NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 1 - The Living World

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 1 - The Living World

Irshad AnwarUpdated on 22 Oct 2025, 12:22 PM IST

The NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 1 The Living World help students know how we classify the life around us. The chapter explains the features of living organisms and the need for classification. How the binomial nomenclature works and how scientific names are used is also included in the Living World chapter. By regular practice of the NCERT Solutions, students can score well in board exams. These solutions also build a strong base for entrance exams like NEET.

This Story also Contains

  1. Download The Living World Class 11 Questions and Answers PDF
  2. Access Class 11 Biology Chapter 1 The Living World Question Answer
  3. Approach to Solve The Living World Class 11 Question Answer
  4. Important Questions from NCERT Class 11 Biology Chapter 1
  5. What Students Learn from The Living World NCERT Solutions?
  6. Why Class 11 Biology Chapter 1 The Living World NCERT Solutions are Important?
  7. What Extra Should Students Study Beyond the NCERT for NEET?
  8. Chapter-wise NCERT solutions for Class 11 Biology
NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 1 - The Living World
NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 1 The Living World

The Living World Class 11 question answers are written in a clear and simple format by subject experts, which follows the latest NCERT guidelines. They also help students understand the importance of biodiversity and the hierarchical levels of organization in biology. With point-wise explanations and well-labeled diagrams provided in the Living World Class 11 questions and answers PDF, students can revise effectively. These solutions also guide the students on how to write correct answers in exams.

Download The Living World Class 11 Questions and Answers PDF

Studying becomes easier when everything is explained clearly and step by step. Students can easily download the Living World Class 11 questions and answers PDF. To do regular practice and study at their own pace, students can use the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology.Download Solution PDF

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Access Class 11 Biology Chapter 1 The Living World Question Answer

The detailed solutions for each question of this chapter are given below. Class 11 Biology Chapter 1 The Living World question answers serve as a valuable resource for revision during exam preparation.

Q1. Why are living organisms classified?

Answer:

Living organisms are classified for the following reasons:

There are numerous different species of living beings on our planet. It is hard to study each one separately. Scientists unite similar species to make it more convenient to research them. Studying one group, we learn about the properties of all the species in the group.

Classification also helps us in learning how various species relate to one another in terms of evolution.

Q2. Why are the classification systems changing now and then?

Answer:

Earth is inhabited by numerous plants, animals, and microorganisms. The total number of species is not known yet. A lot of species have already been discovered and classified by scientists, but there are many more still to be discovered. When a new species is found, the system of classification is revised to accommodate it. That is why classification continues to change with time.

Q3. What different criteria would you choose to classify people whom you meet often?

Answer:

The people that we often meet can be classified based on their sex or gender, the age group in which they fall, profession, education, hobbies, etc.

Q4. What do we learn from the identification of individuals and populations?

Answer:

The identification of individuals helps us to know how they differ from or are similar to others within the same population. It also helps establish relationships between individuals from various populations. Researching populations enables us to know about their characteristics and how they compare to other populations. This process also helps in classifying organisms properly and knowing their evolutionary relationships.

Q5. Given below is the scientific name of the Mango. Identify the correctly written name.

  • Mangifera Indica

  • Mangifera indica

Answer:

The correct scientific name of the mango is Mangifera indica. As per the binomial system of nomenclature, the first name in a scientific name is the genus name, while the second name is specific. The scientific name is always written in italics. The first letter of the genus name is written in capitals, while that of the specific name is written in small letters.

Q6. Define a taxon. Give some examples of taxa at different hierarchical levels.

Answer:

Taxon refers to a particular level of hierarchy in the classification of living beings. Examples of taxa at different hierarchical levels are species, genus, order, family, and kingdom.

Q7. Can you identify the correct sequence of taxonomical categories:

(A) Species → Order → Phylum → Kingdom

(B) Genus → Species → Order → Kingdom

(C) Species → Genus → Order → Phylum

Answer:

The correct sequence of taxonomic categories from lowest to highest is:

Species → Genus → Family → Order → Class → Phylum → Kingdom

None of the options exactly represents the full sequence.

From the given options, the partial sequence Species → Genus → Order → Phylum (C) is closest, out of which Family and Class are missing.

Q8. Try to collect all the currently accepted meanings for the word species. Discuss with your teacher the meaning of species in the case of higher plants and animals, on the one hand, and bacteria, on the other hand.

Answer:

The word "species" is explained as:

  • A collection of organisms with common traits that can reproduce within themselves.

  • The most basic unit of classification brings together people with a common genetic makeup.

  • A naturally occurring group of organisms that are similar in form, function, structure, and cellular composition.

For plants and animals at the higher levels, the first definition is the most precise since they reproduce sexually. For bacteria, the second and third definitions hold since bacteria are asexually reproduced and categorized according to genetic and structural similarities.

Q9. Define and understand the following terms:

(i) Phylum

Answer:

Phylum - A phylum is a group of related classes that share common characteristics. In plants, “phylum” is often referred to as a division. Example: Phylum Chordata in animals contains classes like Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Amphibia, etc.

Q9. Define and understand the following terms:

(ii) Class

Answer:

Class - It is a taxonomic group higher than order and lower than phylum. A class is made of one or more related orders. For example, the class dicotyledoneae of flowering plants contains all dicots, which are grouped into several orders, like Rosales, Polemoniales, etc.

Q9. Define and understand the following terms:

(iii) Family

Answer:

Family refers to that taxonomic category that contains one or more related genera. For example, the family Solanaceae contains a number of genera like Solanum, Withania, Datura, etc. All genera of a family are related through some common features or correlated characters.

Q9. Define and understand the following terms:

(iv) Order

Answer:

Order is the taxonomic category higher than family and lower than class. An order consists of one or more groups of families that share certain common characteristics. For example, the families Felidae and Canidae are included in the same order of carnivores.

Q9. Define and understand the following terms:

(v) Genus

Answer:

Genus - A genus is a group of related species that resemble one another in certain correlated characteristics. All species of the genus are presumed to have evolved from a common ancestor. Lion, Tiger, and Leopard are closely related species and placed in the same genus, Panthera.

Q10. How is a key helpful in the identification and classification of an organism?

Answer:

A taxonomic key refers to an artificial analytical device used for identifying organisms. Usually, in a key, two contrasting characters are used. The one present in the organism is chosen while the other is rejected. Each statement of a key is called a lead. Separate taxonomic keys are used for each taxonomic category, like species, genus, family, etc. Keys are generally analytical.

Q11. Illustrate the taxonomical hierarchy with suitable examples of a plant and an animal.

Answer:

Taxonomical hierarchy is the system of placing living organisms into different categories, starting from broad groups like the kingdom and narrowing down to the specific level of species. It helps scientists and students organize and study the diversity of life systematically.

Taxonomic Category

Animal: Cat

Plant: Rose

Kingdom

Animalia

Plantae

Phylum/Division

Chordata

Angiospermae

Class

Mammalia

Dicotyledonae

Order

Carnivora

Rosales

Family

Felidae

Rosaceae

Genus

Felis

Rosa

Species

catus

indica

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Subject-wise

Approach to Solve The Living World Class 11 Question Answer

To solve the textbook questions effectively, students need to understand the concepts first. Apart from this, students can follow the steps given below:

  • Learn and understand the concepts, such as binomial nomenclature and taxonomic categories.

  • Making notes of the chapter is important, highlighting all the important points. Students can take help from the Class 11 Biology Chapter 1 The Living World question answer.

  • Practice all the solved exercise questions to understand the question pattern and difficulty level. The NCERT Solutions for Class 11 include to-the-point answers and necessary information.

  • Finally, one should practice all the diagrams given in The Living World Class 11 question answer. This gives them an overall idea of the chapter and builds confidence before the exams.

Also, check the NCERT Books and NCERT Syllabus here :

Important Questions from NCERT Class 11 Biology Chapter 1

The Living World introduces students to the basic concepts, including what makes an organism living. Given below is a question from this chapter along with the explanation. To score well, students can use the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 1 The Living World.

Question 1: Which of the following is not a reason for the non-usage of vernacular names in nomenclature?

Options :

  1. These names generally have incorrect meanings

  2. A single name may be in use for two or more species.

  3. These names have no significance

  4. Vernacular names are difficult to pronounce

Answer: The correct answer is Option (4). Vernacular names are difficult to pronounce.

Explanation: Vernacular names are not used in scientific nomenclature mainly because they can vary from region to region, may refer to multiple species, or may have misleading meanings. Their pronunciation is not a limiting factor; the main concern is accuracy.

Question 2: A Taxonomic key is one of the taxonomic tools in the identification and classification of plants and animals. It is used in the preparation of

Options :

  1. Monographs

  2. Flora

  3. Both (a) and (b)

  4. None of these

Answer: The correct answer is Option (3). Both (a) and (b)

Explanation: A simple way to identify a single object is via a taxonomy key. One of the most crucial resources accessible to scientists attempting to identify an unknown creature is a taxonomy key. To identify current species and ascertain whether they have found anything entirely new, systematics uses keys.

Question 3: Genus represents

Options :

  1. An individual plant or animal

  2. A collection of plants and animals

  3. A group of closely related species of plants and animals

  4. None of these

Answer: The correct answer is Option (3). A group of closely related species of plants and animals

Explanation: Consider that the taxon species comes under the taxon genus. A genus is an aggregate of related species that are similar to each other in many correlated characteristics. The genus can be monotypic, i.e., having one species, or polytypic, i.e., having many species. Genus Solanum possesses species like Solanum nigrum, Solanum tuberosum (potato), Solanum melongena (brinjal), etc.

Question 4: The term ‘systematics’ refers to:

Options :

  1. Identification and study of organ systems

  2. Identification and preservation of plants and animals

  3. Diversity of kinds of organisms and their relationship

  4. Study of habitats of organisms and their classification

Answer: The correct answer is Option (3). Diversity of kinds of organisms and their relationship

Explanation: As the number of organisms that exist on this planet is huge, it was necessary to classify them on the basis of similar characteristics so that they can be divided into groups and sub-groups on the basis of their relationship. This has been done for the ease of understanding the diversity of the organisms.

Question 5: Which of the following ‘suffixes’ used for units of classification in plants indicates a taxonomic category of ‘family’

Options :

  1. -Ales

  2. -Onae

  3. -Aceae

  4. -Ae

Answer: The correct answer is Option (3). -Aceae

Explanation: The examples of the ‘family’ names like Fabaceae, Solanaceae, etc. have the suffix -aceae in their names.

What Students Learn from The Living World NCERT Solutions?

The study of biology begins with understanding the diversity of life forms. This chapter introduces students to various topics, which are given below:

  1. Students learn about the definition and scope of biology, understanding the characteristics that distinguish living organisms from non-living things.

  2. The Living World Class 11 question answer explains the hierarchy of biological classification, including the levels of organization.

  3. They will explore the concept of biodiversity and the need for conservation of various life forms.

  4. Class 11 Biology The Living World question answer helps students identify and classify organisms using scientific naming, following the binomial nomenclature system.

  5. Students also gain knowledge about basic tools and techniques, which help in studying and understanding living organisms.

Why Class 11 Biology Chapter 1 The Living World NCERT Solutions are Important?

The Living World chapter allows students to understand the concept of life and what characteristics make an organism "living". Topics such as classification, taxonomy, and scientific naming are included.

  1. Class 11 Biology Chapter 1 The Living World NCERT Solutions helps students understand the characteristics of living organisms, such as growth and metabolism.

  2. The solutions also introduce binomial nomenclature, making it easier to identify and describe organisms.

  3. Students learn the need for classification by using the solutions.

  4. The solutions also improve the students' knowledge about the scientific names, which is an important concept of this chapter.

What Extra Should Students Study Beyond the NCERT for NEET?

Scoring a high rank in the NEET exam requires studying the concepts beyond the NCERT. Here is a table for all the important topics from the chapter. For gaining clarity on these concepts, students can refer to the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 1 The Living World.

Chapter-wise NCERT solutions for Class 11 Biology

Below are the Chapter-wise solutions prepared to help students understand important concepts and prepare effectively for exams.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the role of botanical gardens and herbaria in taxonomy?
A:

Botanical Gardens conserve living plant species for research and education.
Herbaria maintain pressed and dried plant specimens to facilitate the identification and classification of species. 

Q: What are the key concepts to focus on in ‘The Living World’?
A:

Key concepts include the definition and characteristics of living organisms, biodiversity, taxonomy, and the hierarchy of classification. Understanding these helps in studying later chapters like the Plant and Animal Kingdom, effectively.

Q: How do biologists classify organisms?
A:

Biologists group organisms according to similarities and differences in their attributes. The classification is hierarchical, consisting of Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species.

Q: What is the importance of taxonomy in biology?
A:

Taxonomy helps in identifying, naming, and classifying organisms in a systematic way. It facilitates understanding among species, conserving biodiversity, and maintaining proper communication among scientists globally.

Q: What is the difference between genus and species?
A:

Genus: group of related species (for example, lions, tigers, leopards in the group Panthera).
Species: the most detailed division, the organism able to reproduce with one another and with viable offspring (example: lions Panthera leo).

Q: Why is the chapter ‘The Living World’ important in Class 11 Biology?
A:

This chapter introduces you to the basic principles of biology, including the characteristics of living organisms, taxonomy, and classification. It sets the groundwork for all other chapters in Class 11 and 12 Biology, making it essential for understanding advanced concepts later.  

Q: Why is Chapter 1 important in Class 11 Biology?
A:

The NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 1 The Living World is important because it introduces students to important biological concepts that include biodiversity, classification, taxonomy, and nomenclature. The chapter sets the stage for the knowledge of the immense variety of living organisms and their scientific classification.

Q: What is taxonomic key given in biology class 11?
A:

A taxonomic key refers to an artificial analytical device used for identifying organisms. Usually, in a key, two contrasting characters are used. The one present in the organism is chosen while other is rejected. Each statement of a key is called a lead. Separate taxonomic keys are used for each taxonomic category like species, genus, family.

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