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Class 11 | CBSE | BIOLOGY |
COMPETENCY BASED CASE STUDY QUESTIONS | Chapter 1: The Living World | 1.1 Diversity in the Living World
NEP 2020–aligned CASE-BASED and COMPETENCY-BASED QUESTIONS
Class 11 Biology – Chapter 1: The Living World
Section: 1.1 Diversity in the Living World,
prepared exactly in the pattern now used by CBSE (application, reasoning, real-life context).
CASE-BASED QUESTIONS (NEP PATTERN)
(Each case tests understanding, application, and reasoning)
CASE STUDY 1: Exploring a Forest Ecosystem
A group of students visited a dense forest during a biodiversity survey. They observed a wide variety of plants, birds, insects, mammals, and microorganisms. Some organisms were visible to the naked eye, while others could only be observed under a microscope. The teacher explained that each distinct organism belongs to a different species and that many species are still unidentified.
Questions:
1.1 The wide variety of organisms observed in the forest represents:
A. Taxonomy
B. Ecology
C. Biodiversity
D. Systematics
Answer: C
1.2 Each distinct kind of organism observed in the forest is known as:
A. Genus
B. Population
C. Community
D. Species
Answer: D
1.3 Why does a forest show more biodiversity than a garden?
Answer:
A forest provides diverse habitats, climatic conditions, and food resources, which support a larger number of species compared to a garden.
1.4 The discovery of new organisms during surveys indicates that:
A. All species are already known
B. Biodiversity is decreasing
C. New species are continuously being identified
D. Classification is unnecessary
Answer: C
CASE STUDY 2: Confusion Due to Local Names
In a biology class, students from different states used different local names for the same plant species. This led to confusion during discussion. The teacher introduced the concept of scientific naming and explained the importance of standardised nomenclature.
Questions:
2.1 The confusion occurred mainly because:
A. Organisms have no fixed features
B. Common names vary from place to place
C. Scientific names are complex
D. Students lacked knowledge
Answer: B
2.2 The process used to give a universal name to organisms is called:
A. Classification
B. Identification
C. Nomenclature
D. Systematics
Answer: C
2.3 Name the system of nomenclature used universally.
Answer:
Binomial nomenclature
2.4 Which international code is followed for naming plants?
A. ICZN
B. ICN
C. ICBN
D. IUCN
Answer: C
CASE STUDY 3: Writing Scientific Names
A student wrote the scientific name of mango as mangifera Indica in the examination. The teacher deducted marks and explained the rules of binomial nomenclature.
Questions:
3.1 Identify the error in the written scientific name.
Answer:
The genus name should start with a capital letter
The species name should start with a small letter
Correct form: Mangifera indica
3.2 Which part of the name represents the genus?
A. indica
B. Mangifera
C. Linn.
D. Mango
Answer: B
3.3 Scientific names are written in italics because:
Answer:
They are Latin or Latinised words, and italics indicate their scientific and universal nature.
3.4 The word “Linn.” written after a species name indicates:
A. Habitat
B. Year of discovery
C. Scientist who first described the species
D. Family name
Answer: C
CASE STUDY 4: Grouping of Organisms
During a classroom discussion, students grouped organisms as animals, mammals, dogs, wheat, and plants. The teacher explained that these groups represent taxa at different levels.
Questions:
4.1 The scientific term for these classification categories is:
A. Species
B. Population
C. Taxa
D. Community
Answer: C
4.2 Arrange the following in increasing order of inclusiveness:
Dogs, Animals, Mammals
Answer:
Dogs → Mammals → Animals
4.3 Which branch of biology deals with classification of organisms?
A. Ecology
B. Genetics
C. Taxonomy
D. Evolution
Answer: C
4.4 Which additional aspect makes systematics broader than taxonomy?
Answer:
Systematics also considers evolutionary relationships among organisms.
COMPETENCY-BASED QUESTIONS (NEP STYLE)
1. Why is classification considered essential in biology?
Answer:
Because the number of living organisms is enormous, classification helps in systematic study, easy identification, and understanding relationships among organisms.
2. A newly discovered organism shows unique cellular structure and ecological adaptation. Which scientific processes must be completed before naming it?
Answer:
Characterisation
Identification
Classification
Nomenclature
(All are parts of taxonomy)
3. Predict the problems scientists would face if scientific naming did not exist.
Answer:
Multiple names for one organism
Confusion in research and communication
Difficulty in global scientific collaboration
4. Explain why wheat and rice are placed under the same higher taxon but not the same species.
Answer:
They share common plant characteristics but differ in genetic makeup and specific traits, so they belong to the same higher taxon (plants) but are different species.
NEP EXAM STRATEGY
✔ Focus on application, not memorisation
✔ Answers must show logic + concept clarity
✔ Use NCERT keywords
✔ Avoid unnecessary length