1. Reserpine is categorized as which type of drug?
[A] Narcotic
[B] Anti-histamine
[C] Tranquilizer
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Tranquilizer]
Notes:
Reserpine is a tranquilizer drug that was extensively used in the mid-20th century for treating high blood pressure and psychosis. Derived from the roots of the Indian Snakeroot plant, it has a calmative effect. While not majorly used today due to side effects like depression, it was a significant stepping stone in the development of modern psychiatric medications. Its primary action is to deplete catecholamines and serotonin from the body.
2. Which of the following is a Gymnosperm?
[A] Cashew
[B] Chilgoza
[C] Pistachio
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chilgoza]
Notes:
The gymnosperms, also known as Acrogymnospermae, are a group of seed-producing plants that includes conifers, cycads, Ginkgo, and gnetophytes. Pinus gerardiana, known as the chilgoza pine is a king of Gymnosperm.
3. Which of the following ecosystems showcases the highest biodiversity?
[A] Mangroves
[B] Deserts
[C] Coral Reefs
[D] Alpine Meadows
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Coral Reefs]
Notes:
The Coral Reef ecosystem showcases the highest biodiversity among the options provided. This is due to the ideal tropical environment in which they exist, offering a wide range of habitats, shelter, and nourishment for an astonishing array of marine life. In terms of biodiversity, they are second only to tropical rainforests. Interestingly, despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor, coral reefs support about 25% of all known marine species.
4. Kernel smut and Sheath blight are two common diseases which occur due to excessive use of nitrogen fertilizer. The diseases are most commonly found in which of the following crops?
[A] Rice
[B] Potato
[C] Cotton
[D] Sugarcane
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Rice ]
Notes:
Kernel smut of rice normally is a minor disease. Damage is caused by the endosperm of the rice grain being replaced by masses of black fungal spores. Sheath blight disease caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani. This fungus is very widespread in agricultural crops.
5. Which among the following blood vessels has the smallest diameter?
[A] Arterioles
[B] Capillaries
[C] Venules
[D] Lymphatic
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Capillaries]
Notes:
Blood is carried through the body by Blood Vessels. With the help of perfusion process capillaries supplies blood to the tissues. The diameter of capillary ranges from 5-10 micrometers. The diameter of arteriole is approximately 30 micrometer.
6. Which of the following is the largest invertebrate?
[A] Arthropod
[B] Echinoderm
[C] Mollusc
[D] Sponge
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mollusc]
Notes:
Molluscs, such as squid, cuttlefish and octopus, are among the most neurologically advanced of all invertebrates—and either the giant squid or the colossal squid is the largest known invertebrate species.
7. Cattle quickly swallow grass and store it in which of its body parts?
[A] Rumen
[B] Esophagus
[C] Small intestine
[D] Salivary glands
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rumen]
Notes:
Cattle quickly swallow grass and store it in rumen. The rumen serves as a large fermentation vat in which bacteria and other microorganisms reside. The rumen, also known as a paunch, forms the larger part of the reticulorumen
8. Night Blindness is caused by deficiency of which of the following Vitamins?
[A] Vitamin C
[B] Vitamin K
[C] Vitamin A
[D] Vitamin B
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vitamin A]
Notes:
Night blindness is caused by nearsightedness, cataracts, or vitamin A deficiency. Night blindness (nyctalopia) is the inability to see well at night or in poor light. Its causes include glaucoma medications and cataracts
9. Why honey bees are called social insects? (UPSC Prelims 1982)
[A] They visit all flowers to collect nectar
[B] They live in large family groups
[C] They depend for their food upon other insects
[D] They move socially with other insects
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [They live in large family groups]
Notes:
Social insects are highly evolved insects that engage in a variety of complex tasks not practiced by the multitude of solitary insects. Honey bees are social insects because they live together in large, well-organized family groups. A single honeybee cannot grow or survive by itself. The three distinct kinds of honeybees in a colony are queen, worker, and drone.
10. Which of the following clearly defines the meaning of Plankton? (UPSC Prelims 1982)
[A] A kind of fish
[B] A submerged platform in waters
[C] Drifting of organisms in a body of water
[D] A kind of animal living under water
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Drifting of organisms in a body of water]
Notes:
Planktons are very small plants and animals that float on the surface of the sea and on which other sea animals feed.
