General Knowledge MCQs
Topic Notes: General Knowledge
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
31
In which hemisphere is the European continent entirely located?
Answer:
Northern Hemisphere
Europe is entirely located in the Northern Hemisphere, unlike continents like South America or Oceania, which span both hemispheres. This places all European countries north of the equator.
32
Which continent is the second smallest by land area?
Answer:
Europe
Europe is the second smallest continent by land area, surpassed only by Oceania. It is smaller than Antarctica and South America, but its dense population and historical significance make it prominent.
33
What is the driest place in Antarctica, known for minimal precipitation?
Answer:
McMurdo Dry Valleys
The McMurdo Dry Valleys are Antarctica’s driest place, with minimal precipitation, unlike the Ross Ice Shelf or stations like Vostok or Amundsen-Scott, resembling a polar desert.
34
Which region of Antarctica is largely a high ice-covered plateau?
Answer:
East Antarctica
East Antarctica is largely a high ice-covered plateau, unlike West Antarctica’s ice sheet over islands, the Peninsula, or the Transantarctic Mountains, forming the continent’s larger portion.
35
What is the largest lake in Antarctica, often covered by ice?
Answer:
Lake Vostok
Lake Vostok, a subglacial lake, is Antarctica’s largest, covering about 12,500 km², larger than Ellsworth, Whillans, or Mercer, significant for its potential microbial life.
36
Which active volcano is located in Antarctica?
Answer:
Mount Erebus
Mount Erebus is Antarctica’s active volcano, located on Ross Island, unlike Mount Vinson, Hope, or Sidley, known for its persistent lava lake and scientific interest.
37
Which is the largest ice shelf in Antarctica?
Answer:
Ross Ice Shelf
The Ross Ice Shelf is Antarctica’s largest ice shelf, covering about 487,000 km², larger than the Filchner-Ronne, Larsen, or Amery Ice Shelves, a critical feature of the continent’s ice system.
38
How many countries have territorial claims in Antarctica?
Answer:
7
Seven countries (France, UK, New Zealand, Norway, Australia, Chile, Argentina) have territorial claims in Antarctica, fewer than the 12 treaty signatories, managed under the Antarctic Treaty.
39
When was the Antarctic Treaty signed, and by how many countries?
Answer:
December 1, 1961, by 14 countries
The Antarctic Treaty was signed on December 1, 1959, by 12 countries, establishing Antarctica as a zone for peaceful scientific research, a unique agreement not replicated elsewhere.
40
Which explorer was the first to cross South Georgia in Antarctica in 1916?
Answer:
Ernest Shackleton
British explorer Ernest Shackleton was the first to cross South Georgia in Antarctica in 1916, a feat during his Endurance expedition, distinct from Amundsen, Cook, or Scott’s achievements.