Q1) Solve any five of the following.

a) Define Macrotaxonomy.
Macrotaxonomy is the classification and categorization of organisms at higher taxonomic levels
such as classes, phyla, and kingdoms based on shared characteristics and evolutionary
relationships.
b) Define Eumetazoa.
Eumetazoa is a clade of animals characterized by true tissues, including muscles, nerves, and
epithelia, distinguishing them from simpler animals without true tissues.
c) Explain Polyp.
A polyp is a tubular, typically sessile body form found in cnidarians like corals and sea
anemones, with a central mouth surrounded by tentacles, attached to a substrate.
d) Give two examples of Cestoda.
Two examples of Cestoda, or tapeworms, are Taenia solium (pork tapeworm) and Echinococcus
granulosus (dog tapeworm).
e) Explain Spicule.
Spicules are small, needle-like structures found in sponges, providing structural support and
defense against predators, and composed of calcium carbonate, silica, or spongin.
f) Explain Sporozoa.
Sporozoa is a phylum of parasitic protozoans characterized by forming spores and complex life
cycles, including significant pathogens causing diseases such as malaria and toxoplasmosis.
Q2) a) Give the general characters of phylum porifera.
1. Simple body organization without true tissues or organs
2. Asymmetrical or radially symmetrical body plan
3. Presence of pores and canals for water circulation
4. Unique skeletal structures such as spicules or spongin
5. Choanocytes responsible for feeding and reproduction
6. Lack of symmetry and tissues
7. Filter-feeding mechanism for obtaining nutrients
8. Asexual reproduction through budding and sexual reproduction through the release of
gametes into the water for external fertilization
OR
Define taxonomy. Explain Alpha and beta taxonomy.
Taxonomy is about classifying and naming organisms based on their characteristics and
relationships.
Alpha taxonomy is finding and naming new species, focusing on diversity within a specific
group.
Beta taxonomy studies evolutionary relationships and classifications of organisms at higher
taxonomic levels.
b) Explain the role of Tryphanosoma on human health.
Trypanosoma, a genus of parasitic protists, affects human health by causing diseases such as
African sleeping sickness and Chagas disease, transmitted by insects. These diseases can lead
to severe neurological and systemic complications, posing significant health risks to individuals
in affected regions.
Q3) a) Draw a neat labelled diagram explaining morphological characters of
Paramoecium.
Paramecium is a single-celled protist with a characteristic slipper-like shape. It possesses a
number of morphological features:
1. Pellicle: The outer covering of the cell, providing support and protection.
2. Oral Groove: A depression on one side of the cell used for feeding and expelling waste.
3. Cilia: Numerous hair-like projections covering the cell, used for movement and creating water
currents for feeding.
4. Macronucleus: The larger, more prominent nucleus responsible for regulating cell functions
and growth.
5. Micronucleus: The smaller nucleus involved in genetic exchange during sexual reproduction.
OR
With suitable examples explain radial symmetry.
Radial symmetry is a type of symmetry where any number of identical parts are arranged
around a central axis, like the spokes of a wheel. It's like cutting a pizza into equal slices, and no
matter how you rotate it, it looks the same from any angle.
An example of radial symmetry is a sunflower. The seeds are arranged in a spiral pattern that
radiates out from the center. Another example is a sea anemone, which has multiple identical
tentacles arranged around its central body.
So, that's radial symmetry - symmetry around a central point.
b) Write the significance of polymorphism in Cnidaria.
Polymorphism in Cnidaria is significant because it allows the organisms to have different
specialized forms for different functions within the colony. For example, in the class Hydrozoa,
there are polyps for feeding and reproduction, and medusae for swimming and dispersal. This
division of labor among different forms enables the colony to efficiently carry out different tasks
for survival and reproduction. Therefore, polymorphism is important for the ecological success of
Cnidaria.
Q4) a) With suitable examples, give characters of Turbellaria.
Turbellaria are free-living flatworms characterized by features such as a soft, unsegmented
body, a simple nervous system with ladder-like nerve cords, and digestive system with a
branched gut. They also possess cilia for locomotion and sensory tentacles for detecting food
and environment.
Examples of Turbellaria include planarians like Dugesia and freshwater flatworms in the genus
Phagocata, which exhibit these characteristic features.
OR
Give an account of kingdom monera with examples.
Kingdom Monera comprises prokaryotic organisms, including bacteria and cyanobacteria, which
are characterized by their lack of a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. These
organisms are unicellular and have a cell wall made of peptidoglycan.
Examples of Monera include bacteria such as Escherichia coli, which is commonly found in the
human gut, and cyanobacteria like Anabaena, which are known for their ability to perform
photosynthesis. These organisms play vital roles in various ecosystems, including
biogeochemical cycling and symbiotic relationships with other organisms.
b) Discuss asconoid type canal in sponges.
The asconoid type of canal system in sponges is the simplest form. It consists of a central cavity
called the spongocoel, with tiny pores called ostia in the body wall. Water enters through the
ostia, moves into the spongocoel, and then exits through a large opening, while food particles
are trapped for consumption. This simple structure limits the size of the sponge due to
inefficiencies in delivering nutrients and oxygen to inner cells.
Q5) Write short notes on any Four of the following.
a) Class-Anthozoa.
a) Class Anthozoa:
Class Anthozoa is a class of marine cnidarians, which includes sea anemones, corals, and sea
fans. They are characterized by their solitary or colonial polyps, lack of a medusa stage, and
possession of numerous tentacles with stinging cells called cnidocytes. Anthozoans play a
crucial role in marine ecosystems and are economically important due to the formation of coral
reefs, which provide habitat for numerous marine organisms.
b) Economic importance of sponges.
Economic importance of sponges:
Sponges have economic importance in various ways. They are a source of bioactive
compounds with potential pharmaceutical applications, including as anti-inflammatory,
anti-microbial, and anti-cancer agents. Additionally, sponges are used for cleaning and bathing
due to their porous and absorbent nature. In some cultures, certain types of sponges are
harvested for commercial use, contributing to the economy.
c) Phylum cnidaria.
Phylum Cnidaria:
The phylum Cnidaria comprises aquatic, mostly marine, organisms such as jellyfish, corals, sea
anemones, and hydras. They are characterized by the presence of specialized stinging cells
called cnidocytes, radial symmetry, and a simple body plan with a central digestive
compartment. Cnidarians play a significant role in marine ecosystems and can have an impact
on human activities, such as through stings from certain jellyfish species.
d) Significance of taxonomy.
Significance of taxonomy:
Taxonomy is significant as it provides a systematic framework for organizing and classifying all
living organisms based on their evolutionary relationships. It helps in the identification and
naming of species, understanding biodiversity, and studying the evolutionary history of life on
Earth. Taxonomy also aids in conservation efforts by providing a basis for understanding and
preserving the diversity of life forms.
e) Flagellar locomotion in Protozoa.
Flagellar locomotion in Protozoa:
In Protozoa, flagellar locomotion refers to movement facilitated by the beating of whip-like
structures called flagella. Flagella help protozoans to move through their aquatic environments
by propelling the cell forward. This type of locomotion is observed in various protozoan species,
such as the Euglena, Trypanosoma, and some types of algae.
f) Physiological adaptation in platyhelmenthes.
Physiological adaptation in Platyhelminthes:
Platyhelminthes, or flatworms, exhibit various physiological adaptations that contribute to their
survival in diverse environments. These adaptations include the ability to tolerate low oxygen
levels due to their flat body shape and the presence of a highly branched digestive system that
enhances nutrient absorption. Additionally, some flatworm species have developed mechanisms
to evade the immune systems of their hosts, allowing them to establish parasitic relationships.