Question Bank

Kingdom Animalia

1. What are chordates ? Give their distinctive features.

Ans. Chordates are the most advanced group of animals. All
chordates show the following three distinctive features :
(i) Presence of a notochord
(ii) Presence of a dorsal, tubular nerve cord above the
notochord, and
(iii) Presence of paired gill slits in the pharyngeal region.
2. What are the two different views taken into consideration to
classify animals?
Ans. Animals can be classified (i) on the basis of cellular structure,
and (ii) on the basis of the presence or absence of vertebral
column, as follows :
(a) Based on the cellular structure, the animals are divided
into two sub-kingdoms — Protozoa and Metazoa. The
animals belonging to protozoa are composed of a single
cell (unicellular), e.g., amoeba, paramecium and
trypanosomes. The animals belonging to metazoa are
composed of many cells (multicellular) e.g., hydra,
earthworm, dog, etc.
(b) Based on the presence or absence of vertebral column,
the animals are divided into two large groups -Invertebrata
and Vertebrata. The animals belonging to invertebrata do
not possess the back bone, e.g., earthworm, butterfly and
the animals belonging to vertebrata have a vertebral
column, that supports the body e.g., frog, snake, bird,
horse, man.

Biology Class-IX 1 Question Bank

 3. Give distinguishing features and two examples of each of the
following : Protozoa, Coelenterata, Platyhelminthes, Reptilia.
Ans. Distinguishing features of Protozoa
(i) They are acellular or non-cellular animals. Sometimes
these are described as unicellular animals. However, this is
not true as a protozoan cell is a complete animal carrying
on all the essential functions while a cell in other phyla is
merely a specialized unit performing a specific function.
(ii) They are microscopic in size.
(iii) Structure is very simple. The body consists merely of a
mass of protoplasm. There is no tissue or organ formation.
(iv) Generally there is no skeleton.
(v) Organelles of locomotion and feeding are generally
present.
(vi) There are no organelles for respiration and excretion
which occur through the general body surface.
(vii) Reproduction occurs commonly by fission.
Examples - Amoeba, Paramecium, Plasmodium, Entamoeba,
Trypanosoma.
Distinguishing features of Coelenterata
(i) Body is radially symmetrical.
(ii) They have a tissue-level organization with a distinct
division of labour.
(iii) There is a single central cavity, the coelenteron, which is
surrounded by a two-layered body wall (diploblastic).
Coelenteron has a single opening to the exterior which
serves as the mouth. Two-layered body wall consists of an
outer ectoderm and an inner endoderm or gastrodermis.
Between these two layers is a gelatinous, non-cellular
layer, the mesogloea.
(iv) A number of tentacles encircle the mouth and are used for
food capture, intake and defence.

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 (v) Peculiar cells with stinging capsules called nematocysts
are present. These are present in abundance in the tentacle
region and are used for capturing prey.
(vi) Respiratory, circulatory and excretory systems are
wanting.
(vii) Nervous system is primitive, consisting of a diffused
network of unpolarized nerve cells.
(viii) Asexual reproduction occurs by budding.
(ix) Sexual reproduction takes place by ova and sperms.
Gonads are simple and lack gonoducts.
(x) Coelentrates exist in two forms – polyp (representing
asexual phase) and the medusa (representing sexual
phase).
Examples – Hydra, Obelia, Aurelia.
Distinguishing features of Platyhelminthes
These are commonly known as flat worms and exhibit
following characters :
(i) These are bilaterally symmetrical and dorso-ventrally
flattened animals.
(ii) They are triploblastic. Third germ layer (mesoderm) is
present between the epidermis and gastrodermis.
(iii) Coelom is absent (acoelomate).
(iv) Anus is absent.
(v) Circulatory, skeletal and respiratory systems are absent.
(vi) Flame cells are present for excretion.
(vii) Reproductive system is complicated.
(viii) Fertilization is internal.
Examples – Fasciola (liver fluke), Taenia solium (tapeworm),
Planaria.

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Distinguishing features of Reptilia
These are the first truly terrestrial animals among the higher
group of vertebrates (Reptilia, Aves, Mammalia). These show
following characteristic features :
(i) Body is divisible into head, neck and trunk. Tail is well
developed in some, while it is reduced in others.
(ii) Two pairs of pentadactyle limbs are present. Each limb
has five digits bearing horny claws.
(iii) Body is covered wih epidermal horny scales.
(iv) Skin is dry and devoid of glands.
(v) They are cold-blooded animals.
(vi) Heart is incompletely four-chambered, having two auricles
and an incompletely divided ventricle. In crocodile, heart
is completely four-chambered.
(vii) Respiration takes place by lungs only. Gills are absent.
(viii) Alimentary canal leads into cloaca.
(ix) Sexes are separate.
(x) Eggs are megalecithal.
(xi) Fertilization is internal (characteristic of land animals).
(xii) The embryo always lies in a fluid-filled sac called amnion.
Examples - Crocodile, alligator, tortoise, turtle, snake, lizard.
4. Name the animals which show following structures :
(a) Proboscis (b) Three pairs of legs
(c) Lateral line (d) Lungs but no external ears
(e) Nephridia (f) Spicules
(g) Absence of body cavity
(h) Skin with sweat glands and four-chambered heart.

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Ans. Structure Animal
(a) Proboscs Butterfly
(b) Three pairs of legs Insects (housefly, mosquito,
cockroach)
(c) Lateral line Fish
(d) Lungs but no external ears Amphibians (frog, toad)
(e) Nephridia Earthworm, leech
(f) Spicules Sponges
(g) Absence of body cavity Platyhelminthes
(Tapeworm, liverfluke)
(h) Skin with sweat glands and Mammals (Lion, bat,
four-chambered heart monkey, cow, humans)
5. Match the items given in Column A with those in Column B.
Column A Column B
(a) Amphibia (i) octopus
(b) Arthropoda (ii) amphioxus
(c) Platyhelminthes (iii) sea urchin
(d) Mollusca (iv) coral
(e) Protochordata (v) centipede
(f) Echinodermata (vi) Planaria
(g) Coelenterata (vii) salamander
Ans. (a) vii (b) v (c) vi (d) i (e) ii (f) iii (g) iv
6. Distinguish between
(a) Protozoans and Metazoans
(b) Invertebrates and Vertebrates
(c) Annelids and Nematodes
(d) Coelenterates and Platyhelminthes
(e) Flatworms and Roundworms
(f) Cartilaginous and Bony fish
(g) Aves and Mammals
(h) Pisces and Amphibia.

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Ans. (a) Differences between Protozoans and Metazoans
Protozoans Metazoans
1. Animal body consists of a single Animal body is multicellular.
cell. Represented by all phyla except protozoa.
2. Represented by Phylum Protozoa. Examples - Hydra, Ascaris, earthworm, frog,
Examples - Amoeba, Paramecium. lizard, man.
(b) Differences between Invertebrates and Vertebrates
Invertebrates Vertebrates
1. They do not have a vertebral column They have a vertebral column to
(backbone). support the body.
2. They do not have an endoskeleton. They have an endoskeleton.
3. A tail is absent. A post anal tail is usually present.
4. The heart, if present, is dorsal in Heart is ventral in position.
position.
5. The nerve (spinal) cord is ventral in The nerve cord is dorsal in position
position. It is solid. and is tubular.
6. Haemoglobin generally absent; if Haemoglobin is present in red blood
present it remains dissolved in blood. cells.
7. The appendages consist of more than They have two pairs of limbs
two pairs. (appendages).
(c) Differences between Annelids and Nematodes
Annelids Nematodes (Round worms)
1. Soft body with ring-like Soft, round, long, cylindrical bodies.
segments.
2. True body cavity present. False body cavity present.
3. Alimentary canal opens at both Alimentary canal has separate openings for
ends. mouth and anus.
Examples - Earthworm, leech. Examples - Roundworm (Ascaris), Filaria.
(d) Differences between Coelenterates and Platyhelminthes
Coelenterates Platyhelminthes
1. Radially symmetrical. Bilaterally symmetrical.
2. Diploblastic. Triploblastic.
3. Body has a gastral cavity called No body cavity.
coelenteron.
Examples - Hydra, Obelia. Examples - Liver fluke, tapeworm.

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 (e) Differences between Flatworms and Roundworms
Flatworms (Platyhelminthes) Roundworms (Nemathelminthes)
1. Body flat, unsegmented, ribbon- Body-soft, round, long, cylindrical.
like.
2. No body cavity present. False body cavity present.
3. Alimentary canal has only one Alimentary canal has separate openings
opening which serves both as for mouth and anus.
mouth and anus.
Examples - Liverfluke, tapeworm. Examples - Ascaris, Filaria.
(f) Differences between Cartilaginous and Bony fish
Cartilaginous fish Bony fish
1. The skeleton is made up of The skeleton is made up of bone.
cartilage. Mouth is usually at the anterior end of
2. Mouth is ventral in position. the body.
3. Gill slits are without any cover. Gill slits are covered by operculum.
4. Air bladder is absent. Air bladder is present.
5. Fertilization is internal. Fertilization is external.
6. Fins do not have rays. Fins have rays
7. They are all marine. They live in both fresh and sea water.
(g) Differences between Aves and Mammals
Aves Mammals
1. Arboreal in habit Terrestrial, arboreal and aquatic in
2. Exoskeleton of feathers present. habit.
3. Wings present as locomotory Hair present.
organ. Limbs present.
4. Oviparous. Viviparous.
5. No such glands. Mammary glands present to suckle
the young ones.
(h) Differences between Pisces and Amphibia
Pisces Amphibia
1. Aquatic in habit. Amphibious (aquatic as well as
terrestrial) in habit.
2. Exoskeleton of slimy scales. Exoskeleton smooth, slimy and non-
scaly.
3. Fins as locomotory organs Limbs as locomotory organs.
4. Respiration through gills and skin. Respiration through gills, lungs and skin.
5. Heart two-chambered. Heart three-chambered.

Biology Class-IX 7 Question Bank

 7. Define the following terms :
(a) Coelom (b) Metameric segmentation
(c) Oviparous animals (d) Poikilothermal animals
Ans. (a) Coelom : Coelom is the body cavity present in
triploblastic animals.
(b) Metameric segmentation : It is the division of the body
into a row of similar compartments called metameres by
partition walls. The partition walls may divide the body
externally as well as internally.
(c) Oviparous animals : Egg-laying animals are called oviparous.
(d) Poikilothermal animals : Animals in which body
temperature changes with changes in environmental
temperature, as in frog.
8. What is the difference between the following :
(a) Heart of fish and that of a bird
(b) Breathing organs of fish and lizard
(c) Position of mouth in shark and salmon.
Ans. (a) Heart of a fish is two-chambered (an auricle and a
ventricle), while that of a bird is four-chambered (two
auricles and two ventricles).
(b) Breathing organs in a fish are the gills, while in a lizard,
lungs are present.
(c) Mouth is ventral in position in a shark, and it is at the
anterior end of the body in salmon.
9. List five characteristics of vertebrates.
Ans. Characteristics of Vertebrates
(i) Notochord is replaced by a vertebral column.
(ii) Heart is ventral in position.
(iii) Nerve cord is dorsal in position.
(iv) Brain is enclosed in a protective bony box, the cranium.
(v) Red pigment haemoglobin is present in the blood.
(vi) Two pairs of limbs are present.
(vii) Endoskeleton is present.

Biology Class-IX 8 Question Bank

10. Name the phylum to which each of the following animals
belong : Sea-horse, silverfish, jelly fish, starfish, tapeworm,
cuttle fish, sycon, seal.
Ans. Animal Phylum
Sea-horse – Pisces
Silverfish – Arthropoda
Jellyfish – Coelenterata
Starfish – Echinodermata
Tapeworm – Platyhelminthes
Cuttle fish – Mollusca
Sycon – Porifera
Seal – Mammal
11. Describe the adaptive characteristics of birds.
Ans. Adaptive characteristics of Birds. Birds are efficiently
adapted to terrestrial life and to an aerial existence.
Adaptations to Flight
1. Most birds are small. This is important for successful
flight as wing loading (i.e., weight supported per unit area
of lifting surface) must be low.
2. Weight is kept to a minimum by the possession of a very
light skeleton with hollow bones and air-sacs.
3. The body is streamlined.
4. The eye is so shaped that all parts of the visual field are in
focus on the retina at the same time. (In mammals only the
central part, the fovea, receives a focussed image). The
number of cone cells in a day-flying bird is far greater
than in a mammal, and they are also densely packed over
the rest of the retina. Thus, perception of fine details takes
place over the whole of the visual field.
5. The brain is well developed in keeping with the great
mobility of birds.

Biology Class-IX 9 Question Bank

 Adaptations to Terrestrial Life
1. Temperature regulation : Birds are able to maintain their
body temperature at a constant level (40°C – 45°C) and
are independent of external temperatures. They possess
an efficient, high pressure blood system with complete
separation of pulmonary and body circulations. Heat loss
is prevented by the feathers which form very efficient
insulators.
2. Water regulation : Birds have dry skins with no sweat
glands. Nitrogenous waste products are formed into
relatively insoluble uric acid. After leaving the kidney,
water is absorbed; and the faeces mixed with uric acid
crystals form the semi-soild droppings.
3. Respiration : Birds possess an extremely efficient system
for gaseous exchange. The lungs are attached to the ribs.
When not in flight, breathing movements are brought
about by special respiratory muscles attached to the ribs.
The lungs contain a number of air-sacs. RBCs are
nucleated.
12. Complete the following by selecting the correct term.
(a) Class Amphibia includes _________ animals. (aquatic,
terrestrial, amphibian)
(b) Class Mammalia includes animals with _________.
(poison glands, mammary glands, parotid glands)
(c) Metazoa includes _________ animals.
(unicellular, bicellular, multicellular)
(d) Insects have_________ pairs of legs. (two, three, six)
Ans. (a) amphibian
(b) mammary glands
(c) multicellular
(d) three

Biology Class-IX 10 Question Bank

13. Given below is the list of a few animals followed by three
features in each case. Tick the feature which does not match
with the animal.
(a) Earthworm — Insecta, annelida, invertebrata.
(b) Paramecium — Protozoa, tentacle, cilia.
(c) Jelly fish — Radial symmetry, diploblastic,
platyhelminthes.
(d) Butterfly — Vertebrata, arthropoda, insecta.
(e) Salamander — Invertebrata, amphibia, chordata.
Ans. (a) Insecta
(b) Tentacle
(c) Platyhelminthes
(d) Vertebrata
(e) Invertebrata.

Biology Class-IX 11 Question Bank