May 18 2024 Current Affairs MCQs

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• Seagrasses are more closely related to terrestrial lilies and gingers than to terrestrial grasses.
• The confusion might arise because they are called “seagrasses,” but taxonomically, they are closer to lilies and gingers.

  

  Credit: Hudson Alpha

Statement 2 is correct

• Seagrasses are indeed the only flowering plants that can live completely submerged in water.
• They also capture carbon up to 35 times faster than tropical rainforests, contributing significantly to oceanic carbon storage.

Statement 3 is incorrect

• While it is true that seagrasses play a significant role in coastal protection by dampening the force of waves, they are not found exclusively in tropical waters.
• Seagrasses are distributed in salty and brackish waters from the tropics to the Arctic Circle.

  

Answer: (a) Only one; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• The name “leopard cat” comes from their spotted fur, which resembles that of leopards.
• However, this similarity is superficial and does not indicate a close genetic relationship.
• Leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis) are small wild cats that belong to a different genus than leopards (Panthera pardus).

  

  Credit: ScienceDirect

• Leopard cats are part of the genus Prionailurus, which includes other small Asian wild cats.
• Leopards are part of the genus Panthera, which also includes lions, tigers, and jaguars.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• Leopard cats are indeed found in Northeast India, northern Himalayan states, West Bengal, Odisha, and pockets of the Western Ghats.
• However, they are absent in central India.

  

Statement 3 is correct

• Leopard cats are known for their ability to swim well.
• This is an adaptation that helps them navigate their habitats, which can include areas with water bodies.
• They have well-defined webs between their toes, which is a physical adaptation that aids in their swimming ability.
• This feature is not common among all cats but is particularly useful for those that live in or near aquatic environments.

Answer: (a) Only one; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• Apple is a temperate fruit.
• Apples originated in the Middle East more than 4000 years ago.
• China is the largest apple-producing country in the world.

Statement 2 is correct

• Apples can be grown at altitudes of 1,500-2,700 meters.
• Apple trees require 100-125 cm of annual rainfall, evenly distributed, for optimum growth and fruiting.
• Excessive rains and fog near the fruit maturity period indeed result in poor fruit quality.
• The temperature during the growing season is around 21-24 degrees Celsius.

Statement 3 is correct

• Apples are mostly grown in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland.
• These regions are dry temperate areas suitable for apple cultivation, producing high-quality fruits with high sugar content and longer shelf life.
• Areas exposed to high-velocity winds are not desirable for apple cultivation.
• Loamy soils, rich in organic matter, with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 and proper drainage and aeration, are suitable.

Answer: (c) All three; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• Acceleration Process:
  • Charged Particles: Synchrotrons accelerate charged particles like electrons.
  • Magnetic Sequences: These particles are accelerated using a series of magnets that apply both electric and magnetic fields to increase the particles’ speed.
  • Near Light Speed: The particles are accelerated to speeds approaching the speed of light.
• Light Production:
  • Synchrotron Light: The high-speed electrons emit very bright light known as synchrotron light.
  • X-ray Region: This light is predominantly in the X-ray region of the electromagnetic spectrum, which is highly useful for various scientific research applications.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• Brightness Comparison:
  • Conventional Sources: Synchrotron light is indeed millions of times brighter than light produced from conventional sources.
  • Sun Comparison: The statement claims that synchrotron light is only slightly brighter than the sun, which is not true. Instead, Synchrotron light is actually 10 billion times brighter than the sun, making it far superior in intensity.

Answer: (a) 1 only; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• Tree Description: The Semal Tree, scientifically known as Bombax ceiba, is indeed a large deciduous tree.
• Common Name: It is commonly known as the red silk cotton tree due to the color and texture of its floss.
• Taxonomic Classification: It belongs to the Bombax genus within the Malvaceae family.

  

Statement 2 is correct

• Medicinal Uses: Different parts of the Semal Tree, such as roots, bark, gum, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds, have been traditionally used for medicinal purposes.
• Utilization of Floss: The soft floss from the fruit of the Semal Tree is indeed used as stuffing material for pillows and life jackets, owing to its buoyant and insulating properties.
• Members of the Kathodi tribe use its wood to craft musical instruments while those of the Bhil use it to make utensils.

Statement 3 is correct

• Descendants of Semal Trees: According to their cultural beliefs, members of the Garasia tribe consider themselves as descendants of the Semal Tree.
• This belief likely stems from mythological or folklore narratives within their cultural traditions.

• Overexploitation and felling for purposes like Holika Dahan bonfires have threatened its population in some regions like southern Rajasthan.

Answer: (c) All three; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

• Preservation Technique: The Deda method involves preserving seeds in leaves.
• Three-layer Protection: The seeds are packed using a three-layer protection system involving wood ash, lemon leaves, and Siali leaves (Bauhinia vahlii).
• Protection from Pests: This method guarantees protection of seeds from pests and worms.
• Longevity: Seeds preserved using this method can be used for cultivation for up to five years.
• Cultural Practice: It is widely practiced by the Muria tribes in Chhattisgarh.

  

Answer: (b) A traditional method of preserving seeds in leaves using a three-layer protection system; Difficulty Level: Medium