Question

Select from the following the total number of features belonging to animal kingdom. 1\. Multicellular, heterotrophic. 7\. Higher forms shows sensory and 2\. Most of them capable of locomotion. neuromotor mechanism. 3\. Have definite shape and size. 8\. Some members are autotrophic. 4\. Digestion of food in internal cavity. 9\. Presence of cellulose cell wall. 5\. Holozoic mode of nutrition. 10\. Sexual reproduction generally by 6\. Stored food reserve as glycogen or fat. \(\quad\) copulation of male and female. (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 8 (d) 10

Short answer

The total number of features belonging to Animal Kingdom is 8. So, the correct option is (c) 8.

Step-by-step solution

Identify characteristics of the Animal Kingdom

Analyze each point from 1 to 10 and understand if it's a characteristic of Animal kingdom or not. Let's analyze them all.\n1. Multicellular, heterotrophic- Characteristic of Animal kingdom\n2. Most of them capable of locomotion- Characteristic of Animal kingdom\n3. Have a definite shape and size - Characteristic of Animal kingdom\n4. Digestion of food in the internal cavity - Characteristic of Animal kingdom\n5. Holozoic mode of nutrition - Characteristic of Animal kingdom\n6. Stored food reserve as glycogen or fat - Characteristic of Animal kingdom\n7. Higher forms shows sensory and neuromotor mechanism - Characteristic of Animal kingdom\n8. Some members are autotrophic - Not a characteristic of Animal kingdom\n9. Presence of cellulose cell wall - Not a characteristic of Animal kingdom\n10. Sexual reproduction generally by copulation of male and female - Characteristic of Animal kingdom\n

Count the classifiable features

Count the number of features distinctive for the animal kingdom, as decided in Step 1.\nSo, total number of features belonging to animal kingdom are: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10 respectively.

Comparing with given options

Compare the total number of distinguishable features counted above with the options provided in the question.\nIn this case, there are 8 distinguishable features, so the correct answer is (c) 8.

Key concepts

Characteristics of Animal Kingdom

The Animal Kingdom is a vast and diverse group of living organisms with a range of fascinating features that set them apart from other life forms. One of the primary characteristics is that they are multicellular, which means they consist of multiple cells that have specialized functions. Unlike plants, animals are heterotrophic, relying on other organisms for food.

Most animals are capable of locomotion at some or all stages of their life, which allows them to move in their environment, either to find food, escape predators, or seek partners for reproduction. They have a definite shape and size, dictated by their genetic code and species-specific development patterns.

Internal digestion is a key trait, with animals having specialized internal cavities or organs where food breakdown occurs. Furthermore, animals typically store energy reserves in the form of glycogen or fat. This storage is crucial for periods when food is scarce. Additionally, more complex animals exhibit advanced sensory and neuromotor mechanisms, allowing them to perceive their environment and react accordingly.

It's essential to note that not all characteristics listed in textbooks are accurate for the animal kingdom. For instance, some textbooks might mention autotrophy (the ability to produce food from inorganic substances) or the presence of a cellulose cell wall, which are features not found in animals but in plants or other organisms.

Holozoic Nutrition

Holozoic nutrition is a method of feeding that is crucial to understanding the Animal Kingdom. This type of nutrition involves several stages: ingestion, digestion, absorption, assimilation, and egestion. Animals take in solid or liquid food through ingestion, break it down through digestion, absorb the nutrients into their cells, assimilate these nutrients for energy and growth, and then egest unassimilated residue.

Holozoic organisms, including humans, have specialized organs or systems for each stage of this nutritional process. For example, humans use their teeth and salivary glands for the ingestion and initial digestion of food, their stomach and intestines for further digestion and absorption of nutrients, and eventually, their excretory systems to egest waste.

This form of nutrition is highly efficient and supports complex body functions and activities. It also plays a role in food chains and ecosystems since holozoic animals often serve as predators or prey, and their feeding habits affect the flow of energy through the environment.

Sexual Reproduction in Animals

Sexual reproduction is a prevalent mode of reproduction in the Animal Kingdom, characterized by the fusion of male and female gametes, which are the sperm and egg cells respectively. This process usually involves copulation, where male and female animals engage in an act designed to transfer sperm from the male to the female.

Through sexual reproduction, offspring inherit genetic material from both parents, leading to genetic variation which is crucial for the survival and evolution of species. Such diversity makes populations more resilient to changes in the environment and helps in the natural selection process.

While sexual reproduction is the norm, it's also important to note that several animal species can reproduce asexually, which can involve methods like budding, fragmentation, or parthenogenesis. The choice between sexual and asexual reproduction often depends on environmental conditions and the specific survival strategies of an organism.