NEET Zoology — MCQ Practice Questions & Answers

Question 1

Which of the following is the correct hierarchical classification of animals?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: A. Kingdom → Phylum → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species — The correct taxonomic hierarchy from largest to smallest grouping is Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species (KPCOFGS).

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

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

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

Question 2

Cnidarians are characterized by the presence of:

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: A. Nematocysts and radial symmetry — Cnidarians (jellyfish, corals, sea anemones) possess nematocysts (stinging cells) and exhibit radial symmetry, which is their defining characteristic.

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B. Tube feet and bilateral symmetry

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C. Jointed legs and exoskeleton

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D. Notochord and dorsal nerve cord

Question 3

Which phylum contains animals with a true coelom and closed circulatory system?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. Annelida — Annelida (earthworms, leeches) are characterized by a true coelom and closed circulatory system with blood vessels.

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A. Platyhelminthes

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C. Nematoda

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D. Porifera

Question 4

The water vascular system is unique to which phylum?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: C. Echinodermata — Echinoderms (starfish, sea urchins) possess a characteristic water vascular system used for locomotion and feeding.

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A. Mollusca

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B. Arthropoda

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D. Chordata

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of arthropods?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: C. Closed circulatory system — Arthropods have an open circulatory system, not closed. They are characterized by jointed appendages, chitinous exoskeleton, and segmented bodies.

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A. Jointed appendages

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B. Chitinous exoskeleton

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D. Segmented body

Question 6

The notochord is replaced by the vertebral column in:

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: C. Only in adult vertebrates — # Solution: Notochord Replacement in Chordates The notochord is a flexible, rod-like structure that provides skeletal support in early chordate development. Understanding when and how it is replaced requires examining its role across different life stages and chordate groups. ## Step 1: Role of the Notochord in Early Development The notochord appears in all chordate embryos during early development. It serves as a temporary skeletal axis and acts as an organizer for neural tissue formation. All members of phylum Chordata possess a notochord at some point in their life cycle. ## Step 2: Replacement in Fish (Adult Stage) In fish, the notochord persists throughout their entire life. While vertebrae develop around it, the notochord is **never completely replaced**—it remains functional as an important structural component even in adult fish. The notochord and vertebral column coexist. ## Step 3: Replacement in Higher Vertebrates (Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, Mammals) In tetrapods and higher vertebrates, the notochord plays a crucial role dur

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A. All chordates

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B. Only in fish

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D. Only in mammals

Question 7

Organisms with bilateral symmetry and no true body cavity belong to which phylum?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: A. Platyhelminthes — Platyhelminthes (flatworms) display bilateral symmetry and have no coelom (body cavity), distinguishing them from higher phyla.

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B. Nematoda

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C. Annelida

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D. Arthropoda

Question 8

Which class of vertebrates is characterized by the presence of feathers and air sacs?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. Aves — Birds (Aves) uniquely possess feathers for insulation and flight, along with air sacs for efficient respiration.

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A. Mammalia

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C. Reptilia

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D. Amphibia

NEET Zoology - MCQ Practice Questions