Q.78 Match the Phylum in Group I with their characteristic motility
appendage listed in Group II.
| Group I | Group II |
|---|---|
| P. Archaeozoa
Q. Amoebozoa R. Ciliophora S. Apicomplexa |
I. Flagella
II. Fimbriae III. Pseudopods IV. Cilia V. Pili |
Options:
- (A) P-V, Q-II, R-IV, S-IV
- (B) P-II, Q-I, R-IV, S-III
- (C) P-I, Q-III, R-IV, S-I
- (D) P-III, Q-II, R-IV, S-V
Introduction (SEO-Friendly)
Questions asking to match a phylum with its characteristic motility appendage are very common in NEET, CUET, AIIMS, and Class 11–12 Biology exams. These questions test your understanding of protist classification and locomotion structures such as flagella, pseudopods, and cilia.
In this article, we will solve the given question in detail, explain each phylum and its mode of movement, and analyze all answer options to identify the correct one with certainty.
Correct Matching with Detailed Explanation
P. Archezoa → I. Flagella
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Archezoa are primitive unicellular eukaryotes.
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Many members (e.g., Giardia) move using flagella.
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They lack mitochondria but possess flagella for locomotion.
✔ Correct match: P-I
Q. Amoebozoa → III. Pseudopods
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Amoebozoa move using pseudopods (false feet).
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Pseudopods help in locomotion and feeding.
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Example: Amoeba.
✔ Correct match: Q-III
R. Ciliophora → IV. Cilia
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Ciliophora are characterized by the presence of cilia.
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Cilia help in movement and food capture.
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Example: Paramecium.
✔ Correct match: R-IV
S. Apicomplexa → I. Flagella (only in some life stages)
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Apicomplexans are mostly non-motile.
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However, flagella are present in certain reproductive stages, especially male gametes.
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They do not use pseudopods or cilia.
✔ Correct match: S-I
Final Correct Combination
P-I, Q-III, R-IV, S-I
Correct Answer Option
Option (C)
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
Option (A)
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Matches Archezoa with pili, which are bacterial structures, not eukaryotic motility appendages.
Option (B)
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Assigns fimbriae to Archezoa, but fimbriae are also bacterial attachment structures, not for protist locomotion.
Option (D)
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Matches Apicomplexa with pili, which is biologically incorrect.
Quick Revision Table (Exam-Friendly)
Phylum Motility Appendage Archezoa Flagella Amoebozoa Pseudopods Ciliophora Cilia Apicomplexa Flagella (limited stages)
Conclusion
Understanding the locomotory structures of different protist phyla is essential for mastering classification-based questions in competitive exams. This question highlights the importance of distinguishing eukaryotic motility structures from bacterial appendages like pili and fimbriae.
With clear concepts, such questions become easy scoring and time-saving.
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