1. Consider the following statements regarding the Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF):
- Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is transmitted by an insect.
- Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) does not cause clinical illness in animals.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 1 is correct
[B] Only 2 is correct
[C] Both 1 and 2 are correct
[D] Neither 1 nor 2 is correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Neither 1 nor 2 is correct]
Notes:
CCHF is not spread by insects but mainly by ticks, primarily of the Hyalomma genus. Additionally, while many animals can carry the CCHF virus asymptomatically, the statement that it does not cause disease in animals is partially correct, but the first statement is incorrect. Therefore, neither statement is fully correct as per scientific consensus.
2. Which of the following actions can help increase the level of good cholesterol (HDL) in the body?
- Increase the use of trans fatty acids in diet
- Stop smoking
- Consume omega-3 fatty acids
Select the correct option using the codes given below:
[A] 1, 2 & 3
[B] Only 1 & 3
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] Only 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 2 & 3]
Notes:
Trans fatty acids lower good cholesterol (HDL) and increase bad cholesterol (LDL). Ceasing smoking and consuming omega-3 fatty acids are both associated with increased HDL levels. Therefore, only statements 2 and 3 are correct, while increasing trans fatty acid consumption is detrimental to HDL levels.
3. Consider the following statements with reference to the malarial parasite:
- It is a prokaryotic protist of the genus ‘Plasmodium’, transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito.
- After entering the human body, it multiplies within the red blood cells (RBCs) and causes symptoms of malaria after destroying the RBCs.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
[A] Only 1
[B] Neither 1 nor 2
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Only 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Only 2]
Notes:
Statement 1 is incorrect because Plasmodium is a eukaryotic protist, not prokaryotic. Statement 2 is correct, as Plasmodium multiplies in human RBCs, causing their destruction and malaria symptoms. Therefore, only statement 1 is incorrect, and statement 2 is correct.
4. Consider the following:
- Frogs
- Salamanders
- Tortoises
Which of the above is / are amphibian(s)?
[A] Only 2 and 3
[B] Only 1 and 3
[C] 1, 2 and 3
[D] Only 1 and 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Only 1 and 2]
Notes:
Frogs and salamanders are both amphibians, characterized by their ability to live both on land and in water. Tortoises, on the other hand, are reptiles and are adapted primarily for terrestrial life. Therefore, only 1 and 2 are amphibians among the options provided, and not tortoises.
5. Consider the following statements about green manure crop Sesbania rostrata, which has been developed by BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre) using mutational breeding technology:
- Sesbania rostrata naturally grows in desert regions
- It has high rate of nitrogen fixation.
- It reduces weed proliferation and weed growth.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Only 2 & 3]
Notes:
Using mutational breeding, BARC has successfully developed green manure crop – Sesbania rostrata that is proving highly cost-effective for small farmers. First statement is incorrect because Sesbania rostrata occurs naturally in marshes, floodplains, on muddy river banks.
6. Consider the following statements:
- Algae are primary producers in aquatic ecosystems.
- Most edible algae are marine algae as most freshwater algae are toxic.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Both 1 and 2
[B] Only 1
[C] Only 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Both 1 and 2]
Notes:
Algae are crucial primary producers in aquatic ecosystems, forming the base of the food chain by photosynthesizing. Most edible algae are marine because marine environments yield diverse, non-toxic seaweed species, whereas many freshwater algae contain toxins unsuitable for consumption. Therefore, both statements are factually correct based on ecological and nutritional studies.
7. Identify the animal on the basis of the hints given below:
- This animal is a primate and is presently the only poisonous primate discovered so far.
- It is a nocturnal, insectivorous animal.
- It lacks a tail or has only a rudimentary tail.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Orangutan
[B] Lemur
[C] Chimpanzee
[D] Loris
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Loris]
Notes:
The correct answer is Loris. Loris is the only known poisonous primate, noted for its nocturnal and insectivorous behavior. It commonly lacks a full tail, possessing only a rudimentary one. Defensive toxins from its elbow patch can be delivered via a bite, causing harmful allergic reactions. Orangutans, lemurs, and chimpanzees are non-poisonous and have different physiological traits.
8. Consider the following statements regarding Alligators and Crocodiles:
- Alligators and Crocodiles, though belonging to the same family of reptiles, are classified under different orders.
- Alligators predominantly inhabit freshwater environments, while crocodiles are often found in brackish or saltwater habitats.
- The salt glands of Alligators are non-functional, whereas those of Crocodiles are active and assist in excreting excess salt.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1 is correct
[B] Only 2 & 3 are correct
[C] Only 2 is correct
[D] 1, 2 & 3 are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2 & 3 are correct]
Notes:
Statement 1 is incorrect as both Alligators and Crocodiles belong to the order Crocodilia, not different orders. Statement 2 is correct; Alligators prefer freshwater while crocodiles adapt to brackish/saltwater environments. Statement 3 is also correct; crocodiles have functional salt glands, unlike alligators, allowing them to thrive in saline habitats.
9. Which of the following statements about viruses is/are correct?
- They are made of protein and nucleic acids.
- They may contain either DNA or RNA or both.
- They possess enzymes necessary for the generation of energy.
- They can be cultured only in living cells and not in a synthetic medium.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1, 2 & 3
[B] Only 1, 3 & 4
[C] Only 1 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1 & 4]
Notes:
Statement 1 is correct as viruses are composed of protein and nucleic acids. Statement 2 is incorrect; viruses contain either DNA or RNA, never both. Statement 3 is incorrect because viruses lack enzymes for energy generation. Statement 4 is correct; they can only be cultured in living cells and not in synthetic media.
10. Consider the following statements regarding the similarities between Photosynthesis and Respiration:
- Both processes produce ATP.
- Both occur in double-membrane organelles within the cell.
- Both are cyclic metabolic pathways.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] 1, 2 and 3
[B] Only 1
[C] Only 1 and 2
[D] Only 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1, 2 and 3]
Notes:
Photosynthesis and Respiration both generate ATP, occur in double-membrane organelles (chloroplasts and mitochondria, respectively), and involve cyclic metabolic pathways (Calvin cycle in photosynthesis, Krebs cycle in respiration). These features make all three statements correct regarding their similarities in cellular bioenergetics and organellar structure.
