Zoology-Practice-8

Prepare for SPSC Zoology exams with 20 fresh MCQs on animal classification, chordates, invertebrates, animal behaviour, osmoregulation, adaptations and ecology, with answers and explanations

Practice questions

Which structure in annelids is primarily used for locomotion and is especially well developed in many polychaete worms?
- Parapodia
- Setae-free clitellum
- Nephridia
- Prostomium
The corona in rotifers is mainly used for:
- Locomotion and food collection
- Reproduction
- Excretion
- Formation of the body cuticle
Which characteristic distinguishes nematodes from annelids?
- Presence of a complete digestive tract
- Presence of a pseudocoelom
- Bilateral symmetry
- Presence of a cuticle
What is the primary function of the clitellum in earthworms?
- Producing digestive enzymes
- Forming a cocoon for eggs
- Pumping blood
- Detecting light
Which type of development occurs in tunicates, where the larva undergoes a major transformation into a sessile adult?
- Retrogressive metamorphosis
- Direct development
- Paedomorphosis
- Complete regeneration
Which structure in lancelets serves as a passage through which water leaves the pharyngeal region?
- Atriopore
- Spiracle
- Cloaca
- Operculum
Which vertebrate group possesses a persistent notochord and lacks true vertebrae?
- Mammals
- Birds
- Hagfishes
- Reptiles
The ammocoete larva is characteristic of:
- Lampreys
- Sharks
- Lungfishes
- Amphibians
Which type of tail is characteristic of most sharks?
- Homocercal
- Heterocercal
- Diphycercal
- Protocercal
In male cartilaginous fishes, claspers are primarily used for:
- Swimming
- Internal fertilisation
- Respiration
- Food filtration
Which specialised organ enables many lungfishes to breathe atmospheric air?
- Swim bladder only
- Lungs
- Book lungs
- Tracheal tubes
The primary function of salt glands in marine reptiles is to:
- Remove excess salts
- Produce digestive enzymes
- Store glycogen
- Regulate blood clotting
Which type of red blood cell is characteristic of camels and helps them tolerate substantial changes in hydration?
- Spherical and nucleated
- Oval and anucleate
- Biconcave and nucleated
- Fragmented and irregular
In many diving mammals, which physiological response helps conserve oxygen?
- Increased blood flow to all organs
- Reduced heart rate and peripheral vasoconstriction
- Increased digestive activity
- Continuous elevation of body temperature
Which type of animal behaviour involves an innate response directed towards a particular stimulus?
- Imprinting
- Fixed action pattern
- Trial-and-error learning
- Habituation
In animal behaviour, imprinting is best described as:
- Learning during a sensitive early period
- Random genetic mutation
- Seasonal migration
- A reflex controlled only by the spinal cord
Which term describes the ability of an animal to maintain a relatively stable internal osmotic concentration despite changes in the surrounding environment?
- Osmoconformation
- Osmoregulation
- Thermogenesis
- Bioluminescence
Which marine organisms are especially known for producing light through a biochemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase?
- Bioluminescent organisms
- Osmoconforming organisms
- Filter feeders
- Detritivores
What is the primary ecological role of detritivores?
- Converting sunlight into chemical energy
- Feeding on dead organic material
- Producing atmospheric nitrogen
- Pollinating flowering plants
Which adaptation helps some tardigrades survive extreme environmental conditions?
- Permanent endothermy
- Cryptobiosis
- Continuous reproduction
- Development of a vertebral column