Modes of Reproduction Practice Questions
20 free Modes of Reproduction 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 processes ensures the continuity of species generation after generation?
- A Respiration
- B Reproduction
- C Food digestion
- D Waste excretion
Correct answer: Reproduction
Reproduction is a biological process in which an organism produces young ones similar to itself. It is essential for the survival and continuity of a species over time.
Asexual reproduction is characterized by which of the following?
- A Fusion of male and female gametes
- B Involvement of two parents of opposite sex
- C Offspring being genetically identical to the parent
- D Formation of a zygote after fertilization of gametes
Correct answer: Offspring being genetically identical to the parent
In asexual reproduction, a single individual is capable of producing offspring. As a result, the offspring are not only similar but are exact genetic copies (clones) of their parent.
The term 'clone' is applicable to offspring formed by asexual reproduction because:
- A They are morphologically similar but genetically different
- B They are morphologically and genetically identical
- C They show high levels of variation
- D They are produced by the fusion of gametes
Correct answer: They are morphologically and genetically identical
Clones are individuals that are carbon copies of each other. In asexual reproduction, mitosis ensures that the genetic makeup remains identical to the parent.
In Yeast, the division is unequal and small projections are produced that remain attached initially to the parent cell. This is called:
- A Fission
- B Budding
- C Fragmentation
- D Sporulation
Correct answer: Budding
Budding is a form of asexual reproduction where a small 'bud' grows on the parent body. In Yeast, these buds eventually get separated and mature into new organisms.
Fungi and simple plants like algae both reproduce by special asexual structures. Which structure is common to both groups?
- A Gemmules
- B Zoospores
- C Conidia
- D Vegetative buds
Correct answer: Zoospores
Zoospores are microscopic, flagellated spores produced by many algae and by aquatic fungi, so they are the asexual structure the two groups share. Conidia are non-motile spores restricted to certain fungi, gemmules are the internal buds of sponges, and vegetative buds are a form of vegetative propagation rather than a spore.
Identify the asexual reproductive structure found specifically in sponges:
- A Conidia
- B Buds
- C Gemmules
- D Zoospores
Correct answer: Gemmules
Gemmules are internal buds found in sponges that can survive harsh environmental conditions. They consist of a mass of cells (archaeocytes) surrounded by a protective spicule layer.
In plants, structures like runners, rhizomes, suckers, and tubers are capable of giving rise to new offspring. These are collectively known as:
- A Sexual reproductive units
- B Vegetative propagules
- C Zygotic reproductive units
- D Gametic cell bundles
Correct answer: Vegetative propagules
Vegetative propagation is a form of asexual reproduction in plants. Since these structures involve only one parent and no gametic fusion, they are referred to as vegetative propagules.
The 'Terror of Bengal' is an aquatic plant that propagates vegetatively at a phenomenal rate. What is its common name?
- A Agave plant
- B Bryophyllum
- C Water Hyacinth
- D Pistia plant
Correct answer: Water Hyacinth
Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) was introduced to India for its beautiful flowers but became invasive. It drains oxygen from water, leading to the death of fish, hence the name 'Terror of Bengal'.
Small plants emerge from the notches present at the margins of leaves in:
- A Agave plant
- B Bryophyllum
- C Potato plant
- D Ginger plant
Correct answer: Bryophyllum
Bryophyllum produces adventitious buds along its leaf margins. When these leaves fall on moist soil, the buds develop into new plantlets.
Sexual reproduction is considered a more complex and slower process compared to asexual reproduction because:
- A It involves only a single parent and no gamete fusion
- B It involves fusion of male and female gametes
- C Offspring produced are identical to their parents
- D It occurs only in unicellular organisms exclusively
Correct answer: It involves fusion of male and female gametes
Sexual reproduction involves the formation and fusion of gametes, leading to genetic variation. This complexity requires more time and energy than simple mitotic division.
The period of growth in an organism's life before it can reproduce sexually is called the ________ in animals.
- A Vegetative phase
- B Juvenile phase period
- C Senescent phase
- D Reproductive phase
Correct answer: Juvenile phase period
The juvenile phase is the period of growth and maturity required before an organism can transition into the reproductive phase. In plants, this same period is referred to as the vegetative phase.
Which of the following plants exhibits an unusual flowering phenomenon, blooming only once in 12 years?
- A Bamboo
- B Strobilanthes kunthiana
- C Mango
- D Calotropis procera
Correct answer: Strobilanthes kunthiana
Strobilanthes kunthiana (Neelakurinji) flowers once every 12 years. Its mass flowering transforms hilly areas of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu into blue stretches.
Cyclical changes in the activities of ovaries and accessory ducts during the reproductive phase in non-primate mammals is called:
- A Menstrual cycle
- B Oestrus cycle
- C Circadian rhythm
- D Parturition
Correct answer: Oestrus cycle
The oestrus cycle occurs in non-primate mammals like cows, sheep, and dogs. Unlike the menstrual cycle in primates, the endometrium is reabsorbed if fertilization does not occur.
Organisms that are active reproductively throughout their reproductive phase are known as:
- A Seasonal breeders only
- B Continuous breeders
- C Occasional breeders
- D Senescent breeders
Correct answer: Continuous breeders
Continuous breeders, such as humans and many poultry birds, can reproduce at any time during their reproductive years. Seasonal breeders only reproduce during specific favorable times of the year.
The transition between the juvenile, reproductive, and senescent phases in plants and animals is primarily regulated by:
- A Nutrient availability
- B Hormones
- C Soil pH and acidity
- D Atmospheric pressure
Correct answer: Hormones
Hormones are the chemical messengers that trigger physiological changes at different life stages. Interaction between hormones and environmental factors determines the reproductive behavior.
Which event of sexual reproduction involves the formation of a haploid cell through meiosis?
- A Gametogenesis
- B Fertilization
- C Embryogenesis
- D Syngamy
Correct answer: Gametogenesis
Gametogenesis is the process of formation of the two types of gametes—male and female. Since gametes are haploid, they are produced through meiosis in diploid organisms.
When the two gametes are so similar in appearance that it is not possible to distinguish them into male and female, they are called:
- A Heterogametes
- B Isogametes
- C Anisogametes
- D Oogametes (egg gametes)
Correct answer: Isogametes
Isogametes (or homogametes) are morphologically identical. This condition is found in some algae like Cladophora, where male and female gametes look exactly the same.
In several fungi and plants, the term used to denote a bisexual condition is:
- A Heterothallic
- B Homothallic
- C Dioecious
- D Staminate
Correct answer: Homothallic
Homothallic and monoecious are terms used to describe organisms where both male and female reproductive structures are present in the same individual. Heterothallic and dioecious describe unisexual conditions.
Parthenogenesis is a phenomenon where:
- A A male gamete fuses with a female gamete to form a zygote
- B A female gamete develops into a new organism without fertilization
- C A male gamete develops independently into a new organism without any fusion
- D An organism reproduces by fragmenting into multiple pieces
Correct answer: A female gamete develops into a new organism without fertilization
In some organisms like rotifers, honeybees, and even some lizards, the female gamete undergoes development to form new organisms without being fertilized by a male gamete.
Development of the zygote into an embryo is called:
- A Gametogenesis
- B Syngamy
- C Embryogenesis
- D Ovulation
Correct answer: Embryogenesis
Embryogenesis involves cell division (mitosis) and cell differentiation. Mitosis increases the number of cells, while differentiation allows cells to undergo modifications to form specialized tissues and organs.