1. With reference to the ‘Three Gorges Antarctic Eye’, consider the following statements:
- It is a 3.2-metre optical telescope designed primarily to study gamma-ray bursts.
- It is located at China’s Zhongshan Station in Antarctica.
- The telescope is intended to study interstellar gas and star formation processes.
- The project is a collaboration between China Three Gorges University and Shanghai Normal University.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[A] 1 and 2 only
[B] 2, 3 and 4 only
[C] 1, 3 and 4 only
[D] 2 and 4 only
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [2, 3 and 4 only]
Notes:
Statement 1 is incorrect — the telescope is not optical nor focused on gamma-ray bursts; it is a radio/millimeter-wave telescope studying neutral hydrogen and ammonia lines, which are key to understanding interstellar gas and star formation processes. Thus, combinations inclusive of the first option are wrong. The correct answer is 2, 3 and 4 only.
2. Consider the advantages provided by the strategic location of the ‘Three Gorges Antarctic Eye’ in Antarctica for astronomical observation from the following:
- Low atmospheric water vapor aiding millimeter-wave detection
- Continuous darkness for several months enabling long-duration observations
- High tectonic activity assisting in deep-Earth neutrino detection
- Minimal radio frequency interference from human settlements
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1, 2 and 4
[B] Only 1, 3 and 4
[C] Only 2 and 3
[D] All 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1, 2 and 4]
Notes:
The strategic location of the ‘Three Gorges Antarctic Eye’ in Antarctica provides unique advantages for astronomical observation. Its low atmospheric water vapor assists in millimeter-wave detection, while continuous darkness allows for long-duration observations. Furthermore, the minimal level of human-made radio frequency interference is beneficial for clear results. Contrarily, tectonic activity is irrelevant for this kind of astronomical observation, making statement 3 incorrect.
3. 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.
4. With reference to the Wallace Line, Consider the following Statements:- It is a bio-geographical boundary separating the eco-zones of Antarctica and Australia.
- The area between the Wallace Line and Australia is known as the Coral Triangle, the most biodiverse marine environment on Earth.
Which of the Statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2]
Notes:- It is a bio-geographical boundary separating the eco-zones of Antarctica and Australia. Incorrect: Wallace Line is a bio-geographical boundary separating the eco-zones of Asia and Australia. It was identified by British explorer Alfred Russel Wallace in 1863 during his explorations.
- The area between the Wallace Line and Australia is known as the Coral Triangle, the most biodiverse marine environment on Earth. Correct: While the Wallace Line is a barrier for terrestrial species, it doesn’t stop marine life. The area between the Wallace Line and the Sahul Shelf (near Australia) is known as the Coral Triangle, the most biodiverse marine environment on Earth.
5. Consider the following:
- Antarctic midge (Belgica antarctica)
- Emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri)
- Snow petrel (Pagodroma nivea)
Which of the above is/are known for their unique adaptations to survive in extreme Antarctic conditions?
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] 1, 2 & 3
[D] Only 1
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:- The Antarctic midge is the only insect native to Antarctica, employing quiescence and obligate diapause to survive freezing temperatures.
- Emperor penguins are the largest of the penguin species, known for their remarkable breeding behavior and ability to withstand harsh winter conditions by huddling together for warmth.
- Snow petrels are small seabirds that nest in Antarctic regions, possessing adaptations like a specialized gland to excrete salt, allowing them to thrive in their icy habitat.
6. With reference to rabies, which of the following observations is/are correct?
- Rabies is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic, viral disease caused by the RABV virus.
- Rabies is present on all continents except Antarctica, with over 95% of human deaths occurring in Asia and Africa.
- Rabies can be treated effectively with antibiotics.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] Only three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only two]
Notes:- Rabies is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic, viral disease caused by the RABV virus. Correct: Rabies is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic, viral disease caused by the RABV virus. It primarily affects the central nervous system, leading to severe brain disease and death if medical care is not received before symptoms start.
- Rabies is present on all continents except Antarctica, with over 95% of human deaths occurring in Asia and Africa. Correct: Rabies is present on all continents except Antarctica, with over 95% of human deaths occurring in Asia and Africa. It is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTD) that predominantly affects already marginalized, poor, and vulnerable populations.
- Rabies can be treated effectively with antibiotics. Incorrect: Rabies cannot be treated with antibiotics, as it is a viral infection and requires immediate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent the onset of symptoms.
7. With respect to nematodes, which of the following observations is/are correct?
- Nematodes primarily feed on underground plant tissues such as roots and tubers.
- Nematodes exist on every continent, thriving in deserts, swamps, oceans, tropics, and Antarctica.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Never 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:- Nematodes primarily feed on underground plant tissues such as roots and tubers. Correct: Nematodes are microscopic worms that primarily attack plant roots, rhizomes, tubers, and bulbs, causing damage to crops.
- Nematodes exist on every continent, thriving in deserts, swamps, oceans, tropics, and Antarctica. Correct: Nematodes have been reported from every continent on earth and occur in deserts, swamps, the oceans, the tropics and Antarctica.
8. In the context of Rabies and Rabies in India, consider the following statements:
- It is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic viral disease caused by the RABV virus.
- Rabies is found on all continents except Antarctica, with over 95% of human deaths in Asia and Africa.
- India has set an ambitious goal to eliminate dog-mediated rabies by 2047.
Choose the correct option from the codes below.
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only two]
Notes:- It is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic viral disease caused by the RABV virus. Correct: Rabies is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic, viral disease caused by the RABV virus. It primarily affects the central nervous system, leading to severe brain disease and death if medical care is not received before symptoms start.
- Rabies is found on all continents except Antarctica, with over 95% of human deaths in Asia and Africa. Correct: Rabies is present on all continents except Antarctica, with over 95% of human deaths occurring in Asia and Africa. It is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTD) that predominantly affects already marginalized, poor, and vulnerable populations.
- India has set an ambitious goal to eliminate dog-mediated rabies by 2047. Incorrect: Unveiled in 2023 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying to eliminate rabies by 2030. It includes: Awareness, Surveillance, Vaccination, Dog population management and Real-time monitoring of rabies vaccine stocks and tracking of beneficiaries.
9. Which of the following statements about natural ice formations are correct?
- The A23a is the world’s largest iceberg, located in the Weddell Sea.
- The B-15 iceberg was originally the largest iceberg recorded after breaking off the Ross Ice Shelf in 2000.
- The Pine Island Glacier Iceberg B-31 calved from Antarctica in 2013 and is notable for its size.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2, & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, & 3]
Notes:
All three statements are correct. The A23a is indeed the largest iceberg located in the Weddell Sea, covering approximately 4,250 square kilometers. The B-15 iceberg broke off the Ross Ice Shelf in 2000 and was the largest ever recorded at the time. The Pine Island Glacier Iceberg B-31 calved from Antarctica’s Pine Island Glacier in 2013 and is notable for its size. This comprehensive understanding of natural ice formations validates the correctness of all three statements.
10. Which of the following correctly describes atmospheric phenomena?
- Jet Stream is a fast-flowing air current in the upper atmosphere.
- Chinook Winds are cold descending winds.
- Katabatic Winds are common in Antarctica.
- Pineapple Express affects polar regions.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 3
[B] Only 2 & 4
[C] 1, 3 and 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 & 3]
Notes:
Jet Streams are high-speed winds in the upper atmosphere. Katabatic Winds are cold and dense, flowing downwards, notably in Antarctica. Chinook Winds are warm winds, not cold. Pineapple Express brings moisture to California, not the polar regions.
