Revision Notes

CHAPTER-13
ORGANISMS AND POPULATIONS

Ecology is the branch of biology that deals with the interactions among
organisms and between the organism and its physical (abiotic)
environment . Study of ecology is important to strike a balance between
development and maintenance of natural environmental and biotic
communities, use and conservation of resources, solve local , regional and
global environmental problems.

 It is basically concerned with four levels of biological organisation –

organisms, populations, communities and biomes.
 Ecological hierarchy or ecological level of organization connected
with ecological grouping of organisms.

 Organism and its Environment

 The sum total of all biotic and abiotic factors, substances and
conditions that surround and potentially influence organisms without
becoming their constituent part is called environment.

At organism level, physiological ecology tries to understand how

different organisms are adapted to their environment in terms of
survival and reproduction. The variation in the intensity and duration
of temperature along with annual variations in precipitation results in
formation of major biomes like desert, rain forest and tundra.
 Regional and local variations within each biome lead to the formation
of different kinds of habitats like tropical rain forest, deciduous forest,
desert, sea coast etc.
 The habitat includes biotic components like pathogens, parasites,
predators and competitors of the organism with which they interact
constantly.

Major Abiotic Factors

a) Temperature- is the most important ecological factor to determine
the bio-mass of a place. Average temperature on land varies
seasonally and decreases progressively from the equator towards
the poles and from plains to mountain tops. Temperature affects the
kinetics of enzymes and basal metabolism along with physiological
functions of the organisms.

 The organisms that can tolerate wide range of temperature are called
eurythermal ,for example cat , dogs , tigers etc.
 The organism which have the ability to tolerate only a narrow range
of temperature are called stenothermal ,for example Penguin,
fishes,[Link].

b) Water- life on earth is unsustainable without water. Productivity

and distribution of plants is heavily dependent on water. For aquatic
organisms the quality (chemical composition, pH) of water becomes
important. The salt concentration (measured as salinity in parts per
thousand), is less than 5 in inland waters, 30-35 in the sea and > 100
in some hypersaline lagoons

 The organisms that can tolerate wide range of salinities are called
euryhaline ,for example salmon , hierring etc.
 The organism which have the ability to tolerate only a narrow range
of salinities are called stenohaline, for example goldfish ( freshwater )
 and haddock ( marine water )etc.

c) Light- plants produce food through photosynthesis in presence of

sunlight. Some plants are adapted to low light conditions because
they are overshadowed by tall canopied trees. Flowering in some
plants occurs only in presence of critical day light called
Photoperiodism. The availability of light and land is closely linked that
of temperature as the sun is the source of both. UV component of
sunlight is harmful to plants and animals.

d) Soil- Types of soil depends upon climate, weathering process,

whether soil is transported or sedimentary and how soil development
occurred. Soil composition, grain size and aggregation determine the
percolation and water holding capacity of the soils along with pH,
mineral, composition and topography determine the vegetation in any
area.

Responses to Abiotic Factor : In the course of evolution, many

species have evolved constant internal environment to permits all
biochemical reactions and physiological functions to work with
maximum efficiency to have over all fitness of species. Organisms try
to maintain the constancy of its internal environment
(homeostasis)inspite of varying external environment. There are
various ways to establish hemostasis-

 Regulate- all birds and animals are capable of maintaining

homeostasis by physiological means which ensures constant body
temperature, constant osmotic concentration etc. Thermoregulation
and osmoregulation is the source of success of mammals in all the
environmental conditions. In summer, when outside temperature is
more than our body temperature, we sweat oftenly, resulting
evaporative cooling, which brings down the body temperature. In
winter we start to shiver, a kind of exercise which produces heat and
raises the body temperature.
  Conform- most of animals and plants, their body temperature change
with ambient temperature. In aquatic animals osmotic concentration
of the body fluid change with that of the ambient water osmotic
concentration. These animals are called conformer. Conformer are
not able to bear the energetic expenses to maintain the constant
body temperature.

Heat loss or heat gain is a function of surface area. Since small

animals have a larger surface area relative to their volume, they tend
to lose body heat very fast when it is cold outside; then they have to
expend much energy to generate body heat through metabolism.
This is the main reason why very small animals are rarely found in
polar regions.
 Migrate- the organism move away for time being from the stressful
unfavorable habitat to more suitable habitat and return back when
stressful period is over. Many birds undertake long-distance to
migrate to more hospitable areas. Siberia birds migrate to Keolado
National park, Bharatpur, India.
 Suspend- in microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and lower plants a
thick walled spores is formed which help them to survive unfavorable
conditions. These spores germinate on return of suitable conditions.
In higher plants, seeds and some other vegetative reproductive
structures serves the means to tide over periods of stress and help
them in dispersal also. The metabolic activities are reduced to
minimum during this dormant period.

a)Hibernation - the condition or period of an animal or plant spending

the winter in a dormant state e.g bear
b)Aestivation - the condition or period of an animal or plant spending
the summer to avoid heat and dessication in a dormant state e.g
snails .
c)Diapause - a stage of suspended development in zooplankton
species in lakes and ponds.

Adaptation is the attribute of organism morphological, physiological and

behavioral changes that enables the organism to survive and reproduce in
its habitat.

 Kangaroo rat in North American deserts fulfill the water requirement

by internal oxidation of fat in absence of [Link] also has the ability
to concentrate its urine so that minimal volume of water is used to
remove excretory products.
 Thick cuticle in many plants also prevents loss of water. CAM plants
open their stomata during night to reduce the loss of water during
 photosynthesis.

 Mammals from colder climates have shorter ears and limbs to

minimize heat loss. This is called Allen’s Rule.
 In polar seas aquatic mammals like seals have a thick layer of fat
called blubber, below their skin that acts as an insulator and reduces
loss of body heat.
 Altitude sickness is observed at higher altitude that includes
symptoms like nausea, fatigue, heart palpitations due to less oxygen
and atmospheric pressure. The person gradually get acclimatized
and stop experiencing altitude sickness. This is type of physiological
adaptation.
 A number of marine invertebrate and fish live in temperature always
less than zero and some lives in greatdepth in ocean where pressure
is very high by array of biochemical adaptations.
 Some organisms like desert lizard lack the physiological ability that
mammals have but deal with high temperature of their habitat by
behavioral means. They bask in the sun and absorb heat and when
their body temperature drops below the comfort zone, but moves in
shade when the ambient temperature starts increasing.

Populations : Individuals of any species live in groups in well-defined

geographical area, share or compete for similar resources, potentially
interbreed and constitute a population.

Population Attributes : A population has certain attributes that an

individual organism does not such as an individual may have births and
deaths, but a population has birth rates and death rates.

 The birth and death rates are referred as per capita births or deaths
respectively, which is increase and decrease with respect to
members of the population.
 Sex ratio is another attributes of population. An individual may be
male or female but population has sex ratio.

 A population at given time composed of different individual of

different ages. If the age distribution is plotted for the population, the
resulting structure is called age pyramids. The shape of pyramids
reflects the shape of growth status of population. Which may be
(i) Expending
(ii) Stable
(iii) Declining
§ Population size or population density (N) is measured in terms of number
but it may sometime not appropriate.

Population Growth : The size of population is not static. It keeps changing

with time, depending upon food availability, predation pressure and
reduces weather. The main factors that determine the population growth
are-

o Natality (number of birth during a given period in the population)

o Mortality ( number of death during a given period in the population)

o Immigration (individual of same species that have come into the habitat)

o Emigration ( individual of population that have left the habitat )

If ‘N’ is the population density at a time‘t’, then its density at time t+1 is

Nt + 1 Nt + [(B + I) – (D + E)]

Population density will increase if the number of births plus the number of
immigrants (B + I) is more than the number of deaths plus the number of
emigrants (D + E), otherwise it will decrease.

Growth model
Growth of population takes place according to availability of food, habit
condition and presence of other biotic and abiotic factors. There are two
main types of models-

i. Exponential Growth- in this kinds of growth occurs when food and space
is available in sufficient amount. When resources in the habitat are
unlimited, each species has the ability to realise fully its innate potential to
grow in number .The population grows in an exponential or geometric
fashion. If in a population of size N, the birth rates as represented as ‘b’
and death rate as ‘d’. Then increase and decrease in N during unit period
time ‘t’ will be

dN / dt = (b – d) × N

Let (b – d) = r, then

dN / dt = rN

Then, the r in this equation is called ‘intrinsic rate of natural increase’.

ii. Logistic Growth- there is a competition between the individuals of a

population for food and space. The fittest organism survives and
reproduces. In this types of growth initially shows a leg phase followed by
phases of acceleration and de-acceleration.

dN/dt=rN(K−NK)dN/dt=rN(K−NK)
Where N = Population density at time t

R = Intrinsic rate of natural increase

K = Carrying capacity
Since resources for growth for populations are finite and become limiting ,
the logistic growth model is considered a more realistic one.
Population interaction

All animals, plants and microbes in a biological community interact with each other.
These interactions may be beneficial, detrimental or neutral to one of species or both.
Following types of interaction is seen-

a. Predation

b. Competition

c. Parasitism

d. Commensalism

e. Mutualism

PREDATION : It is an Interspecific Interaction where one animal kills and

consumes the other weaker animal.
Roles of Predators

 Transfer energy from plants to higher trophic levels (position of

organism in food chain)
 Control Prey population – Prickly pear cactus- moth
 Biological control of Agricultural pest
 Maintain species diversity by reducing intensity of competition among
competing prey species
 Over exploitation of prey by the predators results in extinction of prey
and predator.
 Defense to lessen impact of predation
a)Insects and frog – camouflage
b)Monarch butterfly – poisonous

PLANTS MORPHOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL DEFENCES

 Thorns- cactus and Acacia

  Produce and store chemical – Calotropis
 Nicotine, Caffeine, Quinin, Strychnine, opium – against grazers &
browsers

COMPETITION
Interaction either among individuals of same species or between individuals
of different species.
Occurs among closely related species but not always true

1. Unrelated species also compete- flamingo & fish compete for

zooplankton
2. Feeding efficiency of a species reduce due to other species even if
resources are plenty – Abingdon tortoise.

Evidence for competition

Competitive release – species distribution restricted to small areas due to
competitively superior species.

GAUSE’S COMPETITION EXCLUSION PRINCIPLE

“Two closely related species competing for same resources cannot coexist
as the competitively inferior one will be eliminated.”

Resource partition- Two competing species avoid competition by diff.

feeding and foraging patterns-Mc Arthur (warblers foraging activities)

PARASITISM
It is the interaction where one species (parasite) depends on the other
species (host) for food and shelter, host is harmed.

 Parasites and host self-evolve.

 Adaptations of parasites

- Loss of unnecessary sense organs

- Hooks and sucker
- Loss of digestive system
- High Reproductive capacity

 Parasites-

(i) Reduce the survival of host

(ii) Growth and reproductive rate are reduced
(iii) Render the host vulnerable to its predators by making them weak

Types of parasite
ECTOPARASITES-depend on external surface of host
Example - head lice on humans, ticks on dogs

ENDOPARASITES-take shelter within the body of the host organism

Example - Liverfluke, Plasmodium

MUTUALISM
It is interaction in which both the interacting species are benefited
Examples
1. Lichen – fungi and algae
2. Mycorrhizae - fungi and roots of higher plants
3. Pollination of plants by insects
4. Mediterranean orchid- sexual deceit for pollination- appears as female
bee

AMENSALISM: Interaction between two different species, in which one

species is harmed and the other species is neither harmed nor benefited.
Example. Bacterial culture, after few days fungus growth will be there on it
like Pencillium, and its secretions of chemical will kill bacteria, but no
benefits to fungi.
 Ch 13 – Organisms and Populations

1. How is diapause different from hibernation?

Ans. Diapause is a stage of suspended development to cope with
unfavourable conditions. Many species of Zooplankton and insects exhibit
diapause to tide over adverse climatic conditions during their development.
On the other hands Hibernation or winter sleep is a resting stage where in
animals escape winters (cold) by hiding themselves in their shelters. They
escape the winter season by entering a state of inactivity by slowing their
metabolism. The phenomenon of hibernation is exhibited by bats, squirrels,
and other rodents.

2. If a marine fish is placed in a fresh water aquarium, will the fish be

able to survive? Why or why not?
Ans. If a marine fish is placed in a fresh water aquarium, then its chances
of survival will diminish. This is because their bodies are adapted to high
salt concentrations of the marine environment. In fresh water conditions,
they are unable to regulate the water entering their body (through osmosis).
Water enters their body due to the hypotonic environment outside. This
results in the swelling up of the body, eventually leading to the death of the
marine fish.

3. Most living organisms cannot survive at temperature above 45°C°.

How are some microbes able to live in habitats with temperatures
exceeding 100°C?
Ans. Archaebacteria (Thermophiles) are ancient forms of bacteria found in
hot water springs and deep sea hydrothermal vents. They are able to
survive in high temperatures because their bodies have adapted to such
environmental conditions. These organisms contain specialized thermo-
resistant enzymes, which carry out metabolic functions that do not get
destroyed at such high temperatures unlike othe enzymes.

4. List the attributes that populations but not individuals possess.

Ans. The main attributes of a population residing in a given area are:-

a. Birth rate (Natality): It is the ratio of live births in an area to the

population of an area. It is expressed as the number of individuals
 added to the population with respect to the members of the
population.
b. Death rate (Mortality): It is the ratio of deaths in an area to the
population of an area. It is expressed as the loss of individuals with
respect to the members of the population.
c. Sex ratio: It is the number of males or females per thousand
individuals.
d. Age Distribution: It is the percentage of individuals of different ages in
a given population. At any given time, the population is composed of
individuals that are present in various age groups. The age
distribution pattern is commonly represented through age pyramids.
e. Population density: It is defined as the number of individuals of a
population present per unit area at a given time.

5. If a population growing exponentially double in size in 3 years, what

is the intrinsic rate of increase (r) of the population?
Ans. A population grows exponentially if sufficient amounts of food
resources are available to the individual. Its exponential growth can be
calculated by the following integral form of the exponential growth equation:
Nt = No ert
Where,
Nt= Population density after time t
NO= Population density at time zero
r = Intrinsic rate of natural increase
e = Base of natural logarithms (2.71828)
From the above equation, we can calculate the intrinsic rate of increase (r)
of a population.
Now, as per the question,
Present population density = x
Then, Population density after two years = 2x
t = 3 years

⇒ 2x = x e3r
Substituting these values in the formula, we get:

⇒ 2 = e3r

⇒ log 2 = 3r log e
Applying log on both sides:

log23loge=rlog⁡23log⁡e=r
log23×0.434=rlog⁡23×0.434=r
0.3013×0.434=r0.3013×0.434=r
0.3011.302=r0.3011.302=r
0.2311=r0.2311=r
Hence, the intrinsic rate of increase for the above illustrated population is
0.2311.

6. Name important defence mechanisms in plants against herbivory.

Ans. Several plants have evolved various mechanisms both morphological
and chemical to protect themselves against herbivory.

1. Morphological defence mechanisms:

a. Cactus leaves (Opuntia) are modified into sharp spines (thorns)
to deter herbivores from feeding on them.
b. Sharp thorns along with leaves are present in Acacia to deter
herbivores.
c. In some plants, the margins of their leaves are spiny or have
sharp edges that prevent herbivores from feeding on them.
2. Chemical defence mechanisms:

a. All parts of Calotropis weeds contain toxic cardiac glycosides,

which can prove to be fatal if ingested by herbivores.
b. Chemical substances such as nicotine, caffeine, quinine, and
opium are produced in plants as a part of self-defense.

7. An orchid plant is growing on the branch of mango tree. How do

you describe this interaction between the orchid and the mango tree?
Ans. An orchid growing on the branch of a mango tree is an epiphyte.
Epiphytes are plants growing on other plants which however, do not derive
nutrition from them. Therefore, the relationship between a mango tree and
an orchid is an example of commensalisms, where one species gets
benefited while the other remains unaffected. In the above interaction, the
orchid is benefited as it gets support while the mango tree remains
unaffected.

8. What is the ecological principle behind the biological control

method of managing with pest insects?
Ans. The basis of various biological control methods is on the concept of
predation. Predation is a biological interaction between the predator and
the prey, whereby the predator feeds on the prey. Hence, the predators
regulate the population of preys in a habitat, thereby helping in the
management of pest insects.
9. Distinguish between the following:
(a) Hibernation and Aestivation
(b) Ectotherms and Endotherms
Ans.

a. Hibernation is the stage of dormancy in winter, while aestivation is

the stage of dormancy in summer. Many animals use this technique
to tide over unfavourable environmental conditions.
b. Ectotherms are cold-blooded animals with body temperature change
with the environmental temperature, while endotherms are warm-
blooded animals which can regulate their body temperature by
physiological means and maintain more or less constant internal
temperature.

10. Write a short note on

(a) Adaptations of desert plants and animals
(b) Adaptations of plants to water scarcity
(c) Behavioural adaptations in animals
(d) Importance of light to plants
(e) Effect of temperature or water scarcity and the adaptations of
animals.
Ans.

a. Adaptations of desert plants and animals

i. Adaptations of desert plants: Plants have an extensive root
system to tap underground water. They bear thick cuticles and
sunken stomata on the surface of their leaves to reduce
transpiration. In Opuntia, the leaves are entirely modified into
spines and photosynthesis is carried out by green stems.
Desert plants have special pathways to synthesize food, called
CAM (C4 pathway). It enables the stomata to remain closed
during the day to reduce the loss of water through transpiration.
ii. Adaptations of desert animals: Animals found in deserts
such as desert kangaroo rats, lizards, snakes, etc. are well
adapted to their habitat. The kangaroo rat found in the deserts
of Arizona never drinks water in its life. It has the ability to
concentrate its urine to conserve water. Desert lizards and
snakes bask in the sun during early morning and burrow
themselves in thesand during afternoons to escape the heat of
the day. These adaptations occur in desert animals to prevent
the loss of water.
b. Adaptations of plants to water scarcity
Plants found in deserts are well adapted to cope with water scarcity
 and scorching heat of the desert. Plants have an extensive root
system to tap underground water. They bear thick cuticles and
sunken stomata on the surface of their leaves to reduce transpiration.
In Opuntia, the leaves are modified into spines and the process of
photosynthesis iscarried out by green stems. Desert plants have
special pathways to synthesize food, called CAM (C4 pathway). It
enables their stomata to remain closed during the day to reduce
water loss by transpiration.
c. Behavioural adaptations in animals
Certain organisms are affected by temperature variations. These
organisms undergo adaptations such as hibernation, aestivation,
migration, etc. to escape environmental stress to suit their natural
habitat. These adaptations in the behaviour of an organism are called
behavioural adaptations. For example, ectothermal animals and
certain endotherms exhibit behavioral adaptations. Ectotherms are
cold blooded animals such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, etc. Their
temperature varies with their surroundings. For example, the desert
lizard basks in the sun during early hours when the temperature is
quite low. However, as the temperature begins to rise, the lizard
burrows itself inside the sand to escape the scorching sun. Similar
burrowing strategies are exhibited by otherdesert animals. Certain
endotherms (warm-blooded animals) such as birds and mammals
escape cold and hot weather conditions by hibernating during winters
and aestivating during summers. They hide themselves in shelters
such as caves, burrows, etc. to protect against temperature
variations.
d. Importance of light to plants
Sunlight acts as the ultimate source of energy for plants. Plants are
autotrophic organisms, which need light for carrying out the process
of photosynthesis. Light also plays an important role in generating
photoperiodic responses occurring in plants. Plants respond to
changes in intensity of light during various seasons to meet their
photoperiodic requirements for flowering. Light also plays an
important role in aquatic habitats for vertical distribution of plants in
the sea.
e. Effects of temperature or water scarcity and the adaptations of
animals
Temperature is the most important ecological factor. Average
temperature on the Earth varies from one place to another. These
variations in temperature affect the distribution of animals on the
Earth. Animals that can tolerate a wide range of temperature are
called eurythermals. Those which can tolerate a narrow range of
temperature are called stenothermal animals. Animals also undergo
adaptations to suit their natural habitats. animals found in Polar
 regions have thick layers of fat below their skin and thick coats of fur
to prevent the loss of heat. Some organisms exhibit various
behavioural changes to suit their natural habitat. These adaptations
present in the behaviour of an organism to escape environmental
stresses are called behavioural adaptations. For example, desert
lizards are ectotherms. This means that they do not have a
temperature regulatory mechanism to escape temperature variations.
These lizards bask in the sun during early hours when the
temperature is quite low. As the temperature begins to increase, the
lizard burrows itself inside the sand to escape the scorching sun.
Similar burrowing strategy is seen in other desert animals.
Water scarcity is another factor that forces animals to undergo
certain adaptations to suit their natural habitat. Animals found in
deserts such as desert kangaroo rats, lizards, snakes, etc. are well
adapted to stay in their habitat. The kangaroo rat found in the deserts
of Arizona never drinks water in its life. It has the ability to
concentrate its urine to conserve water. Desert lizards and snakes
bask in the sun during early morning and burrow in the sand as the
temperature rises to escape the heat of the day. Such adaptations
can be seen to prevent the loss of water.

11. List the various abiotic environmental factors.

Ans. A non-living conditional factor or thing of the environment that
influences the survival and reproduction functions of organism is called an
abiotic factor. Abiotic factors can determine which species of organisms will
survive in a given environment. Some important factors are discussed
below:
Temperature: It is the most ecologically significant environmental factor. It
varies seasonally on land and decreases progressively from the equator
towards the poles and from plains to the mountain tops. It ranges from sub-
zero levels in polar areas and high altitudes to >50°C in tropical deserts in
summer.
There are also certain unique habitats such as thermal springs, deep sea
hydrothermal vents where the average temperature exceeds 100°C.
Physiological functions as well as - geographical distribution of plants and
animals are governed by the temperature conditions and their thermal
tolerance.
Organisms which can tolerate and thrive in a wide range of temperatures
are called eurythermal, e.g. most mammals and birds while organisms
which can tolerate a narrow range of temperatures are called stenothermal,
e.g. polar bear, amphibians.
Water: It is the second most important factor influencing life of organisms.
Life on earth is known to have originated in water and cannot sustain
without it. The productivity and distribution of plants is dependent on
availability of water.
For aquatic organisms, pH, chemical composition and temperature of water
is important. They are also affected by the salinity of water, which is less
than 5 parts per thousand in inland waters, 30-35 parts per thousand in sea
and 100 parts per thousand in some hypersaline lagoons.
Organisms which can tolerate a wide range of salinity are called euryhaline
while organisms which can tolerate a narrow range of salinity are called
stenohaline. Many freshwater animals cannot live for long in sea water
because of osmotic problems arising due to high salinity and vice-versa.
Light: The significance of light lies in the fact that all autotrophs depend
upon light as a source of energy for preparing their food by photosynthesis
and release oxygen during the process. Therefore, it is an important factor
for life to exist on earth. Small herbs and shrubs growing in forests are
adapted to photosynthesise under very low light intensities, because they
are overshadowed by the tall, canopied trees. Most plants depend on
sunlight to meet their photoperiodic requirement for flowering also.
Many animals depend upon diurnal and seasonal variations in light
intensity as cues for timing their foraging, reproductive and migratory
activities. The availability of light on land is closely linked with that of
temperature as the sun is the source for both. However, in deep oceans (>
500m), the environment is perpetually dark.
The spectral’ quality of solar radiation is also important for life. The UV
component of light is harmful for many organisms. Different components of
the visible spectrum are available for marine plants living at different depths
of the ocean. This is why different types of algae, i.e. green, brown and red
algae occur at different depths in sea in the upper, middle and deep layers
of water respectively.
Soil: The nature and properties of soil in different places vary significantly.
It is dependent mainly on the following factors:

a. Climate
b. Weathering process
c. Whether soil is transported or sedimentary
d. Soil development process

Water holding capacity and percolation of the soil is determined by its

various characteristics, such as soil composition, grain size and
aggregation.
These characteristics of soil along with its pH, mineral composition,
topography, etc., determine the type of plants that can grow in a particular
habitat and the type of animals that can feed on them. In aquatic
environment also, the bottom sediments and its characteristics determine
the type of benthic animals that can live there.
12. Give an example for:
(a) An endothermic animal
(b) An ectothermic animal
(c) An organism of benthic zone
Ans.

a. Endothermic animal: Birds such as crows, sparrows, pigeons,

cranes, etc. and mammals such as bears, cows, rats, rabbits, etc. are
endothermic animals.
b. Ectothermic animal: Fishes such as sharks, amphibians such as
frogs, and reptiles such as tortoise, snakes, and lizards are
ectothermic animals.
c. Organism of benthic zone: Decomposing bacteria is an example of
an organism found in the benthic zone of a water body.

13. Define population and community.

Ans. Population: A population can be defined as a group of individuals of
the same species residing in a particular geographical area at a particular
time and functioning as a unit. For example, all human beings living at a
particular place at a particular time constitute the population of humans.
Community: A community is defined as a group of individuals of different
species, living within a certain geographical area. Such individuals can be
similar or dissimilar, but cannot reproduce with the members of other
species.

14. Define the following terms and give one example for each:
(a) Commensalism
(b) Parasitism
(c) Camouflage
(d) Mutualism
(e) Interspecific competition
Ans.

a. Commensalism: Commensalism is an interaction between two

species in which one species gets benefited while the other remains
unaffected. An orchid growing on the branches of a mango tree and
barnacles attached to the body of whales are examples of
commensalisms.
 b. Parasitism: It is an interaction between two species in which one
species (usually smaller) gets positively affected, while the other
species (usually larger) is negatively affected. An example of this is
liver fluke. Liver fluke is a parasite that lives inside the liver of the
host body and derives nutrition from it. Hence, the parasite is
benefited as it derives nutrition from the host, while the host is
negatively affected as the parasitereduces the host fitness, making
its body weak.
c. Camouflage: It is a strategy adapted by prey species to escape their
predators. Organisms are cryptically coloured so that they can easily
mingle in their surroundings and escape their predators. Many
species of frogs and insects camouflage in their surroundings and
escape their predators.
d. Mutualism: It is an interaction between two species in which both
species involved are benefited. For example, lichens show a mutual
symbiotic relationship between fungi and blue green algae, where
both are equally benefited from each other.
e. Interspecific competition: It is an interaction between individuals of
different species where both species get negatively affected. For
example, the competition between flamingoes and resident fishes in
South American lakes for common food resources i.e., zooplankton.

15. With the help of suitable diagram describe the logistic population
growth curve.
Ans. The logistic population growth curve is commonly observed in yeast
cells that are grown under laboratory conditions. It includes five phases: the
lag phase, positive acceleration phase, exponential phase, negative
acceleration phase, and stationary phase.

a. Lag phase: Initially, the population of the yeast cell is very small. This
is because of the limited resource present in the habitat.
b. Positive acceleration phase: During this phase, the yeast cell adapts
to the new environment and starts increasing its population.
However, at the beginning of this phase, the growth of the cell is very
limited.
c. Exponential phase: During this phase, the population of the yeast cell
increases suddenly due to rapid growth. The population grows
exponentially due to the availability of sufficient food resources,
constant environment, and the absence of any interspecific
competition. As a result, the curve rises steeply upwards.
d. Negative acceleration phase: During this phase, the environmental
resistance increases and the growth rate of the population
 decreases. This occurs due to an increased competition among the
yeast cells for food and shelter.
e. Stationary phase: During this phase, the population becomes stable.
The number of cells produced in a population equals the number of
cells that die. Also, the population of the species is said to have
reached nature’s carrying-capacity in its habitat.

A Verhulst−pearl logistic curve is also known as an S-shaped growth

curve.

16. Select the statement which explains best parasitism.

(a) One organism is benefited.
(b) Both the organisms are benefited.
(c) One organism is benefited, other is not affected.
(d) One organism is benefited, other is affected.
Ans. (d) One organism is benefited, other is affected.
Parasitism is an interaction between two species in which one species
(parasite) derives benefit while the other species (host) is harmed.

17. List any three important characteristics of a population and

explain
Ans. Three important characteristics of a population are:

a. Birth rate (Natality): It is the ratio of live births in an area to the

population of an area. It is expressed as the number of individuals
added to the population with respect to the members of the
population.
b. Death rate (Mortality): It is the ratio of deaths in an area to the
population of an area. It is expressed as the loss of individuals with
respect to the members of the population.
c. Age Distribution: It is the percentage of individuals of different ages in
a given population. At any given time, a population is composed of
individuals that are present in various age groups. The age
distribution pattern is commonly represented through age pyramids.
 NCERT Exemplar Solutions
CHAPTER 13
ORGANISMS AND POPULATIONS

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Autecology is the:

(a) Relation of a population to its environment

(b) Relation of an individual to its environment

(c) Relation of a community to its environment

(d) Relation of a biome to its environment

Ans. (b) Relation of an individual to its environment

Explanation: Relation of an individual to its environment is called

autoecology. An individual is closest to the species hence ‘b’ is the correct
answer.

2. Ecotone is:

(a) A polluted area

(b) The bottom of a lake

(c) A zone of transition between two communities

(d) A zone of developing community

Ans. (c) A zone of transition between two communities

Explanation: (c) A zone of transition between two communities

3. Biosphere is:

(a) a component in the ecosystem

(b) composed of the plants present in the soil

(c) life in the outer space

(d) composed of all living organisms present on earth which interact

with the physical environment

ans. (d) composed of all living organisms present on earth which interact
with the physical environment

explanation: The thin zone of interaction of hydrosphere, atmosphere and

troposphere; where living beings are found; is called biosphere.

4. Ecological niche is:

(a) the surface area of the ocean

(b) an ecologically adapted zone

(c) the physical position and functional role of a species within the
community

(d) formed of all plants and animals living at the bottom of a lake

Ans. (c) the physical position and functional role of a species within the
community

Explanation: (c) the physical position and functional role of a species

within the community

5. According to Allen’s Rule, the mammals from colder climates have:

(a) shorter ears and longer limbs

(b) longer ears and shorter limbs

(c) longer ears and longer limbs

(d) shorter ears and shorter limbs

Ans. (d) shorter ears and shorter limbs

Explanation: Joel Asaph and Allen proposed this rule in 1877. According
to this rule; the body shape and proportions of endotherms vary according
to climatic temperature. In colder climate, the surface area is minimized to
prevent heat loss and it is maximized in warm climate to promote heat loss.
Endotherms in cold climate usually have small ears and small legs.

6. Salt concentration (Salinity) of the sea measured in parts per

thousand is:

(a) 10– 15

(b) 30– 70

(c) 0 – 5

(d) 30– 35

Ans. (d) 30– 35

Explanation: (d) 30– 35

7. Formation of tropical forests needs mean annual temperature and

mean annual precipitation as:

(a) 18– 25°C and 150– 400 cm

(b) 5 – 15°C and 50 – 100 cm

(c) 30– 50°C and 100– 150 cm

(d) 5 – 15°C and 100– 200 cm

Ans. (a) 18– 25°C and 150– 400 cm

Explanation: (a) 18– 25°C and 150– 400 cm

8. Which of the following forest plants controls the light conditions at

the ground?

(a) Lianas and climbers

(b) Shrubs

(c) Tall trees

(d) Herbs

Ans. (c) Tall trees

Explanation: Tall trees form dense canopy and thus control the amount of
light which reaches the ground.

9. What will happen to a well growing herbaceous plant in the forest if

it is transplanted outside the forest in a park?

(a) It will grow normally

(b) It will grow well because it is planted in the same locality

(c) It may not survive because of change in its micro climate

(d) It grows very well because the plant gets more sunlight

Ans. (c) It may not survive because of change in its micro climate

Explanation: (c) It may not survive because of change in its micro climate

10. If a population of 50 Paramoecium present in a pool increases to

150 after an hour, what would be the growth rate of population?

(a) 50 per hour

(b) 200 per hour

(c) 5 per hour

(d) 100 per hour

Ans. (d) 100 per hour

Explanation: (d) 100 per hour

11. What would be the per cent growth or birth rate per individual per
hour for the same population mentioned in the previous question
(Question 10)?
(a) 100

(b) 200

(c) 50

(d) 150

Ans. (b) 200

Explanation: New population – Old population = 150 – 50 = 100

Percentage growth = (100/50) × 100 = 200%

12. A population has more young individuals compared to the older

individuals. What would be the status of the population after some
years?

(a) It will decline

(b) It will stabilise

(c) It will increase

(d) It will first decline and then stabilise

Ans. (c) It will increase

Explanation: A higher portion of young population means birth rate is

higher than mortality and hence population will grow.

13. What parameters are used for tiger census in our country’s
national parks and sanctuaries?

(a) Pug marks only

(b) Pug marks and faecal pellets

(c) Faecal pellets only

(d) Actual head counts

Ans. (b) Pug marks and faecal pellets

Explanation: (b) Pug marks and faecal pellets

14. Which of the following would necessarily decrease the density of

a population in a given habitat?

(a) Natality ? mortality

(b) Immigration ? emigration

(c) Mortality and emigration

(d) Natality and immigration

Ans. (c) Mortality and emigration

Explanation: (c) Mortality and emigration

15. A protozoan reproduces by binary fission. What will be the

number of protozoans in its population after six generations?

(a) 128

(b) 24

(c) 64

(d) 32

Ans. (c) 64

Explanation: After six generations, population = 2 = 64

6

16. In 2005, for each of the 14 million people present in a country,

0.028 were born and 0.008 died during the year. Using exponential
equation, the number of people present in 2015 is predicted as:

(a) 25 millions

(b) 17 millions

(c) 20 millions
(d) 18 millions

Ans. (b) 17 millions

Explanation: Use the formula for compound interest.

Here; P = 14 million, r = 2% and time = 10 years

Population after 10 years

= 10(102100)10=17.06 million10(102100)10=17.06 million

17. Amensalism is an association between two species where:

(a) one species is harmed and other is benefitted

(b) one species is harmed and other is unaffected

(c) one species is benefitted and other is unaffected

(d) both the species are harmed.

Ans. (b) one species is harmed and other is unaffected

Explanation: (b) one species is harmed and other is unaffected

18. Lichens are the associations of:

(a) bacteria and fungus

(b) algae and bacterium

(c) fungus and algae

(d) fungus and virus

Ans. (c) fungus and algae

Explanation: This is a kind of mutualism. Fungus provides water and

minerals, while algae prepare the food.
19. Which of the following is a partial root parasite?

(a) Sandal wood

(b) Mistletoe

(c) Orobanche

(d) Ganoderma

Ans. (a) Sandal wood

Explanation: Orobanche is an obligate parasitic herbaceous plant and is

found in temperate climate in the Northern hemisphere. But Sandal wood is
a partial root parasite.

20. Which one of the following organisms reproduces sexually only

once in its life time?

(a) Banana plant

(b) Mango

(c) Tomato

(d) Eucalyptus

Ans. (d) Eucalyptus

Explanation: (d) Eucalyptus

 NCERT Exemplar Solutions
CHAPTER 13
ORGANISMS AND POPULATIONS

Very Short Answer Type Questions

1. Species that can tolerate narrow range of temperature are called

___________.

Ans. Stenothermic

2. What are Eurythermic species?

Ans. Species which can tolerate and thrive in a wide range of temperatures
is called eurythermic species.

3. Species that can tolerate wide range of salinity are called

____________.

Ans. Euryhaline

4. Define stenohaline species.

Ans. Species which thrive in a narrow range of salinity are called

stenohaline species.

5. What is the interaction between two species called?

Ans. The interaction between two species is called interspecific interaction.

6. What is commensalism?

Ans. Relationship between two organisms in which one organism is

benefitted and there is neutral effect on another organism; is called
commensalism. Many commensals live in the alimentary canal of humans
to get shelter and food but they have neither positive nor negative impact
on humans.

7. Name the association in which one species produces poisonous

substance or a change in environmental conditions that is harmful to
another species.

Ans. Amensalism

8. What is Mycorrhiza?

Ans. Mycorrhiza is a mutualistic association between the fungus and the

roots of higher plants. The fungi get shelter and food and lieu of that helps
the plant in absorption of phosphorous from the soil. It also provide
resistance to the pant from root-borne pathogens.

9. Emergent land plants that can tolerate the salinities of the sea are
called.

Ans. Euryhaline

10. Why do high altitude areas have brighter sunlight and lower
temperatures as compared to the plains?

Ans. When sunlight reaches us; it undergoes refraction through several

layers of atmosphere. Relative degree of refraction at higher altitude is less
than at lower altitude. Due to this, sunlight appears brighter at high altitudes
than in plains. Temperature reduces with increase in altitude. Due to this,
higher altitudes have lower temperature compared to the plains.

11. What is homeostasis?

Ans. The process by which an organism maintains constancy in its internal

environment is called homeostasis. Osmoregulation and thermoregulation
are parts of homeostasis.
12. Define aestivation.

Ans. When an organism goes into summer sleep to avoid unfavourable

environment; this process is called aestivation.

13. What is diapause and its significance?

Ans. The period of suspended development in order to tide over the

unfavourable conditions is called diapause.

14. What would be the growth rate pattern, when the resources are
unlimited?

Ans. When resources are unlimited, growth rate of population is

exponential. This gives a J-shaped curve on graph.

15. What are the organisms that feed on plant sap and other plant
parts called?

Ans. Organisms that feed on plant sap and other plant parts are called
phytophagus.

16. What is high altitude sickness? Write its symptoms.

Ans. A range of symptoms due to low atmospheric pressure of high

altitudes, the body does not get enough oxygen is called high altitude
sickness. The symptoms of altitude sickness are nausea, fatigue and heart
palpitations.

17. Give a suitable example for commensalism.

Ans. Egrets ride on the back of cattle. When cattle forage for grass, insects
fly away abruptly. This gives the egrets a chance to feed on those insects.
In this relationship, cattle get no benefit from egrets.
18. Define ectoparasite and endoparasite and give suitable examples.

Ans. Ectoparasite: Parasites which live on the body of hosts are called
ectoparasites, e.g. leech and ticks.

Endoparasites: Parasites which live inside the body of hosts are called
endoparasites, e.g. roundworms and hookworms.

19. What is brood parasitism? Explain with the help of an example.

Ans. In this type of parasitism, a bird lays its eggs in the nest of another
bird. The eggs resemble those of the host bird. The host bird incubates the
eggs; unaware of its actual identity. This is seen in koyal (cuckoo) which
lays its eggs in a crow’s nest.
 CHAPTER 13
ORGANISMS AND POPULATIONS

Short Answer Type Questions

1. Why are coral reefs not found in the regions from west Bengal to
Andhra Pradesh but are found in Tamil Nadu and on the east coast of
India?

Ans. In West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh, freshwater is released from the
Ganges and some other rivers. Due to this, coral reefs are not found in
regions from West Bengal to Andhra Pradesh. From Tamil Nadu to the
southern tip of the east coast, coral reefs are present because of no
interference from freshwater.

2. If a fresh water fish is placed in an aquarium containing sea water,

will the fish be able to survive? Explain giving reasons.

Ans. A fresh water is adapted to maintain its homeostatis in freshwater. It

is unable to do so in saline water. Hence, the fish will not survive in an
aquarium which contains sea water.

3. Why do all the fresh water organisms have contractile vacuoles

whereas majority of marine organisms lack them?

Ans. In fresh water organisms, the concentration of solute inside the cell is
higher than that in external environment. This means that the external
environment is hypotonic. This leads to movement of water inside the cells
because of osmosis. Contractile vacuoles work like safety devices and
prevent lysis of cell. In marine organisms, the concentration of solute inside
the cell is lower than that in external environment. This means that the
external environment is hypertonic. Hence, the cell does not have to face
the risk of lysis. This explains the absence of contractile vacuoles in marine
organisms.

4. Define heliophytes and sciophytes. Name a plant from your locality

that is either heliophyte or sciophyte.
Ans. Heliophyte: Plants which are adapted to live under plenty of sunlight
are celled heliophytes, e.g. banyan. Heliophytes form the roof of a forest.

Sciophyte: Plants which are adapted to live under low light conditions are
called sciophtyes, e.g. herbs. Sciophytes form the understory of a forest.

5. Why do submerged plants receive weaker illumination than

exposed floating plants in a lake?

Ans. Most of the colours from the visible spectrum fail to reach deep into a
water body. This happens because of refraction of light through different
layers of water. Due to this, floating plants get plenty of sunlight but
submerged plants get weaker illumination.

6. In a sea shore, the benthic animals live in sandy, muddy and rocky
substrata and accordingly developed the following adaptations. Find
the suitable substratum against each adaptation.

(a) Burrowing

(b) Building cubes

(c) Holdfasts / peduncle

Find the suitable substratum against each adaptation.

Ans. (a) These animals live in sandy substratum and make burrows, e.g.
lobsters, crabs, etc.

(b) These animals live in muddy substratum as cube-like aggregates. Small

size of cube helps in passive feeding mechanisms, e.g. zooplanktons.

(c) These animals live in rocky substratum and attach to the substratum
with the help of holdfast, e.g. sponges.

7. Categorise the following plants into hydrophytes, halophytes,

mesophytes and xerophytes. Give reasons for your answers.

(a) Salvinia
(b) Opuntia

(c) Rhizophora

(d) Mangifera

Ans.

Plants Adaptation Reason

Salvinia Hydrophyte Lives in water and is a floating plant.
Opuntia Xerophytes Lives in desert.
Rhizophor Lives in mangrove forests and is
Halophyte
a adapted to saline marshes.
It is the scientific name of mango.
Mangifera Mesophyte Mango plants are found in moderate
climate

8. In a pond, we see plants which are free-floating; rooted–

submerged; rooted emergent; rooted with floating leaves. Write the
type of plants against each of them.

Plant Name Type

(a) Hydrilla _____
(b) Typha _____
(c)
_____
Nymphaea
(d) Lemna _____
(e) Vallisnaria _____

Ans.

Plant Name Type

(a) Hydrilla (a) Rooted submerged
(b) Typha (b) Rooted emergent
(c) (c) Rooted with floating
Nymphaea leaves
(d) Lemna (d) Free-floating
(e) Vallisnaria (e) Rooted emergent

9. The density of a population in a habitat per unit area is measured in

different units. Write the unit of measurement against the following:
(a) Bacteria _____

(b) Banyan _____

(c) Deer _____

(d) Fish _____

Ans. (a) Number unit volume

(b) Biomass/ square kilometer (Area)

(c) Number/of square kilometer (Area)

(d) Weight/square kilometer (Area)

10. Observe the following figure:

(a) Label the three tiers 1, 2, 3 given in the above age pyramid.

(b) What type of population growth is represented by the above age

pyramid?

Ans. (a) 1: Pre-reproductive, 2: Reproductive, 3: Post-reproductive

(b) This age pyramid shows expanding population.

11. In an association of two animal species, one is a termite which

feeds on wood and the other is a protozoan Trichonympha present in
the gut of the termite. What type of association they establish?

Ans. Termite and Trichonympha show mutualism; a relationship in which

both the organisms are benefited from each other. T richonympha breaks
down cellulose in the wood and thus help the termite in digestion of wood.
Trichonympha also feeds on fragments of wood.
12. Lianas are vascular plants rooted in the ground and maintain
erectness of their stem by making use of other trees for support. They
do not maintain direct relation with those trees. Discuss the type of
association the lianas have with the trees.

Ans. Lianas are in competition with other trees. While taking support from
other trees, lianas usually strangulate the other tree. They also compete for
sunlight and water and in the process, harm the host tree.

13. Give the scientific names of any two microorganisms inhabiting

the human intestine.

Ans. Propionibacterium and E. coli

14. What is a tree line?

Ans. The edge of the habitat at which trees are capable of growing is
called tree line. Trees show stunted growth at the tree line. They cannot
grow beyond the tree line because of unfavourable environmental
conditions. Tree line shows gradual transition from dense cover to sparse
cover.

15. Define ‘zero population growth rate’. Draw an age pyramid for the
same.

Ans. When the population of a location neither grows, nor declines, this
shows zero population growth rate. The following pyramid shows a
population with zero growth rate.

16. List any four characters that are employed in human population
census.
Ans. Following are the four characters that are employed in human
population census:

 Sex-ratio
 Age group
 Occupation
 Income

17. Give one example for each of the following types.

(a) Migratory animal

(b) Camouflaged animal

(c) Predator animal

(d) Biological control agent

(e) Phytophagous animal

(f) Chemical defense agent

Ans. (a) Siberian crane

(b) Chameleon

(c) Lion

(d) Dragonfly

(e) Honey bee

(f) Capsaicin produced by bell pepper

18. Fill in the blanks:

Species Species Exam

Type of Interaction
A B ple
+ - _____ _____
+ + _____ _____
+ _____ Commensalism _____
Ans.

Species Type of
Species A Example
B Interaction
+ - Predation Rabbit and lion
+ + Mutualism Lichen
Egrets and
+ 0 Commensalism
cattle

19. Observe the set of 4 figures A, B, C and D and, answer the

following questions:

(i) Which one of the figures shows mutualism?

(ii) What kind of association is shown in D?

(iii) Name the organisms and the association in C.

(iv) What role is the insect performing in B?

Ans. (a) Figure ‘A’ shows mutualism because the butterfly gets the food
from plant and helps the plant in pollination.

(b) This shows predation in which a carnivore is eating herbivore.

(c) This shows the association of egrets and buffaloes. This shows
commensalism.
(d) Insect is performing the role ectoparasite.
 NCERT Exemplar Solutions
CHAPTER 13
ORGANISMS AND POPULATIONS

Long Answer Type Questions

1. Comment on the following figures: 1, 2 and 3: A, B, C, D, G, P, Q, R,

S are species.

Ans. Figure 1 shows a population of species A. All the individuals are

interacting among themselves.

Figure 2 shows a community with three populations of A, B and C. They

are interacting with each other and their environment.

Figure 3 shows a biome with three communities. One of the communities is

in climax and other two are at different stages of development. All the three
communities are in the same environment and they interacts with each
other and with the environment.

2. An individual and a population has certain characteristics. Name

these attributes with definitions.

Ans. A population has certain characteristics that and individual does not
have. Following are the main attributes of population:
(i) Birth Rate: An individual is born but a population shows birth rate. Birth
rate is usually expressed in terms of number of births per thousand
population.

(ii) Death Rate: An individual dies but a population shows death rate.
Death rate is usually expressed in terms of number of deaths per thousand
population.

(iii) Sex Ratio: An individual is either a male or female but a population

shows sex ratio. Ratio of number of males to number of females is called
sex ratio. For example; the sex ratio in India is 934 females to 1000 males.

(iv) Age Distribution: An individual can be of a certain age but a

population has people from different ages. For convenience, age groups
are taken into consideration. Age group is normally categorized as pre-
reproduction, reproduction and post-reproduction age groups.

(v) Population Density: Population density is usually taken in terms of

number of individuals per square km. Population density depends on
various abiotic factors. The plains usually have very high population density
while mountains have very low population density.

3. The following diagrams are the age pyramids of different

populations. Comment on the status of these populations.

Ans. Figure A shows a population, in which ratio of individuals in pre-

reproductive age is highest; following by reproductive age and post-
reproductive age. This pyramid shows a growing population.

Figure B shows a population in which the number of individuals in pre-

reproductive and reproductive age is equal. Number of individuals in post-
reproductive age is less. This pyramid shows a stable population, i.e.
population growth is negligible.

Figure C shows a population in which number of individuals in pre-

reproductive age is the least. Number of individuals in reproductive age is
the highest. Less number of individuals in pre-reproductive age shows a
negative growth rate in population. This pyramid shows a population in de-
growth.

4. Comment on the growth curve given below.

Ans. The growth curve in this figure shows logistic growth of population.
We know that resources are limited in nature and they cannot support
unlimited growth in population. Limited resources mean a tough
competition for resources among individuals. Only those survive which are
fit to survive in such a condition. This is what happens in real life situation.

 In the initial phase, population shows a lag phase, i.e. it grows at a

slow pace.
 The lag phase is followed by a phase of acceleration, during which
population growth is rapid.
 The acceleration phase is followed by a phase of deceleration, during
which population growth slows down.

Finally, a phase comes when population density reaches the carrying

capacity. Carrying capacity defines the load limit of nature; in terms of
sustaining a particular population density. Once the population density
reaches the carrying capacity, it reaches the phase of asymptote. This is
the phase when population beings to show negative growth.

5. A population of Paramoecium caudatum was grown in a culture

medium. After 5 days the culture medium became overcrowed with
Paramoecium and had depleted nutrients. What will happen to the
population and what type of growth curve will the population attain?
Draw the growth curve.
Ans. The population of Paramoecium will show logistic growth which can
be shown by a sigmoid curve. The population growth will show following
phases:

(a) Lag phase

(b) Acceleration phase

(c) Deceleration phase

(d) Asymptote phase

The asymptote phase shall be reached on fifth day. The following figure
shows the growth curve:

6. Discuss the various types of positive interactions between species.

Ans. Following are the positive interactions between species:

(a) Mutualism: This is a relationship between two organisms in which both

the organisms are benefitted. Lichen is a very good example of mutualism.
Lichen is an association of fungi and algae. The fungal part attaches to the
substratum and gets water and minerals for the algal part. The algal part
carries out photosynthesis and provides food to the fungal part.

(b) Commensalism: This is a relationship between two organisms in which

one organism is benefitted, while another organism is neither at gain nor at
loss. Egrets keep on sitting on the back of herbivore animals; like buffalo,
cow, etc. when the cattle forage for grass, the insects under the grass fly
away haphazardly. This gives a chance to the egrets to feed on insects.
Without the help of cattle, it will be difficult for egrets to find insects in the
grass. In this relationship, there is no benefit to the cattle.

7. In an aquarium two herbivorous species of fish are living together

and feeding on phytoplanktons. As per the Gause’s Principle, one of
the species is to be eliminated in due course of time, but both are
surviving well in the aquarium. Give possible reasons.

Ans. Gause proposed that when resources are limited then out of the two
competing species, one of the species will eventually become extinct. The
species with superior predatory skills will survive in the long run. But
evidence for such conclusive extinction is rare in nature. Many recent
studies do not support Gause’s Principle of competitive exclusion. One of
the means to survive is called resource partitioning. For example; if two
species compete for the same resource; they partition their time of foraging
or different foraging patterns. MacArthur showed that five species of
warblers living on the same tree effectively change their feeding patterns to
survive in limited resources.

The same thing can happen in the given aquarium. Either the resources
are unlimited or two herbivorous species of fish may have changed their
feeding times or feeding pattern to survive in the aquarium.

8. While living in and on the host species, the animal parasite has
evolved certain adaptations. Describe these adaptations with
examples.

Ans. Parasites show following types of adaptations:

(a) Morphological Adaptations: Many parasites are bigger in size than

their free-living counterparts. This helps in producing more eggs; necessary
for survival. Endoparasites lose unnecessary sense organs to conserve
resources. Endoparasites lose their gut or gut is reduced in size. They
absorb nutrients through skin. Special organs for attachment are present,
e.g. suckers.

(b) Life Cycle Adaptations: An endoparasite needs some way to enter

another host. Many parasites use a secondary host for this purpose. For
example; plasmodium uses mosquitoes as secondary hosts so that they
can easily infect another primary host. Some parasites lay their eggs in the
lower portion of alimentary canal of the host so that eggs or cysts can go
out along with stool. Later on, the cysts get transmitted to another host
through contaminated food and water, e.g. Entamoeba histolytica.

(c) Immunological Adaptations: Some parasites engulf antigens from the

host. Some parasites disturb the immunological function of the host. These
mechanisms help the parasite survive immunological response of the host.

(d) Biochemical Adaptations: Many endoparasites do not produce

digestive enzymes. They rely on host’s digestive enzymes and absorb the
simple nutrients. Endoparasites do not carry out synthetic reaction. This is
possible because their energy need is very low which is fulfilled from host’s
resources.

9. Do you agree that regional and local variations exist within each
biome? Substantiate your answer with suitable example.

Ans. A biome is a climatically and geographically contiguous area with

similar climatic conditions. Both organic and inorganic components are
similar in a particular type of biome. However, regional and local variations
exist within each biome. To understand this, let us consider following
examples.

Coniferous forest is a type of biome which mainly contains trees which bear
cones with sees inside. In all the coniferous forests around the world,
coniferous trees are the main plant species. But regional variations exist in
coniferous forests. The coniferous forests of North America are dominated
by black spruce. On the other hand, the coniferous forests of north east
Europe are dominated by Norway spruce. Forests of Siberia are dominated
by pine. This shows regional variations in a particular type of biome.

In case of coniferous forests, the canopy is so thick that negligible sunlight

reaches the ground. This results in sparse vegetation on the ground. Dense
canopy on top and sparse vegetation at ground shows local variations in a
particular type of biome.

10. Which element is responsible for causing soil salinity? At what

concentration does the soil become saline?

Ans. Minerals are responsible for causing soil salinity. Following are some
of the cause for increase in soil salinity:

 High level of salt in soil.

  Water table movement because of landscape features.
 Human activities; like clearing of land and excess use of synthetic
fertilizers.
 Salt runoff from streets can happen in cold climates because salt is
applied on road to prevent snow accumulation.

Measurement of Soil salinity: Soil salinity is measured in terms of gram

per litre of soil solution or electrical conductivity in dS/m. Soil salinity is
usually determined from an extract of saturated paste of soil and then EC is
termed as ECe. When 4 < ECe < 8, soil is termed as slightly saline. When
8 < ECe < 16, soil is termed as moderately saline. When ECe > 16, soil is
termed as highly saline.

11. Does light factor affect the distribution of organisms? Write a brief
note giving suitable examples of either plants or animals.

Ans. Light is an important factor in determining the distribution of

organisms. We know that green plants need sunlight to carry out
photosynthesis and hence distribution of green plants is highly dependent
on the amount of illumination. This is the reason, tropics are having dense
plant cover but poles have negligible plants. Moreover, plants also need
sunlight for flowering. This phenomenon is called photoperiodism. Hence,
on the basis of photoperiodism plants are categorised as short day plants,
long day plants and day neutral plants. The area near equator get long
duration of light as compared to area near poles. Thus, this affect
distribution of plants on earth.

Animals too depend on light and show certain behavioural pattern on the
basis of diurnal and seasonal variations in light. Many animals get up early
in the morning and start foraging. The nocturnal animals remain active
during night only, e.g. owl. Reproductive and migratory activities are also
governed by the amount period of illumination in many animals.

12. Give one example for each of the following:

(a) Eurythermal plant species ______

(b) A hot water spring organism ______

(c) An organism seen in deep ocean trenches ______

(d) An organism seen in compost pit ______

(e) A parasitic angiosperm ______

(f) A stenothermal plant species ______

(g) Soil organism ______

(h) A benthic animal ______

(i) Antifreeze compound seen in antarctic fish ______

(j) An organism which can conform ______

Ans. (a) Gracilaria

(b) Alycyclobacillus

(c) Giant tube worms

(d) Earthworm

(e) Misteltoe

(f) Pine

(g) Earthworm

(h) Sponge

(i) Antifreeze glycoproteins

(j) Mangifera
 Important Questions
Chapter 13
Organisms and Populations

1 Marks Questions

1. Which are the factor responsible for the wide variety of habitat
formed within each biome?

[Link] and local variations

2. Fresh water animals are unable to survive for long in sea water.
Give reason.

Ans,.Due to osmotic problems.

3. With which population growth model is the Verhulst Pearl equation

associated?

Ans. Logistic Growth.

4. Define diapause. Which organisms exhibit it?

Ans.A stage of suspended development, zooplanktons.

5. Calculate the death rate if 6 individuals in a laboratory population of

60 fruit flies died during a particular week.

Ans. 6/60 =0.1 individuals per fruitfly per week.

6. In biological control method, one living organism is used against

another to check its uncontrolled growth. Which kind of population
interaction is involved in this?

Ans. Predation.
7. An organism has to overcome stressful condition for a limited
period of time. Which strategies can it adopt to do so?

Ans.(i) Migration

(ii) Suspension of active life by hibernation/aestivation/spore formation.

8. Write what do phytophagous insects feed on?

[Link] sap and other parts of plant.

[Link] do leaves contains Sunken stomata?

[Link] contains sunken stomata i.e. Stomata arranged in deep pits to

minimizes water loss by transpiration.

[Link] the type of interaction that is detrimental to both the

interaction.

[Link].

[Link] type of interaction is shown by sparrows eating the seeds?

[Link].

[Link] homeostasis?

[Link] refers to the maintenance of a steady internal

environment by organisms.

[Link] an example of suspension?

[Link] is frogs, reptiles or polar bear.

[Link] is Allen’s rule?

[Link] living in colder regions have short ears & limbs to minimise
heat loss.

15.“Cuckoo bird lays eggs in the nest of crow” which type of

interaction is shown in this relation?

[Link] parasitism.

[Link] one function of aerenchyma in aquatic plants?

[Link] in aquatic plants provides buoyancy & helps them in

floating.

[Link] does J-shaped curve indicates?

Ans.J-shaped curve indicates that the resources are unlimited in a habitat.

[Link] the type of interaction in which one species is harmed while

other is neither benefitted nor harmed?

[Link].

[Link] are calotropis plants not browsed by herbivores?

[Link] calotropis plant produces a highly poisonous glycoside that is

a cardiac poison & thus, directly kills the predator.

[Link] are the two primary requirements of a parasite from host?

[Link] & shelter.

[Link] is the ecological principle behind biological control method
of managing pest insects.

[Link], where predators prey upon pests & control their number.

[Link] the equation for verhulst – poarl logistic growth of

population.

Ans.ΔNΔt = rN(K−N)KΔNΔt = rN(K−N)K

[Link] the mechanism employed by ophrys to get its flowers

pollinated?

[Link].

[Link] any two factors which determine the nature of soil?

[Link] & weathering process.

 Important Questions
Chapter 13
Organisms and Populations

2 Marks Questions

1. What are the four levels of biological organisation with which

ecology basically deals?

[Link], population, communities and biomes.

2. Differentiate between stenohaline and euryhaline organisms.

[Link] :Organisms tolerant in wide range of salinities.

Stenohaline :Organisms tolerant to narrow range of salinities.

3. List four features which enable the Xeric plants to survive in the
desert conditions.

Ans. (i) thick cuticle

(ii) Stomata in deep pits

(iii) Stomata closed during day time

(iv) leaves reduced to spines (CAM photosynthetic pathway).

4. Mention the attributes which a population has but not an individual

organism.

[Link] rate, Death rate, Sex ratio, age groups.

5. Differentiate between stenothermal and eurythermal organisms.

[Link] :Organisms that can tolerate and thrive in wide range of
temperaturesStenothermal :Organisms restricted to a narrow range of
temperature.

6. What are the four ways through which the living organisms
respond to abiotic factors?

Ans. (i) Regulate (ii) Conform (iii) migrate (iv) Suspend

7. Why do clown fish and sea anemone pair up? What is this
relationship called?

[Link] fish lives in tentacles of sea Anemone and gets protection from
predators.

Interaction – commeasalisn.

[Link] between ectotherms& Endotherms?

[Link] are those animals whose body temperature changes &

matches with that of environment in which they are living whereas
Endotherms are those animal whose body temperature is maintained
relatively constant by physiological regulation.

9.“Lichens are considered good examples of obligate mutualisms”.

Comment?

[Link] show an intimate mutualistic relationship between a fungus &

an algae or cynobacterium where the fungus helps in absorption of
nutrients & provides it to bacteria while the algae or cyanobacterium
prepares the food.

[Link] any two examples of defense mechanism in plants against

herbivory?

Ans. i) plants develops certain morphological means of defense e.g. thorns

in bougainvillea & spinesin cactus.
ii) plants produce & store certain chemicals which functions with by directly
killing them or by inhibiting them from feeding .

[Link] is Brood parasitism? Give an example. What adaptation has

evolved in this phenomenon?

[Link] parasitism refers to the phenomenon in which one bird species

by its eggs in the nest ofanother bird species Evolution has occurred in
such a way the eggs of the parasitic birds resemblethose of the host bird in
size, colouretc to avoid host bird detecting the foreign eggs & ejecting
themfrom the nest e.g. cuckoo bird lays eggs in the nest of crow. It is
considered as a parasitic type ofinterspecific interaction because in this
relationship the parasite i.e. eggs of cuckoo birds dependson crow’s nest
for its food & shelter but the crow is harmed because there is competition
for limitedfood and shelter amongst the crow’s egg & cuckoo’s egg thus, in
parasitic interspecific interactionthe parasite is benefited while the host is
harmed.

[Link] orchid plant is growing on the branch of mango tree. How do

you describe this interaction between the orchid & the mango tree?

[Link] grows as epiphytes on mango tree. This is an example of

commensalism in which orchids are benefited by getting a shelter while the
tree is neither benefited nor harmed.

[Link] Gauss’s competitive exclusion principle?

[Link]’s competitive exclusion principle states that two closely related

species competing for the same resources cannot exist together as the
competitively inferior one will be eliminated but this is true only when
resources are limiting & not otherwise.

[Link] is migration? Why do animals show this phenomenon?

[Link] is a phenomenon in which organisms can move away

temporarily from the stressful conditions in the habitat with hospitable
conditions e.g. birds undertake long distance migration during winter.
[Link] do desert lizards maintain a fairly constant body temperature?

[Link] lizards manage to deal with high temperature by keeping their

body temperature fairlyconstant by behavioral means. They bask in the sun
& absorb heat when their body temperature isbelow the comfort level &
move into shade when it is higher.

[Link] between Hibernation & aestivation?

[Link] is the phenomenon of spending cold period in inactive

stage by an animal whereasaestivation is the phenomenon of spending dry
& hot conditions in an inactive stage by animal.

[Link] the bind of interaction present between the following :-

i) Indian Nightingale & crow

ii) Nodulated roots & rhizobium

iii) Plasmoduim& man

iv) Orchids & Mongo tree

Ans. i) Indian Nightingale &crow :- Brood parasitism

ii) Nodulated roots & rhizobium :- Mutualism

iii) Plasmoduim& man :- Perasitism

iv) Orchids & Mongo tree :- Commensalism.

[Link] carrying capacity?

[Link] maximum number of individuals of a population that can be

sustained by a given habitat is called its carrying capacity.
[Link] a marine fish is placed in fresh water aquarium, will the fish be
able to survive. Why or why not?

[Link], marine fish is unable to survive in a fresh water aquarium because

they are adapted to live insaline sea water. They are unable to cope with
outside hypotonic environment because ofOsmoregulation problem.

[Link] of the two population growth models, which one is more

realistic & Why?

Ans. Logistic or S-shaped growth curve is more realistic because no

population can continue to grow exponentially, as the resource availability
becomes limiting at certain point of time.

[Link] role do predators play in an ecosystem?

[Link] plays an important role in ecosystem :-

i)They act as conduct for energy transfer to higher trophic level.

ii)Theykeep the prey population under control which otherwise can reach
very high population density.

iii)They help in maintaining species diversity in a community.

[Link] living organisms cannot survive at temperature above 450c.

How are some microbes able to live in habitat with temperature
exceeding 1000c.

[Link] microbes are able to live in habitats with temperate exceeding

1000 c because theypossess minimum amount of free water in their body.
Removal of water provide resistance to hightemperature.

[Link] below is a graph depicting organismic response to changing

external condition. Name the type of organisms which will show:-

i) pattern A

ii) pattern B
Ans. i) Conformers shows pattern A where body temperature changes with
the ambienttemperature.

ii) Regulators shows pattern B where body temperature remains constant.

[Link] any two ways in which organisms tide over unfavourable

conditions by suspending their activities.

Ans. i) Hibernation – phenomenon of spending cold period in inactive

stage by an animal e.g. frog,reptiles, polar bear.

ii) Aestivation – phenomenon of spending dry & hot conditions in an

inactive stage by an animal e.g. snail, fishes.

[Link] are predators “prudent in nature?

[Link] are said to be prudent in nature because if a predator is too

efficient & overexploitits prey, then the prey might become extinct &
following it the predator will also become extinct forlacking of food.
 Important Questions
Chapter 13
Organisms and Populations

3 Marks Questions

1. How does the shape of age pyramid reflect the growth status of a
population?

[Link] of pyramids reflects growth statusof the population (a) growing

(b) Stable (c) declining.

2. Darwin showed that even a slow growing animal like elephant could
reach enormous number in absence of checks. With the help of your
understanding of growth models, explain when is this possible? Why
is this notion unrealistic?

Ans. Possible if the growth model is Exponential, i.e., having unlimited

resources. Its an unrealistic situation because resources are limited.
Hence, it follows logistic growth model.

3. How will you measure population density in following cases?

(i) fish in a lake

(ii) tiger census in a national park

(iii) single huge banyan tree with large canopy .

Ans. (i) fish caught per trap.

(ii) number per unit area

(iii) percentage cover in biomass.

4. Species facing competition might evolve mechanism that promotes

coexistence rather than exclusion. Justify this statement in light of
Gause’s competitive exclusion principle, citing suitable examples.

[Link] Gause’s competitive exclusion [Link] is resource

partitioning. E.g., experiment of Mac Arthur on Warblers (Refer page 325,
NCERT book, Biology - XII).

[Link] the specific adaptation of xerophytes with respect to root

system, stem & leaves.

Ans. i) ADAPTATIONS INROOTS :- Xerophytes have well developed &

extensively branched long rootsystem. While some perennial xerophytes of
succulent nature possess extensive but shallow root [Link] can
absorb water from dew drops & small rain droplets.

ii) ADAPTATION IN STEM:- stems of woody xerophytes are comparatively

stunted hard & rigid. Theymay be covered with thick e.g. Acacia main stem
& branches may occur as think, fleshy, flattened & greenmodified structure
called phylloclade.

iii) ADAPTATION IN LEAVES:- Leaves are usually short sized which

decreases the chances of gettingover – heated when exposed to solar
radiation & thus by reducing rate of transpiration. Leaves ofssxerophytes
are usually thick, fleshy green & leathery which are known to store water.

[Link] the important characteristics of a population & Explain?

Ans.A population has following four major characteristics :-

i) Population Density :- The size of a population in relation to a definite unit

of space is termed aspopulation density. The maximum limit of density
depends upon energy flow in an ecosystem, nutritionalstatus of trophic
level & metabolic equilibrium. Population density can be mathematically
calculatedas : D=N/atD=N/at
ii) Birth Rate / Natality :- The birth rate or natality denotes the produced
number of new individuals byany natural method in per unit time. The birth
can be expressed lay formula B=NntB=Nnt

iii) Death Rate / Mortality :- It refers to death rate of individuals in the

population. It is expressed in asnumber of individual dying in a given
[Link] Rate = no of death in population Timeno of death in population Time

iv) Carrying Capacity:- Each habitat or ecosystem has a certain space

which can accommodate a finitenumber of organisms depending on its size
& productivity. This is called carrying capacity

[Link] the specific adaptations of hydrophytes with respect to

roots, stem & leaves?

Ans. i) ADAPTATIONS IN ROOTS:- Root system is feebly developed

&unbranched some floating plants orsubmerged plants lack roots Root
hairs are absent except rooted floating hydrophyte. True root caps
areabsent.

ii) ADAPTATIONS IN STEM :- In submerged hydrophytes, stems are long

slender & flexible whereas inthe free – floating hydrophytes stem are
modified as thick, stout, stoloniferous& occur horizontal onwater surface.
iii) ADAPTATIONS IN LEAVES:- Leaves are thin, long, ribbon shapes
submerged forms. In free floatingplants, the petioles of leaves show
indefinite power of growth.

[Link]& explain the bind of interaction in the following.

i) Algae & fungi in

ii) Head louse & humans

iii) Hermit crab & sea anemone.

Ans. i) Algae & fungi in lichens :- Lichens shows an intimate mutualistic

interaction in with both fungushelps in absorption of nutrients & provides
protection, while algae or cyanobacterium prepares the food.

ii) Head louse & humans:- Head louse shows ectoparasitism on humans in
which head louse is gettingnutrition from human body & is thus benefited
while human beings are harmed.

iii) Hermit crab & sea anemone:- Hermit crab & sea anemone shows
commensalism as hermit crab isbenefited because it gets protection from
predators which stays away from stinging tentacles of the seaanemone.

[Link] the different defense mechanism to reduce the impact of

predation?

[Link] species evolved various defense mechanism to reduce impact of

predation :-

i) Certain insect species & frogs have camouflage or cryptic colouration to

avoid detection by their predators.

ii)Some animals like monarch butterfly are highly distasteful to their

predators because they accumulate a certain chemical by feeding on
poisonous weeds during its caterpillar stage.

iii)Some prey are poisonous & hence are avoided by predators .

iv)Plants have evolved certain morphological, or chemical defense

mechanism against herbivores e.g. thorns in bougainvillea.
v)plants also produce certain chemicals which functions as :-

 They make animal feel sick.

 They may inhibit them from feeding.
 They may interfere with digestion.
 They may directly kill them.

[Link] often involves co-evolution of mutualists. Describe

taking the example of animal plant (wasp-fig) relationship.

[Link] need the help of animals for pollination their flowers &
dispersing their seeds. Animals obviously have to be paid fees for the
services that plants expect from them. Plants offer rewards or fees in the
form of seed dispersers “plant – animal interactions often involve co-
evolution of the mutualists that is, the evolution of the flower & its pollinator
species can be pollinated only by its partner wasp species & no other
species. The female wasp uses the fruit not only as an oviposition site but
uses the developing seeds within the fruit for nourishing its larvae. The
wasp pollinates the fig inflorescence while searching for suitable egg-laying
sites. In return for the favors of pollination the fig offers the wasp some of
its developing seeds as food for the developing wasp larvae.

[Link] do kangaroo rats live in the absence of water in North

American deserts?

[Link] kangaroo rat in North American deserts is capable of meeting all

its water requirement through its internal oxidation of fat, where water is by-
product, it can also concentrate its urine to a minimal volume.

[Link] is diapause different from Hibernation?

[Link] is the phenomenon of spending unfavourable climatic

conditions by insects during their development whereas. Hibernation is a
phenomenon of spending the winter in a resting or dormant conditions by
cold – blooded animals to escape cold by hiding them in hollow tree trunk
or burro or caves etc, revealing minimum physiological activity.
13. Study the three representative figures of age of pyramid relating to
human population & answer the following question.

i) Mention the given to the three binds of age profile (a), (b) and (c)

ii) Which one of them is ideal for a population & why.

iii) How do such age – profile helps policy making concerned about
our growing population & prepare for future generation.

Ans. i) (a) is called young population

(b) is called stable population

(c) is called declining population

ii) Among the three, stable population is ideal because it has identical birth
death rate.

iii) Age profile helps policy makers get concerned about our wing
population & to make on idea for future population growth so that they
make future plans.

14. In the adjacent population growth curve :-

i) What is the name given to curve (a) & (b).

ii) What is the status of food & space in thecurve (a) & (b).
iii) In absence of predators, which curve “a” or “b” would
appropriately depict the prey population?

iv) When does curve ‘b’ changes into curve ‘a’.

Ans. i) Curve (a) is known as exponential growth curve & curve (b) is
known as logistic growth curve.

ii) Food & space is less in curve ‘a’ whereas plenty of food & space is
available in curve ‘b’.

iii) Curve “a”.

iv) When the food resources in a given place become unlimited the curve
(b) assumes a J – shape & changes into curve (a).
 Important Questions
Chapter 13
Organisms and Populations

5 Marks Questions

1. What is altitude sickness? What its causes and symptoms? How

does human body try to overcome altitude sickness?

Ans. Breathlessness at high [Link] :Low atmospheric pressure at

high altitudes due to which body does not get enough oxygen.
Symptoms :Nausea, fatigue and heart palpitations.

Body adapts by :
(a) increasing red blood cell production
(b) decreasing binding affinity of haemoglobin
(c) by increasing breathing

2. Orchid flower, Ophrys co-evolves to maintain resembelance of its

petal to female bee. Explain how and why does it do so?

Ans.

 employs ‘Sexual deceit’

 one petal bears uncanny resemblance to female of the bee.
 Male bee is attracted to what it perceives as a female
‘pseudocopulates,’during which pollen dusted on male been is body .
 Male bee transfers pollen to another flower when the same bee
pseudocopulates with another flower.
 Ophrysdoes so because pollination success will be reduced unless it
co-evolves with female bee.

[Link] the exponential growth model of a diagram along with a

curve?

[Link] kind of curve is observed in the case of under population of

reindeer growing in apredator free natural environment having plenty of
food. In this case, the curve formed is J-curvethe small population first
takes time to adjust into new environment so there is no increase in
thepopulation. Once they get adapted they multiply exponentially. This
growth & multiplicationcontinues so far the food is available. After
sometime the food supply becomes less as compared tothe population
increases. This causes mass starvation & mortality & results in the
formation of Jshaped curve.

The J-shaped growth form is described by equation

ΔNΔt= rN or ΔNΔtNΔNΔt= rN or ΔNΔtN

[Link] the logistic growth model of population along with a

suitable curve. Why is this curve more realistic?

[Link] logistic growth curve shows a sigmoid or a S-shaped curve. It has

three phases:-

(i) Lag-phase :- It is the early phase of little or no growth. Lag phase is one
in which under population of cells adapt to or stablises with the growth
conditions before embarking up their multiplication.

(ii) Log phase or Exponential phase :- It is the middle phase of rapid or

geometric rise, Once stabilized cells starts to multiply rapidly when the
small population is stablised, the multiply becomes faster because of the
plenty amount of food & other requirements of life.

(iii) Stationary phase or steady phase:- Soon after the amount of food
decreases in proportion to the number of cells & this results in the onset of
stationary phase. During this phase, the number of new cells produced is
roughly equal to the number of cells dead & so there is no net increase in
the number of cells.

Sigmoid growth curve is demonstrated by foΔNΔt = rN (K−N)NΔNΔt =

rN (K−N)N
ΔN− rate of change inpopulation ΔN− rate of change inpopulation Δt -
change in time. Δt - change in time.

K – carrying capacity
R – biotic potential

[Link] an example to show that completely unrelated species can also

compete for same resources?

[Link] unrelated species can also compete for same resources

for e.g. In certain shallow lakes of South America the visiting flamingoes &
the native fishes compete for the same zooplanktons as their food.

[Link] is Age pyramid? What are the different types of age pyramid?

[Link] geometrical diagrammatic representation of different age groups

in a population of any organism is called Age of pyramids. These are of
three types:-

i) Expanding pyramid:- It is a broad base, triangular pyramid which

represents a population containing large number of young people. It is
rapidly expanding population with high birth rate.
ii) Stable pyramid:- It represents a moderate proportion of young to old. As
the rate of growth becomes slow & stable i.e.- pre-reproductive &
reproductive age groups becomes more or less equal in size.
iii) Declining Pyramid:- The type of pyramid of population decreasing in size
is characterised by a narrow base because there are fewer pre-
reproductive individuals than in the other two age categories.

7. Differentiate between regulators & conformers? Why do small

animals do not show regulations?
[Link] organisms which maintain homeostasis by physiological or
behavioral means & ensures aconstant body temperature & constant
osmotic concentration etc. are called regulators e.g. all birds,mammals
some lower vertebrates & invertebrates, for example in summer, when
outside temp is morethan our body temperature we sweat profusely
evaporative cooling brings the body temp – [Link] those
organisms which cannot maintain a constant internal environment. Their
bodytemperature changes with ambient temperature e.g. majority of
animals & nearly all plants.

Small organisms does not show regulationbecause thermoregulation is an

energy –expensive process. Since small animals havelarge surface area
relative to volume, they tendto lose body heat very fast when it is
coldoutside they have to expend much energy togenerate body heat
through metabolism.
 Ch-13 Organisms and Populations

1. Which of the following will not be considered a predator?

a. Vultures
b. Paramecium
c. starfish
d. Tiger
2. At high altitudes our body compensates for deficiency of oxygen by

a. Decreasing rate of breathing

b. Reducing the rate of respiration within cells
c. Increasing white blood cell production
d. Reducing affinity of Hb for oxygen binding
3. Shrew, rat and rabbit living together in a grassland exhibit:

a. amensalism
b. commensalism
c. mutualism
d. neutralism
4. Organisms having the potential for interbreeding and producing fertile
offspring is called

a. Class
b. Genus
c. Order
d. Species
5. The statistical study of human population is called

a. Population human genetics

b. Sociology
c. Demography
d. Biostatistics
6. Which one out of the eurythermal or stenothermal species, is likely to
survive increased global temperature? (give reason)
7. How do animals like fish and snails avoid summer related
unfavourable conditions?
8. Why are herbivores considered similar to predators in the
iconological context? Explain.
9. Why do cattle avoid browsing on Calotropis plants? Explain.
10. What does S-shaped pattern of population growth represent?
How is T-shaped pattern different from it and why?
11. Define population and community.
12. Egrets are often seen along with grazing cattle. How do you
refer to this interaction? Give reason.
13. Define phenotypic adaptation. Give one example.
14. Why is thermoregulation more effectively achieved in larger
animals than in smaller ones?
15. Write a short note on: Effect of temperature or water scarcity
and the adaptations of animals.

CBSE Test Paper 01

Ch-13 Organisms and Populations

Answer

1.
a. Vultures, Explanation: Vultures will not be considered as
predator. Vultures feed on dead animals on the other hand
predators kill or harms the prey for obtaining food.
2.

d. Reducing affinity of Hb for oxygen binding, Explanation: At

higher altitudes concentration of oxygen decreases in air due to
decreae in air pressure. Our body compensate the deficiency
of oxygen at higher altitude by reducing affinity of hemoglobin
(Hb) for oxygen binding.
3.

d. neutralism, Explanation: Neutralism is a kind of relationship in

which different organisms live in same habitat but do not harm
each other. Shrew, rat and rabbit lives in same grassland but
do not compete for food and shelter.
4.

d. Species, Explanation: A species is a group of individual

organisms that interbreed and produce fertile, viable offspring.
According to this definition, one species is distinguished from
another when, in nature, it is not possible for matings between
individuals from each species to produce fertile offspring.
5.

c. Demography, Explanation: The statistical study of human

population in a particular area that changes over time or space
is called demography. It includes size, growth, density,
distribution and vital statistics.
6. Eurythermal species: They can tolerate and thrive in a wide range of
temperatures.
7. Snails and fish go into aestivation to avoid summer-related
unfavourable conditions by suspending their metabolic activities.
8. Herbivores are considered similar to predators in iconological context
because they transfer the energy fixed by plants to the next tropic
level of carnivores. They also maintain the plant population under
control.
9. Calotropis produces highly poisonous cardiac glycosides which
inhibit make the herbivore sick when eaten, inhibit feeding or
digestion and disrupts its reproduction or even kill the herbivore
hence it is not browsed by cattle.
10. - S-shaped pattern represents logistic growth
- T-shaped pattern represents unlimited growth
- The population grows in an exponential or geometric fashion and
results in a T-shaped curve
11. Population : A population is the collection of inter breeding
organisms of a particular species.
Community : In biological terms, a community is a group of
interacting organisms (or different species) sharing an environment.
12. - Commensalism
- As egrets move, the cattle stir up and flush out from the vegetation
the insects which otherwise might be difficult for the egrets to find
and catch. Thus, the egrets are benefited while the cattle are neither
benefited nor harmed.
13. Phenotype adaptations are acquired non-genetic changes in
individuals such as physiological modification, acclimatization or
behavioural changes. For example, if a person has ever been to any
high altitude, on visiting such as place he or she must have altitude
sickness because body does not get enough oxygen. But gradually
he or she gets acclimatized and stop experiencing altitude sickness.
14. Heat loss or heat gain is a function of surface area.
- Since small animals have a large surface area relative to their
volume, they lose body heat very fast.
- But larger animals have a ratio of surface area to volume of the
body much smaller compared to small animals and hence
thermoregulation in them is more effective.
15. Effect of temperature or water scarcity and the adaptations
of animals: High temperature and water scarcity means that an
animal living in those condition has to preserve as much water as
possible. Most of the animals do this by developing hard scaly skins
which prevents water loss. Further most of the animals living in dry
conditions use uricotelic mode of excretion. This helps in preventing
further water loss. Many exothermic animals from Reptilian thrive in
high temperature because they regulate their body temperature by
exothermic means.