General Science Questions (MCQs) for Competitive Examinations
General Science Multiple choice questions for GK paper in SSC, NDA, CDS, UPSC, UPPSC and State PSC Examinations. These questions are part of GKToday’s 35000+ MCQs Bank Course in GKToday Android App
1. Identify the process from the options below, which is a physical change?
[A] Oxidation
[B] Reduction
[C] Sublimation
[D] Decomposition
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sublimation]
Notes:
Sublimation describes a phase transition where a substance changes from a solid directly to a gas, bypassing the liquid state. This physical transformation is distinct from chemical changes like oxidation or reduction. Sublimation happens under certain combinations of pressure and temperature. Examples include dry ice (solid CO2), which sublimates at room temperature, and solid water, or ice, which sublimates under low pressure conditions.
2. Intensive cultivation refers to ___:
[A] Raising production by intensive use of existing land
[B] Raising production by large scale use of imported inputs
[C] Production with intensive use of labour
[D] Production with intensive use of fertilizer
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Raising production by intensive use of existing land]
Notes:
Intensive farming is an agricultural intensification and mechanization system that aims to maximize yields from available land through various means, such as heavy use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. It is characterized by a low fallow ratio, higher use of inputs such as capital and labour, and higher crop yields per unit land area.
3. The wing of a bat and the wing of a bird are the examples of ____ limbs:
[A] Heterogeneous
[B] Homogenous
[C] Homologous
[D] Analogous
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Analogous]
Notes:
The wings of insects, bats and birds, that evolved independently in each lineage separately after diverging from an ancestor without wings, are examples of analogous organs. Analogous organs are the opposite of homologous organs, which have similar functions but different origins.
4. Wilting of plants occurs due to excessive ____:
[A] Respiration
[B] Glutation
[C] Absorption
[D] Transpiration
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Transpiration]
Notes:
Plant wilting occurs after excessive loss of water by transpiration and lesser absorption. i.e. rate of transpiration exceeds rate of water absorption. On a hot day, plants transpire heavily and cannot absorb water speedily to keep pace with transpiration loss, even when there is enough water.
5. Which word is common in the botanical names of trees like Ashoka, Tamarind or Coral?
[A] Terminalia
[B] Indica
[C] Salix
[D] Acacia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indica]
Notes:
Tamarind tree (Tamarindus indica), Ashoka tree (Saraca Indica), Indian Coral tree (Erythrina Indica) have ‘Indica’ common in their botanical names. In biology/taxonomy, if a species originates in India, its scientific name sometimes includes “Indica”.
6. What is the basis of classifying various plant tissues as meristematic tissue and permanent tissue?
[A] Size
[B] Dividing capacity
[C] Location
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dividing capacity]
Notes:
Based on the dividing capacity of the tissues, various plant tissues can be classified as growing or meristematic tissue and permanent tissue. Meristem is a type of tissue system in plants, composed of a mass of undifferentiated cells and their primary function is to take part in the growth of plants. Permanent tissues are differentiated tissues doing specific functions such as conduction, providing mechanical support or carrying out photosynthesis etc.
7. The edible part of an onion is ____:
[A] Fleshy leaves
[B] Aerial stem
[C] Modified root
[D] Aerial flower
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Fleshy leaves]
Notes:
The edible portion in an onion is swollen leaves with a bit of stem. They are bulbs which, like garlic and leeks, are modified stems in which the primary storage tissue is expanded leaf bases. They come in white, yellow, and red varieties. The swollen leaves have sugar as stored food in them.
8. The most serious air pollutant causing health hazard is ____:
[A] Ozone
[B] Sulphur dioxide
[C] Nitrogen oxide
[D] Carbon monoxide
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sulphur dioxide]
Notes:
Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is considered as the most serious single air pollutant causing health hazard, obstructing breathing. It always leads to airways inflammation, eye irritation, psychic alterations, pulmonary oedema, heart failure and circulatory collapse. It is also responsible for acid rain.
9. The process of photosynthesis involves conversion of ____:
[A] Chemical energy into radiant energy
[B] Solar energy into chemical energy
[C] Chemical energy into mechanical energy
[D] Mechanical energy into solar energy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Solar energy into chemical energy]
Notes:
Photosynthesis is the process by which light energy is converted into chemical energy by organisms. Carbon dioxide and water are the raw materials of this process. The light energy comes from the Sun and its end products are oxygen and glucose.
10. Water which is suitable for drinking is called ___ water:
[A] Potable
[B] Sanitary
[C] Hygienic
[D] Sparkling
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Potable]
Notes:
Potable water is water of a quality suitable for drinking, cooking and personal bathing. It is water that is safe to drink or to use for food preparation. In developed countries, tap water is usually potable.
