Question

Match the column: Column I Column II A. Man 1\. Order-Carnivora B. Mango 2\. Family-Poaceae C. House fly 3\. Genus-Musca D. Tiger 4\. Phylum-Chordata E. Wheat 5\. Family-Anacardiaceae (a) \(\mathrm{A}-1, \mathrm{~B}-5, \mathrm{C}-3, \mathrm{D}-4, \mathrm{E}-2\) (b) \(\mathrm{A}-4, \mathrm{~B}-5, \mathrm{C}-3, \mathrm{D}-1\) and \(4, \mathrm{E}-2\) (c) \(\mathrm{A}-4, \mathrm{~B}-2, \mathrm{C}-3, \mathrm{D}-1, \mathrm{E}-5\) (d) \(\mathrm{A}-1, \mathrm{~B}-2, \mathrm{C}-3, \mathrm{D}-4, \mathrm{E}-5\)

Short answer

(b) \(A-4, B-5, C-3, D-1, E-2\)

Step-by-step solution

Matching Man

Man, being a mammal, is classified under the phylum Chordata. In the given options, man corresponds to '4. Phylum-Chordata', hence A-4.

Matching Mango

Mango trees are part of the Anacardiaceae family, which includes cashews and sumacs. In the given options, mango corresponds to '5. Family-Anacardiaceae', hence B-5.

Matching House fly

The house fly is of the Musca genus. In the given options, the house fly corresponds to '3. Genus-Musca', hence C-3.

Matching Tiger

Tigers are part of the order known as Carnivora, which includes other carnivorous mammals. In the given options, tiger corresponds to '1. Order-Carnivora', hence D-1.

Matching Wheat

Wheat is part of the family Poaceae, which includes most of the grasses. In the given options, wheat matches with '2. Family-Poaceae', hence E-2.

Key concepts

Linnaean System of Classification

The Linnaean system of classification is foundational in the field of biology and has been a guiding framework for organizing and categorizing life forms since its inception by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century. Linnaeus introduced a system to classify organisms according to a hierarchical structure, where each organism is assigned to increasingly specific categories.
Under this system, the major groups, starting with the broadest, are Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species. This structure is memorably abbreviated as 'Dear King Philip Came Over For Good Soup,' aiding students in recalling the order of classification. Each level of classification is known as a taxonomic rank, and the complete assembly of these ranks for an organism is known as its taxonomic hierarchy.
For example, a house fly falls under the Class Insecta, within the Order Diptera, and further into the Family Muscidae. Finally, it is categorized under the Genus Musca, and specifically identified as Musca domestica in terms of its species. Simplifying taxonomy by organizing life into these nested groups allows for a better understanding of life's diversity and evolutionary relationships.

Biological Taxonomy for NEET

Biological taxonomy is a key concept in various competitive exams including the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for students aspiring to enter the medical field in India. The importance of taxonomy in NEET is indicative of its role in understanding biology at a foundational level.
Taxonomy for NEET typically involves learning scientific names, identification of species based on distinguishing characteristics, and understanding the evolutionary relationships between organisms. A solid grasp of the taxonomic system enables students to make sense of biological classifications and the evolutionary ancestry of organisms, which are critical to understanding concepts in botany and zoology that form a significant part of the NEET syllabus.
Students preparing for NEET must become adept at using taxonomic keys and differentiating between similar species, as well as comprehending the nuances of taxonomic hierarchy. Notably, practical questions similar to the provided exercise often appear in NEET, where students are required to correctly match organisms to their respective taxonomic categories.

Phylum Chordata

Phylum Chordata is one of the fundamental categories in biological classification, harboring a diverse group of animals known for having a notochord at some stage in their life cycle. Chordates include species from the tiny Sea Squirt to the vast Blue Whale.
The Phylum Chordata is distinctively characterized by three primary features present at some point in the organism's development: a dorsal hollow nerve cord, a notochord, and pharyngeal slits. Chordates are further segmented into three subphyla: Vertebrata (animals with backbones), Cephalochordata (lancelets), and Urochordata (tunicates).
Within the subphylum Vertebrata, further subclassification into classes such as Mammalia, Aves (birds), and Reptilia (reptiles) occur. Humans, for instance, are classified in the Phylum Chordata, under the Class Mammalia, due to characteristics such as hair and the ability to produce milk. The Phylum Chordata is a shining example of evolutionary complexity and diversity, with members adapted to every habitat on Earth, contributing to the rich tapestry of life.