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
61
What is 'Parental Investment'?
Answer:
Any resource (time, energy) spent by a parent on one offspring that increases its chance of survival at the expense of other offspring
Parental investment varies significantly between species and sexes, often driving the evolution of mating systems and sexual selection.
62
Which invertebrate phylum has a 'radula' for feeding?
Answer:
Mollusca
A radula is a rasping, tongue-like organ covered with tiny teeth that many mollusks (like snails) use to scrape food off surfaces.
63
Which behavior is influenced by the 'period' (per) gene in Drosophila?
Answer:
Circadian rhythms
The 'per' gene is a core component of the molecular clock that regulates 24-hour cycles of activity and physiological processes in animals.
64
What is the 'Biological Species Concept' based on?
Answer:
The ability of individuals to interbreed and produce fertile offspring
Proposed by Ernst Mayr, this concept defines a species by reproductive isolation, meaning members of different species do not mate or produce viable, fertile offspring together.
65
Which of the following is a characteristic of 'Aves' (birds)?
Answer:
Hollow bones and feathers
Birds have numerous adaptations for flight, including light, air-filled bones and feathers (modified scales) that provide lift and insulation.
66
The use of 'Insight Learning' (or problem solving) is most commonly observed in:
Answer:
Primates and some birds
Insight learning involves applying past experience to a new situation to find a solution without trial and error, demonstrating higher cognitive processing.
67
Which phylum includes flatworms that lack a body cavity (acoelomates)?
Answer:
Platyhelminthes
Platyhelminthes are the simplest triploblastic animals. They have no coelom, meaning their internal organs are surrounded by solid tissue (parenchyma).
68
What is 'Optimal Foraging Model'?
Answer:
A compromise between the benefits of nutrition and the costs of obtaining food
Natural selection favors foraging behaviors that maximize energy gain while minimizing the time and energy spent (and the risk of predation) while searching for food.
69
Which class of vertebrates first evolved the 'amniotic egg'?
Answer:
Reptilia
The evolution of the amniotic egg (with a shell and specialized membranes) allowed reptiles to colonize dry land effectively, as the embryo could develop in its own 'private pond'.
70
In a social group, a 'Dominance Hierarchy' serves to:
Answer:
Minimize aggression by establishing a stable ranking of individuals
Once a hierarchy (like a 'pecking order') is established, individuals recognize their status, which reduces the frequency and intensity of physical fights over resources.