Consider the following statements about the size of eggs in animals: 1. All animal eggs are microscopic. 2. The ostrich egg is the largest. 3. Hen's eggs are large enough to be seen without a microscope. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only. Explanation Cells exhibit a wide range of sizes. While the majority of animal cells are microscopic and measured in micrometers, certain reproductive cells (eggs) in birds and reptiles are macroscopic and can be observed with the naked eye. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. Not all animal eggs are microscopic. While the eggs of many organisms (such as mammals) are microscopic, the eggs of birds and reptiles are significantly larger. - Statement 2 is Correct. The egg of an ostrich is the largest known single cell in the animal kingdom. It measures approximately 170 mm × 130 mm. - Statement 3 is Correct. A hen’s egg represents a single cell (the yolk being the ovum) and is large enough to be seen without the aid of a microscope. The hard shell and albumen are protective layers surrounding this single cell. Key Takeaway While most cells are microscopic, the eggs of birds are exceptions. The ostrich egg is the largest single cell, and a hen's egg is a macroscopic single cell visible to the naked eye.

NCERT Class 8 Science — Chapter 3: Reproduction in animals

mcqeasy

Consider the following statements about the size of eggs in animals:

All animal eggs are microscopic.
The ostrich egg is the largest.
Hen's eggs are large enough to be seen without a microscope.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Cells exhibit a wide range of sizes. While the majority of animal cells are microscopic and measured in micrometers, certain reproductive cells (eggs) in birds and reptiles are macroscopic and can be observed with the naked eye.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Not all animal eggs are microscopic. While the eggs of many organisms (such as mammals) are microscopic, the eggs of birds and reptiles are significantly larger.
Statement 2 is Correct. The egg of an ostrich is the largest known single cell in the animal kingdom. It measures approximately 170 mm × 130 mm.
Statement 3 is Correct. A hen’s egg represents a single cell (the yolk being the ovum) and is large enough to be seen without the aid of a microscope. The hard shell and albumen are protective layers surrounding this single cell.

Key Takeaway

While most cells are microscopic, the eggs of birds are exceptions. The ostrich egg is the largest single cell, and a hen's egg is a macroscopic single cell visible to the naked eye.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Reproduction in animals

With reference to the development of the embryo in humans, consider the following statements: 1. The embryo gets embedded in the wall of the uterus for further development. 2. The stage where body parts like hands and eyes can be identified is called the zygote. 3. The embryo completes its full development into a baby within the fallopian tube. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

In the context of human reproduction, what is the primary distinction between a zygote and a foetus?

medium

In the context of hen reproduction, consider the following statements: 1. Hens undergo internal fertilisation. 2. The hard shell of the egg is formed after the egg is laid. 3. The embryo takes about 3 weeks to develop into a chick. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the development of a chick, which one of the following statements is correct?

easy

Consider the following statements distinguishing Viviparous and Oviparous animals: 1. Viviparous animals are those that lay eggs. 2. Oviparous animals lay eggs which later develop into young ones. 3. Frogs and hens are examples of oviparous animals. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

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Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Not all animal eggs are microscopic. While the eggs of many organisms (such as mammals) are microscopic, the eggs of birds and reptiles are significantly larger.
Statement 2 is Correct. The egg of an ostrich is the largest known single cell in the animal kingdom. It measures approximately 170 mm × 130 mm.
Statement 3 is Correct. A hen’s egg represents a single cell (the yolk being the ovum) and is large enough to be seen without the aid of a microscope. The hard shell and albumen are protective layers surrounding this single cell.

Key Takeaway

While most cells are microscopic, the eggs of birds are exceptions. The ostrich egg is the largest single cell, and a hen's egg is a macroscopic single cell visible to the naked eye.