86. Match the species names with class names
P. Calotes versicolor                      i. Insecta
Q. Periplaneta americana             ii. Reptilia
R. Glyphidrilus birmancus           iii. Actinopterygii
S. Clarias batracus                           iv. Clitellata
(A) P-ii; Q-i, R-iv; S-iii
(B) P-i; Q-ii; R-iii; S-iv
(C) P-ii; Q-i; R-iii; S-iv
(D) P-iii; Q-i; R-ii; S-iv

This multiple-choice question tests your knowledge of animal classification in zoology, focusing on phylum Chordata and related groups. It requires matching four species to their respective classes: Insecta, Reptilia, Actinopterygii, and Clitellata.

Correct Answer: (A) P-ii; Q-i; R-iv; S-iii

Option (A) perfectly matches each species to its taxonomic class. Let’s break down why with scientific details on each organism.

P. Calotes versicolor → ii. Reptilia

Calotes versicolor, commonly called the oriental garden lizard or changeover lizard, belongs to class Reptilia. This species is a reptile characterized by dry, scaly skin, cold-blooded metabolism (ectothermic), and the ability to lay amniotic eggs. Native to India and Southeast Asia, males display dramatic color changes during breeding, aiding camouflage and displays.

Q. Periplaneta americana → i. Insecta

Periplaneta americana, the American cockroach, falls under class Insecta (phylum Arthropoda). Key insect features include three body segments (head, thorax, abdomen), six jointed legs, compound eyes, and wings in adults. This cosmopolitan pest thrives in warm, humid environments and is a model organism in entomology studies.

R. Glyphidrilus birmancus → iv. Clitellata

Glyphidrilus birmancus is an earthworm species classified in Clitellata (phylum Annelida). Clitellates possess a clitellum—a glandular band for cocoon secretion during reproduction—and are segmented hermaphrodites. Found in Southeast Asian soils, it contributes to soil aeration and nutrient cycling, similar to other oligochaetes.

S. Clarias batrachus → iii. Actinopterygii

Clarias batrachus, the walking catfish, belongs to class Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes, phylum Chordata). It features fin rays supported by bony spines, an elongated body for air-breathing via a suprabranchial organ, and pectoral spines for “walking” on land. Native to South Asia, it’s invasive in some regions and popular in aquaculture.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Each wrong choice mismatches at least one species, highlighting common classification pitfalls.

• Option (B) P-i; Q-ii; R-iii; S-iv: Fails completely. P (reptile) isn’t Insecta; Q (insect) isn’t Reptilia; R (annelid) isn’t Actinopterygii; S (fish) isn’t Clitellata.

• Option (C) P-ii; Q-i; R-iii; S-iv: Matches P and Q correctly but errs on R (Clitellata → Actinopterygii, confusing annelids with fish) and S (Actinopterygii → Clitellata, mixing fish with worms).

• Option (D) P-iii; Q-i; R-ii; S-iv: Gets Q right but wrongly assigns P (reptile) to Actinopterygii (fish), R (annelid) to Reptilia, and S (fish) to Clitellata.

These errors often stem from overlooking phylum-level differences—e.g., Reptilia and Actinopterygii are both Chordata but distinct classes, while Insecta (Arthropoda) and Clitellata (Annelida) are invertebrates.

Quick Classification Summary Table

Mastering such matches builds a strong foundation in taxonomy, essential for exams like NEET, CSIR NET, or zoology courses.