Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Biology

Chapter

Biological Classification

Question:

Which combination of characteristics accurately describes slime moulds?

Options:

Parasitic, plasmodium with true walls, spores dispersed by air currents.

Saprophytic, plasmodium without walls, spores dispersed by air currents.

Saprophytic, plasmodium without walls, spores dispersed by water.

Parasitic, plasmodium without walls, spores dispersed by water.

Correct Answer:

Saprophytic, plasmodium without walls, spores dispersed by air currents.

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (2)- Saprophytic , plasmodium without walls, spores dispersed by air currents .

Slime moulds are saprophytic protists. The body moves along decaying twigs and leaves engulfing organic material.

Under suitable conditions, they form an aggregation called plasmodium which may grow and spread over several feet. During unfavourable conditions, the plasmodium differentiates and forms fruiting bodies bearing spores at their tips. The spores possess true walls. They are extremely resistant and survive for many years, even under adverse conditions.

The spores are dispersed by air currents.