Question 1

As we go from species to kingdom in a taxonomic hierarchy, the number of common characteristics will:

Accepted Answer

As we move up the taxonomic hierarchy from species to kingdom, the criteria for determining common characteristics become more general. Therefore, the number of shared or common characteristics among the organisms decreases as we ascend towards the kingdom level.

Question 2

Which of the following 'suffixes' used for units of classification in plants indicates a taxonomic category of 'family'?

Accepted Answer

In plant taxonomy, the suffix '-aceae' is universally used to designate the taxonomic category of family (e.g., Solanaceae, Fabaceae). Suffixes like '-ales' are used for order.

Question 3

The term 'systematics' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Systematics is derived from the Latin word 'systema', which means systematic arrangement of organisms. It deals with the diversity of organisms and all their comparative and evolutionary relationships.

Question 4

Genus represents:

Accepted Answer

A genus comprises a group of related species which has more characters in common in comparison to species of other genera. Hence, it represents a group of related species.

Question 5

The taxonomic category below the level of family is:

Accepted Answer

The taxonomic hierarchy in descending order is Kingdom, Division/Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species. Therefore, the category immediately below family is genus.

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