SSC CGL 2014 PYQs

Question 1

Movement of hairs in Drosera is referred to as

Accepted Answer

The movement of hairs in Drosera (sundew plant) in response to touch, typically to capture insects, is a classic example of thigmotropism.

Question 2

The Asokan Inscriptions were engraved in which script ?

Accepted Answer

The Ashokan Inscriptions were predominantly written in the Brahmi script. This is a direct historical fact related to ancient Indian history.

Question 3

Radar is used to

Accepted Answer

Radar uses radio waves to detect the presence, direction, distance, and speed of objects. It is primarily used for detecting and locating distant objects.

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of parasitic alga ?

Accepted Answer

Cephaleuros is a genus of parasitic green algae known to cause 'red rust' disease in various plants, making it the correct answer.

Question 5

Which of the following lakes is called ‘Honeymoon Lake’ ?

Accepted Answer

Lake Titicaca, located in the Andes on the border of Peru and Bolivia, is famously known as the 'Honeymoon Lake' due to its romantic appeal and stunning scenery.

Question 6

Optical fibre works on the principle of

Accepted Answer

Optical fibres transmit light signals efficiently by utilizing the principle of total internal reflection, where light reflects completely within the fibre.

Question 7

Solitary cymose inflorescence is observed in

Accepted Answer

Solitary cymose inflorescence is a characteristic feature of Gardenia. This is a direct recall of a botanical fact.

Question 8

Harmattan blows in Sahara desert from

Accepted Answer

The Harmattan is a dry, dusty trade wind blowing from the Sahara Desert over West Africa. Its general direction is from East to West.

Question 9

Which application in Microsoft Office is feasible for preparing presentations ?

Accepted Answer

Microsoft PowerPoint is specifically designed for creating and delivering presentations, featuring slides, animations, and multimedia integration.

Question 10

The excretory aperture in Paramoecium is known as

Accepted Answer

The excretory aperture in Paramoecium is specifically called the Cytopyge. It is responsible for expelling undigested food and waste.

Question 11

The busiest ocean from the point of view of trade is

Accepted Answer

The Atlantic Ocean is historically and currently the busiest ocean for trade due to its central location between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, facilitating major shipping routes.

Question 12

The language which was used to build Internet Pages in the beginning of Internet Technology is

Accepted Answer

HTML (HyperText Markup Language) was the foundational language used to create web pages from the very beginning of the internet.

Question 13

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) Technique was first devised by

Accepted Answer

Patrick Steptoe and Robert Edwards are credited with developing the first successful IVF technique, leading to the birth of Louise Brown in 1978.

Question 14

The forest in Silent Valley of Kerala is an example of

Accepted Answer

Silent Valley in Kerala is known for its rich biodiversity and high rainfall, characteristic features of a tropical rainforest. This region is a prime example of such an ecosystem.

Question 15

Name the branch of Zoology that deals with the scientific study of animal behaviour.

Accepted Answer

Ethology is the scientific and objective study of animal behavior, usually with a focus on behavior under natural conditions. It is a key branch of zoology.

Question 16

What is ‘Biodiversity’ ?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life within a specific ecosystem or region. Option 1 accurately describes this, focusing on the diversity of flora and fauna in one forest.

Question 17

Annaimudi peak is located in the

Accepted Answer

Annaimudi peak is the highest peak in the Western Ghats, also known as Sahyadri. It is located in Kerala.

Question 18

‘Barr body’ is found in

Accepted Answer

Barr body is an inactivated X chromosome found in the somatic cells of female mammals. It ensures dosage compensation for X-linked genes.

Question 19

Commercially important cotton fibres are

Accepted Answer

Cotton fibers are epidermal outgrowths from the seed coat. They are essentially specialized hairs that develop on the surface of the cotton seeds.

Question 20

The colours of stars depend on their

Accepted Answer

The color of a star is directly related to its surface temperature. Hotter stars appear blue or white, while cooler stars appear red or orange.