Practice Test: World Geography - 4 - BPSC (Bihar) MCQ

Acapulco is a famous resort town located on the southern coast of Mexico, along the Pacific Ocean. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning views, and vibrant tourist attractions. When you visit Acapulco, you are near the Pacific Ocean, which is the world's largest and deepest ocean. The Gulf of California and Gulf of Mexico are both located in different regions of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea lies to the east of Mexico. Therefore, the correct answer is the Pacific Ocean, as that is where the waters of Acapulco are situated.

San Diego, located in southern California, shares its border with the Mexican city of Tijuana. Travellers heading south from San Diego into Mexico typically enter the country through Tijuana, making it the closest and most direct border crossing into Mexico from this region. The other cities listed are located at different parts of the U.S.-Mexico border.

The Rio Grande is a river that serves as a natural border between the United States and Mexico. It runs from the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, USA, down to the Gulf of Mexico. For a significant part of its course, the Rio Grande forms the boundary between Texas (USA) and the northern states of Mexico. It is one of the most important geographical and political borders in North America. Therefore, the correct answer is C: The USA and Mexico.

The Sierra Madre mountain system is the largest in Mexico, comprising two main ranges: the Sierra Madre Occidental (to the west) and the Sierra Madre Oriental (to the east). These ranges extend for hundreds of miles across Mexico, making up the country's most significant and extensive mountain system. The Sierra Madre is known for its rich biodiversity, volcanic origins, and towering peaks. Other mountain ranges in the options are smaller or located outside Mexico. Therefore, the correct answer is D: Sierra Madre.

Aconcagua is the highest mountain in South America, standing at 6,961 meters (22,837 feet) above sea level. It is located in the Andes mountain range, in Argentina. Aconcagua is not only the highest peak in South America but also the tallest mountain outside of Asia, making it one of the Seven Summits, the tallest mountains on each continent.

Other options like Cotopaxi and Chimborazo are also high peaks in South America but are not as tall as Aconcagua. Ojos del Salado is the world's highest active volcano but is still shorter than Aconcagua. Hence, the correct answer is B: Aconcagua.

Guyana and Surinam have significant East Indian populations due to historical migration during the 19th and early 20th centuries, when laborers from India were brought to these countries as indentured servants to work on sugar plantations. In both countries, the East Indian community has become a large and important part of the population, contributing to the culture, economy, and politics.

Venezuela and French Guiana do not have similarly large East Indian populations. Hence, the correct answer is C: Guyana and Surinam.

Chile, especially its southern and mountainous regions, has the coldest average temperatures in South America. The southern part of Chile, including Patagonia and the Andes mountains, experiences a cold climate with glaciers and snow-covered peaks. In contrast, Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia have warmer tropical or temperate climates in most areas, though some high-altitude regions in these countries can be cool.

The coldest parts of Chile are in its southernmost regions, near Antarctica, and the Andes mountain range, where temperatures are significantly lower than in other South American countries. Therefore, the correct answer is A: Chile.

The Andes is the longest continental mountain range in the world, stretching along the western coast of South America from Venezuela in the north all the way to southern Chile in the south. The Andes run through several countries, including Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina. This mountain range is known for its dramatic landscapes, towering peaks, and significant cultural and geological importance.

Other options, such as the Cordoba mountains and the Brazilian Highlands, are regional and much smaller mountain ranges. Therefore, the correct answer is B: Andes.

The Amazon River, the largest river by discharge in the world, has its source in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Specifically, the river's source is traced to the Mantaro River in the Peruvian Andes, from where it flows eastward across South America, eventually reaching the Atlantic Ocean. While the Amazon flows through several countries, including Brazil and Colombia, its headwaters are located in Peru.

Therefore, the correct answer is C: Peru.

Surinam has experienced a negative population growth rate in the latter half of the 20th century, largely due to emigration to Holland (the Netherlands). Surinam was a Dutch colony until 1975, and after gaining independence, a large portion of the population migrated to the Netherlands. Many people from Surinam sought better economic opportunities and stability in Holland, leading to a significant reduction in the country's population. This large-scale emigration has had a noticeable effect on Surinam's population growth, causing it to be negative at certain points in recent history.

Therefore, Option B is the correct answer, as Surinam's emigration to Holland has been a major factor in its population dynamics.

- Georgetown, the capital city of Guyana, is situated on the Demerara River.
- The Demerara River flows northwards into the Atlantic Ocean and is a significant river in Guyana.
- It plays an important role in the country's economy, particularly for its sugar and bauxite industries.
- The choice of the Demerara River as a location for Georgetown provides access to the Atlantic, facilitating trade and transportation.

Both the Madeira and Negro rivers are important tributaries of the Amazon River and are primarily located in Brazil. The Madeira River is one of the longest tributaries of the Amazon, while the Negro River is a major northern tributary of the Amazon, known for its dark-colored water. Both rivers play significant roles in the Amazon basin's ecology and are located largely within Brazilian territory.

Therefore, the correct answer is B: Brazil.

New Zealand is famous for its natural hot springs and geysers, particularly in the Rotorua region on the North Island. The country is located in a geothermally active area, which leads to the presence of these hot springs and geysers. Rotorua is known for its geothermal activity, where visitors can see boiling mud pools, steaming vents, and active geysers, such as the famous Pohutu Geyser.

Other countries like Tonga, Fiji, and Western Samoa do not have the same level of geothermal activity as New Zealand. Therefore, the correct answer is B: New Zealand.

The highest mountain in Australasia is Mount Cook, also known as Aoraki, which is located in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. It stands at 3,724 meters (12,218 feet) and is the tallest peak in the Australasia region. Mount Cook is a popular destination for mountaineers and tourists due to its stunning alpine scenery.

Other options like Mt. Kosciuszko and Mt. Ossa are notable mountains in Australia, but they are not as tall as Mt. Cook. Therefore, the correct answer is D: Mt. Cook in New Zealand.

Wheat is the crop grown under the largest acreage in Australia. It is a major agricultural product and export crop for the country, particularly in regions such as Western Australia, New South Wales, and South Australia. The vast open lands and suitable climate make Australia one of the top wheat producers in the world.

Other crops like rice, millet, and sugarcane are also cultivated in Australia but occupy significantly smaller areas compared to wheat. Therefore, the correct answer is A: Wheat.

Fremantle is the primary port serving Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. It is located at the mouth of the Swan River and is the main gateway for sea trade and imports/exports for Perth. Fremantle is a significant historical and commercial port, and it plays a crucial role in Western Australia's economy.

Other options like Geraldton, Carnarvon, and Albany are important regional ports but do not serve as the main port for Perth. Therefore, the correct answer is C: Fremantle.

Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand, both in terms of population and metropolitan area. It is located on the North Island and serves as the country's main economic and cultural hub. Auckland is known for its beautiful harbors, diverse population, and vibrant city life.

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, and other cities like Christchurch and Dunedin are important urban centers but are smaller in population and area compared to Auckland. Therefore, the correct answer is A: Auckland.

The original inhabitants of New Zealand are called the Māori. They are a Polynesian people who arrived in New Zealand in the 13th century from other Pacific islands. The Māori culture is an integral part of New Zealand’s identity, with their language, traditions, and history still very much alive today.

Other terms like Melanesians and Aborigines refer to indigenous peoples in different regions (Melanesia and Australia, respectively), while Polynesians is a broader term that includes the Māori but also other Pacific Islander groups. Therefore, the correct answer is D: Maoris.

The Southern Alps are located on the South Island of New Zealand. This mountain range extends along the western side of the island and is known for its dramatic landscapes, including towering peaks, glaciers, and stunning alpine scenery. Mount Cook (Aoraki), the highest peak in New Zealand, is part of the Southern Alps.

Other options like Northern Antarctica, Tasmania, and South Australia are incorrect, as the Southern Alps are specifically in New Zealand. Therefore, the correct answer is A: South Island of New Zealand.

The Timor Sea separates Western Australia from the nearest Asian territory, which includes the island of Timor (part of Indonesia and Timor-Leste). This sea lies to the north of Australia and south of the Indonesian archipelago. It serves as the maritime boundary between Australia and Asia.

Other bodies of water like the Indian Ocean and Arafura Sea are also nearby but are not the direct separation between Western Australia and Asia. Therefore, the correct answer is C: Timor Sea.

Fiji has a significant Indian population, primarily descendants of indentured laborers brought to Fiji by the British in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to work on sugar plantations. While Indo-Fijians (people of Indian descent) make up a large portion of the population, they do not constitute the majority today, but they are a prominent ethnic group in the country.

Other options like Tonga, Western Samoa, and Nauru have predominantly indigenous populations, with only small Indian communities. Therefore, the correct answer is B: Fiji.

The main town of the island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island, is Hilo. It is located on the eastern side of the island and serves as a major hub for tourism, government, and commerce on the island. Hilo is known for its proximity to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and its lush landscapes.

Honolulu is the capital of the state of Hawaii, but it is located on the island of Oahu, not the Big Island. Pearl refers to Pearl Harbor, which is also on Oahu, and Molokai is a separate island.

Therefore, the correct answer is D: Hilo.

New Zealand refers to its districts as Statistical Areas (SAs). These areas are used primarily for the collection of statistical data and are divided into two types: Statistical Area 1 (SA1) and Statistical Area 2 (SA2), with SA2 being larger and used for regional analysis. These divisions help with census and demographic data collection in the country.

Other countries like Australia, New Caledonia, and New Guinea do not use the term "Statistical Areas" in the same way. Therefore, the correct answer is C: New Zealand.

Lake Eyre, officially known as Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, is the largest lake in Australia. It is located in South Australia and is a saltwater lake that fills infrequently, usually after heavy rainfall in its vast drainage basin. When full, Lake Eyre becomes the largest lake by area in Australia, though it remains dry for most of the time.

Other lakes like Lake Torrens, Lake Mackay, and Lake Moore are smaller in comparison. Therefore, the correct answer is A: Lake Eyre.

Lake Disappointment is located in the remote centre of Western Australia, specifically in the Gibson Desert. It is a saltwater lake that remains dry most of the time, like many lakes in the arid regions of Australia. The lake was named by explorer Frank Hann in 1897 after he found it did not contain the freshwater he was expecting.

The other options (Northern Territory, South Australia, and Cape York Peninsula) are not correct, as Lake Disappointment is specifically located in Western Australia. Therefore, the correct answer is A: In the centre of Western Australia.