Problem 225 - Objective Biology for NEET

Question

Find out the incorrect matching: (a) Reptiles Chelone, Testudo, Chameleon (b) Aves \(-\) Psittacula, Aptenodytes, Neophron \(\begin{array}{ll}\text { (c) Mammals } & \- & \text { Elephas, Rattus, Delphinus }\end{array}\) (d) Amphibian Naja, bangarus, Calotes

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Option (d) Amphibian: Naja, Bangarus, Calotes is the incorrect matching, as all examples listed are Reptiles, not Amphibians.

Step 1: Identification of correct matchings

Starting with (a), all examples given: Chelone, Testudo, Chameleon, are indeed reptiles. (b) Aves, or birds, include Psittacula (parakeets), Aptenodytes (penguins), and Neophron (Egyptian vulture). (c) In the third example, Mammals, Elephas (elephants), Rattus (rats) and Delphinus (dolphins) are all correctly categorized.

Step 2: Identification of incorrect matching

The remaining option is (d) Amphibian: Naja, Bangarus, Calotes. Naja refers to the genus of venomous elapids known commonly as cobras, Bangarus is referring to Bungarus, a genus of venomous elapid snakes known as kraits, and Calotes is a genus of lizards. Since all of them are either snakes or lizards, they belong to the Reptiles group, not Amphibians. Therefore, the incorrect matching is (d).

Key Concepts

Reptiles

Reptiles are fascinating creatures that have roamed our planet for millions of years. These cold-blooded animals are known for their scaly skin and ability to thrive in a variety of environments. The class Reptilia includes animals like snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles.
One of the main features of reptiles is their dry, scaly skin, which helps prevent water loss and allows them to live in arid environments. Reptiles are also equipped with lungs for breathing and lay eggs with leathery shells on land.

• Examples of reptiles: Chelone (turtles), Testudo (tortoises), Chameleon (lizards)
• Reproduction: Mostly oviparous, laying eggs, although some give live birth.

Reptiles play an important role in ecosystems as both predators and prey. Their adaptive nature allows them to coexist with a wide range of species.

Aves

Aves, commonly known as birds, are a diverse group of feathered animals. They are widely recognized for their ability to fly, although not all birds take to the skies. Birds have unique adaptations like lightweight bones and feathers, which facilitate flight.
The class Aves is characterized by several other features:

• Their beaks, which vary greatly in shape and size according to their diet.
• Endothermy, meaning they maintain a constant body temperature.
• They lay hard-shelled eggs, often in nests.

Common examples include Psittacula (parakeets), Aptenodytes (penguins), and Neophron (vultures). Birds play key roles in pollination, seed dispersal, and controlling insect populations.

Mammals

Mammals are a diverse group of animals, distinguished by their ability to nurture their young with milk produced by mammary glands. This group includes some of the most familiar animals on the planet, such as humans, dogs, and whales.
Here are some defining traits of mammals:

• They have hair or fur at some stage of their life cycle.
• Warm-blooded, allowing them to regulate their internal temperature.
• Most give birth to live young, though monotremes like the platypus lay eggs.

Examples include Elephas (elephants), Rattus (rats), and Delphinus (dolphins). Mammals have adapted to various environments, from oceans to forests, and have complex behaviors and social structures.

Amphibians

Amphibians are remarkable for their dual life - living both in water and on land during different life stages. This group includes creatures such as frogs, toads, and salamanders, which usually start their life as aquatic larvae with gills and then undergo metamorphosis to become air-breathing adults.
Unique characteristics of amphibians:

• Moist, permeable skin that aids in gas exchange.
• Eggs are typically laid in water, where they hatch into tadpoles.
• Many undergo metamorphosis, transitioning from gilled larvae to lung-breathing adults.

Amphibians are important indicators of environmental health, as their permeable skin makes them susceptible to pollutants. Understanding amphibians' needs and roles can contribute to conservation efforts.