Prokaryotic Diversity: Estimation Challenges — NEET Biology
📚 Practice ConceptIt should be noted that these estimates do not give any figures for prokaryotes. Biologists are not sure about how many prokaryotic species there might be. The problem is that conventional taxonomic methods are not suitable for identifying microbial species and many species are simply not culturable under laboratory conditions. If we accept biochemical or molecular criteria for delineating species for this group, then their diversity alone might run into millions.
Which of the following statements correctly explain the challenges in estimating prokaryotic diversity? S1: Robert May's global species diversity estimates explicitly include a precise count for prokaryotes based on extensive inventories. S2: Conventional taxonomic methods are often not suitable for accurately identifying and classifying microbial species. S3: A significant proportion of prokaryotic species are considered unculturable under typical laboratory conditions. S4: The use of biochemical or molecular criteria for species delineation would likely lead to an estimation of prokaryotic diversity running into millions. S5: The rapid reproduction rate of prokaryotes via binary fission simplifies their enumeration and species differentiation, thus reducing estimation challenges.
View solution & NCERT explanation
Correct answer: B — S2, S3, and S4 are correct
Let's evaluate each statement: S1: Robert May's estimates do not give any figures for prokaryotes, as biologists are unsure about their exact number. This statement is incorrect. S2: Conventional taxonomic methods are indeed not suitable for identifying microbial species due to their unique characteristics. This statement is correct. S3: Many prokaryotic species are simply not culturable under laboratory conditions, posing a major challenge to their study and enumeration. This statement is correct. S4: If biochemical or molecular criteria are accepted for delineating prokaryotic species, their diversity alone might run into millions. This statement is correct. S5: The rapid reproduction rate of prokaryotes does not simplify their enumeration and species differentiation; rather, the challenges stem from unculturability and limitations of conventional taxonomic methods. This statement is incorrect. Therefore, statements S2, S3, and S4 are correct. The final answer is B because it accurately identifies S2, S3, and S4 as valid reasons for the difficulty in estimating prokaryotic diversity, while S1 and S5 present false claims.
What does NCERT say about It should be noted?
Has this concept appeared in NEET?
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Through deep analysis of NEET and NTA, 176 of the 180 ReNEET 2026 (June 21) questions were already in the MedicNEET question bank before the exam.
176/180MedicNEET's Biology question bank is built from the same NCERT lines NTA picks repeatedly. Not random MCQs — questions crafted exactly like NTA crafts them.