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Question 371

National Defence Academy (NDA) 2025• General Ability Test

The book ‘The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection’ was authored by

  1. AOption (a)

    Charles Darwin

  2. BOption (b)

    Carolus Linnaeus 

  3. COption (c)

    Barbara McClintock 

  4. DOption (d)

    Copernicus 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Charles Darwin

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Charles Darwin.

Concept:

  • Charles Darwin authored the groundbreaking book titled "The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection." This book, published on November 24, 1859, is considered one of the most influential works in scientific literature and laid the foundation for the field of evolutionary biology.
  • The book introduced the theory of evolution, explaining that species evolve over time through a process called natural selection. Darwin proposed that individuals with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing these advantageous traits to their offspring.

Other Options:

  • Carolus Linnaeus
  • Carolus Linnaeus (1707–1778) was a Swedish botanist, zoologist, and physician.  He is best known for creating the system of binomial nomenclature, which is the formal system of naming species (e.g., Homo sapiens).
  • ​Barbara McClintock
  • Barbara McClintock (1902–1992) was an American scientist and cytogeneticist who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1983 for her discovery of genetic transposition (jumping genes).
  • Copernicus
  • Nicolas Copernicus (1473–1543) was a Renaissance-era mathematician and astronomer who formulated the heliocentric model of the universe, proposing that the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun.

Question 372

National Defence Academy (NDA) 2025• General Ability Test

The headquarters of World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is located at  

  1. AOption (a)

    Switzerland 

  2. BOption (b)

    Scotland 

  3. COption (c)

    South Africa 

  4. DOption (d)

    Italy 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Switzerland 

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Switzerland.

Concept:

  • The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that focuses on meteorology, climatology, hydrology, and related fields.
  • It was established in 1950 and plays a vital role in promoting international collaboration in weather, climate, and water-related issues.
  • Its headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland.

Question 373

National Defence Academy (NDA) 2025• General Ability Test

The optimum pH at which the enzymes pepsin and trypsin of the human alimentary canal works are

  1. AOption (a)

    pH 2.0 and 7.9, respectively 

  2. BOption (b)

    pH 4.5 and 3.5, respectively  

  3. COption (c)

    pH 9.5 and 4.5, respectively 

  4. DOption (d)

    pH 7.0 and 8.0, respectively

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

pH 2.0 and 7.9, respectively 

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is pH 2.0 and 7.9, respectively.

Explanation:

  • Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body. They are highly specific and work optimally at particular pH levels.
  • Pepsin and trypsin are digestive enzymes found in the human alimentary canal, and they operate at different pH levels due to their specific roles and locations within the digestive system.
  • Pepsin: This enzyme is secreted by the stomach and works in an acidic environment to break down proteins into smaller peptides. Pepsin is active in the acidic environment of the stomach, where hydrochloric acid maintains the pH around 2.0. At this pH, pepsin efficiently breaks down complex proteins into smaller peptides, which are later acted upon by other enzymes.
  • Trypsin: Trypsin is active in the alkaline environment of the small intestine, where bile and pancreatic secretions neutralize the acidic chyme from the stomach. At this pH (7.9), trypsin catalyzes the breakdown of peptides into amino acids, completing protein digestion.

Question 374

National Defence Academy (NDA) 2025• General Ability Test

The amount of air breathed in and out during a normal respiration by human lungs is referred to as 

  1. AOption (a)

    Vital capacity 

  2. BOption (b)

    Tidal volume 

  3. COption (c)

    Inspiratory volume 

  4. DOption (d)

    Total lung capacity 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Tidal volume 

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Tidal volume

Explanation:

  • The respiratory system includes various lung volumes and capacities, which are essential for understanding lung function and diagnosing respiratory conditions.
  • Key lung volumes include Tidal Volume (TV), Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV), Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV), and Residual Volume (RV).
  • Tidal Volume (TV) - Volume of air inspired or expired during normal respiration. It is approx. 500 mL., i.e., a healthy man can inspire or expire approximately 6000 to 8000 mL of air per minute.

Other Options:

  • Vital Capacity (VC) - The maximum volume of air a person can breathe in after a forced expiration. This includes ERV, TV and IRV
  • Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV): This is the additional volume of air that a person can inspire by a forcible inspiration. This averages 2500 mL to 3000 mL.
  • Total Lung Capacity (TLC): Total volume of air accommodated in the lungs at the end of a forced inspiration. This includes RV, ERV, TV and IRV or vital capacity + residual volume.

Question 375

National Defence Academy (NDA) 2025• General Ability Test

Which one among the following statements about arteries and veins in humans is NOT correct ?

  1. AOption (a)

    Arteries carry blood away from heart while veins bring blood towards the heart

  2. BOption (b)

    Pulmonary arteries always carry oxygenated blood while Pulmonary veins always carry deoxygenated blood 

  3. COption (c)

    Arteries have thicker and more elastic walls compared to veins in general 

  4. DOption (d)

    Arteries do not have valves but veins do have valves 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Pulmonary arteries always carry oxygenated blood while Pulmonary veins always carry deoxygenated blood 

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Pulmonary arteries always carry oxygenated blood while pulmonary veins always carry deoxygenated blood

Explanation:

  • The human circulatory system consists of arteries and veins, which are responsible for transporting blood throughout the body.
  • Arteries generally carry oxygenated blood from the heart to various parts of the body, while veins carry deoxygenated blood from different parts of the body back to the heart.
  • However, there are exceptions to this general rule, specifically in the pulmonary circulation.
  • In pulmonary circulation, the pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the heart (right ventricle) to the lungs for oxygenation.
  • The pulmonary veins, on the other hand, carry oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the heart (left atrium).
  • This is an exception to the general rule that arteries carry oxygenated blood and veins carry deoxygenated blood

Question 376

National Defence Academy (NDA) 2025• General Ability Test

Identify the functions that are controlled by the hind brain of human being 

  1. AOption (a)

    Involuntary actions such as blood pressure, salivation vomiting ete. 

  2. BOption (b)

    Controlling the regions receiving sensory impulses from receptors 

  3. COption (c)

    Controlling the movement of voluntary muscles 

  4. DOption (d)

    Sensation of hunger or being full 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Involuntary actions such as blood pressure, salivation vomiting ete. 

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Involuntary actions such as blood pressure, salivation, vomiting, etc.

Explanation:

  • The hindbrain is a crucial part of the human brain and is responsible for regulating essential and automatic bodily functions. It is located at the lower back part of the brain and includes the cerebellum, pons, and medulla oblongata.
  • These regions work together to maintain involuntary actions and coordination necessary for survival.
  • The hindbrain primarily manages automatic processes such as breathing, heart rate, digestion, and reflex actions like swallowing and vomiting.
  • The medulla oblongata works in conjunction with other parts of the hindbrain to ensure smooth functioning of these automatic processes.
  • For example, the medulla adjusts blood vessel diameter to control blood pressure, and it coordinates the reflexes involved in salivation and vomiting.

Other Options:

  • Controlling the regions receiving sensory impulses from receptors This is incorrect because sensory impulses are primarily processed in the forebrain, specifically in the thalamus and cerebral cortex. The hindbrain does not play a direct role in controlling or analyzing sensory impulses.
  • Controlling the movement of voluntary muscles: This is incorrect because the movement of voluntary muscles is primarily controlled by the cerebrum in the forebrain.
  • Sensation of hunger or being full: This is incorrect because the sensation of hunger or satiety is controlled by the hypothalamus, which is part of the forebrain.

Question 377

National Defence Academy (NDA) 2025• General Ability Test

Iodized salt is a vital part of our diet as it is essential for the synthesis of 

  1. AOption (a)

    Estrogen 

  2. BOption (b)

    Thyroxin 

  3. COption (c)

    Insulin

  4. DOption (d)

    Adrenalin 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Thyroxin 

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Thyroxin

Explanation:

  • Thyroxin:
  • Thyroxin, or T4, is one of the primary hormones produced by the thyroid gland.
  • Iodine is a critical component of thyroxin, and its deficiency can impair the synthesis of this hormone.
  • The lack of thyroxin can lead to hypothyroidism, characterized by fatigue, weight gain, and other metabolic issues.
  • Estrogen (Incorrect):
  • Estrogen is a hormone primarily responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics.
  • Insulin (Incorrect)
  • Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels
  • Adrenalin (Incorrect):
  • Adrenalin, also known as epinephrine, is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands during stress or emergency situations.

Question 378

National Defence Academy (NDA) 2025• General Ability Test

The menstrual cycle in females is controlled by hormones that are secreted by

  1. AOption (a)

    Ovary and lacrimal gland  

  2. BOption (b)

    Ovary and sebaceous gland 

  3. COption (c)

    Ovary and pituitary gland 

  4. DOption (d)

    Prostate and pituitary gland 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Ovary and pituitary gland 

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Ovary and pituitary gland

Explanation:

  • The menstrual cycle in females is a complex biological process that prepares the female body for pregnancy. It is regulated by hormones secreted primarily by the ovary and the pituitary gland.
  • The menstrual cycle consists of four main phases: the menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulation phase, and luteal phase.
  • Key hormones involved in the menstrual cycle include:
  • Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Secreted by the pituitary gland, FSH stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles.
  • Luteinizing hormone (LH): Also secreted by the pituitary gland, LH triggers ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum.
  • Estrogen: Produced by the ovaries, estrogen helps in the development of the uterine lining and regulates the menstrual cycle.
  • Progesterone: Secreted by the corpus luteum in the ovaries, progesterone maintains the uterine lining for potential implantation and pregnancy.

Additional Information

  • The lacrimal gland is responsible for producing tears.
  • The sebaceous gland secretes sebum (oil) to lubricate the skin and hair
  • The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system and has no role in the menstrual cycle.

Question 379

National Defence Academy (NDA) 2025• General Ability Test

Which one of the following blood cells type secrete large number of antibodies during am immune response of the body?

  1. AOption (a)

    Neutrophils 

  2. BOption (b)

    Eosinophils 

  3. COption (c)

    Lymphocytes  

  4. DOption (d)

    Monocytes 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Lymphocytes  

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Lymphocytes.

Explanation:

  • The immune system protects the body from pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms. It consists of various cells, tissues, and organs that work together to identify and neutralize threats.
  • Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that play a central role in the adaptive immune response. They are responsible for recognizing specific antigens and mounting a targeted response.
  • There are two main types of lymphocytes: B cells and T cells. B cells are responsible for producing antibodies, while T cells help in killing infected cells and regulating immune responses.

Other Options:

  • Neutrophils: Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cells in the body and are part of the innate immune response. They are responsible for phagocytosis, where they engulf and destroy pathogens, but they do not produce antibodies.
  • Eosinophils: Eosinophils are white blood cells that primarily respond to parasitic infections and allergic reactions. They release toxic granules to kill parasites.
  • Monocytes: Monocytes are white blood cells that mature into macrophages or dendritic cells, which play key roles in phagocytosis and antigen presentation.

Question 380

National Defence Academy (NDA) 2025• General Ability Test

Which of the following organelles have their own DNA and ribosomes ? 

  1. AOption (a)

    Endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi bodies 

  2. BOption (b)

    Mitochondria and Chloroplast

  3. COption (c)

    Endoplasmic reticulum and cytoskeleton  

  4. DOption (d)

    Cell wall and nucleolus  

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Mitochondria and Chloroplast

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Mitochondria and Chloroplast.

Explanation:

  • Mitochondria:
  • Known as the "powerhouse of the cell," mitochondria are responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP through the process of cellular respiration.
  • They contain their own circular DNA and 70S ribosomes, similar to bacterial cells, which allows them to produce some of their own proteins.
  • Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is inherited maternally in most organisms.
  • Chloroplasts:
  • Found in plant cells and some protists, chloroplasts are the site of photosynthesis, where light energy is converted into chemical energy stored in glucose.
  • Like mitochondria, chloroplasts have their own circular DNA and 70S ribosomes, enabling them to synthesize proteins essential for photosynthesis.
  • They are believed to have originated from photosynthetic cyanobacteria through endosymbiosis.