CBSE Class 11 Biology Chapter 4: Animal Kingdom NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

This chapter delves into the diverse Animal Kingdom, providing NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology. It covers essential topics such as the characteristics of animal groups, including segmentation (metamerism), the differentiation capabilities of cells like interstitial cells, the structure of the heart in various animal classes (four-chambered hearts in crocodiles, birds, and mammals), and the nature of skin in different animals (non-glandular skin in reptiles). The solutions also highlight shared characteristics between birds and mammals, such as being warm-blooded, and explore taxonomic groupings of animals. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the fundamental principles of animal classification and anatomy, aiding in their exam preparation by offering clear explanations and detailed answers to complex questions.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 11
Subject	Biology Exemplar
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 4

Chapter summary

Chapter 4, Animal Kingdom, focuses on the classification and characteristics of diverse animal groups. The NCERT Solutions cover key concepts like body segmentation (metamerism), totipotent cells (interstitial cells), variations in heart structure (four-chambered hearts), skin adaptations (non-glandular skin), and shared traits like warm-bloodedness in birds and mammals. It also addresses the taxonomic grouping of animals, providing a solid foundation for understanding animal diversity.

Learning outcomes

Understand the concept of segmentation and metamerism in animals.
Identify cells capable of differentiation, such as interstitial cells.
Compare the structure of the heart in different animal classes.
Distinguish animals based on skin characteristics.
Recognize shared features between birds and mammals.
Classify animals into appropriate taxonomic groups.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Animal Kingdom Overview
Segmentation and Metamerism
Cell Differentiation (Interstitial Cells)
Heart Structure in Vertebrates
Skin Characteristics
Warm-bloodedness
Animal Classification
Taxonomic Groups

Important topics

Segmentation and Metamerism
Cell Differentiation
Heart Structure Variations
Taxonomic Grouping of Animals
Shared Characteristics of Birds and Mammals

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Q. 1 In some animal groups, the body is found divided into compartments with at least some organs. This characteristic feature is called

Segmentation (b) Metamerism
Metagenesis (d) Metamorphosis

Solution: The characteristic feature where an animal's body is divided into compartments, with a serial repetition of at least some organs, is known as metamerism. Segmentation refers to the general division of the body into segments. Metagenesis is the alternation of generations, involving asexual and sexual reproductive phases, seen in organisms like Obelia. Metamorphosis is the process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form, such as in the life cycle of a butterfly. Therefore, the correct term for compartmentalisation with serial repetition of organs is metamerism.

Answer: (b) Metamerism

Question 2

Q. 2 Given below are types of cells present in some animals. Which of the following cells can differentiate to perform different functions?

Choanocytes (b) Interstitial cells
Gastrodermal cells (d) Nematocytes

Solution: Interstitial cells are undifferentiated, totipotent cells found in the body of cnidarians. These cells have the remarkable ability to differentiate into any type of specialized cell required by the organism, enabling tissue repair and regeneration. Choanocytes (collar cells) are involved in filter-feeding in sponges. Gastrodermal cells line the gut cavity, and nematocysts are specialized stinging cells used for defense and capturing prey in cnidarians. Thus, interstitial cells are the ones capable of differentiation.

Answer: (b) Interstitial cells

Question 3

Q. 3 Which one of the following sets of animals share a four-chambered heart?

Amphibian, Reptiles, Birds (b) Crocodiles, Birds, Mammals
Crocodiles, Lizards, Turtles (d) Lizards, Mammals, Birds

Solution: A four-chambered heart, consisting of two atria and two ventricles, ensures complete separation of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, leading to efficient circulation. Crocodiles, among reptiles, possess a four-chambered heart due to an incomplete interventricular septum. Birds and mammals also have a completely four-chambered heart. Amphibians typically have a three-chambered heart (two atria, one ventricle), and most reptiles have a three-chambered heart, with the exception of crocodiles. Therefore, the set including Crocodiles, Birds, and Mammals correctly shares the feature of a four-chambered heart.

Answer: (b) Crocodiles, Birds, Mammals

Question 4

Q. 4 Which of the following pairs of animals has non-glandular skin?

Snake and frog (b) Chameleon and turtle
Frog and pigeon (d) Crocodile and tiger

Solution: Skin in vertebrates serves protective and adaptive functions. Chameleons and turtles are reptiles, and their skin is characteristically dry, thick, and non-glandular, often covered with scales to prevent water loss and provide protection. Frogs, being amphibians, have moist, glandular skin that aids in respiration. Pigeons (birds) have skin with feathers, and tigers (mammals) have skin with fur and sweat glands. Therefore, the pair of animals with non-glandular skin is Chameleon and turtle.

Answer: (b) Chameleon and turtle

Question 5

Q. 5 Birds and mammals share one of the following characteristics as a common feature.

Pigmented skin
Pneumatic bones
Viviparity
Warm blooded body

Solution: Birds and mammals are both endothermic, meaning they are warm-blooded and can maintain a constant internal body temperature irrespective of the external environment. Pigmented skin is an adaptation found in mammals but not universally in birds. Pneumatic bones (hollow bones) are a specific adaptation for flight found only in birds. Viviparity (giving birth to live young) is characteristic of mammals, while birds are oviparous (egg-laying).

Answer: (d) Warm blooded body

Question 6

Q. 6 Which one of the following sets of animals belong to a single taxonomic group?

Cuttlefish, jellyfish, silverfish, dogfish, starfish
bat, pigeon, butterfly
Monkey, chimpanzee, man
Silkworm, tapeworm, earthworm

Solution: To belong to a single taxonomic group, animals must share a common classification level, such as class or order. In the given options:

(a) includes animals from different phyla (Mollusca, Cnidaria, Arthropoda, Chordata, Echinodermata).
(b) includes a mammal (bat), a bird (pigeon), and an insect (butterfly), which are from different classes.
(c) includes monkey, chimpanzee, and man, all of whom belong to the order Primates within the class Mammalia. This represents a single taxonomic group.
(d) includes an insect (silkworm), a platyhelminth (tapeworm), and an annelid (earthworm), which are from different phyla.

Therefore, the set that belongs to a single taxonomic group is Monkey, chimpanzee, man.

Answer: (c) Monkey, chimpanzee, man

Common mistakes

Confusing segmentation with metamerism.
Misidentifying the function or type of specialized cells.
Incorrectly associating heart chamber numbers with animal classes.
Confusing glandular and non-glandular skin types.
Difficulty in grouping animals into correct taxonomic categories.

Revision tips

Focus on understanding the definitions of key terms like metamerism and metamorphosis.
Create flashcards for cell types and their functions.
Draw diagrams to illustrate heart structures in different animal groups.
Practice classifying animals based on the provided characteristics.
Review the examples given for each concept to reinforce learning.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which characteristic feature involves the body being divided into compartments with serial repetition of organs?

Q2. Which type of cells in cnidarians are totipotent and can differentiate into various specialized cells?

Q3. Which of the following animal groups exclusively possesses a four-chambered heart?

Q4. Animals with dry and non-glandular skin, often covered with scales, typically belong to which class?

Q5. What is a common characteristic shared by both birds and mammals?

Q6. Which set of animals belongs to a single, well-defined taxonomic group?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of the Animal Kingdom chapter in Class 11 Biology?

The chapter focuses on the diversity of the animal kingdom, covering classification, key characteristics of different animal groups, and specific features like body segmentation, cell types, heart structure, and skin adaptations.

What is metamerism, and which animals exhibit it?

Metamerism is the characteristic of having a body divided into a series of segments, both externally and internally, with a serial repetition of organs. Annelids, like the earthworm, are prime examples of animals exhibiting metamerism.

Which cells are capable of differentiating into different cell types in animals like cnidarians?

Interstitial cells in cnidarians are totipotent and can differentiate into various specialized cells, enabling the organism to repair tissues and adapt to different needs.

Do all reptiles have a three-chambered heart?

No, while most reptiles have a three-chambered heart, crocodiles are an exception and possess a four-chambered heart, similar to birds and mammals.

What common feature do birds and mammals share?

A significant common feature between birds and mammals is being warm-blooded (endothermic), meaning they can regulate and maintain a constant internal body temperature.

How do these NCERT Solutions help in exam preparation?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations for each question, helping students understand complex concepts, remember key facts, and practice applying their knowledge, which is crucial for exam success.

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