Geography: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

Option (b) is correct: The majority of the world’s population is concentrated in regions between 20°N and 40°N latitude due to favorable climatic, geographical, and economic factors. This region includes highly populated countries like In-dia, China, Bangladesh, Pakistan and parts of the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia. These areas offer suitable conditions for agriculture, industrialization, and urbanization, which have historically supported large populations.

Option (a) is incorrect: This region includes parts of tropical Africa, Southeast Asia, and northern South America. While densely populated areas exist, the overall population concentration is lower compared to 20°N to 40°N.

Option (c) is incorrect: This latitude includes parts of Europe, Russia, and North America, which are less populated compared to 20°N to 40°N.

Option (d) is incorrect:: This region includes parts of Australia, South Africa, and South America, which have lower population densities.

Explanation

The description "people of yellow complexion, oblique eyes, high cheek bones, sparse hair and medium height" is characteristic of the group historically classified as Mongoloids. The term "Mongoloid" (a now outdated anthropological classification) has been used to refer to peoples primarily from East Asia, Southeast Asia, the Arctic, and some parts of the Indian subcontinent (notably the northeast). They are typically described as having a yellowish or light olive complexion, oblique (almond-shaped) eyes, high cheekbones, and a generally medium stature.

Option (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:

Nordic Aryans belong to the Caucasoid racial group, which is primarily found in Northern and Central Europe. They typically have light skin, tall stature, blue or light-colored eyes, and straight or wavy hair. Austrics refer to the Austro-Asiatic language-speaking ethnic groups found in India and Southeast Asia. They are generally dark-skinned, have broad noses, and curly hair. Negroids primarily refer to populations of African origin. They have dark skin, tightly curled hair, broad noses, and full lips.

Explanation

A is correctly matched with 2:The Karanpura coal-fields are located in Jharkhand, known for their vast coal re-serves. B is correctly matched with 3: The Hutti Gold Mines in Karnataka are one of the few active gold mining areas in India.The Hutti region has a long history of gold mining and remains significant in India’s gold production. C is correctly matched with 4: Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh is famous for its high-quality mica deposits. D is matched with 1: The Bhandara district in Maharashtra is a significant producer of manganese, used in steel production and other industries.

Explanation

The sex ratio in a population is defined as the number of females per 1,000 males. As per 1991 census sex ratio declined slightly from 934 to 927 between 1981-1991, indicating a decline in the proportion of females relative to males. When we examine the census data for India over recent decades, we observe that the sex ratio does not follow a single steady trend; rather, it shows variations from one census to another. As per the table, These fluctuations indicate that the sex ratio in India is neither steadily declining, stable, nor uniformly increasing; it is fluctuating over time. Various factors contribute to these changes, including differences in birth rates, mortality rates, socio-economic conditions, and cultural practices. 1991 to 2001: The ratio increased again to 933, suggesting a modest recovery. 2001 to 2011: The ratio further improved to 943, which is a significant increase compared to 1991.

Explanation

The tribal population of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, particularly the Onge, Jarwa, Great Andamanese, and Sentinelese, belong to the Negroid race. These tribes are considered to be among the earliest inhabitants of the Indian sub-continent and are genetically linked to the African population. These characteristics include Dark skin complexion, Curly hair, Short stature and distinct linguistic and cultural traditions.

Option (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:

Australoids are typically found among indigenous populations in parts of India, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Caucasoids are primarily associated with populations in Europe, North Africa, and Southwest Asia Mongoloids are primarily found in East Asia, characterized by features like oblique eyes, high cheekbones, and sparse hair. A small population of Shompen and Nicobars tribes found in Andaman and Nicobar islands are of Mongoloid descent.

Explanation

Transplanting seedlings is a common agricultural practice where young plants are grown in nurseries and then moved to the main field. This method ensures better growth, higher yields, and efficient use of resources.

Option (c) is correct: Onions are typically cultivated by transplanting seedlings. Farmers grow small onion plants from seeds in a nursery and then carefully transplant them into the field. This method allows for better control over spacing and ensures healthier plants. Onion seedlings are first raised in nurseries and then transplanted to the main field after 6-8 weeks. This method helps in uniform spacing, better root establishment, and higher yield. Onion requires well-drained soil and moderate irrigation, making transplanting essential for commercial production.

Option (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect:

Maize is usually directly sown into the field.

Sorghum is also typically directly sown.

Soyabean is typically directly sown, although some varieties can be transplanted.

Explanation

A is correctly matched with 2: Barley is a hardy crop that grows well in a cool climate and can tolerate poor soil fertility. It is commonly cultivated in temperate regions. It is rown in temperate regions like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh in India. B is correctly matched with 4: Rice is typically cultivated in areas with abundant rainfall and warm temperatures. It thrives in alluvial soils that are rich in nutrients, which is why the ideal condition is described as a hot and moist climate with rich soil. Major rice-producing states in India include West Bengal, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. C is correctly matched with 1: Millets are drought-resistant crops that grow in areas with a hot and dry climate and can tolerate poor, sandy soils. They are commonly cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions. 2023 was declared the International Year of Millets by the UN to promote their cultivation. D is correctly matched with 3: Tea requires a warm and moist climate, well-drained soil, and grows best in high-altitude areas. Hill slopes in regions like Darjeeling and Assam are ideal.

Explanation

The descending order by production quantity is:

Groundnut (3) > Soyabean (4) > Mustard (2) > Sesamum (1) Groundnut is the largest produced oilseed in India. It is cultivated primarily in Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, often in semi-arid regions. Soybean is the second largest oilseed crop, grown predominantly in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. Mustard ranks third in oilseed production and is grown widely in the north-western plains, particularly in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Sesamum (or sesame) has a lower production compared to the others. It is cultivated in small quantities across Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

Explanation

India is the largest producer of fuelwood in the world due to its extensive use in rural areas for cooking and heating. In rural India, traditional biomass sources like firewood account for a significant share of energy consumption. Fuelwoodis sourced from forests, plantations, and farm trees, especially in states with dense forests and agroforestry practices.

Option (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect:

Indonesia: A major producer of timber, but its fuelwood production is significantly lower than India’s due to its smaller rural population relying on fuelwood. Russia: Focuses on commercial timber and industrial wood rather than fuelwood. China: While biomass energy is significant, China’s reliance on coal and other energy sources reduces its dependence on fuelwood compared to India.

Explanation

A is matched with 5: Chennai (formerly Madras) is located at approximately 13°N latitude, while Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is located at around 22.5°N latitude. The closer a location is to the equator, the higher the average temperature due to more direct sunlight throughout the year. This is why Chennai is warmer than Kolkata, as it is situated closer to the equator. B is matched with 2: Snowfall in the Himalayas is primarily due to high altitude, rather than latitude. The Himalayas have several peaks above 6,000 meters (20,000 feet), where temperatures remain below freezing for most of the year. C is matched with 4:West Bengal is closer to the Bay of Bengal, which brings heavy monsoon rains during June-September. As you move inland towards Punjab, the moisture-laden winds lose their strength and moisture due to the continental effect (distance from the sea). D is matched with 3: During winter (December-February), the Western Disturbances (low-pressure systems from the Mediterranean region) bring rainfall to northern India, especially in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh.