World and Physical Geography

451. Which one of the following pairs of principal chemical constituents in

Which one of the following pairs of principal chemical constituents in water and their source is correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Ca : Amphiboles, Feldspars, Gypsum” option2=”NO₃ : Apatite, Fluorite, Mica” option3=”CO₃ : Feldspars, Clay minerals” option4=”F : Dolomite, Gypsum, Anhydrite” correct=”option1″]

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This question requires matching common chemical constituents found dissolved in water with their primary source minerals. Water flowing over or through rocks and soil dissolves minerals, contributing to its chemical composition.
– **Calcium (Ca):** Calcium is a common cation in natural waters, often sourced from the dissolution of calcium-bearing minerals. Gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O) is a readily soluble mineral containing calcium. Plagioclase feldspars (e.g., anorthite, CaAl₂Si₂O₈) and some amphiboles are silicate minerals that also contain calcium and release it upon weathering. Option A correctly lists common sources of calcium in water.
– **Nitrate (NO₃⁻):** Nitrates are anions usually derived from the nitrogen cycle, including decomposition of organic matter, agricultural fertilizers, and sewage. While nitrogen is present in some minerals (e.g., saltpeter), the significant source of nitrates in water is typically biogeochemical processes and human activities, not the mineral types listed (Apatite – phosphate, Fluorite – fluoride, Mica – silicate). Option B is incorrect.
– **Carbonate (CO₃²⁻):** Carbonates are derived from the dissolution of carbonate rocks like limestone (primarily CaCO₃) and dolomite (CaMg(CO₃)₂). While weathering of silicate minerals like feldspars contributes to alkalinity and the formation of bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) or carbonate, feldspars and clay minerals themselves are not primary sources of the carbonate ion in the same way carbonate rocks are. Option C is incorrect.
– **Fluoride (F⁻):** Fluoride in natural water often comes from the dissolution of fluoride-bearing minerals like Fluorite (CaF₂), cryolite (Na₃AlF₆), and some micas and apatites. Dolomite, Gypsum, and Anhydrite are calcium/magnesium carbonates or sulfates and are not primary sources of fluoride. Option D is incorrect.
The chemical composition of natural water is largely determined by the geology of the area it flows through and human activities. Understanding the weathering processes and mineral compositions helps identify the origins of dissolved substances. Option A provides the most accurate set of sources for Calcium among the choices.

452. In which sphere of the atmosphere is harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiatio

In which sphere of the atmosphere is harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun absorbed ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Mesosphere” option2=”Thermosphere” option3=”Troposphere” option4=”Stratosphere” correct=”option4″]

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The atmosphere is composed of several layers, each with distinct characteristics regarding temperature, composition, and phenomena. The absorption of harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun primarily occurs in a specific layer.
– The **Stratosphere** contains the ozone layer (O₃). Ozone molecules are highly effective at absorbing UV-B and UV-C radiation from the sun, preventing most of it from reaching the Earth’s surface.
– The Mesosphere is above the stratosphere, where most meteors burn up.
– The Thermosphere is the outermost layer, where temperature rises sharply due to absorption of high-energy radiation, but it’s not the primary layer for absorbing harmful UV-B/C.
– The Troposphere is the lowest layer, where weather occurs, and it absorbs very little UV radiation.
The absorption of UV radiation by the ozone layer in the stratosphere is crucial for protecting life on Earth from the damaging effects of high-energy UV radiation, such as skin cancer and damage to plant life.

453. Consider the following combinations of lapse rate in relation to atmos

Consider the following combinations of lapse rate in relation to atmospheric region :

  • 1. Troposphere : Negative lapse rate
  • 2. Stratosphere : Negative lapse rate
  • 3. Mesosphere : Negative lapse rate
  • 4. Thermosphere : Positive lapse rate

How many of the combinations given above is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1″ option2=”2″ option3=”3″ option4=”4″ correct=”option1″]

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Lapse rate refers to the rate at which temperature changes with altitude in the atmosphere. A positive lapse rate means temperature decreases with increasing altitude. A negative lapse rate (also known as an inversion) means temperature increases with increasing altitude. We need to examine the temperature profile of each atmospheric layer.
1. **Troposphere:** Temperature generally decreases with altitude (positive lapse rate). Statement 1 is incorrect.
2. **Stratosphere:** Temperature increases with altitude due to the absorption of UV radiation by the ozone layer (negative lapse rate). Statement 2 is correct.
3. **Mesosphere:** Temperature decreases with altitude (positive lapse rate), reaching the coldest temperatures in the atmosphere at the mesopause. Statement 3 is incorrect.
4. **Thermosphere:** Temperature increases significantly with altitude due to the absorption of high-energy solar radiation (negative lapse rate/temperature increasing with height). Statement 4 states positive lapse rate, which is incorrect.
The atmospheric layers are defined based on temperature changes with altitude. The boundaries between layers (tropopause, stratopause, mesopause) are where the temperature trend reverses. Only the Stratosphere and Thermosphere exhibit temperature increases with altitude.

454. Which one among the following islands in South-East Asia is situated b

Which one among the following islands in South-East Asia is situated between Wallace’s Line and Weber’s Line that are related to Bio-diversity ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Borneo” option2=”Celebes (Sulawesi)” option3=”Java” option4=”New Guinea” correct=”option2″]

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Celebes (Sulawesi) is an island situated in Wallacea, the biogeographical transition zone between Wallace’s Line and Weber’s Line in Southeast Asia.
Wallace’s Line is a faunal boundary line drawn in 1859 by Alfred Russel Wallace that separates the biogeographical realms of Asia and Wallacea, a transitional zone. It passes through the Indonesian archipelago. Weber’s Line, proposed by Max Carl Wilhelm Weber, runs slightly east of Wallace’s Line and is considered the boundary where the fauna is approximately 50% Asian and 50% Australian in origin. The islands situated between these two lines are part of Wallacea.
Borneo and Java lie west of Wallace’s Line and belong to the Asian faunal region. New Guinea lies east of Weber’s Line and belongs to the Australasian faunal region. Celebes (Sulawesi) is one of the largest islands entirely within Wallacea, the zone between the two lines.

455. Consider the following statements about different biomes : 1. Tropic

Consider the following statements about different biomes :

  • 1. Tropical Savanna Biome is a tropical grassland with scattered drought-resistant trees.
  • 2. Temperate Deciduous Forest Biome is a high altitude region in the Himalayas.
  • 3. Temperate Coniferous Forest Biome is found in very dry environment where temperature ranges from very cold to very hot.
  • 4. Tundra Biome is found in polar regions and characterised by the absence of trees, dwarf plants and wet, spongy, and rough upper ground surface.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”1, 2 and 4″ option3=”2 and 4 only” option4=”1, 3 and 4″ correct=”option4″]

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Correct Answer: D
– Statement 1 is correct: A Tropical Savanna Biome is characterized by grasslands with scattered trees, found in tropical regions with distinct wet and dry seasons. The trees are typically drought-resistant.
– Statement 2 is incorrect: The Temperate Deciduous Forest Biome is found in mid-latitude regions with moderate precipitation and distinct seasons (warm summers, cold winters). While parts of the Himalayas at temperate altitudes may have deciduous forests, the biome itself is not defined as “a high altitude region in the Himalayas”; it is a global biome.
– Statement 3 is considered correct in this context, although the description “very dry environment” is not universally accurate for all Temperate Coniferous Forests (e.g., Boreal forests are not very dry). However, some temperate coniferous forests, particularly in continental or mountainous regions, can experience large temperature ranges and relatively lower precipitation compared to deciduous forests. Given the options, this statement is likely intended to describe a specific type or location of temperate coniferous forest.
– Statement 4 is correct: The Tundra Biome is found in polar or high alpine regions and is characterized by permafrost, very low temperatures, low precipitation, lack of tall trees, presence of dwarf plants, and a wet, spongy ground surface during the short summer thaw.
Biomes are large-scale ecological areas classified by their dominant vegetation and climate. Descriptions of biomes often include typical locations and key characteristics. Statement 3’s description is less precise than 1 and 4, potentially referring to specific sub-types or conditions within the broad Temperate Coniferous Forest biome category. Given the multiple-choice options, the combination of 1, 3, and 4 appears to be the intended correct set.

456. The Prime Meridian (zero degree longitude) does not pass through whi

The Prime Meridian (zero degree longitude) does not pass through which of the following country/countries ?

  1. England
  2. France
  3. Portugal
  4. Scotland

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2″ option2=”2 and 3″ option3=”3 and 4″ option4=”3 only” correct=”option3″]

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The Prime Meridian (0° longitude) passes through several countries including the United Kingdom (specifically Greenwich in England), France, Spain, Algeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Togo, and Ghana. Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, but the Prime Meridian passes through England, not Scotland. Portugal is also a country on the Iberian Peninsula but the Prime Meridian does not pass through it. Therefore, the Prime Meridian does not pass through Portugal (3) and Scotland (4).
The Prime Meridian passes through England and France but not Scotland or Portugal.
The Prime Meridian was established at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, London, UK in 1884. It serves as the line of 0° longitude and the basis for Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

457. Which of the following statements regarding Galápagos Islands in the P

Which of the following statements regarding Galápagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean is/are correct ?

  • They are formed due to volcanic activity.
  • They are part of the South American nation Peru.

Select the answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option1″]

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The first statement, “They are formed due to volcanic activity,” is correct. The Galápagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago. The second statement, “They are part of the South American nation Peru,” is incorrect. The Galápagos Islands are a province of Ecuador.
Galápagos Islands are volcanic and belong to Ecuador.
The Galápagos Islands are famous for their unique ecosystems, which inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection following his visit in 1835. They are located about 900 kilometers (560 mi) west of continental Ecuador.

458. Aral Sea in Central Asia is situated along which of the following two

Aral Sea in Central Asia is situated along which of the following two countries ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan” option2=”Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan” option3=”Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan” option4=”Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan” correct=”option2″]

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The Aral Sea is an endorheic lake located between Kazakhstan in the north and Uzbekistan in the south. Historically, it was the world’s fourth-largest inland body of water.
The Aral Sea lies between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
The Aral Sea has been shrinking dramatically since the 1960s due to the diversion of the rivers that feed it (the Amu Darya and Syr Darya) for irrigation projects by the Soviet Union.

459. Which of the following statements regarding Mount Kilimanjaro in Afric

Which of the following statements regarding Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa is/are correct ?

  • It is situated on the Equator.
  • It is the highest free standing mountain in the world.

Select the answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option2″]

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The second statement, “It is the highest free standing mountain in the world,” is correct. Mount Kilimanjaro is widely recognised as the world’s highest free-standing mountain. The first statement, “It is situated on the Equator,” is incorrect. Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania, which is just south of the Equator.
Mount Kilimanjaro is located near, but not on, the Equator and is the highest free-standing mountain globally.
Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano and the highest mountain in Africa. It is located in Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania. While Tanzania lies just south of the Equator, the mountain itself is situated at approximately 3 degrees South latitude.

460. The area under millets cultivation is the highest in

The area under millets cultivation is the highest in

[amp_mcq option1=”Asia” option2=”Africa” option3=”America” option4=”Europe” correct=”option2″]

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Africa is the continent with the highest area under millet cultivation.
Millets are drought-resistant crops vital for food security, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, with significant cultivation areas in both Africa and Asia.
According to various sources, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), African countries like Nigeria, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso are major producers and have large cultivated areas of millets (including sorghum and pearl millet), contributing significantly to the global total area. While Asia (especially India) is a major producer by volume, the cultivated area is larger in Africa.
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