General Knowledge MCQs
Topic Notes: General Knowledge
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
821
How do sea otters keep from drifting apart while they sleep?
Answer:
They hold hands
Sea otters are often seen holding hands while sleeping to prevent themselves from drifting away from each other or their group.
822
Cotton candy was invented by a person with which profession?
Answer:
Dentist
Dentist William Morrison, along with confectioner John C. Wharton, invented machine-spun cotton candy in 1897, originally calling it 'Fairy Floss'.
823
Which animal can hold its breath longer than a dolphin?
Answer:
Sloth
Sloths can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes underwater by slowing their heart rate, whereas dolphins generally need to surface every 10 minutes.
824
What is the technical name for the 'fear of long words'?
Answer:
Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia
Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia is, ironically, the name for the fear of long words.
825
Which letter was the last to be added to the English alphabet?
Answer:
J
The letter 'J' was the last letter added to the alphabet. Before 1524, 'i' was used for both the 'i' and 'j' sounds.
826
What was ketchup originally used for in the 1830s?
Answer:
Medicine
In the 1830s, Dr. John Cook Bennett sold tomato ketchup as a medicine to treat diarrhea, indigestion, and jaundice.
827
Which animal has fingerprints that are nearly identical to humans?
Answer:
Koala
Koala fingerprints are so similar to human fingerprints that they have been known to confuse crime scene investigators.
828
What happens to the Eiffel Tower in the summer?
Answer:
It grows taller
Due to thermal expansion of the iron, the Eiffel Tower can grow up to 15 centimeters (6 inches) taller during hot summers.
829
Cleopatra lived closer in time to the invention of the iPhone than to what event?
Answer:
The building of the Great Pyramid of Giza
The Great Pyramid was built around 2560 BC, and Cleopatra lived around 30 BC. The gap is over 2,500 years, whereas she lived about 2,000 years before the iPhone (2007).
830
Which mammal is capable of true flight?
Answer:
Bat
Bats are the only mammals capable of sustained flight. Other animals like flying squirrels can only glide.