11. Which among the options listed can be classified as a ‘living fossil’? (UPSC Prelims 1987)
[A] Blue green algae
[B] Green algae
[C] Fungus
[D] Ginkgo
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ginkgo]
Notes:
The term ‘living fossil’ represents the organisms that have survived major extinction events, with little evolutionary change for hundreds of millions of years. Ginkgo is one such example. Ginkgos are native to China and are virtually unchanged for over 200 million years. The water and pest resistant nature, coupled with an ability to cope with pollution, aids in their longevity. The plant is predominantly used for medicinal purposes, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
12. At which of the following ages Rennin and lactase, disappear in the human body? (UPSC Prelims 1994)
[A] two
[B] three
[C] five
[D] eight
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [two]
Notes:
By the age of two, the rennin and lactase enzymes start disappearing. However, these enzymes completely disappear by the age of eight in humans. After, this the stomach of person becomes mature enough to produce pepsin to digest the food.
13. Which part of the human body is affected by Alziemer’s disease?
[A] Brain
[B] Lungs
[C] Heart
[D] Kidneys
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Brain]
Notes:
Alziemer’s is a disease which attacks the neural system, It results in continuous decline in the number brain cells which leads to loss of memory.
14. Which among the following are female sex harmones?
[A] Estrogen
[B] Progesterone
[C] Testosterone
[D] Both a and b
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Both a and b]
Notes:
Estrogen and progesterone are the female sex harmones. Estrogen is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics. Progesterone supports during pregnancy and controls the menstrual cycles in women.
15. How many chromosomes are present in human beings?
[A] 44
[B] 46
[C] 48
[D] 42
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [46]
Notes:
Human beings have 46 chromosomes in their cells. 22 pairs of autosomes and 2 special chromosomes called sex chromosomes are present.
16. Which branch of biology is known for the study of cells?
[A] Cytology
[B] Bacteriology
[C] Bryology
[D] Mycology
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Cytology]
Notes:
The study of cell or cell biology is called cytology. The initial phase of cytology began with the English scientist Robert Hooke’s microscopic examination of cork in 1665. He observed dead cork cells and introduced the word “cell” to describe them.
17. Which of the following branch of biology deals with the study of viruses?
[A] Cytology
[B] Mycology
[C] Virology
[D] Taxonomy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Virology]
Notes:
Virology, the branch of microbiology that deals with the study of viruses.
18. The science of histology is related to which of the following studies?
[A] Tissues
[B] Cells
[C] Algae
[D] Fungi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tissues]
Notes:
Histology, also known as microscopic anatomy or microanatomy, is the branch of biology that studies the microscopic anatomy of biological tissues.
19. The study of ear, nose and throat is done in which of the following branches?
[A] Otorhinolaryngology
[B] Organology
[C] Ontogeny
[D] Ophthalmology
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Otorhinolaryngology]
Notes:
Otorhinolaryngology is a medical specialty that focuses on the ear, nose, and throat.
20. Who among the following is considered as the “Father of Indian Phycology”
[A] Prof. M.O.P. Iyenger
[B] Prof. J.N. Mishra
[C] Prof. R.R. Mishra
[D] Prof. R.N. Singh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Prof. M.O.P. Iyenger]
Notes:
MOP Iyengar from Madras is considered the father of Indian Phycology. He discovered Fritschiella heterotrichus terrestrial algae.