Q90. Which island of the Andaman–Nicobar group has prominent mangrove vegetation?
[Uttar Pradesh Police Constable, 24 August 2024]
(A) Little Andaman
(B) Little Nicobar
(C) Car Nicobar
(D) North Andaman
Answer: (D) North Andaman
Explanation: North Andaman contains coastal and creek habitats suitable for mangrove forests. Such forests occupy sheltered shorelines and estuaries, where specialised roots cope with muddy, tidal soils. They provide nursery grounds for aquatic organisms and protect the coastline.
Q89. Which of the following is NOT regarded as a major, well-developed mangrove area?
[DSSSB Jail Warder, 14 June 2024]
(A) Mahanadi delta
(B) Sundarbans
(C) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
(D) Narmada delta
Answer: (D) Narmada delta
Explanation: Large mangrove tracts are associated with the Sundarbans, some eastern river deltas and the Andaman–Nicobar islands. The Narmada estuary has mangrove vegetation, but it is not usually grouped among India’s major, extensive mangrove regions in the exam’s classification.
Q88. Consider statements:
1. Surface winds produce large circular ocean-current patterns called gyres.
2. Equatorial surface currents generally carry cold water eastward.
Which is correct?
[UPSC CDS-II General Knowledge, 1 September 2024]
(A) Both true and 2 explains 1
(B) Both true but 2 does not explain 1
(C) 1 true, 2 false
(D) 1 false, 2 true
Answer: (C) 1 true, 2 false
Explanation: Prevailing winds and the Coriolis effect form large subtropical ocean gyres. The main North and South Equatorial Currents generally flow westward, carrying comparatively warm surface water. An eastward Equatorial Countercurrent occurs between them in some basins.
Q87. Which are characteristics of mangroves?
1. Coastal swamp or mudflat habitat;
2. Exposure to brackish tidal water;
3. Specialised roots in waterlogged soils.
[Bihar School Teacher TRE 3.0, 15 March 2024]
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) 3 only
(D) More than one of the above
Answer: (D) More than one of the above
Explanation: Mangroves thrive in intertidal coastal wetlands, where sediments are often waterlogged and saline. Some species develop aerial breathing roots and other adaptations. These habitats trap sediment, support shellfish and juvenile fish, and lessen coastal erosion.
Q86. In which Indian state are the Sundarbans located?
[DSSSB Jail Warder, 11 June 2024]
(A) West Bengal
(B) Kerala
(C) Tamil Nadu
(D) Odisha
Answer: (A) West Bengal
Explanation: The Indian Sundarbans lie in southern West Bengal within the lower Ganga delta. They are characterised by tidal creeks, saline mud and distinctive mangrove vegetation. The region is important for coastal biodiversity and the livelihoods of fishing communities.
Q85. What does the geographical term ‘archipelago’ mean?
[WBCS Food Sub-Inspector, 16 March 2024]
(A) A shallow part of the sea
(B) A mass of glacial ice
(C) A ring-shaped coral reef only
(D) A group or chain of islands
Answer: (D) A group or chain of islands
Explanation: An archipelago is a group of islands situated relatively close together, such as Lakshadweep or Andaman and Nicobar. Island groups may be volcanic, continental or coral in origin and are important for marine biodiversity and maritime jurisdiction.
Q84. Consider statements about the Red Sea:
1. It receives very little precipitation.
2. No river flows into it.
Which statements are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination, 2024]
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
Explanation: The Red Sea lies in a hot, arid region with little rainfall and lacks major perennial river inflows. Strong evaporation contributes to high salinity. These conditions shape water density, circulation and specialised reef ecosystems.
Q83. Regarding January isotherm maps, consider:
1. Isotherms bend northward over oceans and southward over continents in the Northern Hemisphere.
2. The Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift are cold currents.
Which statements are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination, 2024]
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (A) 1 only
Explanation: Oceans retain heat longer through winter, producing poleward bends of isotherms over relatively warm waters compared with continental interiors. The Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift are warm currents, so the second statement is incorrect.
Q82. Which is NOT a major geographical control of climate?
[SSC CGL, 23 September 2024]
(A) Altitude
(B) Latitude
(C) Interior of the Earth
(D) Ocean currents
Answer: (C) Interior of the Earth
Explanation: Ocean currents redistribute heat and influence the temperature and humidity of nearby coasts. Latitude governs incoming solar radiation, and altitude affects air temperature. The Earth’s interior is not a standard direct climatic control in this context.
Q81. The Blue Revolution is associated with increased production in which sector?
[Uttar Pradesh Police Constable, 17 February 2024]
(A) Fisheries
(B) Cotton
(C) Water-pollution control
(D) Dairy farming
Answer: (A) Fisheries
Explanation: The Blue Revolution refers to expansion and improvement in fish production and aquaculture. Its scope includes inland and marine fisheries, hatcheries, infrastructure and post-harvest handling. Sustainable management is necessary to prevent overexploitation and aquatic habitat damage.
