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Question

Which one of the following is an example of a cell type found only in a single phylum?

The correct answer is
Cnidocyte

Cell Type Identification: Single Phylum Exclusivity

The question asks to identify a cell type found exclusively within one specific phylum of the animal kingdom. Understanding the distribution of specialized cells across different taxa is crucial for biological classification.

Analysis of Options:

  • Cnidocyte: These are specialized stinging cells containing organelles called cnidae (like nematocysts). They are a defining characteristic and are found exclusively in the phylum Cnidaria (which includes jellyfish, corals, sea anemones, and hydras).
  • Erythrocyte: Commonly known as red blood cells, these cells are responsible for oxygen transport. While most advanced vertebrates (Phylum Chordata) have them, similar cells or oxygen-carrying functions exist in other groups, making them not exclusive to a single phylum.
  • Myocyte: These are muscle cells. Muscle tissue is found in a vast majority of multicellular animals across numerous phyla, including Annelida, Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Chordata. They are not phylum-specific.
  • Neurocyte: Also known as a neuron or nerve cell, this is the fundamental unit of the nervous system. Most animals possessing a nervous system, spanning across many phyla like Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Annelida, Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Chordata, have neurocytes.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, the Cnidocyte is the only cell type listed that is unique to a single phylum, Cnidaria.

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Important Questions from Biodiversity

  1. The table below lists different insects and taxonomic orders. Choose the option that matches the animal to its correct taxonomic order.
    AnimalTaxonomic order
    P) Mothsi) Hemiptera
    Q) True bugsii) Orthoptera
    R) Cricketsiii) Coleoptera
    S) Beetlesiv) Lepidoptera
    v) Diptera
  2. The mode of speciation in snakes in the Western Ghats is predominantly allopatric.A researcher wants to quantify diversification of snakes in this range. From theoptions given, choose the most cost and time efficient way to sample snakes.
  3. In which of the following plants is the dominant stage of the life cycle haploid?
  4. A scientist finds a new species of insect and sends a sample to a museum for confirmation. The curator of the museum designates it as a holotype for the newly identified species and asks the scientist to also provide samples of the opposite sex. This sample of the opposite sex is called the
  5. Match the combination of flora and fauna from the list, to the state where they are found.
    CombinationFauna; Flora
    PRed panda; Rhododendron
    QPygmy hog; Elephant grass
    RTiger; Mangrove
    SHangul; Chinar
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