name of _.

• A. Chhui mui
• B. Kikar
• C. Bauble
• D. Devi

Explanation: Prosopis glandulosa is the botanical name of Devi. The plant has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes, including lice control and treatment of sore throat, skin sores and ulcers

1895. Which characteristic led to the evolution of seed?

• A. Heterogamous condition
• B. Development of heterospory
• C. Embryo formation
• D. Protection of reproductive cells

Explanation: The development of heterospory is indeed a crucial step in the evolutionary pathway that eventually led to the development of seeds in plants. Heterospory involves the production of two distinct types of spores: microspores, which give rise to male gametophytes (microgametophytes), and megaspores, which give rise to female gametophytes (megagametophytes).

1896. The term which is not related to the process of evolution of leaf is:

• A. Overtopping
• B. Planation
• C. Heterospory
• D. Fusion / webbing

Explanation: "Heterospory" is a term related to the reproductive structures of plants and is not directly associated with the process of leaf evolution. Heterospory refers to the production of two different types of spores by a plant, typically male and female spores. This reproductive strategy is common in certain groups of plants, such as seed plants (including gymnosperms and angiosperms).

1897. The most successful land adapting plants are:

• A. Mosses
• B. Ferns
• C. Gymnosperms
• D. Angiosperms

Explanation: The most successful land-adapting plants are often considered to be angiosperms, also known as flowering plants. Angiosperms represent the dominant group of land plants and have adapted to various terrestrial environments, demonstrating a remarkable diversity and widespread distribution. Seeds, therefore, allow plants to disperse the next generation through both space and time. With such evolutionary advantages, seed plants (Angiosperms) have become the most successful and familiar group of plants. Angiosperms are highly evolved of all plants. Angiosperms are most successful also because they are most widely spread on land.

1898. Plants of this group are called ferns:

• A. Filicinae
• B. Angiospermae
• C. Gymnospermae
• D. All of them

Explanation: The term "Filicinae" refers to a group of plants commonly known as ferns. Ferns are a type of vascular plant that belongs to the division Pteridophyta. They are characterized by their unique reproductive structures called sporangia, which are typically found on the undersides of their leaves (fronds).

1899. The space between the overtopped dichotomous branches was occupied by a sheet of which cells during evolution of megaphylls?

• A. Sclerenchyma
• B. Parenchyma
• C. Collenchyma
• D. Chlorenchyma

Explanation: During the evolution of megaphylls, the space between the overtopped dichotomous branches was occupied by a sheet of sclerenchyma cells.Sclerenchyma is a type of plant tissue characterized by thick, rigid cell walls that provide strength and support to plant structures. Sclerenchyma cells are often found in regions of the plant that require structural support, such as stems and vascular tissues.

1900. What is the name of the structure of the leaf that attaches the leaf to the stem?

• A. Phloem
• B. Mesophyll
• C. Xylem
• D. Petiole

Explanation: The structure of the leaf that attaches it to the stem is called the "leaf petiole." The leaf petiole serves as a connection between the leaf blade (lamina) and the stem of the plant. It provides support and allows the leaf to be positioned for optimal exposure to sunlight for photosynthesis. The length and characteristics of the leaf petiole can vary among different plant species.