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Syllabus

Biological Classification — Syllabus

ICSE · Class 11 · Biology

What Biological Classification covers in ICSE Class 11 Biology: 4 topics, for the 2026-27 session. Part of the ICSE Class 11 Biology syllabus.

64 questions57 flashcards5 concepts

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A timeline illustrating the progression from Linnaeus's Two Kingdom system to R.H. Whittaker's Five Kingdom system, highlighting the key additions and changes in classification criteria.
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4 Topics · ICSE Class 11 Biology · 2026-27

Topics in Biological Classification

1

1. History of Classification and Major Systems

  • Aristotle was the earliest to attempt a more scientific basis of classification. He used simple morphological characters to classify plants into trees, shrubs and herbs, and animals into those with re
  • Linnaeus proposed the Two-Kingdom system with Plantae and Animalia based on form and constitution.
  • Ernst Haeckel added a third kingdom, Protista, in 1866 to include bacteria, algae, fungi and protozoa with cellular grade organisation.
2

2. Kingdom Monera

  • Monera includes prokaryotic, single-celled organisms.
  • A typical moneran has a naked circular DNA molecule that acts as the chromosome.
  • Membrane-bound organelles and a true nucleus are absent.
3

3. Classification and Features of Bacteria

  • On the basis of shape, bacteria are bacillus, coccus, spirillum and vibrio.
  • An average bacillus is about 1.5 micrometres long and 0.5 micrometres in diameter.
  • Cocci measure 0.5 to 1.25 micrometres in diameter and are generally non-motile.
4

4. Kingdom Protista

  • Protista includes diverse unicellular eukaryotic organisms.
  • Members of Protista are primarily aquatic.
  • Protists evolved about 1.6 billion years ago.

Key Concepts

Central concept: Classification of living organisms into kingdoms and major groups based on cell structure, body organisation, nutrition, reproduction, and evolutionary relationships

History of classificationKingdom MoneraBacteriaViruses and viroidsKingdom ProtistaKingdom FungiLichensMycorrhizae

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Biological Classification for ICSE Class 11 Biology?
Key topics in Biological Classification include History of Classification and Major Systems, Kingdom Monera, Classification and Features of Bacteria, Kingdom Protista. Study these first, then practise questions on each for Class 11 exams.
How should I revise Biological Classification for Class 11 exams?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 64 practice questions on Biological Classification. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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All ICSE Class 11 Biology Syllabus

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