Q101. DDT does not contain
A. C.
B. H.
C. P.
D. Cl.
Answer – C. P.
Explanation-
▪ DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) does not contain phosphorus (P). It is an organochlorine insecticide that was widely used in the past for its effectiveness in controlling various insect pests, including mosquitoes. DDT is composed of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and chlorine (Cl) atoms. Its chemical structure consists of several benzene rings and chlorine atoms attached to a central carbon backbone.
Q102. Habitats resulting from lava flow are an example of
A. primary succession.
B. secondary succession.
C. autogenic succession.
D. allogenic succession.
Answer – A. primary succession.
Explanation-
▪ Habitats resulting from the lava flow, such as volcanic islands or areas affected by volcanic eruptions, are examples of primary succession. Primary succession occurs in environments where there is no pre-existing soil or biological communities.
▪ In the case of lava flow, the extreme heat and destruction caused by the volcanic activity leave behind bare rock surfaces. Over time, pioneer species such as lichens and mosses colonize the rocks, gradually breaking them down and forming soil. This process allows for the establishment of new plant and animal communities, leading to the development of a more complex ecosystem.
Q103. The following is a sedimentary cycle:
A. P cycle.
B. N2 cycle.
C. C cycle.
D. O2 cycle.
Answer – A. P cycle.
Explanation-
▪ The P (phosphorus) cycle is a sedimentary cycle. Sedimentary cycles involve the movement of elements between the Earth’s surface and its crust through the process of weathering, erosion, sedimentation, and geological activity.
▪ In the P cycle, phosphorus is released from rocks and minerals through weathering processes, enters the soil and water bodies, and is then taken up by plants and other organisms. It is eventually returned to the sediment through decomposition and sedimentation processes. Unlike the N2 (nitrogen) cycle, C (carbon) cycle, and O2 (oxygen) cycle, which involve gaseous components and atmospheric exchanges, the P cycle primarily operates within the geosphere and hydrosphere.
Q104. Fluoride in the environment primarily comes from
A. topaz.
B. apatite.
C. fluorite.
D. phosphorite.
Answer – C. Fluorite
Explanation-
Fluorite is a mineral that is composed of calcium fluoride (CaF2). It is the most common source of fluoride in the environment. Fluorite can be found in rocks, soil, and water. It can also be found in air, but in much lower concentrations.
Other sources of fluoride in the environment include:
Apatite: Apatite is a mineral that contains fluoride, calcium, phosphate, and other elements. It is the second most common source of fluoride in the environment.
Phosphorite: Phosphorite is a rock that contains phosphate, calcium, and other elements. It can contain small amounts of fluoride.
Coal burning: When coal is burned, it releases fluoride into the air.
Industrial processes: Some industrial processes, such as aluminum production, can release fluoride into the environment.
Fluoride is an essential mineral for human health. It helps to strengthen teeth and bones. However, too much fluoride can be harmful. It can cause dental fluorosis, which is a condition that causes white spots on teeth. It can also cause skeletal fluorosis, which is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in bones and joints.
Q105. The freshwater percentage of Earth is
A. 1%.
B. 2.5%.
C. 5%.
D. 10%.
Answer – B. 2.5%.
Explanation-
The freshwater percentage of Earth is approximately 2.5%. Most of the Earth’s water is in the form of saltwater in the oceans, accounting for about 97.5% of the total water on Earth. Only a small fraction, around 2.5%, is freshwater, which includes water in rivers, lakes, groundwater, and glaciers. However, the majority of freshwater is not readily accessible as it is locked up in ice caps and glaciers or present as groundwater.
Q106. The Disaster Management Act was enacted
A. 2000.
B. 2003.
C. 2005.
D. 2010.
Answer – C. 2005.
Explanation-The Disaster Management Act was enacted in 2005 in India. The act provides a comprehensive framework for disaster management in the country. It establishes the roles and responsibilities of various authorities, institutions, and individuals involved in disaster management. The act aims to promote a proactive approach to disaster management, including prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. It lays the foundation for a coordinated and effective disaster management system at the national, state, and district levels.
Q107. What is ‘Arribada’?
A. Mass Nestling of Olive Ridley.
B. Setting up a habitat by Red Panda.
C. Colony formation by Penguin.
D. None of the above.
Answer – A. Mass Nestling of Olive Ridley
Explanation-‘Arribada’ refers to the phenomenon of mass nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtles. It is a unique reproductive behavior exhibited by these turtles, where large numbers of females simultaneously come ashore to lay their eggs on specific beaches. During an arribada, thousands of Olive Ridley turtles gather near the nesting beach and make their way onto the shore in a synchronized manner. This mass nesting event is a critical stage in the life cycle of the Olive Ridley turtles and occurs at specific times and locations along the coastlines they inhabit.
Q108. Where is the shola grassland found in India?
A. Western Ghats.
B. Sundarban.
C. Andaman-Nicobar.
D. Himalayas.
Answer – A. Western Ghats.
Explanation-Shola grasslands are found in the Western Ghats mountain range of India. The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri Range, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its rich biodiversity. The shola grasslands are unique montane grassland ecosystems interspersed with patches of stunted evergreen forests called shola forests. These grasslands are characterized by rolling hills, undulating meadows, and small streams. They are home to several endemic plant and animal species and play a vital role in water conservation and maintaining ecological balance in the region.
Q109. Which of the Indian Lake possess 20% of India’s sea-grass distribution?
A. Chilka Lake.
B. Loktak Lake.
C. Dal Lake.
D. Mansar Lake.
Answer – B. Loktak Lake.
Explanation-Loktak Lake, located in the northeastern state of Manipur, possesses 20% of India’s sea-grass distribution. It is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India and serves as an important habitat for numerous plant and animal species. The lake’s unique floating phumdis (massive mats of vegetation) provide a suitable environment for the growth of sea-grass beds. These sea-grass meadows are crucial for maintaining the ecological balance of the lake and supporting a diverse range of aquatic life, including fish, water birds, and other wildlife.
Q110. What is Incinerator?
A. Furnace used for burning solid waste.
B. Furnace used for treating liquid waste.
C. Both A. and B.
D. None of the above.
Answer – A. Furnace used for burning solid waste
Explanation-An incinerator is a furnace or a facility used for the combustion of solid waste materials. It is designed to burn waste at high temperatures, typically between 800 to 1,200 degrees Celsius, in order to reduce its volume and convert it into less harmful byproducts, such as ash and gases. Incineration is a waste management method that helps in reducing the volume of waste, minimizing the release of pollutants, and recovering energy through the generation of heat or electricity from the combustion process. Incinerators are commonly used for the disposal of municipal solid waste, medical waste, and hazardous waste.
