MCQ Detailed View

The correct answer is Taxonomy. In biology, taxonomy is the scientific system of classifying living organisms into groups based on shared characteristics. While taxonomy traditionally considered visible features like structure, body form, and function, modern taxonomy also includes genetic and chromosomal information to classify plants and animals more accurately.

One important modern method is the use of chromosome number and structure in classification. Every species has a specific number of chromosomes that carry genetic material. For example, humans have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs), while dogs have 78, rice has 24, and ferns may have hundreds. The study of chromosome number and structure is called cytotaxonomy, which is a branch of taxonomy.

By comparing chromosome numbers, scientists can trace evolutionary relationships, identify species boundaries, and even discover new species. For example, closely related species may have the same or very similar chromosome numbers, while distantly related ones differ greatly. Chromosome studies also help in plant breeding programs, where hybrids can be developed by analyzing chromosome compatibility.

Ecology, on the other hand, is the study of how organisms interact with each other and their environment, not their classification. Botany is the branch of biology that deals with plants in general. Hence, the correct scientific term for classification based on chromosome numbers falls under taxonomy, more specifically cytotaxonomy.

🔑 Key Facts:

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  Taxonomy = science of classification of organisms.

  
  


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  Cytotaxonomy = classification based on chromosome number and structure.

  
  


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  Chromosomes carry genetic information essential for inheritance.

  
  


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  Humans = 46 chromosomes; dogs = 78; rice = 24.

  
  


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  Chromosome studies help in evolution, genetics, and breeding research.

  
  

👉 Final Answer: The classification of animals and plants on the basis of chromosome number is called Taxonomy (specifically cytotaxonomy).