Geography MCQ Questions with answers

A tsunami, also known as a seismic sea wave, is a series of waves in a water body caused by the displacement of a large volume of water, generally in an ocean or a large lake.

Equatorial regions have the highest biodiversity because they have a warm, stable climate and high rainfall throughout the year.

These conditions support dense rainforests, such as the Amazon Rainforest, which hosts the most diverse ecosystems on Earth.


Other Options Explained:

(A) Tropical – High biodiversity but slightly less than equatorial regions.

(B) Temperate – Moderate biodiversity due to seasonal climate variations.

(C) Monsoonal – Experiences seasonal rainfall, leading to lower biodiversity than equatorial zones.


Thus, the correct answer is (D) Equatorial.

Indian Standard Time (IST) is based on the 82.5°E longitude, which passes through Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh.

This meridian is chosen as the standard time reference for the entire country.


Other Options Explained:

(A) 75.5°E longitude – Not used for IST.

(C) 90.5°E longitude – Closer to Northeast India but not the standard meridian.

(D) 0° longitude – Refers to the Prime Meridian (Greenwich, UK), not related to IST.


Thus, the correct answer is (B) 82.5°E longitude.

The Sun is the closest star to Earth.

Proxima Centauri, which is part of the Alpha Centauri star system, is the second nearest star at a distance of 4.24 light-years from Earth.


Other Options Explained:

(A) Vega – A bright star in the Lyra constellation, much farther than Proxima Centauri.

(B) Sirius – The brightest star in the night sky, about 8.6 light-years away.

(D) Alpha Centauri – A star system that includes Proxima Centauri, but the two main stars (Alpha Centauri A & B) are farther than Proxima Centauri.


Thus, the correct answer is (C) Proxima Centauri.

The Sundarbans is a natural region comprising southern Bangladesh and a part in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is the largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world.

On December 26, 2004, a massive earthquake (9.1-9.3 magnitude) struck off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia.

It triggered a devastating tsunami that affected multiple countries around the Indian Ocean, causing massive destruction and loss of life.


Other Options Explained:

(A) Irian Jaya – A province in eastern Indonesia, not affected by the 2004 earthquake.

(C) Kalibangan – An ancient Indus Valley Civilization site in India, unrelated to Indonesia.

(D) Java – Another Indonesian island, but the earthquake's epicenter was near Sumatra.


Thus, the correct answer is (B) Sumatra

The Narmada River basin primarily covers parts of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

The river originates from Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh, and flows westward into the Arabian Sea.

Rajasthan does not fall within the Narmada River basin.


Other Options Explained:

(A) Madhya Pradesh – The Narmada originates here and covers a major portion of the state.

(C) Gujarat – The river flows into the Arabian Sea through Gujarat.

(D) Maharashtra – Some tributaries of the Narmada originate in Maharashtra.


Thus, the correct answer is (B) Rajasthan.

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.