Question

Give differences between the following :
(a) Nephron and neuron
(b) Sensory nerve and motor nerve
(c) Consumers and decomposers

Hint:

Nephron = kidney unit for filtration. Neuron = nerve cell for impulse transmission. Both are structural and functional units of their respective systems.

Answer 1

Differences Between the Given Pairs:

(a) Nephron and Neuron:

Nephron:
– Nephron is the structural and functional unit of the kidney. 
– It helps in filtration of blood and formation of urine. 
– It is involved in excretion and regulation of water and salt balance. 
– It consists of Bowman’s capsule, glomerulus, tubules, and collecting duct.

Neuron:
– Neuron is the structural and functional unit of the nervous system. 
– It helps in transmission of nerve impulses. 
– It is involved in control and coordination of body activities. 
– It consists of cell body, dendrites, and axon.

(b) Sensory Nerve and Motor Nerve:

Sensory Nerve:
– Carries nerve impulses from receptors (sense organs) to the brain or spinal cord. 
– Also called afferent nerve. 
– Responsible for transmitting sensations like pain, heat, and touch.

Motor Nerve:
– Carries nerve impulses from the brain or spinal cord to effectors such as muscles or glands. 
– Also called efferent nerve. 
– Responsible for movement and response actions.

(c) Consumers and Decomposers:

Consumers:
– Organisms that cannot prepare their own food. 
– They depend directly or indirectly on producers for food. 
– Examples: Humans, animals, birds. 
– They occupy different trophic levels in a food chain.

Decomposers:
– Organisms that break down dead plants and animals into simpler substances. 
– They recycle nutrients back into the environment. 
– Examples: Bacteria and fungi. 
– They help maintain ecological balance.

Conclusion:
Nephron and neuron differ in structure and function, sensory and motor nerves differ in direction of impulse transmission, and consumers and decomposers differ in their role in the ecosystem.