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
411
World Environment Day is celebrated on:
Answer:
ay is celebrated on:
Initiated by the UN in 1974, it drives global awareness and action. Themes vary annually but emphasize pressing environmental challenges. Events span education, clean-ups, and policy dialogues.
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412
Which practices align with sustainable development?
Answer:
(1), (2) and (3)
Harvesting mature fish protects breeding stocks, renewables cut emissions, and trade bans reduce overexploitation. All three embody intergenerational responsibility. Together they balance ecological, economic, and social goals.
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413
Deserts commonly occur in regions with:
Answer:
Rain shadow
Mountains block moist air, causing dry, leeward “rain-shadow” deserts. Cold currents and subtropical highs are other causes, but rain shadow is a classic mechanism. Saline aquifers don’t explain initial aridity.
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414
The grasslands of the USA are called:
Answer:
Prairies
Prairies are temperate grasslands in North America. Steppes are Eurasian grasslands; Pampas are in South America; Veldts are in southern Africa. All share grassy vegetation but differ geographically and climatically.
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415
The study of interrelationships between organisms and their environment is:
Answer:
etween organisms and their environment is:
Ecology examines interactions among organisms and with abiotic factors. Ethology focuses on behavior, while phytogeography studies plant distributions. “Ecosystem” is a unit, not a field of study.
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416
Plants that typically grow under shade are:
Answer:
re:
Sciophytes are adapted to low light, with features like larger, thinner leaves and lower light compensation points. They’re common on forest floors. Epiphytes live on other plants but may still seek light.
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417
Plants adapted to open, sunny habitats are:
Answer:
Heliophytes
Heliophytes require high light intensity and thrive in open fields or canopy gaps. They often possess sun-leaf adaptations. Sciophytes, by contrast, are shade lovers.
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418
A favorable morphological/physiological response to environmental change is called:
Answer:
Acclimatisation
Acclimatisation is a reversible adjustment by individuals to new conditions (e.g., temperature, altitude). It differs from genetic adaptation, which occurs across generations. Ecotypes and ecophenes reflect genetic or phenotypic variations within species.
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419
Soil formation occurs through:
Answer:
Both (a) and (b)
Weathering breaks parent rock into smaller particles, while pedogenesis encompasses the entire suite of soil-forming processes. Together, they produce horizons and soil profiles. Melting is unrelated to normal soil formation.
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420
The soil type with the poorest water-holding capacity is:
Answer:
Sandy
Large particle size and wide pores in sandy soil allow rapid drainage and minimal retention. Clay holds water strongly; loam balances texture for better retention. Thus, sandy soils dry out fastest.
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