1. In which organ RBC are selectively destroyed/ recycled by macrophages?
[A] Spleen
[B] Kidney
[C] Liver
[D] Pancreas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Spleen]
Notes:
The spleen, which is located under the ribcage and above the stomach in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen is the largest organ in the lymphatic system. It is that organ where RBC are selectively destroyed/ recycled by macrophages.
2. The ancestors of land plants were most likely similar to modern__:
[A] Conifers
[B] Ferns
[C] Green Algae
[D] Flowering Plants
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Green Algae]
Notes:
The ancestor of the modern multicellular plant is the green algae, Chlorophyta.
3. The reproduction where only one parent passes genes to the offspring is known as __?
[A] Epimixis
[B] Apomixis
[C] Pseudogamy
[D] Parthenocarpy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Apomixis]
Notes:
Apomixis is reproduction where only one parent passes genes to the offspring. Apomictically produced offspring are genetically identical to the parent (clones). The method is most seen in plants, especially flowering plants. Brambles (blackberry) are apomictic. Some authorities give “reproduction by special tissues without fertilisation”, or “asexual formation of a seed from the maternal tissues of the ovule, avoiding meiosis and fertilization, leading to embryo development”. (Wikipedia Simple)
4. Which of the following two vegetables are in same Genus Solanum?
[A] Potato and Brinjal
[B] Potato and Cauliflower
[C] Brinjal and Chilli
[D] Tomato and Radish
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Potato and Brinjal]
Notes:
Potato and Brinjal have several common features and are thus included in the same genus Solanum. The scientific name of Potato is Solanum tuberosum and Brinjal is Solanum melongena.
5. Which of the following micro-organism causes diseases like polio and chicken pox?
[A] Bacteria
[B] Protozoa
[C] Algae
[D] Virus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Virus]
Notes:
Poliomyelitis or polio is an infection caused by the polio virus. It is a serious disease affecting a person’s brain and spinal cord. Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious disease caused by the initial infection with varicella zoster virus (VZV).
6. Conception generally takes place at which of the following times?
[A] Menses
[B] Before menses
[C] Immediately after menses
[D] Two weeks after menses
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Two weeks after menses]
Notes:
The egg can be fertilized for 12 to 24 hours after it’s released as it travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus. If an egg meets up with a sperm cell that has made its way into the fallopian tube, it combines into one cell, a process that’s known as fertilization or conception. It happens two weeks after menses.
7. Which of the following is the rich source of iron? (UPSC Prelims 1982)
[A] Eggs
[B] Green vegetables
[C] Pulses
[D] Milk
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Green vegetables]
Notes:
Iron is also found in many plant-based foods such as:
• Green vegetables, for example spinach, silverbeet and broccoli
• Lentils and beans
• Nuts and seeds
• Grains, for example whole wheat, brown rice and fortified breakfast cereals
• Dried fruit
8. In the context of the organic evolution, the loss of limbs of snakes is explained by which of the following phenomenon? (UPSC Prelims 2002)
[A] Use and disuse of organs
[B] adaptation to living in burrows
[C] natural selection
[D] inheritance of acquired characters
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Use and disuse of organs]
Notes:
In organic evolution, Lamarck believed that any particular part of the body that is put into more frequent use has tendency to develop stronger and better while that part of body which is put into less or no use has tendency to gradually disappear. So, loss of limbs in snake is an example of use and disuse of organs.
9. Which of the following whales can be easily identified by the white calluses on their heads?
[A] Humpback Whale
[B] Antarctic Minke Whales
[C] North Atlantic Right Whale
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [North Atlantic Right Whale]
Notes:
The North Atlantic right whale is a baleen whale. At present, they are among the most endangered whales in the world. They feed on plankton and are usually found in coastal waters.
10. Which of the following branch of biology deals with the study and rearing of grasses?
[A] Agrostology
[B] Agronomy
[C] Dendrology
[D] Phenology
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Agrostology]
Notes:
Agrostology, the branch of botany concerned with the study of grasses, especially their taxonomy.