Microtheme: "Universe, Solar System and Earth" —
8 questions asked in Prelims in the past.

1. [2025] Consider the following statements:
   Statement I: Scientific studies suggest that a shift is taking place in the Earth’s rotation and axis.
   Statement II: Solar flares and associated coronal mass ejections bombarded the Earth’s outermost atmosphere with tremendous amount of energy.
   Statement III: As the Earth’s polar ice melts, the water tends to move towards the equator.
   Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
   • (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
   • (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
   • (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
   • (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
   Correct Answer: (B) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
2. [2018] Consider the following statements :
   1.The Earth’s magnetic field has reversed every few hundred thousand years.
   2.When the Earth was created more than 4000 million years ago, there was 54% oxygen and no carbon dioxide.
   3.When living organisms originated, they modified the early atmosphere of the Earth.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   • (a) 1 only
   • (b) 2 and 3 only
   • (c) 1 and 3 only
   • (d) 1, 2 and 3
   Correct Answer: (C) 1 and 3 only
3. [2014] Which of the following phenomena might have influenced the evolution of organisms?
   1. Continental drift
   2. Glacial cycles
   Select the correct answer using the code given below.
   • (a) 1 only
   • (b) 2 only
   • (c) Both 1 and 2
   • (d) Neither 1 nor 2
   Correct Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
4. [2013] Consider the following :
   (1). Electromagnetic radiation
   (2). Geothermal energy
   (3). Gravitational force
   (4). Plate movements
   (5). Rotation of the earth
   (6). Revolution of the earth
   Which of the above are responsible for bringing dynamic changes on the surface of the earth?
   • (a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
   • (b) 1, 3, 5 and 6 only
   • (c) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only
   • (d) 1, 2, 3, 4. 5 and 6
   Correct Answer: (D) 1, 2, 3, 4. 5 and 6
5. [2012] Which one of the following sets of elements was primarily responsible for the origin of life on the Earth?
   • (a) Hydrogen, Oxygen, Sodium
   • (b) Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen
   • (c) Oxygen, Calcium, Phosphorus
   • (d) Carbon, Hydrogen, Potassium
   Correct Answer: (B) Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen
6. [2008] Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched?
   Theory/Law – Associated Scientist
   1. Continental Drift: Edwin Hubble
   2. Expansion of Universe: Alfred Wegener
   3. Photoelectric Effect: Albert Einstein.
   • (a) 2 and 3 only
   • (b) 3 only
   • (c) 1 only
   • (d) None of these
   Correct Answer: (B) 3 only
7. [2008] In order of their distance from the Sun, which of the following planets lie between Mars and Uranus?
   • (a) Earth and Jupiter
   • (b) Jupiter and Saturn
   • (c) Saturn and Earth
   • (d) Saturn and Neptune
   Correct Answer: (B) Jupiter and Saturn
8. [2003] Among the following, which planet takes maximum time for one revolution around the Sun?
   • (a) Earth
   • (b) Jupiter
   • (c) Mars
   • (d) Venus
   Correct Answer: (B) Jupiter