Directions (1-5): In the following questions a word is given and followed by four alternatives. Select the alternative that conveys the same meaning as the word/phrase given.
Q1. Gobsmacked
(a) Coming upon unexpectedly; taking unawares
(b) Not properly organized, ready, or equipped
(c) Utterly astounded; astonished
(d) To undergo a shock
S1.Ans.(c)
Sol. Gobsmacked: Utterly astounded; astonished.
Q2. Smorgasbord
(a) An extensive array or variety
(b) A meal laid out on a table or sideboard so that guests may serve themselves
(c) A periodic commemoration, anniversary, or celebration
(d) An extreme or excessive amount or degree; superabundance
S2. Ans.(a)
Sol. Smorgasbord: An extensive array or variety.
Q3. Phenology
(a) The study of the sun’s interior by the analysis of its oscillations and sound waves passing through it
(b) The study of metal-bearing minerals or rocks that can be mined at a profit
(c) The science dealing with the influence of climate on the recurrence of annual phenomena of animal and plant life
(d) The branch of physical geography dealing with tides, produced by the attraction of the moon and sun
S3. Ans.(c)
Sol. Phenology: The science dealing with the influence of climate on the recurrence of annual phenomena of animal and plant life.
Q4. Instantiate
(a) To provide an instance of or concrete evidence in support of a theory, concept, claim, or the like
(b) To argue against; call into question
(c) To dispel; cause to vanish
(d) To declare oneself entitled to something
S4. Ans.(a)
Sol. Instantiate: To provide an instance of or concrete evidence in support of (a theory, concept, claim, or the like).
Q5. Unalienable
(a) Not transferable to another or not capable of being taken away or denied; inalienable
(b) Not of extraterrestrial origins; of earth
(c) Conforming to the standard or the common type; usual; not abnormal; regular; natural
(d) To take or receive property or the like by virtue of being heir to it
S5. Ans.(a)
Sol. Unalienable: Not transferable to another or not capable of being taken away or denied; inalienable.
Directions (6-10): Read the following passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four given alternatives.
As ice-free islands expand and coalesce, biodiversity could homogenise, less competitive species could go extinct and ecosystems destabilise from the spread of invasive species, which already pose a threat to native species, says the paper. Much life thrives in Antarctica’s ice-free pockets: small invertebrates, vascular plants, lichen, fungi, mosses and algae. They also serve as breeding ground for sea birds (including the Adelie penguins) and elephant seals. One of the biggest threats from an increase in ice-free area appears to be the spread of invasive species. Newly exposed habitats have already been colonised by invasive species in the Antarctic Peninsula. Rocks recently exposed by snow melt have been subsequently colonized by Rhizocarpon lichens and the invasive grass Poa annua has colonized new ice-free land near Ecology Glacier. The greatest change in climate is projected for the Antarctic Peninsula by the end of the century, and more than 85% of the new ice-free area is believed to occur in the north Antarctic Peninsula.
Q6. One of the biggest threats from an increase in ice-free area
(a) seems to be the extinction of species
(b) is the sudden change in climate
(c) appears to be the spread of invasive species
(d) is global warming
S6.Ans.(c)
Sol. One of the biggest threats from an increase in ice-free area appears to be the spread of invasive species.
Q7. Newly exposed habitats have already been colonised by
(a) small invertebrates
(b) the animals residing in Antarctica’s ice-free pockets
(c) the scientists
(d) invasive species in the Antarctic Peninsula
S7.Ans.(d)
Sol. Newly exposed habitats have already been colonised by invasive species in the Antarctic Peninsula.
Q8. the invasive grass Poa annua has colonized
(a) north Antarctic Peninsula
(b) the Antarctic Peninsula
(c) new ice-free land near Ecology Glacier
(d) the Antarctica’s ice-free pockets
S8.Ans.(c)
Sol. Rocks recently exposed by snow melt have been subsequently colonized by Rhizocarpon lichens and the invasive grass Poa annua has colonized new ice-free land near Ecology Glacier.
Q9. Much life thrives in Antarctica’s ice-free pockets:
(a) invasive species
(b) small invertebrates, vascular plants, lichen, fungi, mosses and algae
(c) Rhizocarpon lichens
(d) grass Poa annua
S9.Ans.(b)
Sol. Much life thrives in Antarctica’s ice-free pockets: small invertebrates, vascular plants, lichen, fungi, mosses and algae.
Q10. The greatest change in climate is projected
(a) by the scientists
(b) by the studies being conducted
(c) by the life thrives in Antarctica’s ice-free pockets
(d) by the end of the century
S10.Ans.(d)
Sol. The greatest change in climate is projected for the Antarctic Peninsula by the end of the century, and more than 85% of the new ice-free area is believed to occur in the north Antarctic Peninsula.
