Q1. Which of the following is the primary basis for the classification of plants?
[A] Presence or absence of chlorophyll
[B] Mode of nutrition
[C] Presence or absence of vascular tissues
[D] Habitat
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Correct Answer: ([C] Presence or absence of vascular tissues
Explanation: The presence or absence of vascular tissues (xylem and phloem) is a fundamental characteristic used to broadly classify plants into non-vascular (Bryophytes) and vascular plants (Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, and Angiosperms). Other features are used for further classification within these groups.
Q2. Algae are characterized by the absence of:
[A] Chlorophyll
[B] Cell wall
[C] Vascular tissues
[D] Autotrophic nutrition
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Correct Answer: [C] Vascular tissues
Explanation: Algae are simple, thalloid, autotrophic organisms that lack true roots, stems, and leaves. They also lack specialized vascular tissues for the transport of water and nutrients, which is a defining feature distinguishing them from higher plants.
Q3. Which of the following groups of algae is predominantly marine and possesses chlorophyll a, d, and fucoxanthin?
[A] Chlorophyceae
[B] Phaeophyceae
[C] Rhodophyceae
[D] Cyanophyceae
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Correct Answer: [B] Phaeophyceae
Explanation: Phaeophyceae, or brown algae, are predominantly marine organisms. Their characteristic brown color is due to the presence of the pigment fucoxanthin, in addition to chlorophyll a and d. Examples include kelps and Sargassum.
Q4. The reserve food material in Rhodophyceae (red algae) is:
[A] Starch
[B] Mannitol
[C] Laminarin
[D] Floridean starch
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Correct Answer: [D] Floridean starch
Explanation: Floridean starch is the reserve food material in red algae. It is structurally similar to amylopectin and glycogen. Red algae also contain pigments like r-phycoerythrin and r-phycocyanin, which give them their characteristic red color.
Q5. Which of the following is commonly known as “amphibians of the plant kingdom”?
[A] Algae
[B] Bryophytes
[C] Pteridophytes
[D] Gymnosperms
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Correct Answer: [B] Bryophytes
Explanation: Bryophytes, including mosses, liverworts, and hornworts, are called amphibians of the plant kingdom because they require water for fertilization. Their sperm are flagellated and need to swim to the egg for sexual reproduction.
Q6. The dominant phase in the life cycle of a bryophyte is the:
[A] Sporophyte
[B] Gametophyte
[C] Zygote
[D] Embryo
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Correct Answer: [B] Gametophyte
Explanation: In bryophytes, the gametophyte is the dominant, independent, and photosynthetic phase of the life cycle. The sporophyte is dependent on the gametophyte for nutrition and anchorage.
Q7. Which of the following structures in a liverwort is involved in asexual reproduction?
[A] Seta
[B] Capsule
[C] Gemmae
[D] Protonema
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Correct Answer: [C] Gemmae
Explanation: Liverworts reproduce asexually by fragmentation of their thallus or by the formation of specialized structures called gemmae. Gemmae are green, multicellular, asexual buds that develop in small receptacles called gemma cups.
Q8. The first terrestrial plants to possess vascular tissues are:
[A] Algae
[B] Bryophytes
[C] Pteridophytes
[D] Gymnosperms
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Correct Answer: ([C] Pteridophytes
Explanation: Pteridophytes, including ferns and their allies, were the first true terrestrial plants to evolve vascular tissues (xylem and phloem). This allowed them to grow taller and colonize drier habitats compared to bryophytes.
Q9. The dominant phase in the life cycle of a pteridophyte is the:
[A] Gametophyte
[B] Sporophyte
[C] Zygote
[D] Embryo
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Correct Answer: [B] Sporophyte
Explanation: In pteridophytes, the sporophyte is the dominant, independent, and photosynthetic phase of the life cycle. The gametophyte is a small, inconspicuous, and often short-lived structure called a prothallus.
Q10. Heterosporous pteridophytes produce:
[A] Only one type of spore
[B] Two types of spores: microspores and megaspores
[C] Spores that develop into both male and female gametophytes on the same prothallus
[D] Non-motile spores
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Correct Answer: [B] Two types of spores: microspores and megaspores
Explanation: Heterosporous pteridophytes, like Selaginella and Salvinia, produce two distinct types of spores: smaller microspores that develop into male gametophytes and larger megaspores that develop into female gametophytes. This is a precursor to the seed habit