48000+ Important MCQs for SSC

Terrace cultivation is a farming method used on hill slopes, where land is cut into step-like terraces to reduce water runoff and prevent soil erosion.

This method slows down the flow of water, allowing it to absorb into the soil rather than washing it away.


Other Options Explained:

(A) Afforestation – Helps prevent erosion by planting trees, but not as effective for steep slopes.

(C) Strip cropping – Used in flat or gently sloping lands, not ideal for steep hills.

(D) Contour ploughing – Helps on gentle slopes, but terracing is more effective on steep hills.


Thus, the correct answer is (B) Terrace cultivation.

The term "Geography" was first coined by the Greek scholar Eratosthenes in the 3rd century BCE.

He is also known as the "Father of Geography" and is famous for calculating the Earth's circumference with remarkable accuracy.


Other Options Explained:

(A) Ptolemy – A Greek-Roman geographer who wrote "Geographia", but did not coin the term.

(C) Hecataeus – An early Greek historian and geographer, but he did not coin the term.

(D) Herodotus – Known as the "Father of History", but not associated with naming geography.


Thus, the correct answer is (B) Eratosthenes.

Western Ghats is called the "ecological hotspot of India" because it is one of the biodiversity hotspots in the world.

It has rich flora and fauna, including many endemic species found nowhere else.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its ecological importance.


Other Options Explained:

(B) Eastern Ghats – Also rich in biodiversity but not as significant as the Western Ghats.

(C) Western Himalayas – Biodiverse but not classified as a global biodiversity hotspot.

(D) Eastern Himalayas – Also an important ecological zone but Western Ghats is more recognized as a biodiversity hotspot.


Thus, the correct answer is (A) Western Ghats.

Radiometric dating is the most accurate method for determining the age of the Earth. It involves measuring the decay of radioactive isotopes, such as uranium-238 and potassium-40, in rocks and minerals. By analyzing these isotopes and their decay products, scientists have estimated the Earth's age to be approximately 4.54 billion years.

Deserts cover about 33% (or 1/3rd) of the Earth's land surface. A desert is defined as an area receiving less than 250 mm (10 inches) of rainfall per year.

Breakdown of Earth's Surface:

Total Earth's surface area: ~510 million sq km

Land area: ~149 million sq km (~29% of Earth's surface)

Desert area: ~50 million sq km (~33% of land area)


Types of Deserts:

1. Hot Deserts:

Sahara Desert (Africa) – Largest hot desert (~9.2 million sq km)

Arabian Desert (Middle East)

Kalahari Desert (Africa)

Australian Desert (Australia)



2. Cold Deserts:

Antarctic Desert (Antarctica) – Largest overall (~14 million sq km)

Arctic Desert (Arctic region)

Gobi Desert (Mongolia & China)




Since deserts occupy about 1/3rd of the Earth's land area, the correct answer is:

✔ (D) 1/3rd

The Indus River originates from Lake Manasarovar in the Kailash Range, located in Tibet, China.

It then flows through Ladakh (India), Pakistan, and finally into the Arabian Sea.


Other Options Explained:

(A) Hindukush range – Lies in Afghanistan and Pakistan, not the origin of Indus.

(B) Himalayan range – The Indus flows through the Himalayas but does not originate there.

(D) Karakoram range – The Indus passes through this range but does not originate there.


Thus, the correct answer is (C) Kailash range.

The Troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, extending up to 8-15 km above the Earth's surface.

It contains most of the Earth's weather, including clouds, rain, and storms.

The temperature decreases with altitude in this layer.


Other Options Explained:

(A) Stratosphere – Lies above the troposphere and contains the ozone layer.

(B) Thermosphere – A high-altitude layer where the auroras occur.

(D) Mesosphere – Above the stratosphere; meteors burn up here.


Thus, the correct answer is (C) Troposphere.

The Konkan Railway connects Roha (Maharashtra) to Mangalore (Karnataka).

It passes through Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka, covering a distance of 741 km.

This railway line is known for its scenic beauty, tunnels, and bridges along the Western Ghats.


Other Options Explained:

(A) Goa – Mangalore – Goa is on the route, but the railway starts from Roha.

(C) Kanyakumari – Mangalore – Kanyakumari is not part of the Konkan Railway.

(D) Kanyakumari – Mumbai – The route includes parts of Konkan Railway but extends beyond its official endpoints.


Thus, the correct answer is (B) Roha – Mangalore.

Cinnamon is obtained from the bark of the Cinnamomum tree and is used as a spice and condiment.

It has a sweet and aromatic flavor and is widely used in cooking, baking, and traditional medicine.


Other Options Explained:

(B) Clove – Derived from flower buds, not bark.

(C) Neem – Used for medicinal purposes, but not as a condiment.

(D) Palm – Does not have a bark used as a spice.


Thus, the correct answer is (A) Cinnamon.