Economic Geography (Part-1)

Total Questions: 50

11. Which one of the following is used as a bio-fertilizer? [Uttarakhand Lower Sub. (Pre) 2010]

Correct Answer: (b) Azolla
Solution:Azolla- Anabaena Biofertilizer is used for Rice crop production. Azolla is a water fern that has a symbiotic relationship with the nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Anabaena azollae. The Anabaena bacteria within Azolla fix atmospheric nitrogen, converting it into a form that rice plants can utilize.
Benefits for rice:
  • Nitrogen Source: Azolla-Anabaena can supply a significant portion of the nitrogen needed by rice plants, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
  • Improved Soil Health: Azolla decomposes rapidly in the soil, releasing nutrients and improving soil structure.
  • Weed Suppression: A thick Azolla mat on the water surface can help suppress weed growth in rice paddies.
  • Environmental Benefits: Using Azolla as a biofertilizer is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach compared to using synthetic fertilizers.

12. Blue Green Algae is used as biofertilizer to induce which of the following crop production? [U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A (Spl) (Pre) 2010]

Correct Answer: (b) Rice
Solution:Blue Green Algae is used as biofertilizer to înduce paddy crop production. Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are a group of prokaryotic organisms that can perform photosynthesis, similar to plants, and are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen.

Cyanobacteria can convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable by plants, thus supplementing the nitrogen supply in the soil, which is essential for rice growth and yield.

They contribute to soil fertility by fixing nitrogen, improving soil structure, and adding organic matter. Some cyanobacteria also produce plant growth regulators and polysaccharides, which further promote plant growth and soil health.

13. 'Alfalfa' is: [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015]

Correct Answer: (a) A kind of grass
Solution:Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa) is a plant primarily native to Asia, and is considered to be one of the first known herbs to mankind. It is naturally high in many essential vitamins and Minerals, including A,C,E,K and family of B-vitamin; Biotin, Calcium, Folic Acid, Iron, Magnesium, Pottasium etc.

14. Consider the following statements: [I.A.S. (Pre) 2007]

Assertion (A): There are no tea plantations in any African country.

Reason (R) : Tea Plants need fertile soil with high humus.

Code:

Correct Answer: (a) Both (A) and (R) are individually true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
Solution:For the first time, tea was produced in Africa at 'Durban botanical garden' in the year 1850. Till the second world war, app. 800 hectare of land was used in the cultivation of tea in Africa. In the 20th century, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda became major tea producers.

Hence it is not correct to say that Africa is not related to tea plantation. Tea plantation needs well-drained hill slopes, fertile soil with rich humus. Hence, reason (R) is correct.

15. What is Podzol? [Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2003]

Correct Answer: (a) Soil found in Coniferous forest region
Solution:Podzol soil is found near 60º North latitudes in Eurasia and North America's coniferous forest of Taiga region.

Podzol soils, also known as Spodosols, are acidic, ash-grey soils formed through a process called podzolization, characterized by leaching of iron and aluminum compounds, and are typically found in cool, humid, and coniferous forest regions.

Podzolization is a soil formation process where dissolved organic matter and ions of iron and aluminum, released through weathering, are moved from the upper soil layers and accumulate in deeper layers.

Podzol soils are characterized by a light-colored, ash-grey surface horizon (eluvial horizon) and a dark, humus-rich subsurface horizon (illuvial horizon). They are commonly found in cool, humid climates, particularly in boreal and temperate regions under coniferous forests (taiga).

Podzol soils have a distinct soil profile with a bleached, ash-grey surface layer (E horizon) and a darker, humus-rich layer below (Bs horizon). Podzols are generally acidic and nutrient-poor, with limited agricultural potential.

16. 'Mocha' coffee is grown in: [R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 2010]

Correct Answer: (d) Yemen
Solution:Mocha Coffee is grown in Yemen. Café mocha takes its name from Mocha seaport from where it was exported. Coffee beans, grown in the surrounding Yemeni highlands, were shipped from Mocha to various parts of the world, including Europe and the Middle East.

In this era, Yemen had a monopoly on coffee cultivation, and all the beans leaving the Arabian Peninsula passed through Mocha. The name "Mocha" became associated with the coffee exported from this port, and the term "Mocha coffee" came to refer to coffee beans from Yemen.

17. Which one of the following is not found in Tea? [U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A (Spl) (Pre) 2010]

Correct Answer: (d) Morphine
Solution:Tea was first used as a medicinal drink in China. Theanine. caffeine, polyphenols, tannin, theobromine, theophylline, etc are found in tea while Morphine is not found in tea.

Substances Found in Tea:

  • Caffeine: A well-known stimulant found in tea, coffee, and other beverages.
  • Theanine: A unique amino acid found in tea, known for its potential calming and cognitive-enhancing effects.
  • Polyphenols: A broad class of plant compounds with antioxidant properties, including tannins.
  • Tannins: A type of polyphenol that contributes to the astringent taste of tea and can have antioxidant effects.
  • Theobromine: A methylxanthine related to caffeine, also found in tea and cocoa.
  • Theophylline: Another methylxanthine, also found in tea, with effects similar to caffeine and theobromine.

18. Under the international agreement on agriculture the Green Box includes economic assistance for [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009]

1. Agricultural Research

2. Fertilizer

3. Irrigation

4. Plant Protection

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

Codes:

Correct Answer: (d) 1 and 4
Solution:The Green Box provides for the continuation (and enhancement) of programmes such as research, including general research, research in connection with environmental programmes, and research programmes relating to particular products; pest and disease control programmes, agricultural training services and extension and advisory services; inspection services, marketing and promotion services;

19. Which one of the following is not a correct statement? [U.P. Lower Spl. (Pre) 2008]

Correct Answer: (d) Sugarcane is the major plantation crop of Malaysia.
Solution:
  • Cocoa in Ghana:
    Ghana is a major cocoa producer, second only to Cote d'Ivoire, and cocoa is a significant part of the Ghanaian economy.
  • Coffee in Brazil:
    Brazil is the world's leading coffee producer and exporter, with a long history of coffee cultivation.
  • Tea in Sri Lanka:
    Sri Lanka is famous for its tea production, particularly the "Ceylon tea" known for its quality.
  • Rubber in Malaysia:
    Malaysia is a major producer of natural rubber, and rubber plantations are a significant part of the country's economy.

20. Heroin is obtained from: [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007]

Correct Answer: (b) Opium
Solution:Heroin production is obtained from Opium resin.