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MCQOPTIONS
This section includes 2658 Mcqs, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your UPSC IAS Exam knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.
| 1401. |
Match column I with column II and select the correct answer using the code given below the columns: Column I Column II A. Basalt (i) Intrusive igneous rock B. Granite (ii) Metamorphic rock C. Sandstone (iii) Extrusive igneous rock D. Marble (iv) Sedimentary rock |
| A. | A - iii, B - iv, C - i, D - ii |
| B. | A - iii, B - i, C - iv, D - ii |
| C. | A - iv, B - iii, C - ii, D - i |
| D. | A - i, B - iii, C- iv, D - ii |
| Answer» C. A - iv, B - iii, C - ii, D - i | |
| 1402. |
A study of the nature of the old sedimentary rocks gives an indication about the 1. age of the earth 2. past environmental conditions 3. old civilizations 4. direction of plate movements |
| A. | 1, 2 and 3 |
| B. | 2 and 3 |
| C. | 1 and 2 |
| D. | Only 2 |
| Answer» E. | |
| 1403. |
The factor that determines the water holding capacity of rock debris is its 1. porosity 2. structure 3. texture 4. permeability |
| A. | 1 and 3 |
| B. | 1, 2 and 3 |
| C. | 1, 2 and 4 |
| D. | All of these |
| Answer» C. 1, 2 and 4 | |
| 1404. |
What is true of sedimentary rocks? 1. they are layered. 2. they contain fossils. 3. they are transported rocks. 4. many of these are formed in water bodies. |
| A. | 1, 2 and 3 |
| B. | 1, 2 and 4 |
| C. | 1 and 4 |
| D. | all the above |
| Answer» E. | |
| 1405. |
What is not true of igneous rocks? 1. they are crystalline 2. they have a layered structure 3. they contain metals 4. they contain fossils |
| A. | 2 and 3 |
| B. | 1 and 2 |
| C. | 3 and 4 |
| D. | 2 and 4 |
| Answer» E. | |
| 1406. |
With reference to Kober's Theory of Geosyncline, consider the following: Term Meaning 1. Orogen Geosyncline 2. Kratogen Foreland 3. Randketten Marginal ranges Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? |
| A. | 1 only |
| B. | 1 and 2 only |
| C. | 2 and 3 only |
| D. | 1, 2 and 3 |
| Answer» E. | |
| 1407. |
The correct chronological order of the following geological epochs is |
| A. | Pleistocene, Pliocene, Holocene, Miocene. |
| B. | Miocene, Pliocene, Pleistocene, Holocene. |
| C. | Holocene, Miocene, Pleistocene, Pliocene. |
| D. | Pliocene, Pleistocene, Holocene, Miocene. |
| Answer» C. Holocene, Miocene, Pleistocene, Pliocene. | |
| 1408. |
Which one of the following is an example of a block mountain'? |
| A. | Aravalli |
| B. | Andes |
| C. | Black Forest |
| D. | Caucasus |
| Answer» D. Caucasus | |
| 1409. |
Select the correct chronological order of the following geological periods, from the codes given below: 1. Oligocene 2. Eocene 3. Pliocene 4. Miocene |
| A. | 3, 2, 1, 4 |
| B. | 2, 1, 3, 4 |
| C. | 4, 3, 2, 1 |
| D. | 3, 4, 1, 2 |
| Answer» E. | |
| 1410. |
Consider the following statements 1. Igneous rocks are rich in natural gas. 2. Igneous rocks are rich in metallic minerals. 3. Igneous rocks are not fossiferous. 4. Igneous rocks consist of silicate minerals. Which of the statements given above are correct? |
| A. | 1, 2 and 3 |
| B. | 1, 2 and 4 |
| C. | 2, 3 and 4 |
| D. | 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
| Answer» D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 | |
| 1411. |
Match list-I with list-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below: List-I (Original) List-II (Metamorphic) A. Basalt 1. Slate B. Coal 2. Schist C. Limestone 3. Marble D. Shale 4. Diamond |
| A. | A-1 B-2 C-3 D-4 |
| B. | A-2 B-4 C-3 D-1 |
| C. | A-4 B-3 C-2 D-1 |
| D. | A-3 B-4 C-2 D-1 |
| Answer» C. A-4 B-3 C-2 D-1 | |
| 1412. |
Consider the following statements and select the correct answer from the codes given below: Assertion [A]: New folded mountains arc also called Tertian Mountains. Reason [R]: They are mainly formed along the constructive plate margins. |
| A. | Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| B. | Both A and R arc true but R is not the correct explanation of A. |
| C. | A is true but R is false. |
| D. | A is false, but R is true. |
| Answer» D. A is false, but R is true. | |
| 1413. |
The drip stones arc found in |
| A. | glaciated regions |
| B. | limestone caverns |
| C. | desert regions |
| D. | wave eroded areas |
| Answer» C. desert regions | |
| 1414. |
Limestone is an example of |
| A. | sedimentary rocks |
| B. | metamorphic rocks |
| C. | igneous rocks |
| D. | volcanic rocks |
| Answer» B. metamorphic rocks | |
| 1415. |
Which of the following rocks is not likely to contain fossils? |
| A. | Conglomerate |
| B. | Granite |
| C. | Shale |
| D. | Sandstone |
| Answer» C. Shale | |
| 1416. |
Black Forest mountain is an example of |
| A. | Folded mountain |
| B. | Block mountain |
| C. | Volcanic mountain |
| D. | Residual mountain |
| Answer» C. Volcanic mountain | |
| 1417. |
Quartzite is metamorphosed from |
| A. | Limestone |
| B. | Obsidian |
| C. | Sandstone |
| D. | Shale |
| Answer» D. Shale | |
| 1418. |
Which of the following is not igneous rock? |
| A. | Granite |
| B. | Conglomerate |
| C. | Basalt |
| D. | Rhyolite |
| Answer» C. Basalt | |
| 1419. |
Which one of the following is not a metamorphic rock? |
| A. | Geneiss |
| B. | Conglomerate |
| C. | Quartzite |
| D. | Schist |
| Answer» C. Quartzite | |
| 1420. |
Consider the following statements and select the correct answer using the code given below: 1. The biosphere is exclusively dependent on photosynthesis. 2. The term photosynthesis describes the reaction of materials within plant leaves. |
| A. | Only 1 is correct |
| B. | Only 2 is correct |
| C. | Both 1 and 2 are correct |
| D. | Neither 1 nor 2 is correct |
| Answer» C. Both 1 and 2 are correct | |
| 1421. |
The term 'Goldilocks Zone' is often seen in the news in the context of: |
| A. | The limits of habitable zone above the surface of the earth |
| B. | Regions inside the earth where shale gas is available |
| C. | Search for the earth-like planets in outer space |
| D. | Search for meteorites containing precious metals |
| Answer» B. Regions inside the earth where shale gas is available | |
| 1422. |
Which one of the biomes has the richest fauna? |
| A. | Taiga Biome |
| B. | Savanna Biome |
| C. | Mediterranean Biome |
| D. | Equatorial Biome |
| Answer» C. Mediterranean Biome | |
| 1423. |
Which one of the following is the best description of the term 'ecosystem'? |
| A. | A community of organisms interacting with one another. |
| B. | That part of the earth which is inhabited by living organisms. |
| C. | A community of organisms together with the environment in which they live. |
| D. | The flora and fauna of a geographical area. |
| Answer» D. The flora and fauna of a geographical area. | |
| 1424. |
The greatest pool of carbon is in the: |
| A. | Atmosphere |
| B. | Coal deposits |
| C. | Oceans |
| D. | Dead organic matter |
| Answer» D. Dead organic matter | |
| 1425. |
Consider the following statements and select the correct answer using the code given below: 1. Basically, all animals depend on plants for their food. 2. Rabbits eat grasses and foxes may eat rabbit. 3. A hawk eats a lizard, the lizard had just eaten a grasshopper. 4. The food-web is similar in all the tropical countries. |
| A. | 1, 2 and 3 are correct |
| B. | 1, 3 and 4 are correct |
| C. | 1, 2 and 4 are correct |
| D. | 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct |
| Answer» B. 1, 3 and 4 are correct | |
| 1426. |
Consider the following statements and select the correct answer using the code given below: 1. Ecology is the science of interaction between life forms and their environment. 2. Ecology is the science of ecosystems. 3. Ecology is a boundary transition zone between adjoining ecosystems. |
| A. | 1 and 2 are correct |
| B. | 1 and 3 are correct |
| C. | 2 and 3 are correct |
| D. | 1, 2 and 3 are correct |
| Answer» E. | |
| 1427. |
Consider the following statements and select the correct answer using the code given below: 1. Lakes and ponds also exhibit ecological succession. 2. A lake may be filled with nutrients and sediments, and as an aquatic plant takes root and grows, it captures more sediment and adds organic debris to the system. 3. The gradual enrichment of water bodies is known as eutrophication. |
| A. | 1 and 2 are correct |
| B. | 1 and 3 are correct |
| C. | 2 and 3 are correct |
| D. | 1, 2 and 3 are correct |
| Answer» E. | |
| 1428. |
Consider the following statements and select the correct answer using the code given below: 1. In ecology, fire is recognised as an ingredient of community succession. 2. Controlled fire secures plant reproduction and prevents accumulation of forest litter. |
| A. | Only 1 is correct |
| B. | Only 2 is correct |
| C. | Both 1 and 2 are correct |
| D. | Neither 1 nor 2 is correct |
| Answer» D. Neither 1 nor 2 is correct | |
| 1429. |
Consider the following statements and select the correct answer using the code given below: 1. A bare rock can be a site for primary succession. 2. The initial community is called as a pioneer community. 3. Secondary succession begins on an abandoned farm of formerly ploughed field. |
| A. | 1 and 2 are correct |
| B. | 1 and 3 are correct |
| C. | 2 and 3 are correct |
| D. | 1, 2 and 3 are correct |
| Answer» E. | |
| 1430. |
23. Consider the following statements and select the correct answer using the code given below: 1. Ecological succession occurs when older communities of plants and animals are replaced by new communities. 2. In ecological succession, the new communities are usually more simple. |
| A. | 1 and 2 are correct |
| B. | Only 1 is correct |
| C. | Only 2 is correct |
| D. | Neither 1 nor 2 is correct |
| Answer» C. Only 2 is correct | |
| 1431. |
22. Which one of the following is not correct? |
| A. | The application of chemical fertilizers in modem agriculture damage the phosphorous cycle. |
| B. | The application of chemical fertilizers make the soils sustainable. |
| C. | Application of chemical fertilizers change the soil chemistry. |
| D. | Erosion and weathering are more serious in the soils in which heavy doses of chemical fertilizers is used. |
| Answer» C. Application of chemical fertilizers change the soil chemistry. | |
| 1432. |
The term 'Ecotone' stands for: |
| A. | A transitional boundary between two floral communities. |
| B. | A transitional boundary between two wetlands. |
| C. | A transitional boundary between two ecosystems. |
| D. | A transitional boundary between two biosphere reserves. |
| Answer» D. A transitional boundary between two biosphere reserves. | |
| 1433. |
Consider the following statements and select the correct answer using the code given below: 1. The major reservoirs of water are the oceans and glaciers. 2. The oceans and glaciers contain 97.5 per cent of the world's water. 3. Less than 1 per cent of the water resides in atmosphere, rivers and lakes and soils. 4. The water vapour can reside in the atmosphere for about 9 days. |
| A. | 1, 2 and 3 are correct |
| B. | 1, 3 and 4 are correct |
| C. | 1, 2 and 4 are correct |
| D. | 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct |
| Answer» E. | |
| 1434. |
Consider the following statements and select the correct answer using the code given below: 1. A cycle at various scales of minerals and compounds through the ecosystem is known as biological cycle. 2. The biochemistry of carbon is of great significance because of the global warming and greenhouse effect. |
| A. | Only 1 is correct |
| B. | Only 2 is correct |
| C. | Both 1 and 2 are correct |
| D. | Neither 1 nor 2 is correct. |
| Answer» D. Neither 1 nor 2 is correct. | |
| 1435. |
Consider the following statements and select the correct answer using the code given below: 1. The altitudinal zones of plants and animals are analogous to life zones from equator to poles. 2. The Himalayas contain all type of fauna and flora found between the equator to the poles. |
| A. | Only 1 is correct |
| B. | Only 2 is correct |
| C. | Both 1 and 2 are correct |
| D. | Neither 1 nor 2 is correct |
| Answer» B. Only 2 is correct | |
| 1436. |
Consider the following statements and select the correct answer using the code given below: 1. The non-living components set the stage for the operation of the ecosystem. 2. The duration of Sun exposure is the photo-period. 3. Along the equator, days are almost 12 hours in length throughout the year. |
| A. | 1 and 2 are correct |
| B. | 1 and 3 are correct |
| C. | 2 and 3 are correct |
| D. | 1, 2 and 3 are correct |
| Answer» E. | |
| 1437. |
The concept of 'altitudinal life zones' of vegetation was given by: |
| A. | Alexander D.E. |
| B. | Alexander, J.W. |
| C. | Alexander von Humboldt |
| D. | Carl Ritter |
| Answer» D. Carl Ritter | |
| 1438. |
Consider the following statements and select the correct answer using the code given below: 1. Sun is the ultimate source of energy to the biosphere. 2. A tiny portion of light strikes the earth. 3. Light energy from the Sun is trapped by chlorophyll. |
| A. | 1 and 2 are correct |
| B. | 1 and 3 are correct |
| C. | 1, 2 and 3 are correct |
| D. | 2 and 3 are correct |
| Answer» D. 2 and 3 are correct | |
| 1439. |
Which one of the following statements is not correct? Competition for light is the dominant factor in the formation of plant communities. This competition is expressed in their height, orientation and structure. Photosynthesis unites carbon dioxide and oxygen, both derived from water in the plant. |
| A. | 1 and 2 are correct |
| B. | 1 and 3 are correct |
| C. | 2 and 3 are correct |
| D. | 1, 2 and 3 are correct |
| Answer» D. 1, 2 and 3 are correct | |
| 1440. |
Consider the following statements and select the correct answer using the code given below: 1. Ecosystem is a group of organisms and the environment with which the organisms interact. 2. Geo-climatic conditions determine the main characteristics of ecosystems. |
| A. | Only 1 is correct |
| B. | Only 2 is correct |
| C. | Both 1 and 2 are correct |
| D. | Neither 1 nor 2 is correct. |
| Answer» D. Neither 1 nor 2 is correct. | |
| 1441. |
Which one of the following is not responsible for the environmental degradation? |
| A. | Exponential growth in human population. |
| B. | Accelerated pace of scientific and technological development. |
| C. | Poor infrastructure |
| D. | Economic poverty. |
| Answer» D. Economic poverty. | |
| 1442. |
Consider the following statements about the anthropogenic factors about the degradation of environment and select the correct answer using the code given below: 1. Man is destroying natural vegetation. 2. Man introduced exotic plants damaging the flora 3. Soil pollution is caused by chemical fertilizers and insecticides and pesticides. 4. Cloud seeding is a method for inducing precipitation. |
| A. | 1, 2 and 3 are correct |
| B. | 1, 3 and 4 are correct |
| C. | 2, 3 and 4 are correct |
| D. | 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct |
| Answer» E. | |
| 1443. |
Consider the following statements about the climatic change and select the correct answer using the code given below: 1. The sea-level will rise by about 40 cm by 2100. 2. Most of the coastal densely populated cities will be inundated 3. Sea level rise will increase storm intensity. 4. Ocean warming may result in increased stratification and changed circulation of ocean current. |
| A. | 1, 2 and 3 are correct |
| B. | 1, 3 and 4 are correct |
| C. | 2, 3 and 4 are correct |
| D. | 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct |
| Answer» E. | |
| 1444. |
1. Environment includes physical (land air and water) and biotic (plants, animals and man) components. 2. Man brought radical changes in the environment after the Second World War. |
| A. | Only 1 is correct |
| B. | Only 2 is correct |
| C. | Both 1 and 2 are correct |
| D. | Neither 1 nor 2 is correct. |
| Answer» B. Only 2 is correct | |
| 1445. |
The tropical cyclones are measured with the help of |
| A. | Mercalli Scale |
| B. | Richter scale |
| C. | Siesmic Scale |
| D. | Saffir-Simpson Scale |
| Answer» E. | |
| 1446. |
Land pollution is caused by: |
| A. | Desertification |
| B. | Gully erosion |
| C. | Population explosion |
| D. | Salinization |
| Answer» D. Salinization | |
| 1447. |
Which amony of the following cities of India is least vulnerable to earthquakes? |
| A. | Bengaluru |
| B. | Delhi |
| C. | Jaipur |
| D. | Mumbai |
| Answer» B. Delhi | |
| 1448. |
Consider the following statements and select the correct answer using the code given below: 1. The arrival of tsunami in the coastal zone is heralded by sudden recession of sea water. 2 Tsunamis sometimes generate peculiar waves called as 'edge waves- which move back and forth and parallel to the coast. |
| A. | Only 1 is correct |
| B. | Both 1 and 2 are correct |
| C. | Only 2 is correct |
| D. | Neither 1 nor 2 is correct |
| Answer» C. Only 2 is correct | |
| 1449. |
Consider the following statements and select the correct answer using the code given below: 1. The speed of tsunami increases with increase in water depth. 2. The wave length of distant tsunamis in the deep ocean is much longer exceeding 100 km. 3. The speed of a tsunami decreases remarkably as it approaches the coast. 4. The wave height of distant tsunamis in the deep ocean is very high. |
| A. | 1, 2 and 3 are correct |
| B. | 1, 3 and 4 are correct |
| C. | 2, 3 and 4 are correct |
| D. | 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct |
| Answer» E. | |
| 1450. |
Consider the following statements and select the correct answer using the code given below: 1. An earthquakes becomes disaster only when it strikes the populated area. 2. All volcanic eruptions result into earthquakes. |
| A. | Only 1 is correct |
| B. | Only 2 is correct |
| C. | Both 1 and 2 are correct |
| D. | Neither 1 nor 2 is correct |
| Answer» D. Neither 1 nor 2 is correct | |