Non-Chordate Phyla Practice Questions
20 free Non-Chordate Phyla practice questions for the NCERT Biology. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Which of the following cell types is unique to sponges and lines the spongocoel and canals?
- A Cnidocytes
- B Choanocytes
- C Solenocytes
- D Nephridia
Correct answer: Choanocytes
Choanocytes, also known as collar cells, are specialized flagellated cells that line the spongocoel and canals of sponges. They are responsible for maintaining water flow and capturing food particles.
The presence of stinging capsules called nematocysts is a characteristic feature of which phylum?
- A Porifera
- B Ctenophora
- C Coelenterata
- D Aschelminthes
Correct answer: Coelenterata
Cnidarians (Coelenterates) possess cnidoblasts or cnidocytes on their tentacles and body, which contain the stinging capsules called nematocysts. These are used for anchorage, defense, and the capture of prey.
Which of the following shows the phenomenon of metagenesis?
- A Adamsia
- B Physalia
- C Obelia
- D Hydra
Correct answer: Obelia
Metagenesis is an alternation of generations where polyps produce medusae asexually and medusae form polyps sexually. This is most notably seen in the genus Obelia.
Comb jellies belong to which phylum and are characterized by how many rows of ciliated comb plates?
- A Coelenterata, 6
- B Annelida, 4
- C Ctenophora, 8
- D Ctenophora, 10
Correct answer: Ctenophora, 8
Phylum Ctenophora (comb jellies) is characterized by eight external rows of ciliated comb plates. These structures are used primarily for locomotion.
The property of a living organism to emit light is called bioluminescence. This is well-marked in which phylum?
- A Cnidaria
- B Echinodermata
- C Ctenophora
- D Mollusca
Correct answer: Ctenophora
Bioluminescence is a prominent feature of Ctenophores. These marine organisms produce light through chemical reactions within their bodies.
Specialized cells called flame cells help in osmoregulation and excretion in which group of animals?
- A Roundworms (Nemathelminthes)
- B Platyhelminthes (Flatworms)
- C Earthworms (Oligochaeta)
- D Hookworms (Ancylostoma)
Correct answer: Platyhelminthes (Flatworms)
Flame cells are the excretory structures found in Phylum Platyhelminthes (flatworms). They function primarily to maintain osmotic balance and remove metabolic wastes.
Aschelminthes are also known as roundworms because:
- A They have a circular mouth
- B The body is circular in cross-section
- C They always live in circular colonies
- D They move in a circular motion
Correct answer: The body is circular in cross-section
The term 'roundworm' is derived from the fact that the bodies of Aschelminthes appear circular when viewed in cross-section. They are triploblastic, pseudocoelomate animals.
Metameric segmentation is most distinctly visible in which of the following?
- A Ascaris lumbricoides
- B Fasciola hepatica
- C Pheretima posthuma
- D Taenia solium
Correct answer: Pheretima posthuma
Pheretima posthuma (Earthworm) belongs to Phylum Annelida, which is characterized by the body being divided into segments or metameres. This metamerism is both external and internal.
Parapodia are lateral appendages used for swimming found in which annelid?
- A Pheretima
- B Nereis
- C Leech
- D Planaria
Correct answer: Nereis
Nereis is an aquatic annelid that possesses lateral appendages called parapodia. These structures assist the organism in swimming through water.
Which of the following is the largest phylum of Animalia which includes insects?
- A Mollusca
- B Arthropoda
- C Annelida
- D Echinodermata
Correct answer: Arthropoda
Arthropoda is the largest phylum in the animal kingdom, accounting for over two-thirds of all named species on Earth. Their key feature is the presence of jointed appendages.
The respiratory organs in Arthropods vary. Which of the following is NOT a respiratory organ in this phylum?
- A Gills
- B Book lungs
- C Tracheal system
- D Flame cells
Correct answer: Flame cells
Flame cells are excretory structures found in flatworms. Arthropods use gills, book gills, book lungs, or tracheal systems for gas exchange depending on their habitat.
Excretion in most insects like the cockroach takes place through:
- A Nephridia organs
- B Malpighian tubules
- C Antennal green glands
- D Proboscis glands
Correct answer: Malpighian tubules
Malpighian tubules are the primary excretory organs of insects. They remove nitrogenous wastes from the hemolymph and dump them into the digestive tract.
The second largest animal phylum is:
- A Arthropoda
- B Annelida
- C Mollusca
- D Hemichordata
Correct answer: Mollusca
Mollusca is the second largest phylum. It includes soft-bodied animals that are usually protected by a calcareous shell.
A file-like rasping organ for feeding called radula is found in which phylum?
- A Arthropoda
- B Annelida
- C Mollusca
- D Platyhelminthes
Correct answer: Mollusca
The radula is a unique feeding organ found in many molluscs. It consists of a chitinous ribbon with rows of teeth used for scraping or cutting food.
The most distinctive feature of echinoderms is the presence of a:
- A Canal system
- B Water vascular system
- C Jointed appendages
- D Pseudocoelomic cavity
Correct answer: Water vascular system
Echinoderms possess a water vascular system, which is a network of hydraulic canals. It functions in locomotion, capture and transport of food, and respiration.
Adult echinoderms show _______ symmetry, while their larvae show _______ symmetry.
- A Radial, Bilateral
- B Bilateral, Radial
- C Asymmetry, Radial
- D Radial, Asymmetry
Correct answer: Radial, Bilateral
Adult echinoderms exhibit radial symmetry (usually pentamerous), but their larval stages are bilaterally symmetrical. This transition is a unique characteristic of the phylum.
Which of the following is a worm-like marine animal with a proboscis, collar, and trunk?
- A Balanoglossus
- B Antedon rosaceus
- C Sepia officinalis
- D Nereis virens
Correct answer: Balanoglossus
Balanoglossus belongs to Phylum Hemichordata. Its body is cylindrical and consists of an anterior proboscis, a collar, and a long trunk.
Statocysts are found in some arthropods to help with:
- A Food digestion
- B Balance sensing
- C Light detection
- D Waste excretion
Correct answer: Balance sensing
Statocysts are sensory organs found in many arthropods (like crustaceans) that function as balance receptors, helping the animal maintain its orientation.
In which phylum is the body covered by a calcareous shell and unsegmented with a distinct head, muscular foot, and visceral hump?
- A Arthropoda
- B Annelida
- C Mollusca
- D Hemichordata
Correct answer: Mollusca
These are the diagnostic features of Phylum Mollusca. The visceral hump is covered by a soft and spongy layer of skin called the mantle.
The 'Pearl oyster' belongs to which genus?
- A Chiton
- B Pinctada
- C Mytilus
- D Loligo squid
Correct answer: Pinctada
Pinctada is the genus of the pearl oyster, which belongs to the Phylum Mollusca. Pila is the apple snail and Sepia is the cuttlefish.