Science Factsheet -1

1. All living organism mostly use solar energy sources for its sustain, like light, wind, etc.

2. A living organism can be distinguished from non-living organism on the basis of three broader characters:

(a). Growth.

(b). Reproduction.

(c). Metabolism.

3. "Study of fossils" -Palaentology.

4. "Study of Algae" -Phycology.

5. "Study of Fungi" -Mycology.

6. "Father of Taxonomy" -Carolous Linnaeus (gave two kindom - Planate & Animalia, classification).

7. Five Kingdom Classification was proposed in 1969 by -R. H. Whittaker.

8. There are five criteria of classifying organism into Whittaker`s kingdom classification:

(a). Complexity of cell structure.

(b). Complexity of body of organism.

(c). Mode of nutrition.

(d). Life style.

(e). Phylogenetic relationship.

9. Five Kingdoms are:

(a). Monera -eg. Bacteria, Cynobacteria, Archiobacteria, etc.

(b). Protista -eg. Flagellates, Protozoa, Euglena, etc.

(c). Fungi -eg. Mushroom, Mucor, Albugo, etc.

(d). Planatae -all plants are included except plants belonging to above three kingdoms.

(e). Animalia -all animals are included except protozoan.

10. Phylogenetic is the study of evolutionary history and relationship among or within groups of organisms. These relationships are determined by phylogenetic inference methods that focus on observed heritable traits such as DNA sequences, protein-amino acid sequences or morphology.

11. Autotrophs, are known as producers because they are able to make their own food from natural raw materials and energy. So, they convert an abiotic source of energy into enery stored in organic compounds, which can be used by other organisms. eg. Plants, Algae & some type of Bacteria.

12. Hetrotrophs are known as consumers, because they consume producers or other consumers. eg. dogs, birds, fish, tigers, humans, etc, So, they cannot produce their own food and depend upon autotrophs for nutrition.

13. Euglenoids are unicellular micro-organisms, that have a flexible body. They possess the characteristic features of plants and animals. It is important to note that, Euglena has plastids and performs photosynthesis in light, but moves around in search of food using its flagellum at night.

Books for References

1. Encyclopaedia of General Science for General Competitions

2. Lucent General Science Latest Edition

3. 5000+ General Science Chapter-wise MCQs with Detailed Explanations for Competitive Exams

4. Knowledge Encyclopaedia - Science

Also see:

1. 10 Minutes Focus Theory for Controlling Mind

2. Why we cannot hear sound in Space?

3. How does a Compass work?

4. UGC NET JRF Latest Syllabus

5. UPSC Content

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