1. Consider the following statements about the environmental impact of Agent Orange during and after the Vietnam War:
- Upland forests sprayed with Agent Orange were found unsuitable for agriculture due to coarse grass overgrowth.
- Dioxin persists in aquatic sediments and can enter the food chain through fish and other animals.
- Most of the environmental cleanup of dioxin-contaminated areas in Vietnam was completed by 1995.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 2 and 3
[C] Only 1 and 3
[D] All Are Correct Statements
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 and 2]
Notes:
Statement 1 is correct as a 1983 study documented that sprayed upland forests in Vietnam were overrun by coarse, deep-rooting grasses, making them unsuitable for agriculture. Statement 2 is correct as Dioxin, the toxic agent in Agent Orange, persists in aquatic sediments and enters the food chain through aquatic animals. However, statement 3 is incorrect as the environmental cleanup of dioxin-contaminated areas in Vietnam began only in 2006 and is still ongoing. Hence, the correct answer is 1 and 2 only.
2. Consider the following perspectives on the Neolithic Revolution, as seen in the findings from the prehistoric site at Ramalingalagudem:
- Introduction of pottery making and weaving, marking the start of settled life.
- Development of agriculture and domestication of animals for transport and farming.
- Use of polished and ground stone tools for more durable and precise implements.
- Establishment of large urban centers with complex social hierarchies.
- Emergence of religious ceremonies and temples as part of early civilization.
Which of the above statements correctly characterizes the Neolithic Revolution?
[A] Only 1, 2 and 3
[B] Only 1, 2, 3 and 4
[C] Only 1, 2, 4 and 5
[D] All Are Correct Statements
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1, 2 and 3]
Notes:
The Neolithic Revolution is characterized by key technological and cultural advancements that signify a shift from nomadic to settled life. Among these are the introduction of pottery making and weaving, development of agriculture and animal domestication, and the use of polished and ground stone tools. However, establishment of large urban centers and emergence of religious ceremonies and temples are more reflective of later developments in human civilization, and thus not directly tied to the immediate changes during the Neolithic Revolution.
3. World Day for Animals in Laboratories is observed annually on which day?
[A] April 23
[B] April 24
[C] April 25
[D] April 26
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [April 24]
Notes:
World Day for Animals in Laboratories is observed annually on April 24. It raises awareness about the suffering of animals used in scientific testing and research. It was introduced in 1979 by the National Anti-Vivisection Society, it is recognized by many countries and animal rights groups as a symbol of compassion and a call for change in scientific experimentation. The date was chosen in honor of Lord Hugh Dowding, a prominent advocate for animal rights.
4. In context with the ecological significance of fungi, consider the following statements:
- Fungi are classified in their own kingdom, distinct from both plants and animals.
- Fungi play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and decomposition in ecosystems.
- All fungi are harmful to humans and the environment.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only two]
Notes:- Fungi are classified in their own kingdom, distinct from both plants and animals: This is correct. Fungi form a separate kingdom known as Fungi, distinct from Plantae and Animalia.
- Fungi play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and decomposition in ecosystems: This is correct. They decompose organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
- All fungi are harmful to humans and the environment: This is incorrect. Many fungi are beneficial, used in food, medicine, and ecological processes.
Thus, only two statements are correct.
5. Consider the following statements regarding the Nematodes:
- Nematodes have been reported from every continent on Earth and occur in deserts, swamps, oceans, the tropics, and Antarctica.
- They can cause a variety of diseases such as filariasis, and trichinosis and parasitize many crop plants and domesticated animals.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] 1 only
[B] 2 only
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 and 2]
Notes:- Nematodes have been reported from every continent on Earth and occur in deserts, swamps, oceans, the tropics, and Antarctica. Correct: Nematodes have been reported from every continent on earth and occur in deserts, swamps, the oceans, the tropics and Antarctica.
- They can cause a variety of diseases such as filariasis, and trichinosis and parasitize many crop plants and domesticated animals. Correct: Nematode parasites of animals occur in almost all organs of the body, but the most common sites are in the alimentary, circulatory, and respiratory systems. They can cause a variety of diseases (such as filariasis, ascariasis, and trichinosis) and parasitize many crop plants and domesticated animals.
6. Consider the following Statements regarding the Ganges River Dolphin: - The animals are blind and rely on echolocation to communicate and move.
- Being a mammal, the Ganges river dolphin cannot breathe in water and must surface every 30-120 seconds.
- Because of the sound it produces when breathing, the animal is popularly referred to as ‘Susu’.
- It has been declared a vulnerable species under IUCN red list.
Which of the Statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] Only three
[D] All four
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only three]
Notes:- The animals are blind and rely on echolocation to communicate and move. Correct: The Ganges river dolphin can only live in freshwater and is essentially blind. They hunt by emitting ultrasonic sounds, which bounces off of fish and other prey, enabling them to “see” an image in their mind.
- Being a mammal, the Ganges river dolphin cannot breathe in water and must surface every 30-120 seconds. Correct: Being a mammal, the Ganges river dolphin cannot breathe in water and must surface every 30-120 seconds.
- Because of the sound it produces when breathing, the animal is popularly referred to as ‘Susu’. Correct: Because of the sound it produces when breathing, the animal is popularly referred to as ‘Susu’.
- It has been declared a vulnerable species under IUCN red list. Incorrect: It is a Schedule I animal under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. It has been declared an endangered (EN) species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
7. With reference to genetically edited animals, consider the following statements:
- Genetically edited pigs are being developed for organ transplant compatibility.
- Gene editing is currently banned in livestock for food production in India.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1]
Notes:- Genetically edited pigs are being developed for organ transplants compatibility: This is correct. Research is ongoing to create pigs with organs suitable for human transplantation.
- Gene editing is currently banned in livestock for food production in India: This is incorrect. India does not ban gene editing in livestock for food production, but it does require regulatory approval. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is responsible for approving genetically engineered organisms for research, development, and cultivation.
8. In the light of recent studies on animal adaptations, consider the following statements:
| Animals | Adaptation Characteristics |
|---|
| 1. Polar Bear | Contains oil that keeps them dry even while sliding on ice. |
| 2. Penguin | Feathers are waterproof due to a unique oil produced by their skin. |
| 3. Otter | Dense fur traps air, providing insulation in cold water. |
| 4. Beaver | Uses fur to regulate temperature while swimming in icy rivers. |
Which of the above pairs is/are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] Only three
[D] All four
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All four]
Notes:- Polar bear fur contains sebum that helps them stay dry in icy conditions: This is correct. A recent study in Science Advances found that polar bear fur contains an oily substance that keeps them dry while moving on ice and diving into water.
- Penguin feathers are waterproof due to a unique oil produced by their skin: This is correct. Penguins have a gland that secretes oil for waterproofing their feathers.
- Otters have a dense fur layer that traps air, providing insulation in cold water: This is correct. Their fur is one of the densest in the animal kingdom, maintaining warmth.
- Beavers use their fur to regulate temperature while swimming in icy rivers: This is correct. Their fur insulates them in cold water, allowing them to thrive in frigid environments.
9. With reference to ancient Indo-Greek rulers, consider the following statements:
- Apollodotus I is known for his depiction of animals on coins, including the elephant and bull.
- Menander II is recognized as a Buddhist ruler and is mentioned in the dialogues of Milindapanho.
- Maues was the last Indo-Greek king to rule in India before the Sakas took over.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only two]
Notes:- Apollodotus I is known for his depiction of animals on coins, including the elephant and bull: This is correct. He was notable for his bilingual coins featuring these animals.
- Menander II is recognized as a Buddhist ruler and is mentioned in the dialogues of Milindapanho: This is correct. He is well-respected for his dialogues with Nagasena.
- Maues was the last Indo-Greek king to rule in India before the Sakas took over: This is incorrect. Maues was one of the early Shaka rulers, not the last Indo-Greek king.
Thus, two of the statements are correct.
10. Which animals are primarily affected by Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), that was recently seen in news?
[A] Cows and goats
[B] Deer, elk, moose, and reindeer
[C] Birds
[D] Dogs and cats
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Deer, elk, moose, and reindeer]
Notes:
Scientists are concerned about the potential for ‘zombie deer’ disease, or Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), to affect humans. CWD is a fatal neurological disease that primarily affects deer, elk, moose, and reindeer. Caused by prions, misfolded proteins that damage the brain, leading to severe dysfunction and spongy tissue. It spreads through body fluids like saliva, feces, blood, and urine, and can remain infectious in the environment for years. Symptoms include weight loss, behavioral changes, and increased drinking and salivation. There is no cure or vaccine, and although there’s no confirmed human transmission, experts remain cautious.
