Question

The given diagram represents the diversity exhibited by different taxonomic groups of invertebrates. Identify A and B.

• A. A - Crustaceans, B - Molluscs
• B. A - Cnidarians, B - Crustaceans
• C. A - Molluscs, B - Crustaceans
• D. A - Mammals, B - Amphibians

Answer 1

The correct option is A A - Crustaceans, B - Molluscs

The given diagram represents the global species distribution of invertebrates.

According to the records maintained by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (2004), the number of plant and animal species that have been identified and described by biologists so far is more than 1.5 million.

The currently available records on the identified species tells us that more than 70% of all the recorded species are animals and amongst animals, more than 70% of the species belong to the class Insecta. This indicates that out of every 10 animal species on this planet, 7 are insects. This makes the insects the most species-rich taxonomic group. Amongst invertebrates, the insects represent maximum species diversity, followed by molluscs and crustaceans and the rest of the animal groups.

In the diagram, B represents a larger area and hence represents molluscs and A represents the crustaceans.