Science · X-Factor Notes
Subdivision of biology, Evolution of life, Taxonomy revision notes for UPPCS Prelims.
High-Yield Revision| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Biology Term Origin | The term 'biology' was introduced independently in the modern sense by Lamarck and Treviranus in 1802. | |
| Zoology | The detailed study of both living and extinct animals. Aristotle is known as the 'Father of Zoology'. | UPPCS (Pre) 1995 |
| Environment Study | The study of the relation of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings is Ecology. | U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 1998 |
| Inheritance Study |
| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Primitive Earth Atmosphere | The gas that was absent in the atmosphere of the primitive Earth was Oxygen. | U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2016 |
| Oldest Organism | Blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria) are the oldest organisms on Earth. | UPPCS (Spl.) (Mains) 2008 |
| Theory of Evolution (Lamarck) |
| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Father of Modern Taxonomy | Carl (Carolus) Linnaeus formalized binomial nomenclature and is known as the 'father of modern taxonomy'. | |
| Hierarchy (Plant Species) | The correct hierarchical order from higher to lower is Plant Kingdom → Phylum → Class → Order. | UPPCS (Pre) 2024 |
| Bacteria Visibility |
| Concept | What to remember | Asked in UPPCS |
|---|---|---|
| Turmeric (Rhizome) | Turmeric powder is obtained from the modified stem called a rhizome. Its botanical name is Curcuma longa. | UPPCS (Pre) 2006, U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2021 |
| Modified Root | Sweet potato is a modified root, while potato, ginger, and sugarcane are modified stems. | UPPCS (Mains) 2005, U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2010 |
| Ginger (Stem Identification) |
| U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 1998 |
| Viticulture | The science, production, and study of grapes. It deals with events in the vineyard. | UPPCS (Mains) 2003 |
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| Pisciculture | Related to the fish hatchery (rearing/breeding of fish). | U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004 |
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| Vermiculture | The process of managing and cultivating earthworms (raising worms). The worm used in vermiculture is the earthworm. | UPPCS (Mains) 2005 |
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| Hydroponics | A method of growing plants without soil using mineral nutrient solutions in water. | UPPCS (Mains) 2009, UPPCS RO-ARO 2023 Prelims Re-Exam |
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| Main Factor of Evolution | Natural selection is the main factor of evolution. Gene and chromosomal mutations are the ultimate source or raw material of evolution. |
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| UPPCS (Pre) 1995 |
| Mammals | Whales and Dolphins are highly intelligent aquatic mammals. The Bat is a flying mammal. | UPPCS (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2015, UPPCS (Mains) 2011 |
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| White Blood | Cockroaches have white or colourless blood because they lack haemoglobin. Oxygen exchange occurs via the tracheal system. | UPPCS (Pre) 2019 |
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| Ginger is a stem, not a root, because it has nodes and internodes. |
| UPPCS (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2015 |
| Clove (Spice) | Cloves are dried flower buds. | U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2021, UPPCS (Mains) 2011 |
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| Sweetness in Fruits | The sweet taste in fruits is due to Fructose (fruit sugar). | UPPCS (Pre) 2017 |
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| Hydrophyte | A hydrophyte is an aquatic plant. Nepenthes (Pitcher plant) is a carnivorous plant and is not a hydrophyte. | U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2017, UPPCS (Pre) 1994 |
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| Producers | Producers or autotrophs (like plants) work as intermediaries between biotic and abiotic components of the environment. | U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2017 |
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| Mushroom | Mushroom used for vegetable is a Fungus. | UPPCS (Mains) 2008 |
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