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
41
Who was the first explorer to reach the South Pole in 1911?
Answer:
Roald Amundsen
Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen reached the South Pole in 1911, beating Robert Scott and following earlier explorers like Cook and Shackleton, a historic achievement.
42
Who was the first explorer to cross the Antarctic Circle in 1773?
Answer:
James Cook
British explorer James Cook was the first to cross the Antarctic Circle in 1773, preceding Amundsen, Shackleton, and Scott, marking a key moment in Antarctic exploration.
43
What percentage of the planet’s fresh water is found in Antarctica?
Answer:
More than 90%
Antarctica holds over 90% of the planet’s fresh water, mostly in its ice sheets, a significant portion compared to the minimal fresh water in other continents’ glaciers or lakes.
44
What percentage of the world’s ice does Antarctica contain?
Answer:
More than 90%
Antarctica contains over 90% of the world’s ice, far more than other continents, which have minimal ice, making it a critical component of global sea level regulation.
45
What is the highest mountain in Antarctica?
Answer:
Mount Vinson
Mount Vinson, at 4,892 meters, is Antarctica’s highest mountain, taller than Mount Hope, Mount Erebus, or Mount Sidley, located in the Ellsworth Mountains.
46
Which continent has the highest average elevation?
Answer:
Antarctica
Antarctica has the highest average elevation of all continents, around 2,500 meters, due to its thick ice sheet, surpassing Asia, South America, or Africa.
47
Which continent is known as the windiest place on Earth?
Answer:
Antarctica
Antarctica is the windiest continent, with katabatic winds reaching high speeds, unlike Asia, Africa, or South America, due to its extreme polar climate.
48
What type of desert is Antarctica classified as?
Answer:
Icy desert
Antarctica is classified as an icy desert due to its extremely low precipitation and ice-covered landscape, unlike sandy, rocky, or salt deserts found in other regions.
49
Which ocean surrounds the ice-covered continent of Antarctica?
Answer:
Southern Ocean
Antarctica is surrounded by the Southern Ocean, which encircles the continent, distinct from the Pacific, Atlantic, or Indian Oceans, influencing its cold climate.
50
What is the approximate population of Antarctica during the summer months?
Answer:
4,400
Antarctica’s population in the milder summer months (October to February) is around 4,400, much higher than the 1,100 in winter, but negligible compared to South America’s 431 million or North America’s 369 million.