UPSC Geoscientist Archives

1. Lassaigne’s test is used for the detection of which of the following

Lassaigne’s test is used for the detection of which of the following elements?

N, S, P, Cl

C, N, P, Br

C, N, S, I

C, N, S, Br

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Lassaigne’s test is a qualitative test used in organic chemistry to detect the presence of elements like Nitrogen (N), Sulfur (S), Halogens (Chlorine, Bromine, Iodine – Cl, Br, I), and Phosphorus (P) in an organic compound. The test involves fusing the organic compound with metallic sodium, which converts these elements into ionic compounds (NaCN, Na₂S, NaX, Na₃P) that can be detected by specific tests in the aqueous extract (Lassaigne’s extract). Option A correctly lists Nitrogen, Sulfur, Phosphorus, and Chlorine, all of which are detectable by Lassaigne’s test.

Lassaigne’s test detects elements *other than* carbon and hydrogen present in organic compounds.

After fusion with sodium, the compound is plunged into distilled water and boiled to create the Lassaigne’s extract. This extract is then tested for specific ions: CN⁻ (for N), S²⁻ (for S), X⁻ (for halogens), and PO₄³⁻ (for P). Carbon and hydrogen are the primary constituents of organic compounds and are not typically detected by this method.

2. Chronologically arrange the following events : 1. Third Battle of Pani

Chronologically arrange the following events :
1. Third Battle of Panipat
2. Invasion of Nadir Shah
3. Impeachment of Warren Hastings
4. The Diwani of Bengal transferred to the East India Company

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

2-1-4-3

3-4-2-1

1-3-4-2

4-3-2-1

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The chronological order of the events is as follows:
1. Invasion of Nadir Shah: 1739
2. Third Battle of Panipat: 1761
3. The Diwani of Bengal transferred to the East India Company: 1765 (following the Battle of Buxar and the Treaty of Allahabad)
4. Impeachment of Warren Hastings: 1788-1795 (Proceedings began in 1788)
Arranging these dates chronologically gives the order 2-1-4-3.

Understanding key dates of significant events in 18th-century Indian history is crucial for chronological arrangement questions.

Nadir Shah’s invasion weakened the Mughal Empire significantly. The Third Battle of Panipat further fragmented the power structure, paving the way for new regional powers. The grant of Diwani rights over Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha gave the East India Company immense financial and administrative power. Warren Hastings was the first Governor-General of Bengal and faced impeachment charges in the British Parliament related to his conduct in India.

3. The structure of Mahanavami Dibba is situated in which one of the foll

The structure of Mahanavami Dibba is situated in which one of the following places?

Ujjain

Gaur

Hampi

Mandu

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The structure of Mahanavami Dibba is situated in Hampi.

Hampi is the site of the ruins of Vijayanagara, the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Mahanavami Dibba is a massive stone platform located in the Royal Centre area of Hampi. It is believed to have been used by the Vijayanagara rulers for public ceremonies, especially during the Mahanavami festival (now celebrated as Navaratri or Dasara). Ujjain, Gaur, and Mandu were important historical cities but were not the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The Mahanavami Dibba is one of the most imposing structures at Hampi and is known for its intricately carved panels depicting various scenes, including processions, hunting, and religious rituals.

4. Who among the following was the first to decipher the Ashokan

Who among the following was the first to decipher the Ashokan inscriptions?

William Jones

John Marshall

James Prinsep

Alexander Cunningham

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James Prinsep was the first to decipher the Ashokan inscriptions.

James Prinsep, an English scholar and antiquary, deciphered the Brahmi script in 1837, which was used in most of the Ashokan inscriptions. This breakthrough was crucial for understanding the history and administration of the Mauryan Empire under Ashoka. William Jones founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal. John Marshall oversaw the excavations at Harappa and Mohenjo-daro. Alexander Cunningham is considered the father of Indian archaeology and conducted extensive surveys of historical sites, including many related to Ashoka.

The Ashokan inscriptions are primarily written in the Brahmi script and the Prakrit language, although some inscriptions were found in other scripts and languages (e.g., Kharosthi in the northwest, Greek and Aramaic). Prinsep’s decipherment relied on identifying repeated patterns and correlating them with known names and titles from classical texts.

5. Which one of the following Harappan centres specialized in making shel

Which one of the following Harappan centres specialized in making shell objects?

Balakot

Kalibangan

Mohenjo-daro

Banawali

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Balakot was one of the Harappan centres that specialized in making shell objects.

Archaeological evidence from Harappan sites indicates specialization in various crafts. Balakot, located near the coast (present-day Pakistan), was an important centre for the production of shell objects, likely due to the availability of raw material. Kalibangan is known for ploughed fields and fire altars. Mohenjo-daro was a major urban centre with monumental architecture. Banawali yielded evidence of a toy plough and good quality barley.

Other Harappan centres known for specific crafts include Chanhudaro (bead making), Lothal (bead making, shell work, metallurgy), and Dholavira (water management, large inscriptions). This specialization points towards a sophisticated economic and trade network within the Indus Valley Civilization.

6. The typical Nagara style Shikhara is visible in which one of the follo

The typical Nagara style Shikhara is visible in which one of the following temples?

Brihadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur

Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh

Kailasanatha Temple, Ellora

Meenakshi Temple, Madurai

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The typical Nagara style Shikhara is visible in the Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh.

The Nagara style is a prominent style of North Indian Hindu temple architecture, characterized by a curvilinear tower (shikhara) over the sanctum sanctorum. The Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh (Uttar Pradesh), built in the Gupta period (around 5th-6th century CE), is considered one of the earliest and finest examples of a Nagara style temple with a Latina (simple curvilinear) shikhara. Brihadeshwara Temple (Tanjore) and Kailasanatha Temple (Ellora) are examples of Dravidian style architecture, characterized by tiered towers (vimanas). Meenakshi Temple (Madurai) is also built in the Dravidian style, particularly noted for its elaborate gopurams (gateway towers).

Indian temple architecture is broadly classified into Nagara (North Indian), Dravidian (South Indian), and Vesara (a hybrid style). The shape of the tower over the main shrine is a key distinguishing feature.

7. Which one of the following is not a non-renewable energy source?

Which one of the following is not a non-renewable energy source?

Coal

Oil

Sunlight

Nuclear fuel

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Sunlight is not a non-renewable energy source.

Non-renewable energy sources are those that exist in a fixed amount and are consumed much faster than nature can replenish them. Coal, Oil (Petroleum), and Nuclear fuel (like Uranium) are considered non-renewable. Sunlight, however, is a continuously available resource on a human timescale, making it a renewable energy source.

Renewable energy sources are replenished naturally and include solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass energy. They are considered sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels and nuclear energy.

8. Which one of the following is defined as a natural biological unit tie

Which one of the following is defined as a natural biological unit tied together by the sharing of a common gene pool?

Vegetation

Flora

Fauna

Species

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A species is defined as a natural biological unit tied together by the sharing of a common gene pool.

In biology, a species is typically defined as a group of organisms that can interbreed in nature and produce fertile offspring. This reproductive isolation maintains the gene pool of the species as a distinct unit. Vegetation refers to the plant life of a region, Flora refers specifically to the plant species, and Fauna refers to the animal species. None of these represent a single biological unit defined by a shared gene pool in the same way as a species.

There are various concepts of species (e.g., biological species concept, morphological species concept, phylogenetic species concept), but the biological species concept, based on reproductive isolation and a shared gene pool, is widely used, especially for sexually reproducing organisms.

9. What is ‘bioenergetic approach’ in modern ecology?

What is ‘bioenergetic approach’ in modern ecology?

Study of similarities and differences in food relationships among living organisms and various forms of energy supporting life

Study of energy retention by ecosystems under threat

Study of energy loss by ecosystems under threat

Study of energy in deep oceans during cyclone buildup

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The bioenergetic approach in modern ecology is the study of similarities and differences in food relationships among living organisms and various forms of energy supporting life.

The bioenergetic approach views ecosystems in terms of energy flow and transformation. It quantifies the amount of energy at different trophic levels, how efficiently it is transferred from one level to the next, and how energy is lost from the system. This involves understanding food webs (food relationships) and the different forms of energy (solar energy captured by producers, chemical energy in biomass) that sustain life within the ecosystem.

Key concepts in bioenergetic ecology include primary production, secondary production, trophic efficiency, and ecological pyramids of energy. This approach is crucial for understanding ecosystem structure, function, and stability.

10. What are ‘circadian rhythms’?

What are ‘circadian rhythms’?

Daily responses of animals to light conditions

Growth of plant tip with changing light direction

Annual responses of living organisms to light conditions

Daily responses of animals to water availability

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Circadian rhythms are daily responses of animals to light conditions.

Circadian rhythms are endogenous biological rhythms that oscillate with a period of approximately 24 hours. They are synchronized by environmental cues, most notably light and dark cycles, and govern various physiological processes and behaviors in living organisms, including sleep-wake cycles, feeding patterns, and hormone release. They represent adaptations to the Earth’s daily cycle of light and darkness.

While primarily synchronized by light, other cues like temperature, social interaction, and food availability can also influence circadian rhythms. These rhythms are fundamental to chronobiology and are found across diverse life forms, from bacteria to humans.