Problem 115 - Objective Biology for NEET

Question

Match the following: Column I Column II A. Locusta - 1\. Apis B. Honey bee 2\. Locust C. Silkworm 3\. Bombyx D. Lac insect 4\. Laccifer (a) \(\mathrm{A}-4, \mathrm{~B}-1, \mathrm{C}-3, \mathrm{D}-4\) (b) \(\mathrm{A}-2, \mathrm{~B}-1, \mathrm{C}-4, \mathrm{D}-3\) (c) \(\mathrm{A}-2, \mathrm{~B}-1, \mathrm{C}-3, \mathrm{D}-4\) (d) \(\mathrm{A}-4, \mathrm{~B}-3, \mathrm{C}-1, \mathrm{D}-4\)

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The correct matching is (c) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4

Step 1: Identify the Organisms

Recognize each of the listed organisms and their corresponding scientific names. The matches are as follows: 'Locusta' is the scientific name for 'Locust', 'Apis' is the scientific name for 'Honey bee', 'Bombyx' is the scientific name for 'Silkworm', and 'Laccifer' is the scientific name for 'Lac insect'.

Step 2: Match the Organisms with their Scientific Names

Now that we know each organism and their corresponding scientific names, we can match them. 'Locusta' goes with 'Locust' so A matches with 2, 'Apis' goes with 'Honey bee' so B matches with 1, 'Bombyx' goes with 'Silkworm' so C matches with 3, and 'Laccifer' goes with 'Lac insect' so D matches with 4.

Key Concepts

Locusta

Locusta, also known as the scientific name for Locust, refers to a large group of grasshoppers that are known for their swarming behavior. Unlike typical grasshoppers, locusts can change behavior and form enormous swarms that spread over large geographical areas. These swarms can have devastating effects on crops and vegetation.

Locusts are found worldwide in arid or semi-arid regions. During a phase called the gregarious phase, locusts can rapidly increase in numbers and move in large groups or swarms, causing significant damage to agriculture. Understanding and predicting locust swarm behavior is important for managing their impact on crops.

• Key identification feature: Swarming behavior in large groups.
• Impact: Can cause significant agricultural damage during swarms.

Apis

Apis is the genus of the honey bee, a crucial pollinator in ecosystems and a significant contributor to agriculture. The most well-known species within the Apis genus is the Apis mellifera, also known as the Western honey bee. These insects are responsible for the production of honey and play an essential role in the pollination of many flowering plants.

Honey bees live in well-organized colonies that consist of a queen, hundreds of drones, and thousands of worker bees. They exhibit complex social behavior and communication methods, including dances to inform other bees about the location of resources.

• Social Structure: Includes a queen, drones, and workers.
• Economic Importance: Major role in pollination and honey production.

Bombyx

Bombyx is the genus of the silkworm, most notably the Bombyx mori, which is the primary producer of silk. Silkworms are famous for their ability to spin silk cocoons, which are harvested to produce silk thread for textiles. This process has been domesticated for thousands of years and remains a critical agricultural industry globally.

Silkworms are the larval stage of Bombyx moths. They are completely dependent on human cultivation of mulberry leaves for food, which is essential for their growth and silk production. By feeding on these leaves, silkworms can produce large amounts of silk.

• Diet: Exclusively mulberry leaves.
• End Product: Silk production through cocoon spinning.

Laccifer

Laccifer refers to the genus of insects known as Lac insects, with the most well-known species being Laccifer lacca. These insects are primarily known for their production of lac, a resin used in various applications, including the production of shellac and lacquer.

Lac insects are small creatures that colonize on specific host trees, such as the Kusum and Palash trees. They secrete a resinous substance, which hardens into a protective coating. This resin is harvested and processed into various products.

• Host Plants: Kusum, Palash, and others.
• Products: Resin used for shellac and varnish production.