11. Which one of the following organisms can serve as a biofertiliser for rice crop? (UPSC Prelims 2000)
[A] Blue-green algae
[B] Rhizobium sp
[C] Mycorrhizal fungi
[D] Azotobacter sp
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Blue-green algae]
Notes:
Blue green algae is used as a biofertilizer in rice crop. Blue green algae has the nitrogen fixing ability which enhances the production of rice. Blue–green algae are not algae at all, but types of bacteria called cyanobacteria that are normally present in many lakes.
12. Which of the following correctly defines an Antigen? (UPSC Prelims 2002)
[A] Lowers body temperature
[B] destroys harmful bacteria
[C] triggers the immune system
[D] is used as an antidote to poison
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [triggers the immune system]
Notes:
An antigen is any substance that causes your immune system to produce antibodies against it. An antigen may be a substance from the environment, such as chemicals, bacteria, viruses, or pollen. An antigen may also form inside the body.
13. What is Georgios Papanikolaou famous for?
[A] As an inventor of Odometer
[B] As an inventor of Pointed arch bridge
[C] As an inventor of Counterweight Trebuchet
[D] As an inventor of Pap smear test
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [As an inventor of Pap smear test]
Notes:
Georgios Nikolaou Papanikolaou or George Papanicolaou was a Greek physician who was a pioneer in cytopathology and early cancer detection, and inventor of the “Pap smear test”.
14. The study of living organisms in relation to other organisms and their environment is known as__?
[A] Ecology
[B] Evolution
[C] Ethology
[D] Ethnology
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ecology]
Notes:
Ecology is a branch of science, which includes anthropology, population, community, ecosystem and biosphere. Ecology is the study of organisms, the environment, and how organisms interact with each other and with their environment.
15. Which of the following concepts was explained by Stephen Hales?
[A] new species are formed from the sudden and unexpected emergence of alterations in their defining traits.
[B] plant function and behaviour
[C] principles of genetics and inheritance to the improvement of the human race
[D] None of these
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [plant function and behaviour]
Notes:
Plant physiology is the study of plant function and behaviour. This concepts was explained by Stephen Hales.
16. The Six Kingdoms of Classification is also known as the latest classification system. By whom is it given?
[A] C Woese
[B] O Kandler
[C] Mc Wheels.
[D] Ernest Haeckel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [C Woese]
Notes:
In biology, a scheme of classifying organisms into six kingdoms: Proposed by Carl Woese et al: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista, Archaea/Archaeabacteria, and Bacteria/Eubacteria.
17. Covered smut of Sorghum is caused by which of the following?
[A] Sphacelotheca sorghi
[B] Sphacelotheca cruenta
[C] Sphacelotheca reiliana
[D] Tolyposporium ehrenbergii
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sphacelotheca sorghi]
Notes:
Sporisorium sorghi is a fungus in the family of Ustilaginaceae. It is a plant pathogen that causes the covered scum of sorghum.
18. In which group would you place a plant that produces spores, lacks seeds, and has vascular tissue?
[A] Bryophyte
[B] Algae
[C] Pteridophyte
[D] Gymnosperm
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Pteridophyte]
Notes:
Pteridophyte is a vascular plant that disperses spores as pteridophytes produce neither flowers nor seeds.
19. What does it act as a connecting link between angiosperms and gymnosperms?
[A] Gnetales
[B] Coniferales
[C] Ginkgoales
[D] Cycadales
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gnetales]
Notes:
Gnetales act as a connecting link between angiosperms and gymnosperms. They show resemblance to both gymnosperms and angiosperms.
20. Sterile stamens are called which of the following?
[A] Epipetalous
[B] Monadelphous
[C] Staminode
[D]
Epiphyllous
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Staminode]
Notes:
A staminode often has rudimentary, sterile or abortive stamens that do not produce pollen.
