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Karnataka Forest Guard practice questions

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Question 1General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

Which river is known as the 'Dakshina Ganga' and flows through Karnataka before entering Tamil Nadu?

  1. Netravati
  2. Kaveri Correct answer.
  3. Tungabhadra
  4. Krishna

Explanation

The Kaveri (Cauvery) rises at Talakaveri in the Brahmagiri hills of Kodagu district and is popularly called Dakshina Ganga because of its sacred and cultural importance in South India. It flows east across Karnataka and then into Tamil Nadu.

Question 2General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

Bandipur National Park, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, lies in which district of Karnataka?

  1. Uttara Kannada
  2. Kodagu
  3. Hassan
  4. Chamarajanagar Correct answer.

Explanation

Bandipur National Park is located in the Chamarajanagar district and forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve along with Mudumalai, Wayanad and Nagarhole. It was originally a private hunting reserve of the Mysore Maharajas before becoming a tiger reserve.

Question 3General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

The Karnataka state emblem features the Gandaberunda, a mythical two-headed bird. This symbol is historically associated with which dynasty's royal insignia?

  1. Rashtrakuta
  2. Kadamba
  3. Chalukya of Badami
  4. Hoysala Correct answer.

Explanation

The Gandaberunda was used as a royal emblem by the Hoysala dynasty, whose capital was at Halebidu (Dorasamudra). Karnataka adopted it as the state emblem because of this historical association.

Question 4General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

Jog Falls, one of India's highest plunge waterfalls, is formed by which river?

  1. Gangavali
  2. Aghanashini
  3. Sharavathi Correct answer.
  4. Kali

Explanation

Jog Falls near Sagara in Shivamogga district is created by the Sharavathi river dropping in four distinct cascades. The river is dammed upstream at Linganamakki, which regulates the flow reaching the falls.

Question 5General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

Which Kannada poet, known as 'Kavichakravarti', wrote the Ramayana epic in Kannada titled 'Ramavataram'?

  1. Ponna
  2. Janna
  3. Pampa Correct answer.
  4. Ranna

Explanation

Pampa, one of the 'Ratnatraya' of Kannada literature, composed the Ramavataram (also called Pampa Ramayana) and is honoured with the title Kavichakravarti. He also wrote Vikramarjuna Vijaya, based on the Mahabharata.

Question 6General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

The Karnataka government's 'Krishi Bhagya' scheme primarily supports farmers in which activity?

  1. Export subsidies for coffee growers
  2. Crop insurance for plantation crops only
  3. Rainwater harvesting and protective irrigation through farm ponds Correct answer.
  4. Free electricity for urban households

Explanation

Krishi Bhagya promotes rainwater conservation by helping farmers build farm ponds, polyhouses and protective irrigation structures, particularly in rainfed areas. It aims to provide life-saving irrigation during dry spells.

Question 7General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

Which pass in Karnataka connects the coastal plains with the Deccan plateau and historically served as a route for the Kadamba capital region?

  1. Thal Ghat
  2. Shiradi Ghat Correct answer.
  3. Bhor Ghat
  4. Palakkad Gap

Explanation

Shiradi Ghat on the Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya road crosses the Western Ghats and links Hassan with coastal Dakshina Kannada. It is a crucial but landslide-prone transport corridor in Karnataka.

Question 8General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

The headquarters of the Western Ghats Regional Centre of the Zoological Survey of India is located in which Karnataka city?

  1. Mysuru
  2. Kozhikode Correct answer.
  3. Bengaluru
  4. Mangaluru

Explanation

The Western Ghats Regional Centre of the Zoological Survey of India is based in Kozhikode, Kerala, and covers the Western Ghats region including Karnataka's share. It is not located within Karnataka.

Question 9General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

Which annual fair held in Karnataka is famous as a cattle and cultural festival at the town of Srirangapatna's vicinity, drawing large crowds in the Mandya region?

  1. Pattadakal Dance Festival
  2. Hampi Utsav
  3. Vairamudi Brahmotsava
  4. Kambala Correct answer.

Explanation

Kambala is the traditional buffalo-race festival of coastal Karnataka, held in slushy tracks during winter, especially in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. It is a major cultural event with deep rural roots.

Question 10General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

Which of these is the correct sequence of Karnataka's coastline districts from north to south?

  1. Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada
  2. Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada
  3. Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi
  4. Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada Correct answer.

Explanation

Karnataka's 320-km coastline runs from the northern district of Uttara Kannada through Udupi to Dakshina Kannada in the south. Karwar, Bhatkal, Kundapura, Mangaluru and Ullal are key coastal towns along this stretch.

Question 11General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

The Almatti Dam, a major irrigation project, is built across which river in Karnataka?

  1. Kaveri
  2. Tungabhadra
  3. Krishna Correct answer.
  4. Malaprabha

Explanation

Almatti Dam is on the Krishna river in Vijayapura district (Bagalkot border area) and is part of the Upper Krishna Project. It supplies irrigation and hydropower to the northern districts.

Question 12General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

Which Karnataka city is known as the 'Silicon Valley of India' due to its concentration of IT and biotechnology firms?

  1. Mysuru
  2. Bengaluru Correct answer.
  3. Belagavi
  4. Hubballi

Explanation

Bengaluru earned the nickname Silicon Valley of India because of its dense cluster of software, electronics and biotech companies, supported by institutions like IISc and IIIT-B. Electronics City and Whitefield are major IT hubs.

Question 13General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

The Vijayanagara Empire's famous 'Vitthala Temple' with its stone chariot is located at which site?

  1. Belur
  2. Badami
  3. Pattadakal
  4. Hampi Correct answer.

Explanation

The Vitthala Temple complex, including the iconic stone chariot and musical pillars, is at Hampi in Vijayanagara district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It reflects the architectural peak of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Question 14General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

In the context of Karnataka's forest administration, a 'Wildlife Sanctuary' differs from a 'National Park' mainly because a sanctuary

  1. has no legal protection under the Wildlife Protection Act
  2. is always larger than a national park
  3. cannot be declared inside a reserve forest
  4. permits certain regulated human activities and rights, unlike a national park Correct answer.

Explanation

Under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, a wildlife sanctuary allows limited regulated activities and may permit certain rights and grazing, whereas a national park is more strictly protected with no such rights. Both are legal protected-area categories.

Question 15General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

Which soil type, rich in iron and aluminium oxides and reddish in colour, covers much of the Deccan plateau region of Karnataka?

  1. Black cotton soil
  2. Peaty soil
  3. Red soil Correct answer.
  4. Alluvial soil

Explanation

Red soils develop from the weathering of crystalline rocks and are rich in iron and aluminium oxides, giving them a reddish hue. They are widespread in the Deccan plateau parts of Karnataka, though often low in nitrogen and phosphorus.

Question 16General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

The Karnataka government's 'Shakti' scheme, launched in 2023, provides which benefit?

  1. Monthly cash transfers to farmers
  2. Free laptops for college students
  3. Free bus travel for women in state-run ordinary buses Correct answer.
  4. Free LPG cylinders for all households

Explanation

The Shakti scheme offers free travel for women in Karnataka's state-run ordinary buses, covering KSRTC, BMTC and NWKRTC services. It is one of the five guarantee schemes implemented by the state government.

Question 17General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

Which of the following is Karnataka's only district that shares a border with Maharashtra and Goa as well as being on the coast?

  1. Vijayapura
  2. Belagavi
  3. Uttara Kannada Correct answer.
  4. Bagalkot

Explanation

Uttara Kannada is a coastal district that borders Goa to the north-west and Maharashtra to the north, while also having an Arabian Sea coastline. Belagavi borders Maharashtra and Goa but is not coastal.

Question 18General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

The 'Rashtrakuta' capital of Manyakheta, an important early medieval city in Karnataka, is identified with which modern town?

  1. Halebidu
  2. Sringeri
  3. Banavasi
  4. Malkhed Correct answer.

Explanation

Manyakheta, the Rashtrakuta capital, is identified with modern Malkhed in Kalaburagi district (on the border with Raichur). It was a major centre of power in the Deccan between the 8th and 10th centuries.

Question 19General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

Which bird, declared the state bird of Karnataka, is known for its distinctive blue-green plumage and long tail?

  1. Malabar pied hornbill
  2. Indian roller Correct answer.
  3. Peacock
  4. Paradise flycatcher

Explanation

The Indian roller (Coracias benghalensis), locally called 'Neelakanta', is Karnataka's state bird. It is known for its striking blue wings and its habit of perching on wires near fields.

Question 20General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

Karnataka's 'Kaveri' river dispute primarily involves water-sharing with which neighbouring state?

  1. Maharashtra
  2. Kerala
  3. Tamil Nadu Correct answer.
  4. Andhra Pradesh

Explanation

The Kaveri water dispute is chiefly between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with Kerala and Puducherry as other riparian parties. The Supreme Court modified the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal award in 2018, allocating shares among the states.

Question 21General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

Which Karnataka district has the highest recorded rainfall, largely due to the Western Ghats and the monsoon, with places like Agumbe and Kollur?

  1. Udupi Correct answer.
  2. Koppal
  3. Ballari
  4. Kalaburagi

Explanation

Udupi district, along with Shivamogga's Agumbe region, receives very high monsoon rainfall because the Western Ghats force moist air to rise. Agumbe in Shivamogga and Kollur in Udupi are among India's wettest places.

Question 22General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

The 'Kadamba' dynasty, among the earliest to rule Karnataka, had its capital at which place?

  1. Talakad
  2. Banavasi Correct answer.
  3. Pattadakal
  4. Badami

Explanation

The Kadambas, founded by Mayurasharma, ruled from Banavasi in present-day Uttara Kannada district around the 4th century CE. They were among the first indigenous dynasties to establish a kingdom in Karnataka.

Question 23General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

Which of the following best explains why Karnataka's Malnad region supports evergreen forests while the Maidan region supports scrub and dry deciduous vegetation?

  1. Presence of black soil in the Malnad
  2. Lower temperature in the Maidan
  3. Higher rainfall and elevation in the Malnad versus lower rainfall in the Maidan Correct answer.
  4. Higher population density in the Malnad

Explanation

The Malnad lies along the Western Ghats with heavy orographic rainfall and higher elevation, supporting evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. The Maidan is a lower, drier plateau receiving much less rain, so it carries scrub and dry deciduous vegetation.

Question 24General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

The 'Nagarhole' National Park is part of which larger tiger conservation landscape in Karnataka?

  1. Sundarbans landscape
  2. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve Correct answer.
  3. Simlipal landscape
  4. Gir landscape

Explanation

Nagarhole (Rajiv Gandhi National Park) forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, connecting with Bandipur, Mudumalai and Wayanad. This landscape supports one of India's largest Asian elephant and tiger populations.

Question 25General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

Which Kannada literary work by Kuvempu, dealing with the life of a woman named after a river, won the Jnanpith Award and features the character 'Kaveri'?

  1. Mookajjiya Kanasugalu
  2. Sri Ramayana Darshanam Correct answer.
  3. Chomanadudi
  4. Kaanuru Heggadithi

Explanation

Kuvempu won the Jnanpith Award for Sri Ramayana Darshanam, a modern Kannada retelling of the Ramayana. His other major works include Kaanuru Heggadithi and Malegalalli Madumagalu.

Question 26General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

Which national park in Karnataka is renowned for its population of Asiatic elephants and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve?

  1. Bannerghatta National Park
  2. Kudremukh National Park
  3. Anshi National Park
  4. Bandipur National Park Correct answer.

Explanation

Bandipur National Park, established in 1974, is a key part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is famous for its large elephant and tiger populations. It lies in the Chamarajanagar district and connects with Mudumalai and Wayanad sanctuaries.

Question 27General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

The Karnataka government launched the 'Gruha Lakshmi' scheme in 2023. What is the primary objective of this scheme?

  1. To offer subsidized cooking gas cylinders to below-poverty-line families
  2. To distribute free laptops to students from backward classes
  3. To provide financial assistance to women heads of households Correct answer.
  4. To provide free bus travel for women across the state

Explanation

Gruha Lakshmi aims to empower women by providing a monthly financial assistance of ₹2,000 to the woman head of each eligible household in Karnataka. It was one of the five guarantee schemes announced by the state government in 2023.

Question 28General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

Which river is the principal source of water for the city of Mysuru and is also associated with the KRS Dam?

  1. Krishna
  2. Kaveri Correct answer.
  3. Netravati
  4. Tungabhadra

Explanation

The Kaveri River flows through Mysuru and is dammed at Krishnarajasagara (KRS), built in 1932. It is a major source of drinking water and irrigation for the region.

Question 29General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

The famous Chennakeshava Temple, a masterpiece of Hoysala architecture, is located in which town of Karnataka?

  1. Sringeri
  2. Halebidu
  3. Belur Correct answer.
  4. Somnathpur

Explanation

The Chennakeshava Temple at Belur was commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana in the 12th century and is renowned for its intricate stone carvings. It is a protected monument and a major tourist attraction.

Question 30General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

Which of the following is the correct order of Karnataka's major rivers from north to south?

  1. Kaveri, Tungabhadra, Krishna
  2. Tungabhadra, Krishna, Kaveri
  3. Krishna, Tungabhadra, Kaveri Correct answer.
  4. Krishna, Kaveri, Tungabhadra

Explanation

The Krishna River flows through the northern part of Karnataka, the Tungabhadra through the central region, and the Kaveri through the southern part. Thus, from north to south, the order is Krishna, Tungabhadra, Kaveri.

Question 31General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

The 'Kambala' buffalo race is a traditional sport mainly associated with which region of Karnataka?

  1. Coastal Karnataka Correct answer.
  2. Malnad
  3. North Karnataka
  4. Bayaluseeme (Maidan)

Explanation

Kambala is a traditional slush-track buffalo race held annually in coastal Karnataka, particularly in the districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. It is usually organized between November and March.

Question 32General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

Which soil type, covering large parts of Karnataka's Deccan plateau, is characterized by high clay content and is prone to waterlogging?

  1. Alluvial soil
  2. Laterite soil
  3. Red soil
  4. Black soil Correct answer.

Explanation

Black soil, also known as regur soil, is formed from volcanic lava and has high clay content, which makes it retain moisture but also prone to waterlogging. It is common in the northern districts of Karnataka.

Question 33General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

The Jog Falls, one of India's highest waterfalls, is formed by which river?

  1. Aghanashini
  2. Kali
  3. Sharavati Correct answer.
  4. Netravati

Explanation

Jog Falls is created by the Sharavati River plunging near Sagara in Shivamogga district. It drops about 253 meters and is a major tourist attraction.

Question 34General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

Which of the following wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka is specifically known for the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard?

  1. Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary Correct answer.
  2. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
  3. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
  4. Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary

Explanation

Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary, though named for blackbucks, has also been a habitat for the Great Indian Bustard, a critically endangered bird. However, the bustard population has declined severely in recent years.

Question 35General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

The 'Yakshagana' dance-drama form is traditionally performed in which part of Karnataka?

  1. Mysuru region
  2. Kodagu
  3. North Karnataka
  4. Coastal Karnataka Correct answer.

Explanation

Yakshagana is a traditional theatre form of coastal Karnataka, involving elaborate costumes, music, and dance. It is usually performed in the districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada.

Question 36General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

Which of the following is the highest peak in Karnataka?

  1. Pushpagiri
  2. Mullayanagiri Correct answer.
  3. Baba Budangiri
  4. Kudremukh

Explanation

Mullayanagiri, located in Chikkamagaluru district, is the highest peak in Karnataka at 1,930 meters. It is part of the Baba Budangiri range.

Question 37General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

The 'Hampi' group of monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the capital of which empire?

  1. Chalukya Empire
  2. Vijayanagara Empire Correct answer.
  3. Hoysala Empire
  4. Rashtrakuta Empire

Explanation

Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from the 14th to 16th centuries. The ruins include temples, palaces, and other structures that reflect the empire's grandeur.

Question 38General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

Which of the following factors best explains why the Malnad region of Karnataka supports evergreen forests while the Maidan region supports scrub and deciduous forests?

  1. Difference in latitude
  2. Difference in rainfall and elevation Correct answer.
  3. Difference in soil type
  4. Difference in human population density

Explanation

The Malnad region receives heavy rainfall due to the Western Ghats and has higher elevation, which supports evergreen forests. The Maidan region is a plateau with lower rainfall, leading to scrub and deciduous vegetation.

Question 39General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

The 'Kaveri' river water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu is primarily adjudicated by which authority?

  1. Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal
  2. Central Water Commission
  3. Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal
  4. Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal Correct answer.

Explanation

The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal was constituted in 1990 to adjudicate the sharing of Kaveri waters between Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. Its orders are binding on the states.

Question 40General Knowledge and Current Affairs (Karnataka focus)

In the context of Karnataka's forest administration, which of the following best describes a 'Reserved Forest'?

  1. An area where all activities are prohibited unless specifically permitted Correct answer.
  2. An area owned by private individuals but managed by the Forest Department
  3. An area that is protected for wildlife conservation and tourism
  4. An area where grazing and collection of minor forest produce are allowed

Explanation

Reserved Forests are areas constituted under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, where all activities are prohibited unless specifically permitted by the Forest Department. They are meant for strict conservation and are not open to public access.

Question 41General Science

In a Karnataka forest nursery, a guard notices that seedlings kept in continuous dim light are pale and weak. Which pigment's reduced synthesis most directly explains this condition?

  1. Keratin
  2. Melanin
  3. Haemoglobin
  4. Chlorophyll Correct answer.

Explanation

Chlorophyll is the green pigment synthesized in chloroplasts and requires light for normal production. Seedlings grown in dim light become etiolated and pale because chlorophyll synthesis is suppressed. Haemoglobin, melanin and keratin are pigments or proteins of animals, not of plant leaves.

Question 42General Science

A forest guard finds that water droplets collect on the underside of leaves in the early morning. Through which plant structure is most of this water vapour lost?

  1. Phloem sieve tubes
  2. Stomata Correct answer.
  3. Xylem vessels
  4. Root hairs

Explanation

Transpiration is the loss of water vapour, chiefly through stomata, which are small pores mostly on the leaf surface. Xylem and phloem are internal transport tissues, and root hairs absorb water rather than release vapour.

Question 43General Science

During a patrol a guard observes a snake with dry scales and no limbs, and a frog with moist skin near a stream. Which feature best distinguishes reptiles from amphibians?

  1. Reptiles are always venomous, while amphibians are never venomous
  2. Reptiles have a three-chambered heart, while amphibians have a four-chambered heart
  3. Reptiles lay shelled eggs on land, while amphibians typically lay jelly-like eggs in water Correct answer.
  4. Reptiles breathe only through their skin, while amphibians use lungs

Explanation

Reptilian eggs have a leathery or hard shell that limits water loss, allowing laying on dry land, whereas most amphibians lay gelatinous eggs in water or damp places. Reptiles generally have dry scaly skin, so they cannot rely on skin respiration as amphibians do. Body colour or venom is not a reliable class-level distinction.

Question 44General Science

A guard notices that a particular tree species in the reserve produces fruits only after many years and its seeds are dispersed by wind. Which seed feature is most consistent with wind dispersal?

  1. Heavy seeds with a thick, fleshy coat
  2. Seeds with hooks that grip animal fur
  3. Seeds enclosed in a sticky mucilage
  4. Light seeds with wing-like or hairy outgrowths Correct answer.

Explanation

Wind-dispersed seeds are typically small and light, often with wings or hairs that increase air resistance and flight distance. Heavy fleshy or sticky seeds and hooked seeds are adaptations for other dispersal agents such as animals.

Question 45General Science

Forest staff test a soil sample and find it is highly acidic. Which soil amendment is most appropriate to raise its pH for nursery seedlings?

  1. Lime (calcium carbonate) Correct answer.
  2. Ammonium sulphate fertiliser
  3. Common salt (sodium chloride)
  4. Gypsum (calcium sulphate)

Explanation

Lime, mainly calcium carbonate, neutralises soil acidity and raises pH. Gypsum adds calcium without raising pH appreciably, common salt harms plants, and ammonium sulphate is an acidifying fertiliser.

Question 46General Science

A guard records that a forest pond becomes green and cloudy in summer. Which organism group most likely causes this and what process underlies it?

  1. Earthworms, through burrowing
  2. Algae, through rapid photosynthetic growth Correct answer.
  3. Fungi, through spore formation
  4. Ferns, through spore dispersal

Explanation

Green cloudy water in warm, nutrient-rich ponds usually results from algal blooms, in which algae multiply rapidly using sunlight and dissolved nutrients. Fungi, earthworms and ferns do not produce green planktonic blooms in open water.

Question 47General Science

During a night patrol a guard sees a flying mammal with membranous wings. Which feature confirms it is a bat rather than a bird?

  1. Forelimbs modified into a wing membrane with no feathers Correct answer.
  2. Presence of a beak
  3. Laying of hard-shelled eggs
  4. Presence of hollow bones

Explanation

Bats are mammals whose forelimbs are modified into a leathery membrane (patagium) covered by skin, not feathers. Birds have feathers and beaks, and although bats also have light bones, the wing membrane is the decisive distinguishing feature.

Question 48General Science

A forest guard learns that a tree species fixes atmospheric nitrogen through root nodules. Which group of organisms carries out this fixation inside the nodules?

  1. Nitrosomonas bacteria
  2. Penicillium fungi
  3. Yeast fungi
  4. Rhizobium bacteria Correct answer.

Explanation

Rhizobium bacteria live symbiotically in root nodules of legumes and related plants and convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia. Nitrosomonas oxidises ammonia in soil, and Penicillium and yeast are fungi that do not form nitrogen-fixing nodules.

Question 49General Science

A guard observes that a lizard basking on a rock becomes active quickly, while the same lizard is sluggish on a cold morning. Which term describes this dependence on external heat?

  1. Hibernation
  2. Endothermy
  3. Nocturnality
  4. Ectothermy Correct answer.

Explanation

Ectotherms rely mainly on external heat sources to regulate body temperature, so their activity rises with environmental warmth. Endothermy means generating body heat internally, while hibernation and nocturnality describe seasonal rest or activity timing, not the heat source.

Question 50General Science

Forest staff notice that leaves of plants near a busy road are coated with fine dust. Which immediate effect on the plant is most direct?

  1. Faster water absorption by root hairs
  2. Increased nitrogen fixation in the roots
  3. Reduced light reaching the leaf surface for photosynthesis Correct answer.
  4. Greater seed dispersal by wind

Explanation

Dust on the leaf surface blocks and scatters light and can clog stomata, directly reducing photosynthesis. It does not enhance root nitrogen fixation, water uptake or seed dispersal, which occur elsewhere in the plant.