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
71
Who was the Shoshone woman who served as a guide and interpreter for the Lewis and Clark Expedition?
Answer:
Sacagawea
Sacagawea was instrumental in the success of the expedition, providing knowledge of the land and peaceful interactions with tribes.
72
Which Norwegian explorer sailed the 'Kon-Tiki' raft across the Pacific to prove ancient people could have made the journey?
Answer:
Thor Heyerdahl
Heyerdahl sailed from South America to the Tuamotu Islands in 1947 on a balsa wood raft to test his anthropological theory.
73
Who was the naturalist who traveled aboard the HMS Beagle and formulated the theory of evolution?
Answer:
Charles Darwin
Darwin's 5-year voyage allowed him to study diverse species, particularly in the Galapagos, leading to 'On the Origin of Species'.
74
Which Dutch explorer was the first European to reach Tasmania and New Zealand?
Answer:
Abel Tasman
Tasman mapped parts of Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands in the 1640s.
75
Who explored the North American river and bay that now bear his name before disappearing in a mutiny?
Answer:
Henry Hudson
Henry Hudson explored the Hudson River and Hudson Bay while searching for the Northwest Passage.
76
Which explorer laid the basis for the British claim to Canada by reaching Newfoundland in 1497?
Answer:
John Cabot
John Cabot (Giovanni Caboto), sailing for England, was the first European since the Vikings to explore the mainland of North America.
77
Who led the failed 'Endurance' expedition to cross Antarctica, famous for the survival story of his crew?
Answer:
Ernest Shackleton
Though his ship was crushed by ice, Shackleton's leadership ensured the survival of all his men after a harrowing journey to safety.
78
Which French explorer founded Quebec City and is known as the 'Father of New France'?
Answer:
Samuel de Champlain
Champlain established the first permanent French settlement in North America at Quebec in 1608.
79
Who is credited with rediscovering the 'Lost City of the Incas', Machu Picchu, in 1911?
Answer:
Hiram Bingham
Hiram Bingham, an American academic, brought Machu Picchu to international attention, though locals knew of its existence.
80
Which Spanish explorer searched for the 'Fountain of Youth' and discovered Florida?
Answer:
Juan Ponce de León
Ponce de León led the first official European expedition to Florida in 1513.