1. Change in genetic composition of a population is called as?
[A] extinction
[B] evolution
[C] endemic
[D] vicariance
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Correct Answer: B [evolution]
Notes:
Evolution is change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations. The theory of evolution is based on the idea that all species are related and gradually change over time.
2. Who is the father of Botany?
[A] Adam Smith
[B] Greco-Roman
[C] Theophrastus
[D] Carl Linnaeur
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Correct Answer: C [Theophrastus]
Notes:
Botany is the study of plants. Theophrastus (370-287 B.C.) is known as the father of Botany
3. How many pairs of ribs are there in a human body?
[A] 10 pairs
[B] 12 pairs
[C] 14 pairs
[D] 16 pairs
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Correct Answer: B [12 pairs]
Notes:
There are total 24 ribs (12 pairs), out of which 14 (7 pairs) are true ribs
4. Which among the following helps to determine the character of a cell?
[A] Nucleus
[B] Chromosomes
[C] Genes
[D] Plasma
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Correct Answer: C [Genes]
Notes:
Genes helps to determine the character of a cell. Gene is the basic physical and functional unit of heredity and are made up of DNA. Some of the genes act as instructions to make molecules called proteins.
5. In which of the following insects, a pigment called luciferin is found?
[A] Housefly
[B] Firefly
[C] Sandfly
[D] Fruitfly
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Correct Answer: B [Firefly]
Notes:
A pigment called luciferin is found in firefly. Luciferin is a light-emitting compound which is found in organisms that generate bioluminescence. Luciferins typically undergo an enzyme-catalyzed reaction with molecular oxygen.
6. Opium is a plant product obtained from which part of the plant?
[A] Roots
[B] Stem bark
[C] Dried Latex
[D] Dried leaves
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Correct Answer: C [Dried Latex]
Notes:
The opium poppy straw is harvested from cultivation of pharmaceutical entities, the liquid or dried sap (known as opium latex that is obtained by lancing the outer surface of poppy pods) is the starting material for the clandestine production of heroin. Poppy straw is derived when latex are fully mature and dried by mechanical means.
7. Aves have evolved from which of the following?
[A] Amphibians
[B] Arthropods
[C] Mammals
[D] Reptiles
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Correct Answer: D [Reptiles]
Notes:
Birds evolved from theropod dinosaurs during the Jurassic around 165–150 million years ago. Birds aren’t just closely related to dinosaurs, they really are dinosaurs! This is what most people mean when they say that birds are reptiles, although technically according to the phylogenetic system mammals are also reptiles.
8. ‘Pace-maker’ is associated with which of the following body organs?
[A] Liver
[B] Brain
[C] Heart
[D] Lungs
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Correct Answer: C [Heart]
Notes:
A pacemaker is a small device that’s placed in the chest or abdomen to help control abnormal heart rhythms. This device uses electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate.
9. Which of the following clearly define Pyrilla? (UPSC Prelims 1991)
[A] Disease of teeth and gums
[B] An insect pest
[C] A character of ancient Greek mythology
[D] A building heated by solar energy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [An insect pest]
Notes:
Adult Pyrilla perpusilla is a pale tawny-yellow, soft-bodied insect with head prominently drawn forward to form a snout. Both adults and nymphs are very active and suck sap from the leaves of sugarcane. On the slightest disturbance, they jump from leaf to leaf.
10. Which one of the following genetic diseases is sex-linked? (UPSC Prelims 1999)
[A] Royal haemophilia
[B] Tay-Sachs disease
[C] Cystic fibrosis
[D] Hypertension
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Royal haemophilia]
Notes:
Royal haemophilia is sex- linked disease. Clotting of blood is abnormally delayed even small cut will result in non stop bleeding in the affected individual. Queen Victoria was a carrier of this disease and produce haemophilic descendents, so haemophilia is a royal disease.
