General Science/Everyday Science MCQs
Topic Notes: General Science/Everyday Science
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
201
The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under Kyoto allowed:
Answer:
Offsetting emissions via projects in developing countries
CDM enabled Annex I countries to fund emission-reduction projects in non-Annex I nations. Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) could be used toward targets. It aimed to channel finance and technology.
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202
A wetland dominated by trees is best described as a:
Answer:
Swamp
Swamps have woody vegetation; marshes are dominated by grasses and sedges. Bogs and fens are peat-accumulating wetlands with distinct hydrology. Wetlands provide flood mitigation and habitat.
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203
The best indicator organism for fecal contamination in drinking water is:
Answer:
est indicator organism for fecal contamination in drinking water is:
E. coli indicates fecal pollution and potential presence of pathogens. It’s easy to culture and interpret. Standards typically require zero detectable E. coli per 100 mL.
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204
Primary microplastics include:
Answer:
Tire wear particles
Primary microplastics are manufactured small or generated directly from use (e.g., tire wear, microbeads). Secondary microplastics come from the breakdown of larger items. Both contaminate water and biota.
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205
A “wildlife corridor” is designed to:
Answer:
Connect fragmented habitats
Corridors facilitate gene flow and seasonal migrations. They reduce inbreeding and local extinctions. Overpasses and underpasses are common designs.
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206
The main advantage of a run-of-river hydropower plant is:
Answer:
Lower social and ecological displacement
These systems use natural stream flow with limited storage, reducing inundation. They can still affect aquatic habitats but impacts are usually smaller than large reservoirs. Power output varies with river flow.
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207
The most appropriate roof design to reduce stormwater runoff is:
Answer:
Green (vegetated) roof
Green roofs absorb rainwater, slow runoff, and provide insulation. They also reduce urban heat island effects. Maintenance and structural load must be considered.
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208
A biodiversity “hotspot” is defined by high endemism and:
Answer:
Exceptional threat level
Hotspots contain many endemic species and have lost significant habitat. The concept prioritizes areas for conservation investment. The Western Ghats and Sundaland are examples.
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209
The gas primarily responsible for ocean acidification is:
Answer:
CO₂
Dissolved CO₂ forms carbonic acid, lowering seawater pH. Acidification impairs calcification in corals and shellfish. It is a direct consequence of rising atmospheric CO₂.
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210
The most effective first step in solid waste management is:
Answer:
Source reduction
Preventing waste avoids downstream impacts and costs. It reduces collection, processing, and disposal needs. It aligns with the top of the waste hierarchy.
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