(Papers) UPSC Pre Topic Wise Papers : Geography

1. In the South Atlantic and South-Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not originate. What is the reason?
(a) Sea surface temperatures are low
(b) Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone seldom occurs
(c) Coriolis force is too weak
(d) Absence of land in those regions
Ans: A
Exp: In the South Atlantic and the eastern South Pacific,sea surface temperatures tend to run a shade cooler than ideal for tropical cyclone formation even in
the southern summer resulting in the lack of centers of rotation (vortex) in that area.

2. Which one of the following pairs of States of India indicates the easternmost and westernmost State?
(a) Assam and Rajasthan
(b) Arunachal Pradesh and Rajasthan
(c) Assam and Gujarat
(d) Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat
Ans: D
Exp: Kibithu in Anjaw district in Arunachal Pradesh is the easternmost point of Indian mainland (28.01744°N/97.40238°E) and the West of Ghuar Mota in the Kutch region of Gujarat is the westernmost point of India (23.67°N/ 68.52°E).

3. What explains the eastward flow of the equatorial counter-current?
(a) The Earth’s rotation on its axis
(b) Convergence of the two equatorial currents
(c) Difference in salinity of water
(d) Occurrence of the belt of calm near the equator
Ans: A

4. Among the following, which were frequently mentioned in the news for the outbreak of Ebola virus recently?
(a) Syria and Jordan
(b) Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia
(c) Philippines and Papua New Guinea
(d) Jamaica, Haiti and Surinam

Ans: B
Exp: The current outbreak of Ebola began in Guinea in December 2013 and then spread to Liberiaand Sierra Leaone.

5. The area known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes appears in the news in the context of the events related to
(a) Central Asia
(b) Middle East
(c) South-East Asia
(d) Central Africa
Ans: B
Exp: Golan Heights, also called Golan Plateau,overlooking the Jordan River valley, was part of extreme southwestern Syria until 1967, when it came under Israeli military occupation, and in December 1981, Israel unilaterally annexed the part of the Golan.

6. Consider the following rivers:
1. Vamsadhara 2. Indravati
3. Pranahita 4. Pennar
Which of the above are tributaries of Godavari?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 2 and 3 only
Ans: D
Exp: The Vamsadhara River originates in the Kalahandi district of Odisha and runs for a distance of about 254 kilometers, where it joins the Bay of Bengal at Kalingapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It is not a tributary of Godavari. Indravati River is a tributary of the Godavari River, in central India. It originates from the Eastern Ghats of Dandakaranya range in Kalahandi district and flows in a westerly direction; enters Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh state. It further traverses in the westerly direction and thereafter in southern direction before finally meeting Godavari River at the border of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Telangana. Pranhita River flows on the edge of Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra and Adilabad district in Andhra Pradesh. The name Pranhita is derived from the nature of combined flow of the rivers

7. Consider the following statements:

1. The winds which blow between 30°N and 60°Slatitudes through-out the year are known as westerlies.

2. The moist air masses that cause winter rains inNorth-Western region of India are part ofwesterlies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: B
Exp: In statement 1 it is the winds which blow between 30°N and 60°S latitudes through-out the year are known as westerlies. This zone also includes trade winds.

8. In a particular region in India, the local people trainthe roots of living trees into robust bridges acrossthe streams. As the time passes, these bridgesbecome stronger. These unique ‘living root bridges’are found in
(a) Meghalaya
(b) Himachal Pradesh
(c) Jharkhand
(d) Tamil Nadu
Ans: A
Exp: The living root bridges of Cherrapunji, Laitkynsew, and Nongriat, in the present-day Meghalaya state of northeast India. It is a form of tree shaping, which creates these suspension bridges, they are handmade from the aerial roots of living banyan fig trees, such as Ficus elastica. The pliable tree roots are trained to grow through betel tree trunks which are placed across the gap, until the figs’ roots take root on the other side. Sticks, stones, and other inclusions are placed with the growing bridge. This process can take up to 15 years to complete.

9. Tides occur in the oceans and seas due to which among the following?
1. Gravitational force of the Sun
2. Gravitational force of the Moon
3. Centrifugal force of the Earth
Select the correct answer using the code given
below:
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: D
Exp: The tide-raising forces at the earth’s surface result from a combination of basic forces: (1) the force of gravitation exerted by the moon (and sun) upon the earth; and (2) centrifugal forces produced by the revolutions of the earth and moon (and earth and sun) around their common center-of-gravity (mass) or barycenter.

10. Consider the following States:
1. Arunachal Pradesh
2. Himachal Pradesh
3. Mizoram
In which of the above States do ‘Tropical Wet
Evergreen Forests’ occur?
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: C
Exp: In India, evergreen forests are found on the eastern and western slopes of the Western Ghats in such states as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra. And also found in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, West Bengal and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

11. Which one of the following countries of South-West Asia does not open out to the Mediterranean Sea?
(a) Syria
(b) Jordan
(c) Lebanon
(d) Israel
Ans: B
Exp: Jordan has Israel on its west and Syria on its North. Henceforth out of all these countries Jordan does not open out to the Mediterranean Sea.

12. In India, in which one of the following types of forests is teak a dominant tree species?
(a) Tropical moist deciduous forest
(b) Tropical rain forest
(c) Tropical thorn scrub forest
(d) Temperate forest with grasslands
Ans: A
Exp: The main species found in these forests are teak, sal, padauk, laurel, white chuglam, badam, dhup, chikrosi, kokko, haldu, rosewood, mahua, bijasal, lendi, semul, irul, dhaman, amla, kusum, tendu, paula, jamun, bamboo, etc

13. “Each day is more or less the same, the morning isclear and bright with a sea breeze; as the Sunclimbs high in the sky, heat mounts up, dark cloudsform, then rain comes with thunder and lightning.But rain is soon over.”
Which of the following regions is described in the above passage?
(a) Savannah
(b) Equatorial
(c) Monsoon
(d) Mediterranean
Ans: B
Exp: Equatorial – Most regions along the equator have very hot and humid climates. Rainfall can be excessive and at certain times of the year thunderstorm can occur on a daily basis. Annual rainfall is normally is excess of 2000 mm with heavy showers on most afternoons. This pattern of rainfall is due to wind patterns, which creates ideal conditions (warm, moist, unstable air) for the formation of storm clouds.

14. The Substitution of steel for wooden ploughs inagricultural production is an example of
(a) Labour-augmenting technological progress
(b) Capital-augmenting technological progress
(c) Capital-reducing technological progress
(d) None of the above
Ans: B
Exp: Capital augmenting technological progress results in the more productive use of the existing capital.

2014 :

1. The most important strategy for the conservation ofbiodiversity together with traditional human life isthe establishment of
(a) Biosphere reserves
(b) Botanical gardens
(e) National parks
(d) Wildlife sanctuaries
Ans: A

2. If you travel through the Himalayas, you are likely to see which of the following plants naturally growing there?
1. Oak
2. Rhododendron
3. Sandalwood
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) Only 3
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: A

3. Which of the following have coral reefs?
1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
2. Gulf of Kachchh
3. Gulf of Mannar
4. Sunderbans
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: A

4. The seasonal reversal of winds is the typicalcharacteristic of
(a) Equatorial climate
(b) Mediterranean climate
(c) Monsoon climate
(d) All of the above climates
Ans: C

5. Consider the following rivers:
1. Barak 2. Lohit
3. Subansiri
Which of the above flows / flow through Arunachal Pradesh?
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: B

6. Consider the following pairs :
3.Kolleru Lake Confluence of Musi and Krishna
2.Keoladeo Ghana National Park Confluence of Beas and Chambal
1.Harike Wetlands Confluence of Beas and Sutluj/Sutlej Wetlands Confluence of rivers Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: A

7. With reference to a conservation organization calledWetlands International’, which of the followingstatements is/are correct?
1. It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar Convention.
2. It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: B

8. Consider the following pairs :
Hills Region
1. Cardamom Hills Coromandel Coast
2. Kaimur Hills Konkan Coast
3. Mahadeo Hills Central India
4. Mikir Hills North-East India
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 and 4 (d) 2 and 4
Ans: C

9. Consider the following pairs:
3. National Watershed Development Ministry of Rural Development
2.Desert Development Programme Ministry of Environment and Forests
1.Drought - Prone Area Programme Ministry of Agriculture
Programme / Project Ministry
Project for Rainfed Areas
Which of the above pairs
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) Only 3
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
Ans: D

10. Consider the following towns of India :
1. Bhadrachalam 2. Chanderi
3. Kancheepuram 4. Kamal
Which of the above are famous for the production of traditional sarees / fabric?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 3 and 4
Ans: B

11. Consider the following pairs:
National Highway Cities connected
1. NH 4 : Chennai and Hyderabad
2. NH 6 : Mumbai and Kolkata
3. NH 15 : Ahmedabad and Jodhpur
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) Only 3
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
Ans: D

12. Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the ‘Ten Degree Channel’?
(a) Andaman and Nicobar
(b) Nicobar and Sumatra
(c) Maldives and Lakshadweep
(d) Sumatra and Java
Ans: A

13. With reference to ‘Changpa’ community of India, consider the following statement:
1. They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand.
2. They rear the Pashmina goats that yield a fine wool.
3. They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) Only 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: B

14. Turkey is located between
(a) Black Sea and Caspian Sea
(b) Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea
(c) Gulf of Suez and Mediterranean Sea
(d) Gulf of Aqaba and Dead Sea
Ans: B

15. What is the correct sequence of occurrence of the following cities in South-East Asia as one proceeds from south to north?
1. Bangkok 2. Hanoi
3. Jakarta 4. Singapore
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 4-2-1-3
(b) 3-2-4-1
(c) 3-4-1-2
(d) 4-3-2-1
Ans: C

2013 :

1. Consider the following pairs National Park River flowing through the Park
1. Corbett National Park : Ganga
2. Kaziranga National Park : Manas
3. Silent Valley National Park : Kaveri
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) None
Ans: D

2. Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?
Geographical Feature Region
(a) Abyssinian Plateau : Arabia
(b) Atlas Mountains : North - Western Africa
(c) Guiana Highlands : South - Western Africa
(d) Okavango Basin : Patagonia
Ans: B

3. With reference to the usefulness of the by-products of sugar industry, which of the following statements is / are correct?
1. Bagasse can be used as biomass fuel for the generation of energy.
2. Molasses can be used as one of the feedstocks for the production of synthetic chemical fertilizers.
3. Molasses can be used for the production of ethanol.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: C

4. Variations in the length of daytime and night time from season to season are due to
(a) The earth’s rotation on its axis
(b) The earth’s revolution round the sun in an elliptical manner
(c) Latitudinal position of the place
(d) Revolution of the earth on a tilted axis
Ans: D

5. The Narmada river flows to the west, while most other large peninsular rivers flow to the east. Why?
1. It occupies a linear rift valley.
2. It flows between the Vindhyas and the Satpuras.
3. The land slopes to the west from Central India.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) None
Ans: A

6. On the planet earth, most of the freshwater exists as ice caps and glaciers. Out of the remaining freshwater, the largest proportion
(a) is found in atmosphere as moisture and clouds
(b) is found in freshwater lakes and rivers
(c) exists as groundwater
(d) exists as soil moisture
Ans: C

7. Consider the following pairs:
1. Nokrek Bio-sphere Reserve : Garo Hills
2. Logtak (Loktak) Lake : Barail Range
3. Namdapha National Park : Dafla Hills
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
Ans: A

8. Consider the following:
1. Electromagnetic radiation
2. Geothermal energy
3. Gravitational force
4. Plate movements
5. Rotation of the earth
6. Revolution of the earth
Which of the above are responsible for bringing dynamic changes on the surface of the earth?
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3, 5 and 6 only
(c) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
Ans: C

9. Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used in
(a) desert margins, liable to strong wind action
(b) low flat plains, close to stream courses, liable toflooding
(c) scrublands, liable to spread of weed growth
(d) None of the above
Ans: D

10. Which one among the following industries is the maximum consumer of water in India?
(a) Engineering
(b) Paper and pulp
(c) Textiles
(d) Thermal power
Ans: D

11. The most important fishing grounds of the world are found in the regions where
(a) warm and cold atmospheric currents meet
(b) rivers drain out large amounts of freshwaterinto the sea
(c) warm and cold oceanic currents meet
(d) continental shelf is undulating
Ans: C

12. Which of the following is/are unique characteristic/ characteristics of equatorial forests?
1. Presence of tall, closely set trees with crowns forming a continuous canopy
2. Coexistence of a large number of species
3. Presence of numerous varieties of epiphytes
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: D

13. The annual range of temperature in the interior of the continents is high as compared to coastal areas. What is / are the reason / reasons?
1. Thermal difference between land and water.
2. Variation in altitude between continents and oceans.
3. Presence of strong winds in the interior
4. Heavy rains in the interior as compared to coasts.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) Only 1
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: A

14. Which of the following is / are the characteristic/characteristics of Indian coal?
1. High ash content
2. Low sulphur content
3. Low ash fusion temperature
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) Only 2
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: A

15. Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils of India are correct?
1. They are generally red in colour.
2. They are rich in nitrogen and potash.
3. They are well-developed in Rajasthan and UP.
4. Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on these soils.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2 and 3 only
Ans: C

16. Consider the following statements:
1. Natural gas occurs in the Gondwana beds.
2. Mica occurs in abundance in Kodarma.
3. Dharwars are famous for petroleum.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) None
Ans: B

17. Consider the following crops
1. Cotton 2. Groundnut
3. Rice 4. Wheat
Which of these are Kharif crops?
(a) 1 and 4
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 2, 3 and 4
Ans: C

18. Consider the following crops
1. Cotton 2. Groundnut
3. Rice 4. Wheat
Which of these are Kharif crops?
(a) 1 and 4
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 2, 3 and 4
Ans: C

19. “Climate is extreme, rainfall is scanty and the people used to be nomadic herders.” The above statement best describes which of the following regions?
(a) African Savannah
(b) Central Asian Steppe
(c) North American Prairie
(d) Siberian Tundra
Ans: B

20. During a thunderstorm, the thunder in the skies is produced by the
1. meeting of cumulonimbus clouds in the sky
2. lightning that separates the nimbus clouds
3. violent upward movement of air and water particles
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) None of the above produces the thunder
Ans: D

21. Consider the following pairs :
1. Limboo (Limbu) : Sikkim
2. Karbi : Himachal Pradesh
3. Dongaria : Odisha
4. Bonda : Tamil Nadu
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: A

2012 :

1. Which of the following is the chief characteristic of ‘mixed farming’?
(a) Cultivation of both cash crops and food crops
(b) Cultivation of two or more crops in the same field
(c) Rearing of animals and cultivation of crops together
(d) None of the above.
Ans: C

2. A particular State in India has the following characteristics:
1. It is located on the same latitude which passes through northern Rajasthan.
2. It has over 80% of its area under forest cover.
3. Over 12% of the forest over constitutes Protected Area Network in this State.
Which one among the following States has all the above characteristics?
(a) Arunachal Pradesh
(b) Assam
(c) Himachal Pradesh
(d) Uttarakhand
Ans: A

3. Consider the following crops of India :
1. Cow pea 2. Green gram
3. Pigeon pea
Which of the above is/are used as pulse , fodder and green manure?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) Only 2
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: D

4. Consider the following factors:
1. Rotation of the Earth
2. Air pressure and wind
3. Density of ocean water
4. Revolution of the Earth
Which of the above factors influence the ocean currents?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4
Ans: B

5. Consider the following crops of India:
1. Groundnut 2. Sesamum
3. Pearl millet
Which of the above is/are predominantly rained crop/ crops?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) Only 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: D

6. When you travel in Himalayas,you will see the foll.:
1. Deep gorges
2. U-turn river courses
3. Parallel mountain ranges
4. steep gradients causing land-sliding
Which of the above can be said to be the evidences for the Himalayas being young fold mountains?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: D

7. Normally the temp. Decreases with the increase inheight from the earth’s surface, because
1. the atmosphere can be heated upwards only from the Earth’s surface
2. there is more moisture in the upper atmosphere
3. the air is less dense in the upper atmosphere
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: A

8. The acidification of oceans is increasing . why isthis phenomenon a cause of concern ?
1. The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be adversely affected
2. The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected
3. The survival of some animals that have phytoplankton larvae will be adversely affected
4. The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be adversely affected
Which of the statements are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) Only 2
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: D

9. A person stood alone in a desert on a dark nightand wanted to reach his village which was situated5km east of the point where he was standing .Hehad no instruments to find the direction but he locatedthe polestar, the most convenient way now to reachhis village is to walk in the
(a) facing the polestar
(b) opposite to the polestar
(c) keeping the polestar to his left
(d) keeping the polestar to his right
Ans: C

10. Consider the following statements:
1. The duration of the monsoon decreases from southern India to northern India.
2. The amount of annual rainfall in the northern plains of India decreases from east to west.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: C

11. Which one of the following is the characteristic climate of the Tropical Savannah Region?
(a) Rainfall throughout the year
(b) Rainfall in winter only
(c) An extremely short dry season
(d) A definite dry and wet season
Ans: D

12. What is the difference between the antelopes Oryx and Chiru?
(a) Oryx is adapted to live in hot and arid areas whereas Chiru is adapted to live in steppes and semi-desert areas of cold high mountains
(b) Oryx is poached for its antlers whereas Chiru is poached for its musk
(c) Oryx exists in western India only whereas Chiru exists in north east India only.
(d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct.
Ans: A

2011 :

1. Among the following States, which one has themost suitable climatic conditions for the cultivationof a large variety of orchids with minimum cost ofproduction, and can develop an export orientedindustry in this field?
(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Arunachal Pradesh
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Uttar Pradesh
Ans: B

2. In which one among the following categories ofprotected areas in India are local people not allowedto collect and use the biomass?
(a) Biosphere Reserves
(b) National Parks
(c) Wetlands declared under Ramsar Convention
(d) Wildlife Sanctuaries
Ans: B

3. Two important rivers - one with its source inJharkhand (and known by a different name inOdisha), and another, with its source in Odisha -merge at a place only a short distance from thecoast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea.This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area. Which one of the following could be this?
(a) Bhitarkanika
(b) Chandipur-on-sea
(c) Gopalpur-on-sea
(d) Simlipal
Ans: A

4. India is regarded as a country with ‘Demographic Dividend’. This is due to
(a) Its high population in the age group below 15 years
(b) Its high population in the age group of 15-64 years
(c) Its high population in the age group above 65 years
(d) Its high total population

5. La Nina is suspected to have caused recent floods in Australia. How is La Nina different from El Nino?
1. La Nina is characterised by unusually cold ocean temperature in equatorial Indian Ocean whereas El Nino is characterised by unusually warm ocean temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.
2. El Nino has adverse effect on south-west monsoon of India, but La Nina has no effect on monsoon climate.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: D

6. With reference to micro-irrigation, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Fertilizer/nutrient loss can be reduced.
2. It is the only means of irrigation in dry land farming.
3. In some areas of farming, receding of ground water table can be checked.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: C

7. The 2004 Tsunami made people realize that mangroves can serve as a reliable safety hedge against coastal calamities. How do mangroves function as a safety hedge?
(a) The mangrove swamps separate the human settlements from the sea by a wide zone in which people neither live nor venture out
(b) The mangroves provide both food and medicines which people are in need of after any natural disaster
(c) The mangrove trees are tall with dense canopies and serve as art excellent shelter during a cyclone or tsunami
(d) The mangrove trees do not get uprooted by storms and tides because of their extensive roots
Ans: D

8. Salinization occurs when the irrigation water accumulated in the soil evaporates, leaving behind salts and minerals. What are the effects of salinization on the irrigated land?
(a) It greatly increases the crop production
(b) It makes some soils impermeable
(c) It raises the water table
(d) It fills the air spaces in the soil with water
Ans: B

9. Westerlies in southern hemisphere are stronger andpersistent than in northern hemisphere. Why?
1. Southern hemisphere has less landmass as compared to northern hemisphere.
2. Coriolis force is higher in southern hemisphere as compared to northern hemisphere
Which of-the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: A

11. Between India and east Asia, the navi-gation-time and distance can be greatly reduced by which ofthe following ?
1. Deepening the Malacca straits between Malaysia and Indonesia.
2. Opening a new canal across the kra isthmus between the gulf of Siam and Andaman sea.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: A

12. If a tropical rain forest is removed, it does not regenerate quickly as compared to a tropical deciduous forest. This is because ?
(a) The soil of rain forest is deficient in nutrients.
(b) Propagules of the trees in a rain forest have poor viability.
(c) The rain forest species are slow-growing.
(d) Exotic species invade the fertile soil of rain forest.
Ans: A

13. The Himalayan Range is very rich in species diversity. Which one among the following is the most appropriate reason for this phenomenon ?
(a) It has a high rainfall that supports luxuriant vegetative growth.
(b) It is a confluence of different bio-geographical zones.
(c) Exotic and invasive species have not been invasive species have not been introduced in this region.
(d) It has less human interference.
Ans: B

14. A layer in the earth’s atmosphere called ionospherefacilities radio communication. Why?
1. Why presence of ozone causes the reflection of radio waves to earth.
2. Radio waves have a very long wavelength.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: D

15. The lower Gangetic plain is cahrac-terised by humidclimate with high temperature throughout the year.Which one among the following pairs of crops ismost suitable for this region?
(a) Paddy and cotton
(b) Wheat and jute
(c) Paddy and jute
(d) Wheat and cotton
Ans: C

16. What could be the main reason/reasons for the formation of African and Eurasian desert belt?
1. It is located in the sub-tropical high pressure cells.
2. It is under the influence of warm ocean currents.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct in this context?
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: B

17. The jet aircrafts fly very easily and smoothly in thelower stratosphere. What could be the appropriateexplanation?
1. There are no clouds or water vapour in the lower stratosphere.
2. There are no vertical winds in the lower stratosphere.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct in this context?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: B

18. Consider the following statements:
1. Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes.
2. Along the mountain gradients, biodiversity is normally greater in the lower altitudes as compared to the higher altitudes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: C

19. The Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy and Mekong rivers originate in Tibet narrow and parallel mountainranges in their upper reaches. Of these rivers,Brahmaputra makes a “U” turn in its course to flow into India. This “U” turn is due to?
(a) Uplift of folded Himalayan series.’
(b) Syntaxial bending of geologically young Himalayas.
(c) Geo-tectonic disturbance in the tertiary folded mountain chains.
(d) Both (a) and (b) above
Ans: B

20. A state in India has the following characteristics:
1. Its northern part is arid and semi-arid.
2. Its central part produces cotton.
3. Cultivation of cash crops is predominant over food crops.
Which one of the following states has all of the
above characteristics?
(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Gujarat
(c) Karnataka
(d) Tamil Nadu
Ans: B

21. Southeast Asia has captivated the attention of globalcommunity over space and time as a geostrategically significant region. Which among the followingis the most convincing explanation for this globalperspective?
(a) It was the hot theatre during the second world war.
(b) Its location between the Asian powers of china and India.
(c) It was the arena of superpower confrontation during the cold war period.
(d) Its location between the pacific and Indian oceans and its pre-eminent maritime character.
Ans: D

2010 :

1. A geographic area with an altitude of 400 metershas following characteristics:If this geographic area were to have a natural forest,which one of the following would it most likely be?
(a) Moist temperate coniferous forest
(b) Montane subtropical forest
(c) Temperate forest
(d) Tropical rain forest
Ans: D

2. A new type of El Nino called El Nino Modokiappeared in the news. In this context, consider thefollowing statements:
1. Normal El Nino forms in the Central Pacific ocean whereas El-Nino Modoki forms in Eastern Pacific ocean.
2. Normal EI Nino results in diminished hurricanes in the Atlantic ocean but El Nino Modoki results in a greater number of hurricanes with greater frequency. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: B

3. With reference to soil conservation, consider the following practices:
1. Crop rotation 2. Sand fences
3. Terracing 4. Wind breaks
Which of the above are considered appropriate methods for soil conservation in India?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: D

4. Following are the characteristics of an area in India:
1. Hot and humid climate
2. Annual rainfall 200 cm
3. Hill slopes up to an altitude of 1100 metres
4. Annual range of temperature 15°C to 30°C Which one among the following crops are you most likely to find in the area described above?
(a) Mustard
(b) Cotton
(c) Pepper
(d) Virginia tobacco
Ans: C

5. In India, which type of forest among the following occupies the largest area?
(a) Montane Wet Temperate Forest
(b) Sub-tropical Dry Evergreen Forest
(c) Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest
(d) Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest
Ans: C

6. Consider the following statements:
1. On the planet Earth, the fresh water available for use amounts to about less than 1% of the total water found.
2. Of the total fresh water found on the planet Earth 95 % is bound up in polar ice caps and glaciers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: A

7. Which one of the following reflects back more sunlight as compared to other three?
(a) Sand desert
(b) Paddy crop land
(c) Land covered with fresh snow
(d) Prairie land
Ans: C

8. A geographic region has the following distinctcharacteristics:
1. Warm and dry climate
2. Mild and wet winter
3. Evergreen oak trees
The above features are the distinct characteristics of which one of the following regions?
(a) Mediterranean
(b) Eastern China
(c) Central Asia
(d) Atlantic coast of North America
Ans: A

9. What causes wind to deflect toward left in theSouthern hemisphere?
(a) Temperature
(b) Magnetic field
(c) Rotation of the earth
(d) Pressure
Ans: C

10. From the point of view of evolution of livingorganisms, which one of the following is the correct sequence of evolution?
(a) Otter – Tortoise – Shark
(b) Shark – Tortoise – Otter
(c) Tortoise – Shark – Otter
(d) Shark – Otter – Trotoise
Ans: B

11. What are the possible limitations of India in mitigatingthe global warming at present and in the immediate future?
1. Appropriate alternate technologies are not sufficiently available
2. India cannot invest huge funds in research and development
3. Many developed countries have already set up their polluting industries in India
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 2
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: A

12. Consider the following which can be found in the ambient atmosphere:
1. Soot 2. Sulphur hexafluoride
3. Water vapour
Which of the above contribute to the warming up of the atmosphere?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: D

13. India is a party to the Ramsar Convention and hasdeclared many areas as Ramsar Sites. Which ofthe following statements best describes as to howwe should maintain these sites in the context of thisConvention?
(a) Keep all the sites completely inaccessible to man so that they will not be exploited
(b) Conserve all the sites through ecosystem approach and permit tourism and recreation only
(c) Conserve all the sites through ecosystem approach for a period without any exploitation, with specific criteria and specific period for each site, and then allow sustainable use of them by future generations
(d) Conserve all the sites through ecosystem approach and allow their simultaneous sustainable use
Ans: D

14. As per UN-Habitat’s Global Report on Human Settlements 2009, which one among the following regions has shown the fastest growth rate of urbanization in the last three decades?
(a) Asia
(b) Europe
(c) Latin America and Caribbean
(d) North America
Ans: A

15. Which one of the following can one come across if one travels through the strait of Malacca?
(a) Bali
(b) Brunei
(c) Java
(d) Singapore
Ans: D

16. Consider the following statements:
1. Biodiversity hotspots are located only in tropical regions.
2. India has four biodiversity hotspots i.e., Eastern Himalayas, Western Himalayas, Western Ghats and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: D

17. Consider the following statements:
1. The boundaries of a National Park are defined by legislation
2. A Biosphere Reserve is declared to conserve a few specific species of flora and fauna
3. In a Wildlife Sanctuary, limited biotic interference is permitted
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: C

18. Consider the following pairs:Protected area Well-known for
1. Bhiterkanika, Orissa - Salt Water Crocodile
2. Desert National - Great Indian Park, Rajasthan Bustard
3. Eravikulam, Kerala - Hoolak Gibbon
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) Only 1
(b) 1 and 2
(c) Only 2
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: B

19. Rovers that pass through Himachal Pradesh are
(a) Beas and Chenab only
(b) Beas and Ravi only
(c) Chenab, Ravi and Satluj only
(d) Beas, Chenab, Ravi, Satluj and Yamuna
Ans: D

20. With reference to the river Luni, which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) It flows into Gulf of Khambhat
(b) It flows into Gulf of Kuchchh
(c) It flows into Pakistan and merges with a tributary of Indus
(d) It is lost in the marshy land of the Rann of Kuchchh
Ans: D

21. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
Dam/Lake River
(a) Govind Sagar Satluj
(b) Kolleru Lake Krishna
(c) Ukai Reservoir Tapi
(d) Wular Lake Jhelum
Ans: B

22. If there were no Himalayan ranges, what would have been the most likely geographical impact on India?
1. Much of the country would experience the cold waves from Siberia.
2. Indo-gangetic plain would be devoid of such extensive alluvial soils.
3. The pattern of monsoon would be different from what it is at present.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: D

23. The latitudes that pass through Sikkim also pass through
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Punjab
(c) Himachal Pradesh
(d) Jammu & Kashmir
Ans: A

24. Though coffee and. tea both are cultivated on hill slopes, there is some difference between them regarding their cultivation. In this context, consider the following statements:
1. Coffee plant requires a hot and humid climate of tropical areas whereas tea can be cultivated in both tropical and subtropical areas.
2. Coffee, is propagated by seeds but tea is propagated by stem cuttings only. 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
Ans: A

25. With reference to the mineral resources of India,consider the following pairs:
Mineral 90 % Natural sources in
1. Copper Jharkhand
2. Nickel Orissa
3. Tungsten Kerala
Which of the pairs given above is / are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 2
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: B

26. Sustainable development is described as the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In this perspective, inherently the concept of sustainable development is intertwined with which of the following concepts?
(a) Social justice and empowerment
(b) Inclusive Growth
(c) Globalization
(d) Carrying capacity
Ans: D

27. Tamil Nadu is a leading producer of mill-made cotton yarn in the country. What could be the reason?
1. Black cotton soil is the predominant type of soil in the state
2. Rich pool of skilled labour is available
Which of the above is/are the correct reasons?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: B

28. When you travel in certain parts of India, you willnotice red soil. What is the main reason for this colour?
(a) Abundance of magnesium
(b) Accumulated humus
(c) Presence of ferric oxides
(d) Abundance of phosphates
Ans: C

29. Which one of the following is the appropriate reasonfor considering the Gondwana rocks as mostimportant of rock systems of India?
(a) More than 90% of limestone reserves of India are found in them
(b) More than 90% of India’s coal reserves are found in them
(c) More than 90% of fertile black cotton soils are spread over them
(d) None of the reasons given above is appropriate in this context
Ans: B