Test: Class 9 General Science NCERT Based - 4 - UPSC MCQ

There are five layers in the structure of the atmosphere depending upon temperature.

These layers are:

• Troposphere

• Stratosphere

• Mesosphere

• Thermosphere

• Exosphere

Characteristics of Laterite Soil:
- Presence of iron oxides in the soil
- Formed by the erosion of rocks in areas of high temperature
- Soil appears red in colour
- Found in western and eastern ghats
- Soil is not very fertile
Explanation:
The characteristics mentioned above are indicative of laterite soil. Let's break down each characteristic and explain why it points to laterite soil:
1. Presence of iron oxides in the soil: Laterite soil is rich in iron oxides, which gives it a reddish color. This characteristic is consistent with laterite soil.
2. Formed by the erosion of rocks in areas of high temperature: Laterite soil is formed through the weathering and erosion of rocks in hot and humid tropical regions. This characteristic matches the formation process of laterite soil.
3. Soil appears red in colour: As mentioned earlier, the presence of iron oxides in laterite soil gives it a reddish color. This characteristic aligns with laterite soil.
4. Found in western and eastern ghats: Laterite soil is commonly found in the western and eastern ghats of India. This characteristic specifically points to laterite soil.
5. Soil is not very fertile: Laterite soil is known to be relatively infertile due to its high iron content and leaching of nutrients. This characteristic supports the identification of laterite soil.
Conclusion:
Based on the given characteristics, it can be concluded that the soil type described is laterite soil.

• Ozone is a poisonous gas and is thus only present in a thin layer in the stratosphere. lf all the oxygen is converted to ozone, the environment will become poisonous and kill all living forms. Ozone is O3, in its elemental form or even in its combined form it is highly toxic.

• Ozone can damage lungs and even low amounts of ozone can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and lung irritation.However at the stratospheric level, no life form exists and there ozone prevents us from the harmful U.V radiations of the sun.

Soil is a major source of nutrients needed by plants for growth. The three main nutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Together they make up the trio known as NPK.

Mixed farming systems can be defined as –

(i).The use of a single farm for multiple purposes, as the growing of cash crops or the raising of livestock is called mixed farming.

(ii) Farming involving both the growing of crops and the keeping of livestock is called mixed farming.

(iii) A type of commercial agriculture concerned with the production of both crops and animals on one farm. Stock on a mixed farm used to be grazed on fallow land, but many modern mixed farms produce some, or all, of their fodder crops.

Organic manure or organic fertilizer is made up of organic biodegradable waste like animal excreta and agriculture wastes. As it is biodegradable it cannot harm the environment and increase the soil fertility it is better than chemical fertilizer. But chemical fertilizers are nutrient specific and prepared in chemical factories.

• Inland fisheries are any activity conducted to extract fish and other aquatic organisms from "inland waters". The term "inland waters" is used to refer to lakes, rivers, brooks, streams, ponds, inland canals, dams, and other land-locked (usually freshwater) waters (such as the Caspian Sea, Aral Sea, etc.).

• Biotechnology is being used to address problems in all areas of agricultural production and processing. This includes plant breeding to raise and stabilize yields; to improve resistance to pests, diseases and abiotic stresses such as drought and cold; and to enhance the nutritional content of foods.

• Biotechnology is being used to develop low-cost, disease-free planting materials for crops.

The Father of Green Revolution in India is M.S. Swaminathan.
Here is a detailed explanation:
1. Introduction:
The Green Revolution in India refers to the period of agricultural advancements and increased crop yields that occurred between the 1960s and 1980s. It aimed to combat food scarcity and improve agricultural productivity.
2. Role of M.S. Swaminathan:
M.S. Swaminathan played a vital role in spearheading the Green Revolution in India. He is often referred to as the "Father of Green Revolution" in the country. Swaminathan was an Indian geneticist and agricultural scientist who dedicated his life to improving agriculture and ensuring food security.
3. Contributions:
Swaminathan made significant contributions to the development and implementation of innovative farming techniques and technologies. Some of his notable contributions include:
- Introducing high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice that were more resistant to diseases, pests, and environmental stresses.
- Promoting the use of fertilizers, irrigation systems, and modern farming practices.
- Advocating for sustainable agricultural practices and conservation of natural resources.
- Emphasizing the importance of empowering farmers and improving their socio-economic conditions.
4. Impact:
Swaminathan's efforts had a transformative impact on Indian agriculture. The Green Revolution led to a significant increase in agricultural production, making India self-sufficient in food production. It helped alleviate poverty, reduce hunger, and improve the overall livelihoods of farmers.
Conclusion:
M.S. Swaminathan's pioneering work and relentless efforts in promoting agricultural advancements and sustainable farming practices earned him the title of the "Father of Green Revolution" in India. His contributions continue to inspire and guide agricultural development in the country.

Advantage of crop rotation : Increasing the fertility of soil.

Macronutrients include carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sulfur, and magnesium. Micronutrients are boron, chlorine, manganese, iron, zinc, copper, and molybdenum. A plant uses these nutrients to support its growth, life cycle, and biological functions.

Sahiwal is a breed of 'Zebu cattle' and is considered to be one of the best milch cattle breeds in India. The breed has derived its name from the Sahiwal area in Montgomery district of Punjab in Pakistan.

Poultry fowl suffers from a number of diseases caused by virus, bacteria, fungi, parasites as well as from nutritional deficiencies.