Q.2. What is division of labour? Explain the phenomenon in the life history of Volvox.
Ans.2. Division of labour is that phenomenon in which there is distribution of work i.e., each one specialized cell to tissue is looking after atleast one the vital functions.
Division of Labour in Volvox
The colonial plants consist of many cells. In some, all the cells carry on the same function at one time and the other at the other time. Such as during active period of growth all the cells of simple colony carry on vegetative function.
When the growth ceases they become productive cell. In case of Volvox the different cell are set apart for different function. The vegetative cell will carry on the function of nutrition whereas the reproductive cell will carry on reproduction. Vegetative cell will not help in reproduction and vice-versa. We can also say that in such colonies distribution of work has taken place, that is known as a division of labour. (BSc 1st Year Botany Chlorophyta Sample Model Practice Question Answer Papers)