Question

Which two of the given points are known as the twin characteristics of growth?
(i) Increase in mass
(ii) Increase in number of individuals
(iii) Cellular organisation
(iv) Cellular differentiation

A. (i) and (ii)
B. (i) and (iii)
C. (ii) and (iii)
D. (iii) and (iv)

Answer 1

The population growth is defined as the increase in the number of individuals in a given population. The increase in population also increases the demand for food products, clothes, and houses. This will also increase competition between individuals for basic needs.

Complete answer:
From the given options, increased mass and increase in the number of individuals are considered the twin characteristics of growth. The mass is increased by cell division through mitosis. The mitosis is a type of cell division in which the parent cell is divided to form two cells. This is known as equational division because the number of chromosomes is the same as in the parent cell.
The number of individuals is increased through the process of reproduction. Reproduction is a biological process from which a new individual is produced. It is of two types, sexual and asexual. Sexual reproduction occurs with the involvement of two parents. Therefore the variation can be produced in the population that leads to the speciation. The speciation is a long term process and requires a period to produce new species with a variation.
On the contrary, asexual reproduction does not results in the speciation because the Asexual reproduction needs single parents and does not include the reproductive organs. Therefore, the variation does not occur among the offspring because the offspring are identical to their parents.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: The population growth also depends on several factors. The increase in birth rate and decrease in death rate, the number of individuals that immigrate, and the low disease rate also increase the population growth.