Organisms Missing from Five Kingdom Classification — NEET Biology

Correct answer: B — S1, S2, S4 and S5

This question evaluates the understanding of R.H. Whittaker's Five Kingdom Classification, its components, criteria, and limitations. Let's analyze each statement: S1: This statement is correct. NCERT states, "R.H. Whittaker (1969) proposed a Five Kingdom Classification. The kingdoms defined by him were named Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae and Animalia." S2: This statement is correct. NCERT mentions, "The main criteria for classification used by him include cell structure, body organisation, mode of nutrition, reproduction and phylogenetic relationships." S3: This statement is incorrect. NCERT explicitly states, "In the five kingdom classification of Whittaker there is no mention of lichens and some acellular organisms like viruses, viroids and prions." S4: This statement is correct. NCERT explains how Whittaker's system grouped "All prokaryotic organisms... under Kingdom Monera and the unicellular eukaryotic organisms were placed in Kingdom Protista." S5: This statement is correct. NCERT states, "the fungi had chitin in their walls while the green plants had a cellulosic cell wall. When such characteristics were considered, the fungi were placed in a separate kingdom – Kingdom Fungi." Therefore, statements S1, S2, S4, and S5 are correct. The core concept tested is the details of Whittaker's Five Kingdom Classification system, including its composition, the criteria used, and its exclusions.