11. Consider the following pairs:
| Species | Known For |
| Javan Rhinoceros | Most endangered large mammal species |
| Sumatran Orangutan | Only great ape species found outside Africa |
| Mountain Gorilla | Largest primate species |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
[A] Only one pair
[B] Only two pairs
[C] All three pairs
[D] None of the pairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All three pairs]
Notes:- Javan Rhinoceros: It is indeed the most endangered large mammal species, with only about 76 individuals remaining in the wild, all in Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia.
- Sumatran Orangutan: This species is the only great ape found outside of Africa, residing exclusively on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, and is critically endangered.
- Mountain Gorilla: It is the largest primate species, with males weighing up to 440 pounds, and is also critically endangered, primarily found in the Virunga Mountains of Central Africa.
Thus, all three pairs are correct.
12. With reference to the geological processes in the Zagros Mountains, consider the following statements:
- Statement-I: The sinking of the Neotethys slab is responsible for the gradual subsidence of the Zagros region in Iraq.
- Statement-II: The subsidence of the Zagros region is primarily due to erosion caused by water flow.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
[A] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
[B] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
[C] Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
[D] Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect]
Notes:Statement-I:- This statement is correct.
- The Neotethys slab is sinking into the Earth’s mantle, causing the Zagros region to gradually subside over millions of years.
- This geological process is linked to tectonic plate movements and is not immediately observable.
- The sinking slab influences the geological stability and topography of the region.
Statement-II:
- This statement is incorrect.
- The subsidence is not primarily caused by erosion but by tectonic activity and slab dynamics.
- Erosion does affect landscapes, but it is not the main factor in the subsidence of the Zagros region.
- Understanding geological processes is crucial for predicting earthquakes and assessing geological hazards.
13. Zagros Mountain range, which was seen in news, is located in which region?
[A] West Asia
[B] North America
[C] Australia
[D] South America
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [West Asia]
Notes:
A geologist reported that a hilly area near the Zagros Mountains in Iraq is being pulled into Earth. The Zagros Mountains are a major range in West Asia, stretching 1,500 km from Turkey and Iraq to southern Iran. They formed due to the Arabian Plate sliding under the Eurasian Plate during the Miocene and Pliocene Epochs. The highest peak is Mount Dena at 14,465 feet. The mountains mainly consist of limestone and shale from the Mesozoic Era. The region has a semi-arid climate with harsh winters and dry summers.
14. Bhavani River, that was recently seen in news, originates from which mountain range?
[A] Nilgiris
[B] Satpura Range
[C] Aravalli Hills
[D] Pir Panjal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Nilgiris ]
Notes:
Tamil Nadu’s public health department found Bhavani River water at Palaiyur village unsafe for drinking. Bhavani River originates in the Nilgiris of the Western Ghats and flows through Nilgiris, Coimbatore, and Erode districts. It is the second largest river in Tamil Nadu and a major tributary of the Cauvery River. The river meets the Cauvery at Bhavani after traveling 185 km. About 90% of its water is used for agriculture. The Bhavanisagar Dam, one of the world’s largest earthen dams, is built on this river.
15. Which of the above can be said to be the evidences for Himalayas being young fold mountains?
- Deep gorges
- U-turn river courses
- Parallel mountain ranges
- Steep gradients causing land-sliding
Select the correct answer:
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] Only three
[D] All four
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All four]
Notes:- All of these features are indicative of the active tectonic forces still shaping the Himalayan mountain range, signifying its young and folded nature.
- Deep gorges: Young fold mountains often have deep valleys and gorges carved by fast-flowing rivers due to their steep slopes.
- U-turn river courses: The rivers flowing through young fold mountains frequently change direction due to the uneven terrain, creating U-turns.
- Parallel mountain ranges: Young fold mountains typically appear as parallel ranges formed by the folding of tectonic plates.
- Steep gradients causing land-sliding: The steep slopes of young fold mountains make them prone to landslides.
16. In the context of historical sites and urban developments, consider the following statements:
- At-Turaif is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the city of Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.
- Petra is known for its rock-cut architecture and was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom.
- Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel located in the Andes Mountains of Bolivia.
- Monastery of Saint Hilarion, the Palestinian site has been damaged during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] Only three
[D] All four
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only three]
Notes:- At-Turaif is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the city of Diriyah: This is correct; it is the historic birthplace of the Saudi kingdom.
- Petra is known for its rock-cut architecture and was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom: This is correct; it showcases advanced engineering and trade routes.
- Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel located in the Andes Mountains of Bolivia: This is incorrect; it is located in Peru.
- Monastery of Saint Hilarion, the Palestinian site has been damaged during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Correct: The Monastery of Saint Hilarion, dating back to the 4th century CE, has suffered damage in the Gaza conflict. During its 46th session in New Delhi, the WHC added Tell Umm Amer to the UNESCO World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger.
17. Consider the following pairs in context of rivers and their origins:
| Rivers | Origin |
|---|
| 1. Baitarani River | Gonasika hills, Keonjhar district, Odisha |
| 2. Pennar River | Chenna Kesava hills, Nandi mountains, Karnataka |
| 3. Subarnarekha River | Nagri village, Ranchi region, Jharkhand |
| 4. Palar River | Varusanadu Hills of the Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu. |
Which of the give pair is/are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] Only three
[D] All four
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only three]
Notes:- The Baitarani River originates in the Gonasika hills in Keonjhar district, Odisha.
- The Pennar River originates in the Chenna Kesava hills of Karnataka’s Nandi mountains, but it does not flow into the Bay of Bengal directly; it empties into the Bay of Bengal after flowing through Andhra Pradesh.
- The Subarnarekha River originates near Nagri village, Ranchi, Jharkhand, at an elevation of 600 meters.
- The Palar River originates in the Nandi Hills in Karnataka, but it does not directly join the Bay of Bengal near Vayalur, south of Chennai. It flows through Tamil Nadu, but not as described.
- The Vaigai River originates in the Varusanadu Hills of the Western Ghats in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu.
18. Mount Aconcagua, which was seen in news, is located in which mountain range?
[A] The Andes
[B] The Himalayas
[C] The Alps
[D] The Rockies
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [The Andes]
Notes:
Indian and Argentine armies jointly summited Mt Aconcagua, the tallest peak in the Americas at 6,995 meters, on Army Day, January 15, 2025. The expedition began on January 3, 2025, and featured 23 participants, including an eight-member Indian team led by Lt Col Manoj Joshi and a 15-member Argentine contingent. Mt Aconcagua, located in the Andes of Argentina, is the highest peak in South America and outside Asia, standing at 6,962 meters. The mountain is of volcanic origin but is not currently active.
19. Siachen Glacier, which was seen in news, is located in which mountain range?
[A] Karakoram Range
[B] Zanskar Range
[C] Pir Panjal Range
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Karakoram Range]
Notes:
Siachen Glacier now has 4G and 5G services provided by an Indian telecom firm. It is a piedmont glacier in the Karakoram Range, part of the “Third Pole,” containing vast freshwater reserves. It is the world’s second-longest nonpolar glacier after Fedchenko Glacier in Tajikistan. Known as the highest battleground, India gained control in 1984 under Operation Meghdoot.
20. Match the winds with their corresponding characteristics and areas:
| Name of Wind | Characteristics and Area |
|---|
| 1. Chinook (Snow eaters) | A. Hot, dry wind; The Rockies Mountains |
| 2. Santa Ana | B. Hot, dry wind; West Africa |
| 3. Harmattan (Guinea Doctor) | C. Hot wind, South California |
| 4. Mistral | D. Cold wind; The Alps and France |
Choose the correct match from the options below:
[A] 1-A, 2-C, 3-B, 4-D
[B] 1-B, 2-A, 3-D, 4-C
[C] 1-C, 2-D, 3-A, 4-B
[D] 1-A, 2-D, 3-B, 4-C
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1-A, 2-C, 3-B, 4-D]
Notes:| Name | Nature of wind | Place |
| Chinook (Snow eaters) | Hot, dry wind | The Rockies mountains |
| Foehn | Hot, dry wind | The Alps |
| Khamsin | Hot, dry wind | Egypt |
| Siroco | Hot, moist wind | Sahara to the Mediterranean Sea |
| Solano | Hot, moist wind | Sahara to the Iberian Peninsula |
| Harmattan (Guinea Doctor) | Hot, dry wind | West Africa |
| Bora | Cold, dry wind | Blows from Hungary to North Italy |
| Mistral | Cold wind | The Alps and France |
| Punas | Cold dry wind | The western side of Andes Mountain |
| Blizzard | Cold wind | Tundra region |
| Purga | Cold wind | Russia |
| Levanter | Cold wind | Spain |
| Norwester | Hot wind | New Zealand |
| Santa Ana | Hot wind | South California |
| Karaburun (black storm) | Hot dusty wind | Central Asia |
| Calima | Dust-laden dry wind | Saharan Air Layer across the Canary Islands |
| Elephanta | Moist wind in monsoon | Malabar coast |
