All questions of Natural & Energy Resources for UGC NET Exam

Primary Function of Ribosomes
Ribosomes play a crucial role in the cellular machinery, primarily functioning in the process of protein synthesis.
Overview of Protein Synthesis
- Protein synthesis is essential for cell growth, repair, and overall functionality.
- Ribosomes translate messenger RNA (mRNA) into polypeptide chains, which eventually fold into functional proteins.
Structure of Ribosomes
- Ribosomes are made up of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins.
- They can be found either floating freely in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), forming rough ER.
Mechanism of Action
- The process begins when mRNA, transcribed from DNA, binds to the ribosome.
- Transfer RNA (tRNA) brings specific amino acids to the ribosome, matching them to the mRNA codons.
- The ribosome catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids, elongating the polypeptide chain.
Importance of Ribosomes
- Proteins produced by ribosomes carry out numerous functions, including enzyme activity, structural roles, and signaling.
- The efficiency and accuracy of ribosomes directly impact cellular health and function.
Conclusion
In summary, ribosomes are vital for protein synthesis, making option 'B' the correct answer. Their ability to translate genetic information into functional proteins is fundamental to life, affecting every aspect of cellular operations.

Understanding Soil Erosion vs. Soil Degradation
Soil health is vital for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem balance. It is essential to distinguish between soil erosion and soil degradation, as they represent different processes affecting soil quality.
Soil Erosion
- Soil erosion is defined as the removal and transport of the top layer of soil due to natural forces, primarily wind and water.
- It leads to the loss of vital nutrients and organic matter, which are crucial for plant growth.
- Erosion can occur rapidly during heavy rainfall events or can be a gradual process over time.
Soil Degradation
- Soil degradation refers to the decline in soil quality and fertility, often caused by human activities such as over-farming, excessive use of chemical fertilizers, and poor land management practices.
- It results in the loss of soil structure, nutrient depletion, and reduced biological activity, making it less productive for agriculture.
- Unlike erosion, degradation can occur without the physical removal of soil.
Key Differences
- Soil erosion is a physical process involving the movement of soil, while soil degradation is a broader term encompassing the decline in soil health and fertility.
- Erosion can lead to degradation, but not all degradation involves erosion.
Understanding these differences helps in implementing better land management practices to preserve soil health and ensure agricultural productivity. Effective strategies can mitigate both erosion and degradation, contributing to sustainable land use.

Laterite Soil is agriculturally less important primarily due to the leaching of nutrients, which makes it less fertile for sustaining crops. This soil type is commonly found in regions like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. Leaching refers to the process where nutrients are washed away from the soil due to heavy rainfall or irrigation, leaving it less capable of supporting plant growth effectively.

The main function of the respiratory system is to facilitate the exchange of gases, specifically oxygen and carbon dioxide, between the body and the environment. Through processes like inhalation and exhalation, oxygen is taken in from the air and delivered to cells in the body for cellular respiration, while carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular metabolism, is removed from the body. This exchange of gases is essential for sustaining life and providing cells with the oxygen they need to carry out their functions.

Key Advantage of Wind Energy
Wind energy stands out as a highly beneficial source of renewable energy, primarily due to its inexhaustible nature.
Inexhaustible Source
- Wind energy is derived from natural atmospheric phenomena, making it a renewable resource.
- Unlike fossil fuels, which can be depleted, wind will continue to be available as long as the sun shines and the Earth rotates.
- This characteristic ensures a long-term supply of energy without the risk of depletion.
Environmental Benefits
- Wind energy generation produces no direct greenhouse gas emissions, helping combat climate change.
- Utilizing wind energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment.
Economic Advantages
- The cost of wind energy has dropped significantly over the years, making it competitive with traditional energy sources.
- Wind farms can create jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance, boosting local economies.
Energy Independence
- Investing in wind energy can reduce dependence on imported fuels, enhancing energy security.
- Countries can harness their own wind resources, ensuring a stable and sustainable energy supply.
In conclusion, the most compelling advantage of wind energy is its inexhaustibility. As a clean, sustainable, and economically viable energy source, wind energy offers numerous benefits that align with global efforts towards environmental sustainability and energy independence.

Advantage of Wind Energy: Inexhaustible Source
Wind energy is increasingly recognized as a vital renewable source of electricity production. Among its many advantages, one standout benefit is its status as an inexhaustible source of energy.
What Does Inexhaustible Mean?
- Wind energy is derived from natural atmospheric phenomena, specifically the movement of air.
- Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite and will eventually deplete, wind is a continuous and abundant resource.
Environmental Benefits
- Wind energy generation produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation.
- It minimizes air pollution and reduces reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to combatting climate change.
Energy Security
- By harnessing wind energy, countries can diversify their energy portfolios.
- This reduces dependence on imported fuels and enhances energy security.
Job Creation and Economic Growth
- The wind energy sector has the potential to create numerous jobs, from manufacturing to installation and maintenance.
- Investment in wind energy can stimulate local economies and promote sustainable development.
Technological Advancements
- Continuous innovations in wind turbine technology are making wind energy more efficient and cost-effective.
- Improved turbine designs and energy storage solutions are enhancing the viability of wind energy as a reliable power source.
In summary, wind energy is an inexhaustible resource that offers significant environmental, economic, and technological benefits. It stands out as a sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources, making it a crucial component of a greener future.

In physics, momentum refers to the quantity of motion that an object possesses. It is calculated as the product of an object's mass and its velocity. Momentum is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. This concept is crucial in understanding the behavior of moving objects and is particularly important in the analysis of collisions and other interactions in physics.

Understanding Shifting Cultivation and Soil Erosion
Shifting cultivation, often referred to as slash-and-burn agriculture, is a traditional farming method where land is cleared, cultivated for a few years, and then left fallow to restore its fertility. This practice can significantly contribute to reducing soil erosion.
Allowing Land to Lay Fallow
- Soil Recovery: During the fallow period, the land is not cultivated, allowing natural vegetation to regrow. This regrowth helps in restoring soil nutrients and structure.
- Vegetative Cover: The growth of grasses and shrubs during the fallow period provides a protective cover over the soil. This cover reduces the impact of rainfall on the soil surface, minimizing soil displacement and erosion.
- Root Systems: The roots of the regrown plants help bind the soil together, reducing the likelihood of erosion from wind and water. This natural anchoring mechanism is crucial for maintaining soil integrity.
Benefits of Shifting Cultivation
- Nutrient Cycling: By alternating between cultivation and fallow periods, shifting cultivation promotes nutrient cycling within the ecosystem. This process enhances soil fertility over time, further mitigating erosion.
- Biodiversity Conservation: The practice often leads to a diverse range of plants, which can contribute to a more stable ecosystem. Diverse root systems and plant structures help in anchoring the soil more effectively.
- Sustainable Land Use: When practiced sustainably, shifting cultivation allows farmers to use the land without depleting its resources, thus reducing the risk of soil erosion in the long run.
In summary, shifting cultivation's practice of allowing land to lay fallow plays a crucial role in reducing soil erosion by enhancing soil structure, promoting vegetative cover, and improving nutrient cycling.