Test yourself

Fundamentals of Physical Geography

Class 11 · Geography

Real UPSC Prelims questions from 2016–2026, linked to this book. Try each one first, then open the answer. 2026 answers follow UPSC's provisional answer key.

A question can draw on more than one chapter, so the chapter counts add up to more than 27.

Ch 2 · The Origin and Evolution of the Earth

Prelims 2017 · Q44

The terms 'Event Horizon', 'Singularity', 'String Theory' and 'Standard Model' are sometimes seen in the news in the context of

(a)Observation and understanding of the Universe
(b)Study of the solar and the lunar eclipses
(c)Placing satellites in the orbit of the Earth
(d)Origin and evolution of living organisms on the Earth

Show answer

UPSC's answer: (a)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 2 (The Origin and Evolution of the Earth).

How to solve it with NCERT: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, ch 2: in the Big Bang theory the Universe began as one 'singular atom', and the chapter's figure is labelled 'Singularity'. These terms are about understanding the Universe, not eclipses, satellites or living things. Answer (a).

Beyond NCERT: two of the four are black-hole terms (NASA). The event horizon is a black hole's 'surface': inside it, escaping would need more than the speed of light. The singularity is the point at its centre where matter is crushed to infinite density. Source: NASA Science, 'Black Hole Anatomy' (science.nasa.gov)

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2017), question 44 ↗

Prelims 2018 · Q57

Consider the following statements:

1.The Earth's magnetic field has reversed every few hundred thousand years.
2.When the Earth was created more than 4000 million years ago, there was 54% oxygen and no carbon dioxide.
3.When living organisms originated, they modified the early atmosphere of the Earth.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 only
(b)2 and 3 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3

Show answer

UPSC's answer: (c)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 2 (The Origin and Evolution of the Earth); Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 4 (Distribution of Oceans and Continents).

Fundamentals of Physical Geography: the early atmosphere had very little free oxygen, and living things later changed it through photosynthesis (ch 2). The ocean floor shows strips of normal and reversed magnetism (ch 4). So 1 and 3: (c).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2018), question 57 ↗

Prelims 2021 · Q76

Which one of the following is a reason why astronomical distances are measured in light-years?

(a)Distances among stellar bodies do not change.
(b)Gravity of stellar bodies does not change.
(c)Light always travels in straight line.
(d)Speed of light is always same.

Show answer

UPSC's answer: (d)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 2 (The Origin and Evolution of the Earth).

How to solve it with NCERT: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, ch 2: light travels at 300,000 km per second, and a light year is the distance light travels in one year. That unit works only because light's speed is always the same. Answer (d).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2021), question 76 ↗

Prelims 2023 · Q56

Consider the following pairs:

Objects in space : Description

1.Cepheids : Giant clouds of dust and gas in space
2.Nebulae : Stars which brighten and dim periodically
3.Pulsars : Neutron stars that are formed when massive stars run out of fuel and collapse

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a)Only one
(b)Only two
(c)All three
(d)None

Show answer

UPSC's answer: (a)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 2 (The Origin and Evolution of the Earth).

The one fact NCERT doesn't give: Pulsars are neutron stars left behind when massive stars run out of fuel and collapse.

Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, ch 2: a nebula is a very large cloud of gas — so pairs 1 and 2 are swapped, and both are wrong. With the fact, only pair 3 is right. Answer (a).

Beyond NCERT: Cepheids are the stars that brighten and dim in a regular cycle, and astronomers use that cycle to measure distances. So pair 2's description belongs to Cepheids. Source: NASA Science, Hubble: 'Discovering a Runaway Universe' (science.nasa.gov)

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2023), question 56 ↗

Ch 3 · Interior of the Earth

Prelims 2023 · Q65

Consider the following statements:

1.In a seismograph, P waves are recorded earlier than S waves.
2.In P waves, the individual particles vibrate to and fro in the direction of wave propagation whereas in S waves, the particles vibrate up and down at right angles to the direction of wave propagation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Show answer

UPSC's answer: (c)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 3 (Interior of the Earth).

Fundamentals of Physical Geography (ch 3): P-waves are faster and arrive first. They vibrate parallel to the direction of the wave, while S-waves vibrate at right angles to it. Both statements are true. So (c).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2023), question 65 ↗

Prelims 2024 · Q3

Consider the following:

1.Pyroclastic debris
2.Ash and dust
3.Nitrogen compounds
4.Sulphur compounds

How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions?

(a)Only one
(b)Only two
(c)Only three
(d)All four

Show answer

UPSC's answer: (d)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 3 (Interior of the Earth).

Fundamentals of Physical Geography (ch 3): volcanoes throw out lava, pyroclastic debris, volcanic bombs, ash and dust, and gases such as nitrogen and sulphur compounds. All four are products of eruptions. So (d).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2024), question 3 ↗

Ch 4 · Distribution of Oceans and Continents

Prelims 2025 · Q25

Which of the following are the evidences of the phenomenon of continental drift?

I.The belt of ancient rocks from Brazil coast matches with those from Western Africa.
II.The gold deposits of Ghana are derived from the Brazil plateau when the two continents lay side by side.
III.The Gondwana system of sediments from India is known to have its counterparts in six different landmasses of the Southern Hemisphere.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a)I and III only
(b)I and II only
(c)I, II and III
(d)II and III only

Show answer

UPSC's answer: (c)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 4 (Distribution of Oceans and Continents).

Fundamentals of Physical Geography (ch 4) gives all three as evidence of continental drift. They are the matching rock belts of Brazil and West Africa, Ghana's gold from the Brazil plateau, and Gondwana sediments with counterparts in six southern landmasses. So (c).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2025), question 25 ↗

Ch 5 · Geomorphic Processes

Prelims 2018 · Q82

With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements:

1.A high content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity.
2.Soil does not play any role in the sulphur cycle.
3.Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 and 2 only
(b)3 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3

Show answer

UPSC's answer: (b)

NCERT answers it: Class 12 India: People and Economy, Ch 4 (Water Resources); Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 5 (Geomorphic Processes).

India: People and Economy (ch 4): intensive irrigation is raising soil salinity in Punjab, Haryana and western UP (3 true). Fundamentals of Physical Geography (ch 5): organic matter helps soil retain moisture (1 false). Only (b) has 3 without 1. So (b).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2018), question 82 ↗

Prelims 2021 · Q20

In the nature, which of the following is/are most likely to be found surviving on a surface without soil?

1.Fern
2.Lichen
3.Moss
4.Mushroom

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a)1 and 4 only
(b)2 only
(c)2 and 3
(d)1, 3 and 4

Show answer

UPSC's answer: (c)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 5 (Geomorphic Processes); Class 7 Curiosity, Ch 2 (Exploring Substances: Acidic, Basic, and Neutral).

Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, ch 5: bare weathered rock is first colonised by bacteria, mosses and lichens, before soil forms. Class 7 Curiosity, ch 2: lichens grow on rocks and trees. So 2 and 3. Answer (c).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2021), question 20 ↗

Prelims 2022 · Q48

Which of the following are nitrogen-fixing plants?

1.Alfalfa
2.Amaranth
3.Chickpea
4.Clover
5.Purslane (Kulfa)
6.Spinach

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a)1, 3 and 4 only
(b)1, 3, 5 and 6 only
(c)2, 4, 5 and 6 only
(d)1, 2, 4, 5 and 6

Show answer

UPSC's answer: (a)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 5 (Geomorphic Processes); Class 12 India: People and Economy, Ch 3 (Land Resources and Agriculture).

The one fact NCERT doesn't give: Alfalfa (lucerne) and clover (berseem) are legumes too.

Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, ch 5: Rhizobium in the root nodules of leguminous plants fixes nitrogen. Class 12 India: People and Economy, ch 3: gram (chickpea) is a pulse, a legume crop. With the fact, 1, 3 and 4 fix nitrogen, and only option (a) has all three. Answer (a).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2022), question 48 ↗

Prelims 2023 · Q63

Consider the following statements:

Statement–I:

The soil in tropical rain forests is rich in nutrients.

Statement–II:

The high temperature and moisture of tropical rain forests cause dead organic matter in the soil to decompose quickly.

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 is the correct explanation for Statement–I
(b)Both Statement–I and Statement–II are correct and Statement–II is not the correct explanation for Statement–I
(c)Statement–I is correct but Statement–II is incorrect
(d)Statement–I is incorrect but Statement–II is correct

Show answer

UPSC's answer: (d)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 5 (Geomorphic Processes).

Fundamentals of Physical Geography (ch 5): in humid tropical climates, bacteria work so fast that dead vegetation is quickly oxidised, leaving very little humus. The soil is poor (I false) because decay is fast (II true). So (d).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2023), question 63 ↗

Prelims 2024 · Q7

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I:

Rainfall is one of the reasons for weathering of rocks.

Statement-II:

Rain water contains carbon dioxide in solution.

Statement-III:

Rain water contains atmospheric oxygen.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a)Both Statement-II and Statement-III are correct and both of them explain Statement-I
(b)Both Statement-II and Statement-III are correct, but only one of them explains Statement-I
(c)Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement-I
(d)Neither Statement-II nor Statement-III is correct

Show answer

UPSC's answer: (a)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 5 (Geomorphic Processes).

How to solve it with NCERT: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, ch 5: chemical weathering works through oxygen, water and acids, and needs 'water and air (oxygen and carbon dioxide)'. Rainwater carries both gases, and both drive weathering. Answer (a).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2024), question 7 ↗

Ch 6 · Landforms and their Evolution

Prelims 2026 · Q23

Which of the following best explain(s) the rationale for protecting mangrove ecosystems in the context of climate resilience?

1.Mangroves reduce tidal energy and store freshwater, making them ideal sites for paddy cultivation in saline estuarine belts.
2.Their salt-sensitive roots filter seawater, making mangroves key to converting coastal land into freshwater aquaculture zones.
3.By withstanding tidal surges and offering biomass resources, mangroves function both as natural bio-shields and livelihood bases for rural communities.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a)1 only
(b)1 and 2
(c)2 and 3
(d)3 only

Show answer

UPSC's provisional answer: (d)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 India: Physical Environment, Ch 5 (Natural Vegetation); Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 6 (Landforms and their Evolution); Class 9 Exploration, Ch 12 (Patterns in Life: Diversity and Classification).

How to solve it with NCERT: Class 11 India: Physical Environment, ch 5: mangroves grow in salt marshes, tidal creeks and estuaries, so they are neither salt-sensitive nor freshwater stores (1, 2 false). Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, ch 6: mangroves absorb storm and tsunami waves (3). Answer (d).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2026), question 23 ↗

Ch 7 · Composition and Structure of Atmosphere

Prelims 2024 · Q2

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I:

Thickness of the troposphere at the equator is much greater as compared to poles.

Statement-II:

At the equator, heat is transported to great heights by strong convectional currents.

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

UPSC's answer: (a)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 7 (Composition and Structure of Atmosphere).

Fundamentals of Physical Geography (ch 7): the troposphere is thickest at the equator because strong convection carries heat to great heights. Both statements are true, and II explains I. So (a).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2024), question 2 ↗

Prelims 2024 · Q12

With reference to "water vapour", which of the following statements is/are correct?

1.It is a gas, the amount of which decreases with altitude.
2.Its percentage is maximum at the poles.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Show answer

UPSC's answer: (a)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 7 (Composition and Structure of Atmosphere).

Fundamentals of Physical Geography (ch 7): water vapour decreases with altitude (1 true), and in cold, dry polar regions it may be under 1% (2 false). So (a).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2024), question 12 ↗

Prelims 2025 · Q26

Consider the following statements:

Statement I:

The amount of dust particles in the atmosphere is more in subtropical and temperate areas than in equatorial and polar regions.

Statement II:

Subtropical and temperate areas have less dry winds.

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 not correct
(d)Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

Show answer

UPSC's answer: (c)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 7 (Composition and Structure of Atmosphere).

Fundamentals of Physical Geography (ch 7): dust is more concentrated in subtropical and temperate regions because of dry winds. This makes I true and II ('less dry winds') false. So (c).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2025), question 26 ↗

Ch 8 · Solar Radiation, Heat Balance and Temperature

Prelims 2023 · Q62

With reference to the Earth's atmosphere, which one of the following statements is correct?

(a)The total amount of insolation received at the equator is roughly about 10 times of that received at the poles.
(b)Infrared rays constitute roughly two-thirds of insolation.
(c)Infrared waves are largely absorbed by water vapour that is concentrated in the lower atmosphere.
(d)Infrared waves are a part of visible spectrum of electromagnetic waves of solar radiation.

Show answer

UPSC's answer: (c)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 8 (Solar Radiation, Heat Balance and Temperature).

Fundamentals of Physical Geography (ch 8): in the troposphere, water vapour, ozone and other gases absorb much of the near-infrared radiation. The same chapter puts insolation at about 320 W/m² in the tropics and 70 W/m² at the poles, so (a) is wrong. So (c).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2023), question 62 ↗

Prelims 2023 · Q64

Consider the following statements:

Statement–I:

The temperature contrast between continents and oceans is greater during summer than in winter.

Statement–II:

The specific heat of water is more than that of land surface.

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 is the correct explanation for Statement–I
(b)Both Statement–I and Statement–II are correct and Statement–II is not the correct explanation for Statement–I
(c)Statement–I is correct but Statement–II is incorrect
(d)Statement–I is incorrect but Statement–II is correct

Show answer

UPSC's answer: (d)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 8 (Solar Radiation, Heat Balance and Temperature); Class 11 India: Physical Environment, Ch 4 (Climate).

How to solve it with NCERT: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, ch 8: isotherms bend most in January, so the land–ocean contrast is greatest in the northern winter and statement I is false. Class 11 India: Physical Environment, ch 4: water heats up and cools down more slowly than land, which is what a higher specific heat means, so II is true. Answer (d).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2023), question 64 ↗

Prelims 2024 · Q1

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I:

The atmosphere is heated more by incoming solar radiation than by terrestrial radiation.

Statement-II:

Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are good absorbers of long wave radiation.

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

UPSC's answer: (d)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 8 (Solar Radiation, Heat Balance and Temperature).

Fundamentals of Physical Geography (ch 8): the Earth's long-wave radiation is absorbed by carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. This means the atmosphere is heated indirectly by the Earth, not mainly by incoming sunlight. Statement I is false and II is true. So (d).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2024), question 1 ↗

Prelims 2024 · Q4

Which of the following is/are correct inference/inferences from isothermal maps in the month of January?

1.The isotherms deviate to the north over the ocean and to the south over the continent.
2.The presence of cold ocean currents, Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift make the North Atlantic Ocean colder and the isotherms bend towards the north.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Show answer

UPSC's answer: (a)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 8 (Solar Radiation, Heat Balance and Temperature).

Fundamentals of Physical Geography (ch 8): in January isotherms bend north over the ocean and south over the continent (1 true). The Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift are warm currents that make the North Atlantic warmer (2 false). So (a).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2024), question 4 ↗

Prelims 2025 · Q27

Consider the following statements:

Statement I:

In January, in the Northern Hemisphere, the isotherms bend equatorward while crossing the landmasses, and poleward while crossing the oceans.

Statement II:

In January, the air over the oceans is warmer than that over the landmasses in the Northern Hemisphere.

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 not correct
(d)Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

Show answer

UPSC's answer: (a)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 8 (Solar Radiation, Heat Balance and Temperature).

Fundamentals of Physical Geography (ch 8): in January isotherms bend north over the ocean and south over the continent, because warm currents keep the northern oceans warmer. Both statements are true, and II explains I. So (a).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2025), question 27 ↗

Ch 9 · Atmospheric Circulation and Weather Systems

Prelims 2024 · Q14

With reference to "Coriolis force", which of the following statements is/are correct?

1.It increases with increase in wind velocity.
2.It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Show answer

UPSC's answer: (c)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 9 (Atmospheric Circulation and Weather Systems).

Fundamentals of Physical Geography (ch 9): the deflection is greater when wind velocity is high, and the Coriolis force is maximum at the poles and absent at the equator. Both statements are correct. So (c).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2024), question 14 ↗

Ch 11 · World Climate and Climate Change

Prelims 2018 · Q65

Which of the following statements best describes "carbon fertilization"?

(a)Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
(b)Increased temperature of Earth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
(c)Increased acidity of oceans as a result of increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
(d)Adaptation of all living beings on Earth to the climate change brought about by the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Show answer

UPSC's answer: (a)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 11 (World Climate and Climate Change); Class 9 Exploration, Ch 13 (Earth as a System: Energy, Matter, and Life).

How to solve it with NCERT: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, ch 11: forests use CO2 in their growth. Warming (b) is the greenhouse effect, and more acidic sea water (c) is a separate effect, named in Class 9 Exploration, ch 13. 'Fertilization' means growth. Answer (a).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2018), question 65 ↗

Prelims 2019 · Q25

In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest the use of cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol into stratosphere?

(a)Creating the artificial rains in some regions
(b)Reducing the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones
(c)Reducing the adverse effects of solar wind on the Earth
(d)Reducing the global warming

Show answer

UPSC's answer: (d)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 11 (World Climate and Climate Change).

How to solve it with NCERT: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, ch 11: aerosols from volcanoes stay in the air, cut the sunlight reaching the ground, and lowered the Earth's average temperature for some years. Putting aerosols up on purpose is meant to cool the Earth. Answer (d).

Beyond NCERT: the IPCC calls such ideas 'solar radiation modification' — deliberately changing how much sunlight the Earth absorbs, to reduce warming. Injecting aerosols into the stratosphere is its main example. Source: IPCC Special Report on 1.5 °C, Glossary, ipcc.ch/sr15/chapter/glossary

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2019), question 25 ↗

Prelims 2021 · Q60

"Leaf litter decomposes faster than in any other biome and as a result the soil surface is often almost bare. Apart from trees, the vegetation is largely composed of plant forms that reach up into the canopy vicariously, by climbing the trees or growing as epiphytes, rooted on the upper branches of trees." This is the most likely description of

(a)coniferous forest
(b)dry deciduous forest
(c)mangrove forest
(d)tropical rain forest

Show answer

UPSC's answer: (d)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 11 (World Climate and Climate Change); Class 11 India: Physical Environment, Ch 5 (Natural Vegetation).

How to solve it with NCERT: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, ch 11: tropical rain forests have a dense canopy. Class 11 India: Physical Environment, ch 5: climbers are typical of evergreen forests. A description built on canopy, climbers and plants growing on tree branches fits only the rain forest. Answer (d).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2021), question 60 ↗

Prelims 2024 · Q13

Consider the following description:

1.Annual and daily range of temperatures is low.
2.Precipitation occurs throughout the year.
3.Precipitation varies between 50 cm – 250 cm.

What is this type of climate?

(a)Equatorial climate
(b)China type climate
(c)Humid subtropical climate
(d)Marine West coast climate

Show answer

UPSC's answer: (d)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 11 (World Climate and Climate Change).

Fundamentals of Physical Geography (ch 11) describes the Marine West Coast climate exactly: small annual and daily ranges of temperature, rain throughout the year, and 50–250 cm of precipitation. So (d).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2024), question 13 ↗

Ch 14 · Biodiversity and Conservation

Prelims 2022 · Q89

With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements:

1.Wild animals are the sole property of the government.
2.When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside.
3.Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 and 2
(b)2 only
(c)1 and 3
(d)3 only

Show answer

UPSC's answer: (b)

NCERT answers it: Class 10 Contemporary India – II, Ch 2 (Forest and Wildlife Resources); Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 14 (Biodiversity and Conservation).

The one fact NCERT doesn't give: Under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, only some wild animals — such as those hunted illegally or found dead — become government property. Wild animals in general are not its 'sole property'.

Class 10 Contemporary India II, ch 2: protected animals have legal protection against hunting and trade throughout India, not only in protected areas (2 true). With the fact, 1 is false, which leaves only (b). Answer (b).

Beyond NCERT: statement 3 is false too. The Act lets the Chief Wild Life Warden permit killing only an animal that has become dangerous, and only if it cannot be captured, tranquilised or translocated. A mere fear is not enough. Source: Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, section 11(1)(a), as amended by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002 (No. 16 of 2003) — text on the Wildlife Institute of India site (v1.wii.gov.in/wildlife_act_1)

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2022), question 89 ↗

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