Q.125 Botany ⭐ 360° Option Elimination Active
NEET 2026 Botany Question 125 Solution
Topic: The Living World · Official NTA Booklet Code 50
Question
Genus represents ___.
✓
Verified Against NTA Final Answer Key
Option (3) : a group of closely related species
📚 The Living World Easy
📋 Given Parameters & Problem Setup
Taxonomic Category Genus (Plural: Genera)
Context Linnaean taxonomic hierarchy
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⏱️ Save ~40 seconds The 30-Second Exam Hall Shortcut: ⚡ Genus Definition Reflex
Genus = An assemblage of closely related species!
1 Recall definition from NCERT The Living World:
2 "Genus comprises a group of related species which has more characters in common in comparison to species of other genera."
3 Look at Option (3): "a group of closely related species".
4 Direct textbook definition match!
5 Pick Option (3) in 3 seconds.
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Why You Can 100% Trust This Shortcut: NCERT Biology · The Living World (Taxonomic Hierarchy: Solanum tuberosum, Solanum melongena, and Solanum nigrum share genus Solanum).
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Step-by-Step Rigorous Workflow & Mathematical Proof
Step 1
Definition of Genus in Biological Classification
In the biological hierarchy, taxonomic categories are nested. A genus comprises an aggregate or group of closely related species that share common structural and morphological characters distinct from species of other genera.
- • For example: Panthera is a genus comprising Panthera leo (lion), Panthera pardus (leopard), and Panthera tigris (tiger).
Step 2
Distinguish Between Hierarchy Levels
1. Individual plant or animal = Organism (Option 1). 2. Population of plants and animals = Community or biological population (Option 2). 3. Group of closely related species = Genus (Option 3). 4. Group of closely related families = Order (Option 4).
- • Option (3) is uniquely correct.
Step 3
Conclusion
Genus definitively represents a group of closely related species.
- • Matches official NTA final answer key Option C / (3).
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4-Option Deep Scan
360° Option Elimination Engine Key Feature
Diagnose every choice: Know exactly why the right option works and why distractors fail.
1 A
✗ Incorrect Verdict & Scientific Reason:
Incorrect. An individual represents a single organism at the base of ecological hierarchy, not a genus.
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Student Fallacy (Why candidates pick this trap): Confusing taxon with individual organism.
2 B
✗ Incorrect Verdict & Scientific Reason:
Incorrect. A population refers to individuals of the same species living in a geographical area.
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Student Fallacy (Why candidates pick this trap): Confusing ecological hierarchy with taxonomic classification.
3 C
✓ 100% Correct Verdict & Scientific Reason:
100% accurate. Canonical definition of Genus per NCERT Chapter 1.
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Why this is airtight: None; precise textbook recall.
4 D
✗ Incorrect Verdict & Scientific Reason:
Incorrect. A group of closely related families constitutes an Order (e.g. Polymoniales includes Solanaceae and Convolvulaceae).
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Student Fallacy (Why candidates pick this trap): Confusing Genus with Order.
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NTA Trap Alert: Taxon Jump Confusion
Students frequently swap "group of related species" (Genus) with "group of related genera" (Family) or "group of related families" (Order).
🛡️ How to avoid the -1 mark: Hierarchy step: Species make a Genus; Genera make a Family; Families make an Order.
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Core NEET Syllabus Standard
NEET Biology Core Syllabus · The Living World Standard Benchmark
Core Scientific Principle Tested:
"Genus comprises a group of related species sharing common diagnostic characters."
Syllabus Focus: Taxonomic Categories - Genus
✓ Core NEET UG Syllabus Anchor Syllabus & Academic Standards ↗
Species unite to form a Genus; Genera unite in the Family arena!
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🔗 Related Questions — The Living World
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