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
1
Which of the following is a 'Supporting' ecosystem service?
Answer:
Nutrient cycling and soil formation
Supporting services are those that are necessary for the production of all other ecosystem services. They include primary production, nutrient cycling, and the creation of soil.
2
What is the 'Hydrosphere'?
Answer:
All the water on Earth.
The hydrosphere includes oceans, lakes, rivers, groundwater, ice caps, and water vapor in the atmosphere.
3
Which of the following describes a 'Type III' survivorship curve?
Answer:
Very high mortality early in life, with few survivors reaching adulthood.
This curve is typical for species like oysters or sea turtles that produce thousands of eggs, most of which are eaten or die before they mature.
4
What is 'Denitrification'?
Answer:
The conversion of nitrates into nitrogen gas by bacteria in anaerobic conditions.
This process reduces the amount of nitrogen available in the soil for plants and returns it to the atmosphere.
5
Which of the following is an 'abiotic' limiting factor in a desert?
Answer:
Water availability
In a desert, the lack of water is the primary non-living factor that restricts the size and diversity of the biological community.
6
What is 'Energy Flow' in an ecosystem?
Answer:
The one-way transfer of energy from producers to consumers.
Unlike nutrients, which are recycled, energy flows through an ecosystem in one direction and is eventually dissipated as heat. New energy must constantly be provided by the sun.
7
Which biome is found at the highest latitudes?
Answer:
Tundra
The Arctic tundra is the northernmost land biome, existing in the high latitudes between the taiga and the permanent ice of the North Pole.
8
Which of the following is a 'decomposer'?
Answer:
A bacteria that breaks down dead leaves.
True decomposers (saprotrophs) break down organic matter at a molecular level, releasing inorganic nutrients. Scavengers like vultures eat dead tissue but are not decomposers.
9
What is 'Ammensalism'?
Answer:
One is harmed, the other is unaffected (-/0).
An example of ammensalism is when a larger animal treads on grass, killing it, without gaining any benefit or suffering any harm itself.
10
Which biome is characterized by 'Trees with buttress roots' and 'High rainfall'?
Answer:
Tropical Rainforest
Buttress roots provide stability to tall rainforest trees in shallow, nutrient-poor soil. These ecosystems receive heavy rain throughout the year.