GK Olympiad for Class 9 - Sample question paper 13

Answer: A. Biosonar

Explanation: Bats and dolphins use a biological sonar system known as biosonar to locate prey or predators and navigate through their environment. Biosonar, also called echolocation, involves emitting high-frequency sound waves and listening to the echoes reflected off objects in the environment. By interpreting the time delay and direction of the returning echoes, bats and dolphins can determine the location, size, shape, and texture of objects around them, including potential prey or threats. This ability allows them to hunt effectively in darkness or murky waters where visibility is limited.

Answer: C. Turtle

Explanation: The olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) is a species of sea turtle known for its olive-colored carapace, or shell, which gives it its name. It is one of the smallest and most abundant species of sea turtles, found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Olive ridley turtles are famous for their mass nesting events, known as arribadas, where thousands of females come ashore simultaneously to lay their eggs. These turtles play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by controlling jellyfish populations and providing nutrients through their eggs and hatchlings.

Answer: A. Quercus suber

Explanation: Commercial cork is obtained from the cork oak tree (Quercus suber), primarily grown in the Mediterranean region, particularly in countries like Portugal and Spain. The cork oak tree's bark is harvested for its cork, which is a versatile and sustainable material used in various applications, including wine stoppers, flooring, insulation, and fashion accessories.

Answer: A. Gene bank

Explanation: Gene banks, also known as seed banks or germplasm banks, are repositories that store genetic material (seeds, spores, tissues, or DNA) of various plant and animal species, including endangered species. Gene banks play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation by preserving the genetic diversity of species for future generations. They provide a safeguard against extinction and allow researchers to study, breed, and reintroduce endangered species into their natural habitats.

Answer: B. Sill

Explanation: A sill is a horizontal sheet-like intrusion of igneous rock that is formed when magma is injected between parallel layers of pre-existing sedimentary rocks, such as sandstone or shale. As the magma cools and solidifies underground, it forms a flat, tabular body that runs parallel to the layering of the surrounding sedimentary rocks. Sills are typically characterized by their uniform thickness and smooth upper and lower surfaces. They are common features in areas where volcanic activity has occurred, such as rift zones and convergent plate boundaries. Sills are important geological structures that provide insights into the history of magma emplacement and crustal processes.

Answer: B. Jawaharlal Nehru Bustard Sanctuary

Explanation: The Jawaharlal Nehru Bustard Sanctuary, located in Maharashtra, India, is also known as the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary. It is named after India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and serves as a protected area for the conservation of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), one of the heaviest flying birds in the world. The sanctuary is characterized by semi-arid grasslands and scrub habitats, which provide ideal nesting and foraging grounds for the bustards.

Answer: C. September and November

Explanation: The 'ozone hole' in Antarctica typically occurs every year during the Southern Hemisphere spring, primarily in the months of September and November. During this period, chemical reactions involving ozone-depleting substances, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons, catalyze the destruction of ozone molecules in the stratosphere.

The phenomenon is more pronounced over Antarctica due to the unique meteorological and geographical conditions present in the region, including the polar vortex and low temperatures. These factors contribute to the formation of a large and persistent ozone hole, characterized by significantly reduced ozone concentrations compared to other parts of the atmosphere.

The ozone hole poses serious environmental and health risks by allowing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun to reach the Earth's surface, leading to increased rates of skin cancer, cataracts, and other adverse effects.

Answer: B. Cartagena Protocol

Explanation: The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety is an international treaty that seeks to protect biological diversity and ensure the safe transfer, handling, and use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in transboundary movements. Adopted in 2000 in Cartagena, Colombia, the protocol aims to address the potential risks posed by GMOs to the environment, human health, and biological diversity.

It establishes procedures for the risk assessment, notification, and labeling of GMOs intended for import, export, or release into the environment. The Cartagena Protocol promotes transparency, public participation, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance biosafety measures and support sustainable development.

It complements other international agreements, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), by integrating biosafety considerations into the broader framework of biodiversity conservation and management. Therefore, the correct answer is option B, Cartagena Protocol.

Answer: C. Chloroxylenol

Explanation: Dettol, a popular antiseptic liquid, contains chloroxylenol as its active ingredient, which confers its antiseptic properties. Chloroxylenol is a chemical compound with antimicrobial properties that help disinfect and clean wounds, cuts, and skin infections. It is effective against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it suitable for personal hygiene, first aid, and household disinfection purposes.

Chloroxylenol works by disrupting the cell membranes of microorganisms, leading to their inactivation and death. Dettol and other products containing chloroxylenol are widely used for wound care, surface disinfection, and general sanitation to prevent infections and promote healing.

Answer: A. Nag

Explanation: The Nag missile is an Indian third-generation, all-weather, fire-and-forget, lock-on after launch, anti-tank guided missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India.

The name 'Nag' stands for 'Cobra' in Hindi, symbolizing the missile's deadly and swift nature. The Nag missile system is designed to destroy enemy tanks and armored vehicles with precision and efficiency, making it a potent weapon for the Indian Armed Forces.

Answer: A. Tuberculosis

Explanation: The BCG vaccine, which stands for Bacille Calmette-Guérin, protects against tuberculosis (TB), a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. BCG is one of the most widely used vaccines globally and is administered to infants and young children in countries with a high prevalence of TB.

The vaccine contains a weakened strain of Mycobacterium bovis, a related bacterium that causes TB in cattle. When administered, the BCG vaccine stimulates the body's immune response, leading to the production of antibodies and memory cells that provide long-lasting protection against TB infection.

BCG vaccination is particularly effective in preventing severe forms of TB, such as meningitis and disseminated disease, in children. While the BCG vaccine does not provide complete immunity against TB, it significantly reduces the risk of developing active TB disease and its complications. Therefore, the correct answer is option A, Tuberculosis.

Answer: B. It decreases as we go towards the centre of the earth.

Explanation: The value of the acceleration due to gravity ('g') decreases as we move towards the center of the earth. This phenomenon occurs because as objects move towards the center of the earth, the gravitational force acting on them decreases. At the earth's surface, 'g' is approximately 9.8 m/s², but it gradually decreases as we move towards the earth's core.

This decrease is due to the increasing distance from the majority of the earth's mass, resulting in weaker gravitational attraction. Therefore, the correct answer is option B, It decreases as we go towards the center of the earth.

Answer: A. Natesa

Answer: B. Paris

Explanation: Paris, the capital city of France, is situated on the bank of the river 'Seine.' The Seine River is one of the most iconic and historically significant rivers in France, flowing through the heart of Paris and dividing the city into the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) and the Right Bank (Rive Droite).

The Seine River has played a crucial role in the development and cultural heritage of Paris, serving as a source of water, transportation, and inspiration for generations of artists, writers, and visitors.

The riverbanks of the Seine are adorned with famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Parisian identity. Therefore, the correct answer is option B, Paris.

Answer: A. Canadian Dollar

Explanation: 'Loonie' is a colloquial term used for the Canadian Dollar. The nickname 'Loonie' originated from the image of a common loon, a bird native to Canada, depicted on the one-dollar coin issued by the Royal Canadian Mint in 1987.

The distinctive loon design on the coin quickly became associated with the Canadian Dollar, leading to the popularization of the term 'Loonie' to refer to the currency. Since then, the Loonie has become a widely recognized symbol of Canada's currency and identity, reflecting the country's natural heritage and cultural diversity.