Read the given extract and answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate answer. The levels of dissolved oxygen in the world's ocean waters are declining precipitously. Just like humans, fish need oxygen to survive, and so in ocean areas experiencing significant levels of oxygen scarcity, or hypoxia, fish populations are plummeting. Although some hypoxic areas, called "dead zones," occur naturally, hypoxia in coastal areas and inland waters is caused mainly by agricultural run-off and by discharge of industrial wastewater. More than one hundred permanent dead zones, many covering thousands of square miles, exist worlawide today. Since reproductive success is the most critical factor in the sustainability of any species, the extent of this threat to manine life and genetic diversity can hardly be overstated. After several months in hypoxic waters, female fish produce fewer eggs. Moreover, hypoxic conditions serve to alter the normal ratio between two particular hormones manufactured during the embryonic stage when a fish's gender is determined. During gestation and under these conditions, the mother produces more testosterone (and less estradiol), which inhibits the development of female reproductive organs and other female characteristics in the embryo, while promoting the development of male traits. The implications of declining oxygen levels extend beyond individual species to entire ecosystems. Marine biodiversity is at risk as species that cannot adapt to hypoxic conditions may face extinction, leading to a cascade of effects throughout the food web. Predators may struggle to find adequate prey, while other marine organisms, such as coral reefs, which rely on healthy fish populations for symbiotic relationships, may also deteriorate. The loss of biodiversity can disrupt ecosystem services that are essential for human communities, including fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection.
1. How does hypoxia affect female fish reproduction?
a) It increases egg production
b) It has no effect on reproduction
c) It decreases egg production
d) It improves the survival rate of embryos
Answer - c) It decreases egg production
2. What term is used in the passage to describe areas with significantly low levels of oxygen?
a) Oxygen-rich zones
b) Dead zones
c) Marine reserves
d) Hypoxic waters
Answer - b) Dead zones
3. What effect do altered hormone levels during gestation have on fish embryos in hypoxic conditions?
a) They promote the development of female traits
b) They cause all embryos to become hermaphrodites
c) They have no impact on gender determination
d) They inhibit female trait and promote male traits
Answer - d) They inhibit female traits and promote male traits
4. What broader ecological impact does declining oxygen levels have, as mentioned in the passage?
a) Increase in hypoxic fish populations
b) Enrichment of coral reefs
c) Disruption of entire ecosystems
d) Degradation of marine biodiversity
Answer - c) Disruption of entire ecosystems
5. Why is reproductive success critical for any species, according to the passage?
a) It ensures the continuation of genetic diversity
b) It determines the physical traits of the species
c) It affects the feeding habits of the species
d) It influences the increase in habitat size
Answer - a) It ensures the continuation of genetic diversity
Current Affairs and General Knowledge
51. The quality of drinking water is regularly measured in terms of TDS. Highor tho IDS poorer the quality of drinking water. What does TDS stand for?
a) Total Dilution Solubility
b) Total Dissolved Solids
c) Total De-Salination
d) Total Density Solution
Answer - d) Total Dissolved Solids
52. In 2004, the Government of India decided to create a new category of languages known as 'Classical Languages'. What are the latest criteria, announced in 2024, for inclusion of languages within this category?
I. High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years.
II. A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a heritage by generations of speakers.
III. Knowledge texts, especially prose texts in addition to poetry, epigraphical and inscriptional evidence.
IV. The classical languages and literature could be distinct from its current form or could be discontinuous with later forms of its offshoots.
V. The literary tradition be original and not borrowed from another speech community.
Select the correct option :
a) Only I, II, III \& V
c) Only I, II \& III
b) Only II III \& IV
d) Only I, II, III \& IV
Answer - d) All of the above
53. The movie 'The Man who knew Infinity' depicts the life story of
a) Apurba Ramchandran
b) Ramanbhai Patel
c) Srinivasa Ramanujan
d) Venki Ramakrishna
Answer - c) Srinivasa Ramanujan
54. Who was known as the 'Bard of Brahmaputra' ?
a) Tarali Sarma
c) Bishakh Jyoti
b) Bhupen Hazarika
d) Niranjan Rout
Answer - b) Bhupen Hazarika
55. In 2024, the Government of India introduced the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar, recognising key contributions in the field of Science and Technology in India. In the first edition awards were presented in the following four categories:
I. Vigyan Ratna
II. Vigyan Shri
III. Vigyan Yuva
IV. Vigyan Team
V. Vigyan Aavishkar
Select the correct option :
a) Only I, II, III, IV
c) Only I, III, IV, V
b) Only II, III, IV, V
d) Only I, II, IV, V
Answer - The correct categories are I, II, III, IV
