The correct Answer is A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
Explanation
This question assesses knowledge of different nutritive strategies employed by various organisms, which is a fundamental concept in biology. Organisms obtain nutrients through diverse methods, including saprophytic, parasitic, and holozoic nutrition.
Statement-wise Analysis
- A. Bread mould - 3. External digestion and absorption
Correct: Bread mould (Rhizopus) is a fungus. Fungi are typically saprophytes, meaning they obtain nutrients by secreting digestive enzymes onto dead or decaying organic matter outside their bodies and then absorbing the digested nutrients. This process is termed external digestion and absorption.
- B. Cuscuta - 1. Parasitic on plants
Correct: Cuscuta (dodder) is a parasitic plant. It lacks chlorophyll and cannot perform photosynthesis. Instead, it derives nutrients and water by attaching to host plants using specialized structures called haustoria, making it a plant parasite.
- C. Leech - 4. Ectoparasite on animals
Correct: Leeches are segmented worms that are typically ectoparasites. They attach to the external surface of host animals (often vertebrates) and feed on their blood, thus exhibiting an ectoparasitic mode of nutrition.
- D. Lion - 2. Ingestive internal digestion
Correct: Lions are carnivorous mammals. They obtain nutrients by ingesting whole prey (animals) into their bodies, where digestion occurs internally within their digestive system. This is a characteristic of holozoic nutrition, specifically ingestive internal digestion.
Key Takeaway
Different organisms exhibit distinct nutritive strategies, such as saprophytic (external digestion and absorption), parasitic (obtaining nutrients from a host), and holozoic (ingestive internal digestion), based on their ecological roles and physiological adaptations.