UPSC 1997 Geography Questions with Answers

Explanation

Option (d) is correct:

Asteroids are rocky objects that orbit the Sun, primarily found in the Asteroid Belt between Mars and Jupiter. They are remnants from the early formation of the Solar System. They vary in size from small pebbles to Ceres, which is nearly 946 km in diameter and classified as a dwarf planet. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:

Meteors do not revolve around the Sun in a fixed orbit like asteroids. They are small space debris or fragments of asteroids or comets that enter Earth’s atmosphere and burn up due to friction with the air, producing a bright streak of light (commonly called a shooting star). Comets are not confined to the region between Mars and Jupiter. Comets are icy celestial bodies that originate from the Kuiper Belt or Oort Cloud (far beyond Neptune). They follow highly elliptical orbits around the Sun and develop a glowing coma and a tail when they approach the Sun due to ice subli-mation. Meteorites are meteors that survive their passage through Earth’s atmosphere and land on Earth’s surface. Unlike asteroids they do not orbit the Sun.

Explanation

The Sun, positioned at the center of the Solar System, is the closest star to Earth, with a distance of roughly 93 million miles (approximately 8 light-minutes). Its proximity makes it crucial for life on Earth.

Option (d) is incorrect: Sirius, also known as the Dog Star, is one of the brightest stars visible from Earth. However, it is located approximately 8.6 light-years away, making it significantly farther than the Sun.

Explanation

The presence of ice caps and frozen water is the most critical condition for the potential existence of life on Mars. Water is fundamental for life as we know it. The presence of frozen water (ice caps) on Mars suggests the possibility of liquid water under certain conditions, making it the most crucial factor for life. Recent discoveries of underground water reservoirs beneath the Martian surface further highlight its importance.

Explanation

Option (b) is correct: An isopleth map is a type of thematic map that uses lines (isopleths) to connect points of equal value of a particular variable. These maps are ideal for visualizing data that changes gradually across a geographical area, like pressure. Lines (isopleths) link points of identical values, such as isobars (equal pressure), isotherms (equal temperature), or isoheights (equal altitude). Isobars, which are lines connecting points of equal atmospheric pressure, are a classic example of data visualized using an isopleth map. Options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

A choropleth map uses different shades or colors to represent statistical data across predefined areas, such as population density by country or state. Chorochromatic Map also known as area-class maps, chorochromatic maps depict regions of different categories using various colors, often representing qualitative data like land use or vegetation types.For example a map showing different colors for various land cover types, such as forests, urban areas, and water bodies. Choroschematic maps simplify spatial relationships using schematic representations, often abstracting geographic details to highlight specific information. It may not adhere to strict geographic accuracy. Example: A transit map illustrating subway lines and stations without accurate geographic scaling.

Explanation

Option (b) is correct: The Indian Ocean exhibits a unique phenomenon called the monsoon drift, where seasonal wind reversals, driven by the monsoon system, significantly influence ocean currents. During the northeast monsoon (November-March), winds originate from the northeast, pushing the North Equatorial Current southwestward and westward across the Equator. In contrast, the southwest monsoon (May-September) brings winds from the southwest, causing a reversal in current direction. This cyclical shift in wind patterns directly impacts the flow of ocean currents, making the Indian Ocean distinct from other major oceans.

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

As the reversal of ocean currents in the Indian Ocean is caused by seasonal monsoon winds and not the ocean’s size. As the Indian Ocean is not landlocked though it is bordered by Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Indian subcontinent. It is because salinity variations do not primarily cause the reversal of currents.

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.