Question

Which of the following is an exclusive feature of plants and does not take place in animals?
A. Photosynthesis
B. Respiration
C. Excretion
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: All of the animals are example of heterotrophs. An organism that cannot make its nourishment is known as a heterotroph. They instead take nutrition from other sources of organic carbon like plant or animal matter. The word heterotroph is derived from Greek words hetero meaning “other” and trophe meaning “nourishment”. In the food chain, they are primary, secondary and tertiary consumers.

Complete answer:
Option A Photosynthesis: In plants, photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplasts through photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll, carotene and xanthophyll. Plants utilize sunlight and perform photosynthesis to produce their own food. This system is absent in animals. Animals don’t possess any photosynthetic pigments and are dependent on other plants and animals for their food.
Option A is correct.
Option B Respiration: Respiration occurs in both animals and plants. Plants respire through the pores present underside of the leaves called stomata. Through stomata exchange of gases take place. In animals, respiration occurs through breathing. Breathing involves inhalation of oxygen and exhalation of carbon dioxide as a waste.
Option B is incorrect.
Option C Excretion: In plants the excretion of gaseous wastes such as oxygen and carbon dioxide take place through stomatal pores. The stomatal pores also excrete water in a process called transpiration. Animals have a well-developed excretory system. They excrete the nitrogenous wastes through specialized organs such as kidney, urethra and urinary bladder.
Option C is incorrect.
Option D None of the above: This option cannot be chosen because one of the given options photosynthesis is done by plants but not by animals.
Option D is incorrect.

Hence, Option A. Photosynthesis is the correct answer.

Note:
Animals have some exclusive features which are absent in plants. The cells of animals are embedded in extracellular matrices such as bone, skin, or connective tissue. They also possess unique tissues such as nerve tissue, muscle tissue etc. The connective tissues in animals provide structural support to the cells and organs. They also possess a well-developed immune system which is absent in plants.