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NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 2 Biological Classification

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 2 Biological Classification

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jul 14, 2025 10:25 AM IST | #CBSE Class 12th

Did you know that living organisms were once all grouped into just two kingdoms? This chapter shows how scientists expanded that into five to better explain life’s diversity. The NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 2 Biological Classification help students understand this classification system clearly through simple, well-structured answers. These NCERT Solutions include all textbook exercise questions along with easy explanations, making revision and concept clarity much smoother.

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This Story also Contains
  1. Download PDF of NCERT solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 2
  2. NCERT solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 2 (Exercise Questions)
  3. Approach to solve questions of Class 11 Chapter 2
  4. Important Question from Class 11 Chapter 2
  5. What extra should students study beyond the NCERT for NEET?
  6. Chapter Wise NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology
NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 2 Biological Classification
NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 2 Biological Classification

This chapter covers the five-kingdom classification, the features of monera, protista, fungi, and other groups, along with viruses and lichens. These solutions guide students on how to frame answers properly, compare organisms, and remember key characteristics. Whether preparing for school exams or entrance tests, these NCERT Solutions provide a strong base to understand biological grouping in a step-by-step and confident way.

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Download PDF of NCERT solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 2

Chapter 2 explains how living organisms are grouped into different categories, like monera, protista, fungi, and others, based on specific features. Understanding these classifications becomes simpler when students follow well-structured solutions. The answers are written in a clear and easy way, helping in quick revision and better preparation. For flexible and anytime learning, students can download the PDF of the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 2.

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NCERT solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 2 (Exercise Questions)

The answers are explained in detail by experienced subject experts.

Q1. Discuss how classification systems have undergone several changes over a period of time.

Answer:

How we classify living things has shifted as we understand more. Aristotle initially classified plants according to appearances and animals according to blood, but that wasn't effective either. Linnaeus created a two-kingdom system but it wasn't effective either. Thus, scientists developed a 5 kingdom system which is implemented nowadays.

Q2. State two economically important uses of: (a) heterotrophic bacteria (b) archaebacteria

Answer:

(a) In what way are heterotrophic bacteria beneficial?

  • They decompose dead matter, which is good for the soil.

  • They provide plants with nitrogen.

  • They are employed in producing curd (yogurt).

(b) In what way are archaebacteria useful?

  • They produce gobar gas (biogas), which is employed as fuel.

  • They assist in obtaining minerals from rocks.

  • They produce an enzyme that is used in DNA technology.

Q3. What is the nature of cell walls in diatoms?

Answer:

Diatoms are single-celled algae with unique and intricate cell walls. The cell walls, known as frustules, are made of silica (silicon dioxide), the same material from which glass is made. A frustule is made up of two wrapped-around halves that look like a petri dish or soapbox that are very similar to one another. This creates a protective layer and support framework for diatoms. The silica in the cell walls is extremely hard and resistant to rot, so the frustules will survive long after the diatom has died. Millions of years later, the frustules accumulate on the ocean floor and form huge diatomaceous earth deposits. Diatomaceous earth is utilized for several purposes, including as a filtering medium, an abrasive in toothpaste, and an insecticide. Their optical properties are also studied in nanotechnology for the intricate patterns on diatom cell walls.

Q4. Find out what the terms algal bloom and red tides signify.

Answer:

  1. Algal Bloom: A rapid growth of algae in a water body, giving color to the water. Algal blooms will reduce the concentration of oxygen in water, causing fish and other aquatic organisms to die.
  2. Red Tide: When a type of dinoflagellate (Gonyaulax) explodes, giving a reddening of seawater. They emit poisons capable of killing fish.

Q5. How are viroids different from viruses?

Answer:

Viroids and viruses are both causative agents, but they have a wide variation in structure and complexity. Viruses are intricate particles with a nucleic acid genome (DNA or RNA) covered by a protein shell referred to as a capsid. Viruses may also contain an outer lipid-protein envelope. Viruses infect a variety of organisms, ranging from bacteria and plants to animals. Viroids, however, are far more basic in composition. They have only a minute, ring-shaped RNA molecule with no protein cover. Due to their basic structure, viroids are much smaller than viruses. Viroids are found to infect mostly plants and cause different diseases that can influence crop production and agricultural output. The absence of a protein coat in viroids increases their resistance to degradation and enables them to replicate directly in the host cell.

Q6. Describe briefly the four major groups of Protozoa.

Answer:

Protozoa are divided into four categories based on the method of movement:

  • Amoeboid Protozoa – They occur in water and moist soil and move and consume food using pseudopodia (false feet). Example: Amoeba.

  • Flagellated Protozoa – They have whip-like bodies called flagella to move. Some are parasites, and others exist freely. Example: Trypanosoma (sleeping sickness).

  • Ciliated Protozoa – They are moving with extremely short hair-like bodies called cilia and have two nuclei. Example: Paramecium.

  • Sporozoa – They do not have cilia and flagella. They reproduce through spores and are usually parasites. Example: Plasmodium (that causes malaria). Classification of Protozoa is a fundamental chapter of the Biological Classification.

Q7. Plants are autotrophic. Can you think of some plants that are partially heterotrophic?

Answer:

Most plants are autotrophic and nourish themselves by synthesizing food in the process of photosynthesis, but certain plants are partly heterotrophic. The Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes) is green and photosynthetic but survives in nitrogen-free soil. It obtains nitrogen by digesting insects trapped using its pitcher leaves. As it makes its food but also digests insects to obtain nutrients, it is partly heterotrophic. These enchanting plants contribute further information to Plantae in Biological Classification.

Q8. What do the terms phycobiont and mycobiont signify?

Answer:

"Phycobiont" and "mycobiont" are terms used to explain the two components of a lichen. Lichens are an association between fungi and algae.

Phycobiont is the algal partner, which produces food for the lichen by the process of photosynthesis.

Mycobiont is the fungal partner, which gives support, and protection, and absorbs water and minerals from the surroundings. These symbiotic associations are an interesting feature of Biological Classification.

Q9. Give a comparative account of the classes of Kingdom Fungi under the following:
(i) Mode of nutrition
(ii) Mode of reproduction

Answer:

A comparative account of the classes of Kingdom Fungi is as follows:

Class

Mode of Nutrition

Mode of Reproduction

Phycomycetes

Live on decaying matter or as parasites.

Asexual: spores (zoospores or aplanospores). Sexual: gamete fusion (joining of sex cells).

Ascomycetes

Can be decomposers, parasites, or live on dung.

Asexual: conidia (special spores). Sexual: ascospores (spores formed in a sac-like structure).

Basidiomycetes

Mostly decomposers with saprotrophic nutrition.

Asexual: rare. Sexual: basidiospores (spores formed on a club-shaped structure).

Deuteromycetes

Can be saprophytes, decomposers, or parasites.

Asexual: conidia (special spores). Sexual: Not known (this is why they are called "imperfect fungi").

Q10. What are the characteristic features of Euglenoids?

Answer:

  • Euglenoids are unicellular organisms that can behave as both plants and animals (mixotrophic).

  • They lack a cell wall but possess a soft protein covering known as a pellicle, which provides them with shape and facilitates smooth movement.

  • They possess chlorophyll and are capable of photosynthesis, but when in the dark, they behave like heterotrophs and obtain food from their environment.

  • They swim through two flagella (whip-like appendages) at the front of their body.

  • They possess a light-sensitive "eyespot" to detect sunlight for photosynthesis. All these features qualify them under Protista in Biological Classification.

Q11. Give a brief account of viruses with respect to their structure and nature of genetic material. Also, name four common viral diseases.

Answer:

Viruses are small particles that can only multiply within a living cell. They infect animals, plants, and even bacteria.

  • Nucleic acid: The virus's genetic material, either DNA or RNA. It carries the instructions for producing more viruses.

  • Capsid: A protein shell that encloses and covers the nucleic acid.

  • Envelope: Certain viruses have an outer membrane known as an envelope, composed of lipids and proteins.

  • Enzymes: Certain viruses have special enzymes with them that assist them in their reproduction within the host cell.

Common viral diseases:

  • Common cold

  • AIDS

  • Swine flu

  • Hepatitis

Understanding viruses is a significant aspect of the Biological Classification Class 11.

Q12. Organise a discussion in your class on the topic: Are viruses living or nonliving?

Answer:

Viruses are a mystery since they possess both the properties of living and non-living objects.

  • They contain genetic material (DNA or RNA).

  • They are capable of reproduction (but only within a host cell).

  • They are capable of evolving and mutating over time.

  • Why viruses may be thought to be non-living:

  • They are not composed of cells.

  • They cannot replicate on their own.

  • They lack their metabolism (they are unable to generate their energy).

  • They can be crystallized, such as non-living chemicals.

Due to these dual attributes, scientists are still in argument about whether or not viruses should be considered truly living organisms. This issue identifies the difficulty of Biological Classification.

Also, check the NCERT Books and NCERT Syllabus here:

Approach to solve questions of Class 11 Chapter 2

The NCERT Solutions for Class 11 include all the answers in clear and well-understandable language, making it easier for students to learn complex topics easily without any further help. To answer Biological Classification questions, simply apply the following steps:

  1. Learn the meaning of biological classification, which categorises organisms based on resemblance and dissimilarity.
  2. Study the five-kingdom system: Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.
  3. Major characteristics such as cell structure, body organisation, nutrition, reproduction, and evolutionary links need to be studied in detail.
  4. Practice examples of each kingdom, e.g., bacteria for Monera or fungi for the Kingdom Fungi.
  5. Students need to practice answering the questions related to classification systems.
  6. Focus should be given on definitions and characteristics of terms such as viruses, viroids, prions, and lichens.

NCERT Solutions for Class 11: Subject-wise

Important Question from Class 11 Chapter 2

Biological Classification helps students understand how living organisms are grouped based on their characteristics, making it easier to study the vast diversity of life forms in a systematic way.

Question: Which one of the following is NOT a feature of the Kingdom Monera?

a. Prokaryotic cell organization

b. Membrane-bound organelles

c. Unicellular organisms

d. Both autotrophic and heterotrophic types of nutrition

Answer: The correct answer is Option (b) Membrane-bound organelles

Explanation: Cells of the kingdom Monera are prokaryotic and do not contain membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria or a nucleus. They may be autotrophic (cyanobacteria) or heterotrophic (bacteria).

What extra should students study beyond the NCERT for NEET?

Here is a table for all the important topics from the chapter:

Chapter Wise NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology

Below mentioned are the Chapterwise solutions:


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the key topics covered in NCERT Class 11 Biology Chapter 2?

This chapter discusses biological classification, such as Aristotle's early classification, Linnaeus' two-kingdom system, Whittaker's five-kingdom system, and Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia differences. It also describes viruses, viroids, prions, and lichens.

2. What is the five-kingdom classification system in Class 11 Biology?

Five-Kingdom Classification

R.H. Whittaker classified organisms into five kingdoms:

  • Monera (bacteria)
  • Protista (unicellular eukaryotes)
  • Fungi (saprophytic organisms)
  • Plantae (autotrophic plants)
  • Animalia (heterotrophic animals)
3. How do Monera, Protista, and Fungi differ in NCERT solutions?

Differences Between Monera, Protista, and Fungi:
Monera: Prokaryotic, unicellular (e.g., bacteria).
Protista: Eukaryotic, primarily unicellular (e.g., amoeba).
Fungi: Eukaryotic, multicellular, saprophytic (e.g., mushrooms).

4. What are the characteristics of Kingdom Fungi in NCERT Class 11 Biology?

Characteristics of Kingdom Fungi:

  • Non-green, heterotrophic organisms.
  • Cell walls composed of chitin.
  • They reproduce by spores.
  • Examples: Yeast, mushrooms, molds. 
5. Why are viruses not included in the five-kingdom classification?

Viruses are not living because they cannot reproduce outside a host cell. They lack cellular structures like other organisms.

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A block of mass 0.50 kg is moving with a speed of 2.00 ms-1 on a smooth surface. It strikes another mass of 1.00 kg and then they move together as a single body. The energy loss during the collision is

Option 1)

0.34\; J

Option 2)

0.16\; J

Option 3)

1.00\; J

Option 4)

0.67\; J

A person trying to lose weight by burning fat lifts a mass of 10 kg upto a height of 1 m 1000 times.  Assume that the potential energy lost each time he lowers the mass is dissipated.  How much fat will he use up considering the work done only when the weight is lifted up ?  Fat supplies 3.8×107 J of energy per kg which is converted to mechanical energy with a 20% efficiency rate.  Take g = 9.8 ms−2 :

Option 1)

2.45×10−3 kg

Option 2)

 6.45×10−3 kg

Option 3)

 9.89×10−3 kg

Option 4)

12.89×10−3 kg

 

An athlete in the olympic games covers a distance of 100 m in 10 s. His kinetic energy can be estimated to be in the range

Option 1)

2,000 \; J - 5,000\; J

Option 2)

200 \, \, J - 500 \, \, J

Option 3)

2\times 10^{5}J-3\times 10^{5}J

Option 4)

20,000 \, \, J - 50,000 \, \, J

A particle is projected at 600   to the horizontal with a kinetic energy K. The kinetic energy at the highest point

Option 1)

K/2\,

Option 2)

\; K\;

Option 3)

zero\;

Option 4)

K/4

In the reaction,

2Al_{(s)}+6HCL_{(aq)}\rightarrow 2Al^{3+}\, _{(aq)}+6Cl^{-}\, _{(aq)}+3H_{2(g)}

Option 1)

11.2\, L\, H_{2(g)}  at STP  is produced for every mole HCL_{(aq)}  consumed

Option 2)

6L\, HCl_{(aq)}  is consumed for ever 3L\, H_{2(g)}      produced

Option 3)

33.6 L\, H_{2(g)} is produced regardless of temperature and pressure for every mole Al that reacts

Option 4)

67.2\, L\, H_{2(g)} at STP is produced for every mole Al that reacts .

How many moles of magnesium phosphate, Mg_{3}(PO_{4})_{2} will contain 0.25 mole of oxygen atoms?

Option 1)

0.02

Option 2)

3.125 × 10-2

Option 3)

1.25 × 10-2

Option 4)

2.5 × 10-2

If we consider that 1/6, in place of 1/12, mass of carbon atom is taken to be the relative atomic mass unit, the mass of one mole of a substance will

Option 1)

decrease twice

Option 2)

increase two fold

Option 3)

remain unchanged

Option 4)

be a function of the molecular mass of the substance.

With increase of temperature, which of these changes?

Option 1)

Molality

Option 2)

Weight fraction of solute

Option 3)

Fraction of solute present in water

Option 4)

Mole fraction.

Number of atoms in 558.5 gram Fe (at. wt.of Fe = 55.85 g mol-1) is

Option 1)

twice that in 60 g carbon

Option 2)

6.023 × 1022

Option 3)

half that in 8 g He

Option 4)

558.5 × 6.023 × 1023

A pulley of radius 2 m is rotated about its axis by a force F = (20t - 5t2) newton (where t is measured in seconds) applied tangentially. If the moment of inertia of the pulley about its axis of rotation is 10 kg m2 , the number of rotations made by the pulley before its direction of motion if reversed, is

Option 1)

less than 3

Option 2)

more than 3 but less than 6

Option 3)

more than 6 but less than 9

Option 4)

more than 9

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