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Chapter 8: Microbial Taxonomy — Online MCQ Test

MICROBIOLOGY · CLASS 11th · Tamil Nadu State Board
Practice Chapter 8: Microbial Taxonomy with a free chapter-wise online MCQ test. This chapter covers: Focusing on biological classification this chapter covers taxonomic hierarchies Bergey Manual classification systems phenotypic traits and molecular taxonomy. Students examine phyl.... AI-generated questions from basic to board-exam level, with instant results and explanations.

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Chapter 8: Microbial Taxonomy — Important Questions & Answers

Which of the following is the correct order of taxonomic hierarchy from higher to lower level?
  • A. Kingdom → Phylum → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species
  • B. Phylum → Kingdom → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species
  • C. Kingdom → Class → Phylum → Order → Family → Genus → Species
  • D. Kingdom → Order → Class → Phylum → Family → Genus → Species
Answer: A. Kingdom → Phylum → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species
The standard taxonomic hierarchy follows Kingdom to Species in a descending order of rank. This sequence is used for biological classification.
The authoritative manual used for classification and identification of bacteria is:
  • A. Hutchinson’s Manual of Fungi
  • B. Bergey’s Manual of Determinative Bacteriology
  • C. Gray’s Manual of Algae
  • D. Dawson’s Manual of Protozoa
Answer: B. Bergey’s Manual of Determinative Bacteriology
Bergey’s Manual is the standard reference for bacterial classification and identification. It is widely used in microbiology.
A bacterium is identified by its shape, Gram reaction, colony appearance, and biochemical tests. This approach belongs to:
  • A. Molecular taxonomy
  • B. Phenotypic taxonomy
  • C. Artificial classification only
  • D. Phylogenetic reconstruction only
Answer: B. Phenotypic taxonomy
Classification based on observable and testable features is called phenotypic taxonomy. It uses morphological and biochemical characters.
A microbiologist wants to classify two bacterial isolates that differ in colony morphology but share nearly identical 16S rRNA sequences. Which conclusion is most appropriate?
  • A. They are definitely different genera
  • B. They may be closely related despite phenotypic differences
  • C. They cannot be compared taxonomically
  • D. Colony morphology is always more important than sequence data
Answer: B. They may be closely related despite phenotypic differences
Similar 16S rRNA sequences indicate close evolutionary relatedness. Phenotypic differences may occur due to environmental or physiological variation.
A student says, 'Bergey’s Manual classifies bacteria only on the basis of shape and staining reaction.' Which of the following is the best correction?
  • A. The statement is correct
  • B. Bergey’s Manual also includes physiological and genetic characteristics
  • C. Bergey’s Manual is used only for fungi
  • D. Bergey’s Manual is not related to taxonomy
Answer: B. Bergey’s Manual also includes physiological and genetic characteristics
Bergey’s classification is not limited to morphology alone. It uses multiple characteristics, including physiological and genetic data, for better identification.