Ecology- NEET Previous Year Questions with Solutions and Weightage

Ecology is one of the most important and scoring units in NEET Biology, offering a solid foundation for understanding how organisms interact with their environment. This unit completes essential topics such as organisms and populations, ecosystems, and biodiversity and conservation. In addition to being the basis for several conceptual questions, these topics have implications for environmental science and conservation efforts, which are becoming increasingly significant in the contemporary world.

Ecology is a must-to-prepare topic as it has contributed about 10% of the total weight in the NEET Biology section over the past years pattern. You can expect around 8-10 questions from this topic in the exam which may help to score well in the exam. The questions typically test both theoretical knowledge and the ability to apply ecological concepts to real-world situations.

Ecosystem, Biodiversity conservation are some of the frequently asked topics from this unit. Mastering the basic principles of ecology along with these topics by practicing NEET previous year questions (PYQs), will help scoring well in the exam.
 

Here are some most important NEET previous year questions (PYQs) of Ecology in Biology Section.

Question 1:

The type of conservation in which the threatened species are taken out from their natural habitat and placed in special setting where they can be protected and given special care is called;

[NEET (UG) - 2024]

1. in-situ conservation
2. Biodiversity conservation
3. Semi-conservative method
4. Sustainable development

View Solution

Question 2:

Which one of the following is not a limitation of ecological pyramids?

[NEET (UG) - 2024]

1. Saprophytes are not given any place of ecological pyramids
2. It assumes a simple food chain, that almost never exists in nature
3. It accommodates a food web
4. It does not take into account the same species belonging to two or more trophic levels

View Solution

Question 3:

Consider the pyramid of energy of an ecosystem given below:

If T4 is equivalent to 1000 J, what is the value at T1?

[NEET (UG) - 2024]

1. 10000/10
2. 10000/10 ×4 J
3. 10,000 J
4. 10,00,000 J

View Solution

Question 4:

Which one of the following is not included under in-situ conservation?

[NEET (UG) - 2024]

1. Wild-life sanctuary
2. Botanical garden
3. Biosphere reserve
4. National park

View Solution

Question 5:

The regions with high level of species richness, high degree of endemism and a loss of 70% of the species and habitat are identified as:

[NEET (UG) - 2024]

1. Natural Reserves
2. Sacred Groves
3. Biodiversity Hotspots
4. Biogeographical Regions

View Solution

Question 6:

Given below are two statements:

Statement I: Gause’s ‘Competitive Exclusion Principle’ states that two closely related species competing for the same resources cannot co-exist indefinitely and competitively inferior one will be eliminated eventually.

Statement II: In general, carnivores are more adversely affected by competition than herbivores.

In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

[NEET (UG) - 2023]

1. Both Statement I and Statement II are false.
2. Statement I is correct Statement II is false.
3. Statement I is incorrec but Statement II is true.
4. Both Statement I and Statement II are true.

View Solution

Question 7:

Identify the correct statements:

A. Detrivores perform fragmentation.

B. The humus is further degraded by some microbes during mineralization.

C. Water soluble inorganic nutrients go down into the soil and get precipitated by a process called leaching.

D. The detritus food chain begins with living organisms.

E. Earthworms break down detritus into smaller particles by a process called catabolism.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

[NEET (UG) - 2023]

1. B,C, D only
2. C, D, E only
3. D, E, A only
4. A, B, C only

View Solution

Question 8:

In the equation GPP - R = NPP

GPP is Gross Primary Productivity

NPP is Net Primary Productivity

R here is ________.

[NEET (UG) - 2023]

1. Respiratory quotient
2. Respiratory loss
3. Reproductive allocation
4. Photosynthetically active radiation

View Solution

Question 9:

Which one of the following will accelerate phosphorus cycle?

[NEET (UG) - 2022]

1. Burning of fossil fuels
2. Volcanic Activity
3. Weathering of rocks
4. Rainfall and storms

View Solution

Question 10:

Detritivores breakdown detritus into smaller particles. This process is called:

[NEET (UG) - 2023]

1. Catabolism
2. Fragmentation
3. Humification
4. Decomposition

View Solution

Question 11:

In the equation

GPP − R = NPP R represents :

[NEET (UG) - 2021]

1. Radiant energy
2. Retardation factor
3. Environment factor
4. Respiration losses

View Solution

Question 12:

Which of the following ecological pyramids is generally inverted ?

[NEET (UG) - 2019]

1. Pyramid of biomass in a forest
2. Pyramid of biomass in a sea
3. Pyramid of numbers in grassland
4. Pyramid of energyi

View Solution

Question 13:

What type of ecological pyramid would be obtained with the following data ?

Secondary consumer : 120 g

Primary consumer : 60 g

Primary producer : 10 g

[NEET (UG) - 2018]

1. Inverted pyramid of biomass
2. Upright pyramid of numbers
3. Pyramid of energy
4. Upright pyramid of biomass

View Solution

Question 14:

The region of Biosphere Reserve which is legally protected and where no human activity is allowed is known as:

[NEET (UG) - 2017]

1. Buffer zone
2. Transition zone
3. Restoration zone
4. Core zone

View Solution

Question 15:

Given below is the representation of the extent of global diversity of invertebrates. What groups the four portions (A-D) represent respectively? [NEET (UG) - 2014]

1. A-Crustaceans, B-Insects, C-Molluscs, D-Other animal groups
2. A-Molluscs, B-Other animal groups, C-Crustaceans, D-Insects
3. A-Insects, B-Molluscs, C-Crustaceans, D-Other animal groups
4. A-Insects, B-Crustaceans, C-Other animal groups, D-Molluscs

View Solution

Question 16:

Match the following and select the correct option: [NEET 2014]

1. (a)-(iv), (b)-(i), (c)-(iii), (d)-(ii)
2. (a)-(iii), (b)-(ii), (c)-(iv), (d)-(i)
3. (a)-(ii), (b)-(i), (c)-(iv), (d)-(iii)
4. (a)-(i), (b)-(ii), (c)-(iii), (d)-(iv)

View Solution

Question 17:

Which one of the following processes during decomposition is correctly described ?

[NEET (UG) - 2013]

1. Fragmentation - Carried out by organisms such as earthworm
2. Humification - Leads to the accumulation of a dark coloured substance humus which undergoes microbial action at a very fast rate
3. Catabolism - Last step in the decomposition under fully anaerobic condition
4. Leaching - Water soluble inorganic nutrients rise to the top layers of soil

View Solution

Question 18:

Which one of the following is not a correct statement ?

[NEET (UG) - 2013]

1. Herbarium houses dried, pressed and preserved plant specimens
2. Botanical gardens have collection of living plants for reference.
3. A museum has collection of photographs of plants and animals.
4. Key is a taxonomic aid for identification of specimens.

View Solution

NEET Biology Paper Pattern

The NEET Biology paper is designed to test a student's knowledge of Botany and Zoology at the senior secondary level. It consists of 90 questions, equally distributed between Botany and Zoology, carrying a huge weightage in the total score.

• Total Questions: 90
  • Botany: 45
  • Zoology: 45
• Total Marks: 360
• Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Marking Scheme:
  • +4 marks for each correct answer

• -1 mark for each incorrect answer
• 0 marks for unanswered questions

Chapter-Wise Distribution and Weightage Analysis

There are 90 questions in the Biology section of the NEET UG 2025 exam, which are split equally between the Botany and Zoology sections. Each section comprises 45 questions which makes the Biology section a very scoring part of the NEET exam/

Botany (45 Questions):

This section covers the plant kingdom as well as the study of plants and different physiological processes. Questions from the following subjects are commonly found in this section:

Living Organism Diversity (14%):

The classification of living organisms, specifically the kingdom of plants, and its major groups—algae, fungi, bryophytes, pteridophytes, gymnosperms, and angiosperms—as well as the traits of these groups are the primary focus of this chapter. Knowledge of plant diversity and biological classification is helpful in this section.

Plant Structural Organization (9%):

The meristematic or permanent plant tissues, the organs' functions, the anatomy (the arrangement of stems, roots, and leaves), and a thorough analysis of plant morphology are all covered.

Cell: The Unit of Life (9%):

Cell structure, organelle types, biomolecules, and the processes of cell division (mitosis and meiosis) are the main topics of this chapter. As we proceed through this section, it is critical to comprehend cell activity, including the production of proteins (ribosomes) and energy in cells (mitochondria).

Plant Physiology (6%):

This chapter focuses on the physiological responses of plants, including photosynthesis, respiration, growth, and development. Understanding the mechanisms underlying plant functions, such as gas exchange and water and nutrient uptake, is essential for this section.

Human Physiology (20%):

Even though they might seem more relevant to zoology, some aspects of human physiology, such as comparative physiology and plant-animal interactions, are found in the botany sections. There is discussion of issues related to digestion, excretion, respiration, and coordination.

Zoology Section (45 Questions):

The anatomy, physiology, behavior, and interactions between animals and their surroundings are covered in the zoology section. The chapter's main subjects are:

Reproduction: 9%

The development of new organisms, human reproduction, asexual and sexual reproduction, and reproductive health are all covered in this chapter. Human reproductive organs, gametogenesis, and fertilization are key ideas.

Evolution and Genetics (18%):

This chapter, which covers inheritance principles, Mendelian genetics, molecular genetics, and the evolution process, is arguably one of the most significant in all of Zoology. It calls for knowledge of genetic diversity, inheritance patterns, and natural selection.

Biology and Human Welfare (9%):

Concerns issues related to human disease and illness, such as major diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and AIDS. It also deals with the influence of microorganisms on human well-being, and methods of improving food production and food security.

Biotechnology and Its Applications (4%):

This chapter gives an introduction to biotechnology principles and applications such as recombinant DNA technology, genetic engineering, and application in medicine and agriculture.

Ecology and Environment (10%):

This discusses biodiversity, population dynamics, ecosystem principles, and environmental issues. Food chains, biogeochemical cycles, conservation strategies, and the impacts of human activity on the environment are among the subjects that will be discussed.

Kingdom of Animals (13%).

It addresses the classification of animals into broad phyla, including chordates, mollusks, and arthropods. It also covers the diversity of the animal kingdom and their unique characteristics, morphology, and roles.

Animal Structural Organization (9%):

This topic focuses on the anatomy and physiology of animal systems, such as the digestive, excretory, circulatory, and respiratory systems. The study of animal tissues and the comparative anatomy of various animal species are also covered.

Detailed Topic-Wise Weightage for Biology in NEET UG 2025

Here’s the detailed topic-wise weightage for Biology in NEET UG 2025, divided into Class 11 and Class 12 subjects, along with the expected number of questions from each topic.

Class 11 Topics

Class 12 Topics

Key Insights:

• Class 11 topics mostly focus on foundational biology concepts such as plant physiology, cell structure, and diversity of organisms.
• Class 12 topics build upon these foundations with a focus on human physiology, genetics, biotechnology, and more advanced concepts such as ecology and reproduction.

Also Read: NEET Chapter Wise Weightage

NEET Question Paper 2024 PDF with Answer Key and Solution

NEET 2024 Question Paper PDF Code R

NEET 2024 Question Paper PDF Code Q

NEET 2024 Question Paper PDF Code T

NEET 2024 Question Paper PDF Code S

NEET Question Paper 2023 PDF Download with Solution

Here are NEET 2023 question paper of all the sets:

NEET Question Paper 2023 Set E

NEET 2023 Question Paper Set F

Question paper pdfs for F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, and F6 are available for download.

NEET 2023 Question Paper Set G

Question paper pdfs for G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, and G6 are available for download.

NEET 2023 Question Paper Set H

Question paper pdfs for H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, and H6 are available for download.

NEET Question Paper 2022 in English

NEET 2022 Question Paper PDF for all paper codes is available for download.

NEET Question Paper 2022 Set Q

NEET 2022 question paper pdfs for Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5, and Q6 are available for download.

NEET Question Paper 2022 Set R

NEET Question Paper 2022 Set S

NEET Question Paper 2022 Set T

NEET Question Paper 2021 in English

It was for the first time in 2021 that NTA conducted NEET in 13 languages. Given below are the links to download question paper with solutions PDF in all the 13 languages for all paper codes.

NEET Question Paper 2021 Set M

NEET Question Paper 2021 Set N

NEET Question Paper 2021 Set O

NEET Question Paper 2021 Set P

NEET Question Paper 2020 in English- Set E, F, G, H

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is ecology important for NEET?

Answer. Indeed, ecology is a required subject for NEET, accounting for about 10% of the biology weight. It covers important ideas that are regularly tested in the test, like energy flow, ecosystem dynamics, biogeochemical cycles, and biodiversity conservation. You can raise your overall biology score by becoming proficient in ecology.

Q2. What is the toughest subject for NEET?

Answer. Physics is usually thought of as the most challenging NEET subject, though this varies from student to student. This is because physics requires a firm understanding of complex concepts, problem-solving skills, and the ability to apply formulas to a variety of contexts. Because it usually requires a lot of calculations, derivations, and the application of laws, many students find it difficult.

However, some students may find biology or chemistry difficult, depending on their preparation and individual strengths. The degree to which students find each subject challenging ultimately depends on their understanding and comfort level with the material.

Q3. Is NCERT enough for ecology NEET?

Answer. Yes, NCERT is sufficient to study ecology for the NEET. All of the core concepts in ecology (such as ecosystems, energy flow, biogeochemical cycles, and biodiversity conservation) that are the focus of NEET questions are covered in great detail in the NCERT Biology textbook.

Since NCERT covers every topic in the NEET ecology syllabus, studying NCERT will help you fully comprehend those concepts. However, it is advised that you complete past year questions (PYQs) after you have studied NCERT in-depth in order to solidify your understanding and start to understand the kinds of questions that will be asked in the test.

Q4. Which chapter are removed from NCERT 2025 Biology?

Answer. In order to simplify the syllabus for NCERT 2025 Biology, a number of chapters and topics have been eliminated. Among the chapters that were eliminated are:

Organisms, Reproduction, Techniques to Improve Food Production, Environmental Concerns

In addition, a few of the chapters' subjects—like organisms, populations, and ecosystems—have been eliminated.

Although these chapters are no longer included in the NCERT syllabus, it is still advisable to review the NEET syllabus as it may still include questions pertaining to these topics. Always refer to the most recent NEET guidelines and practice previous year's questions for a comprehensive understanding.

Q5. What is the toughest chapter in Biology NEET?

Answer. Human Physiology is sometimes regarded as the most challenging chapter in biology for NEET. The digestive, respiratory, circulatory, excretory, neurological, muscular, and endocrine systems are just a few of the many systems that are covered in this chapter. It entails comprehending intricate structures and processes that control how the human body functions, which calls for both conceptual clarity and memorization.

The intricate interactions between several systems, hormone regulation, brain signals, and enzyme functions are only a few examples of the detailed processes that give rise to complexity. Furthermore, many candidates find it difficult due to the abundance of knowledge and the requirement for in-depth comprehension.

However, students can efficiently manage this chapter with regular practice, comprehension of the flowcharts, and revision of important procedures.

Also read:  Human Physiology- NEET Previous Year Questions with Solutions and Weightage

Q6. How to get 360 in NEET biology?

Answer. Concentrate on these crucial tactics to achieve a 360 on the NEET Biology exam:

1. Master NCERT: Examine the NCERT textbooks for Classes 11 and 12 in detail.
2. Pay Attention to the Main Topics: Give high-yield chapters like genetics, ecology, and human physiology priority.
3. Practice your PYQs. Work through past year's questions to comprehend the format of the test.
4. Frequent Revision: Go over important ideas again and take brief notes.
5. Mock Tests: To improve accuracy and time management, take frequent mock tests.
6. Pay Attention to Diagrams: For easy grades, practice key diagrams.
7. Remain Consistent: Be disciplined, have a positive outlook, and stick to your study schedule.

You can strive for a flawless NEET Biology score with persistent work.

Q7. How many questions come from Biodiversity and conservation in NEET?

Answer. In NEET, Biodiversity and Conservation generally has 2-3 questions from the Biology subject. This chapter covers both biodiversity hotspots, endangered species and conservation measures with moderate weightage in the examination.

Although it does not have much depth, it is nevertheless important to go through the material thoroughly since it is an important part of the NEET syllabus and for general environmental science knowledge.