Solar System and Evolution of Earth: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Geography)
2 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Solar System and Evolution of Earth (Geography). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–2 of 2 questions
UPSC 1998Geography · Solar System and Evolution of Earth
Q1. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists:
List-I (Special Characteristic)
List-II (Name of Planet)
A. Smallest planet of the solar system
1. Mercury
B. Largest planet of the solar system
2. Venus
C. Planet second from the Sun in the solar system
3. Jupiter
D. Planet nearest to the Sun
4. Pluto
5. Saturn
Explanation
A is correctly matched with 4: Pluto was considered the smallest planet in the solar system. It was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Note: If we consider only the eight classical planets, Mercury is the smallest. B is correctly matched with 3: Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system, with a diameter of about 139,820 km. It is a gas giant and has a mass more than twice that of all the other planets combined. It features the iconic Great Red Spot, a giant storm. C is correctly matched with 2: Venus located between Mercury and Earth is the second planet from the Sun. Venus is often called Earth’s "twin" due to its similar size and composition. D is correctly matched with 1: Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, orbiting at an average distance of 57.91 million km (0.39 AU). It has the shortest orbit of all planets, completing one revolution around the Sun in 88 Earth days.
UPSC 1998Geography · Solar System and Evolution of Earth
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding asteroids: 1. Asteroids are rocky debris of varying size orbiting the sun 2. Most of the asteroids are small but some have diameter as large and 1000 km 3. The orbit of asteroids lies between the orbits of Jupiter and Saturn Of these statements:
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Asteroids orbit the Sun in an elliptical path, similar to planets. They are rocky remnants from the early formation of the Solar System about 4.6 billion years ago. Their composition includes metals, silicates, and carbon-rich materials.
Statement 2 is correct: Most asteroids are much smaller, typically less than 1 km in diameter. There are millions of asteroids in the Solar System, ranging in size from tiny pebbles to massive bodies.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Most asteroids are located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, not Jupiter and Saturn. This region is called the Main Asteroid Belt, which contains the majority of known asteroids. Some asteroids such as Trojan asteroids, share orbits with Jupiter but are not found in the region between Jupiter and Saturn.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
1998
(d) A-4; B-3; C-2; D-1
2
1998
(c) 1 and 2 are correct
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Solar System and Evolution of Earth?
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Solar System and Evolution of Earth (Geography), asked from 1996 to 2025. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Solar System and Evolution of Earth?
Questions on Solar System and Evolution of Earth (Geography) are available for 12 years, from 1996 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
