11. Which oceanic ridge is known as the Galapagos hotspot?
[A] Carlsberg Ridge
[B] Juan de Fuca Ridge
[C] Cocos Ridge
[D] Gorda Ridge
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Cocos Ridge]
Notes:
The Cocos Ridge, also called the Galapagos hotspot, is an underwater volcanic ridge in the East Pacific Ocean. It is formed by the Galapagos hotspot, which created the Galapagos Islands and major ridges like Carnegie, Cocos, and Malpelo.
12. Consider the following ocean currents:
- Kamchatka Current
- Humboldt Current
- Leeuwin Current
- Agulhas Current
Which of the above is/are cold water currents?
[A] Only 1, 2 and 3
[B] Only 1 and 2
[C] Only 2, 3 and 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 1 and 2]
Notes:
Kamchatka Current and Humboldt Current are cold water currents: Kamchatka flows southward off Russia’s eastern coast and Humboldt northward along South America. Leeuwin and Agulhas Currents are warm currents; Leeuwin is off western Australia and Agulhas off South Africa. Thus, only statements 1 and 2 correctly identify cold water currents among the options listed.
13. Which of the following cause the generation of the Van Allen belts?
- Refraction of sunlight
- Charged particles trapped in the earth’s magnetic field
- Reflection of polar snow
- Precession of earth
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 2 & 4
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 1 & 2
[D] 1, 2 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2]
Notes:
The Van Allen belts are formed by charged particles trapped in Earth’s magnetic field. Refraction of sunlight, reflection of polar snow, and precession of Earth do not contribute to their formation. The belts are zones of energetic particles, originating mainly from solar wind and cosmic rays, confined by the geomagnetic field.
14. Subduction is responsible for which of the following?
- Volcanoes
- Earthquakes
- Orogeny
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ 1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Subduction is responsible for high rates of volcanism, earthquakes, and mountain building. When the large pieces of material on the subducting plate are pressed into the overriding plate, it results in the Orogeny or Mountain formation. These areas are subject to many earthquakes.
15. Consider the following statements:
- The Tropic of Cancer passes through six states of India.
- While moving from west towards India, Oman is the last country on land through which the Tropic of Cancer passes before entering India.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Both 1 and 2
[C] Only 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 2]
Notes:
The first statement is incorrect as the Tropic of Cancer passes through eight Indian states: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura and Mizoram. The second statement is correct, as Oman is the last country on land traversed by the Tropic of Cancer before it enters India.
16. Consider the following statements regarding the Sun:
- Nuclear fusion occurs in the core of the Sun.
- Sunspots are observable on the photosphere.
- During a solar eclipse, the Moon blocks the chromosphere of the Sun.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] 2 and 3 Only
[B] 1 Only
[C] 1 and 2 Only
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1 and 2 Only]
Notes:
The first statement is correct because nuclear fusion specifically takes place within the Sun’s core. The second is correct since sunspots are observed on the photosphere, the Sun’s visible surface. The third statement is incorrect; during a solar eclipse, the Moon blocks the photosphere, not the chromosphere.
17. Consider the following pairs:
- Mosses and Lichens – Tundra Vegetation
- Velds – Tropical Grassland
- Llanos – Temperate Grassland
Which of the above is/are correct?
[A] 1 Only
[B] 1 & 2 Only
[C] 1, 2 & 3
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1 Only]
Notes:
The temperate grasslands of South Africa are called Velds. Llanos are tropical grasslands plain situated to the east of the Andes in Colombia and Venezuela and north western South America.
18. Which of the following statements is/are correct about Alpine Tundra?
- Alpine tundra occurs in middle latitude and at high altitudes
- The ground in the alpine tundra is permanently frozen and is called permafrost
Select the correct option from codes given below:
[A] 1 Only
[B] 2 Only
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1 Only]
Notes:
Alpine tundra occurs in middle-latitude regions, but at very high regions. Due to thin layer of soil present in alpine tundra, only few plants species can survive in this region. In rocky alpine regions, lichens and mosses are the dominant plants, but in alpine meadows, grasses and small woody shrubs can be found at some places. Alpine tundra regions do not experience permafrost like arctic tundra.
19. Consider the following statements regarding the Coriolis Effect:
- The effect increases with increase in latitude.
- The effect is an artifact of the Earth's rotation.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Neither 1 nor 2
[D] Both 1 and 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Both 1 and 2]
Notes:
The Coriolis Effect is zero at the equator and increases towards the poles, so statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is also correct as the Coriolis Effect arises due to Earth's rotation, causing deflection of winds: to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. Both statements accurately describe the phenomenon.
20. Consider the following statements regarding the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS):
- It is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.
- It shares a small territory in North East India.
- The region is marked by subsistence or near-subsistence agricultural lifestyles.
- The GMS possesses considerable coal, oil and gas reserves.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 1, 3 and 4
[C] Only 1, 2 and 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 1, 3 and 4]
Notes:
Statements 1, 3, and 4 are correct: the GMS is a recognized biodiversity hotspot, its economy is heavily based on subsistence agriculture, and it holds significant reserves of coal, oil and gas. However, statement 2 is incorrect, as the GMS covers major parts of Southeast Asia and does not extend into North East India.
