IASbaba Prelims 60 Days Plan
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Hello Friends,
The most beloved 60 Days for UPSC IAS Prelims 2019 has finally begun 🙂
Once again the time has come for the battle (Prelims). And who else than your best companion in the last preparatory phase for UPSC IAS Prelims 2019 i.e 60 days plan.
It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.
Hope the message given above makes sense to you all.
The productive utilization of this programme demands consistency, honesty, faith and strong determination to be in the process of learning and unlearning. You might not be fully prepared to solve all the questions but the learning and unlearning through these questions will prepare you for the real battle on 2nd June 2019.
You have to unlearn your repetitive mistakes, gut feeling on which you mark doubtful questions. You have to learn new things and also those concepts that you were very sure of but somehow because of traps in the option, got it wrong. You have to learn ‘how to convert knowledge into marks’ (Because most of the times, after ending the exam, you regret making mistakes in known concepts).
Secondly, keep a long distance from following too many things at this point. It will always backfire. Once you are here, put complete faith and follow this initiative along with whatever you were doing. It is very important to consolidate your preparation with many revisions. Simply following many things will leave you in despair. You can cross check this with veterans.
Everything that seems attractive is not productive. You should always go for productivity. Be wise!
Let us pledge to make it a big game changer (better than last year) in the next 60 days of this plan!
Importance of Self – Tracking: Learning from Last Year
Last year, aspirants used to type/post their answers in the comment box on a daily basis. There were huge participation and discussion below the test post. Putting answers in the comment box has been very effective to self-track yourself after updating the score. In the end, you can cross check your performance through Disqus profile.
It was highly effective in the last edition of 60 Days that propelled aspirants to monitor their performance and learn through discussion. Let you solve these questions with full honesty and write your result in the comment box. Interact with peers to know your mistakes.
The importance of this initiative stands time-bound and aggressive reverse engineering to learn the concepts. Many of you must be busy with your own strategy but let us tell you honestly that in the last few months, it is very important to revise and consolidate your learning. Just reading won’t suffice.
So, take out a few hours from your schedule and make it a revision exercise.
How can you make the best use of it?
Be honest to your effort and do not start competing with XYZ aspirants just for the sake of marks. It is more important for you to introspect and check your learning than focusing on others. Try to answer the questions in 25 minutes only.
Do not get into negative feeling that I don’t have enough knowledge to answer these questions. Feel like you are taking the real exam. What would be your response then?
The same will be replicated in the UPSC exam. Here, you get marks only and nothing else matters. So, make effort to know the answers to all questions. Do not cheat 😛
DETAILED MICRO ANALYSIS MATRIX SAMPLE– is given here. You can download this and do an assessment for yourself (the excel sheet must be modified as per this years planning. The provided excel sheet is only for reference). DOWNLOAD
- You can copy paste the same format/modify as per your need in Google Spreadsheet and update it on daily basis.
- Feedback talks about daily test results.
- Follow-up talks about daily target achieved from sources and the number of revisions to do/done and dates. Sources column is to ensure that aspirants do not run behind various sources and follow the same throughout.
Would like to end on this quote:
Either you run the day or the day runs you.
Are you ready? Let’s start!
Important Note
- Don’t forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂
- You can post your comments in the given format
- (1) Your Score
- (2) Matrix Meter
- (3) New Learning from the Test
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The following Test is based on the syllabus of 60 Days Plan-2019 for UPSC IAS Prelims 2019.
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Question 1 of 30
1. Question
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the GLOBE (Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment)
- Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) is the implementing agency in India.
- NASA has the primary responsibility for administering the government-to-government agreements, and for the management of the GLOBE Implementation Office (GIO).
Select from the given codes:
Correct
Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) is a worldwide hands-on, international environmental science and education programme that brings students, teachers and scientists together to study the global environment.
MoEFCC and US Government signed an agreement in 2000 to implement the Globe programme in India.
Indian Environmental Society, Delhi is an implementing agency for Globe in India.
Hence Statement 1 is Incorrect
GLOBE is sponsored by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Department of State. Internationally, GLOBE is implemented through government-to-government agreements with each country partner responsible for in-country activities.
As the lead agency for GLOBE in the U.S., NASA has the primary responsibility for administering the government-to-government agreements, and for the management of the GLOBE Implementation Office (GIO) and the data and information system that support the worldwide implementation.
Hence Statement 2 is correct.
Source: India Year Book-2018 (Environment Chapter)
Incorrect
Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) is a worldwide hands-on, international environmental science and education programme that brings students, teachers and scientists together to study the global environment.
MoEFCC and US Government signed an agreement in 2000 to implement the Globe programme in India.
Indian Environmental Society, Delhi is an implementing agency for Globe in India.
Hence Statement 1 is Incorrect
GLOBE is sponsored by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Department of State. Internationally, GLOBE is implemented through government-to-government agreements with each country partner responsible for in-country activities.
As the lead agency for GLOBE in the U.S., NASA has the primary responsibility for administering the government-to-government agreements, and for the management of the GLOBE Implementation Office (GIO) and the data and information system that support the worldwide implementation.
Hence Statement 2 is correct.
Source: India Year Book-2018 (Environment Chapter)
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Question 2 of 30
2. Question
Consider the following statements
- Gross primary productivity of an ecosystem is the rate of production of organic matter during photosynthesis.
- Gross primary productivity minus respiration losses, is the net primary productivity.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Correct
Gross primary productivity of an ecosystem is the rate of production of organic matter during photosynthesis. A considerable amount of GPP is utilized by plants in respiration. Gross primary productivity minus respiration losses (R), is the net primary productivity (NPP). GPP – R = NPP
Hence both the Statements are correct.
Net primary productivity is the available biomass for the consumption to heterotrophs (herbiviores and decomposers).
Source: NCERT Biology-class 12th
Incorrect
Gross primary productivity of an ecosystem is the rate of production of organic matter during photosynthesis. A considerable amount of GPP is utilized by plants in respiration. Gross primary productivity minus respiration losses (R), is the net primary productivity (NPP). GPP – R = NPP
Hence both the Statements are correct.
Net primary productivity is the available biomass for the consumption to heterotrophs (herbiviores and decomposers).
Source: NCERT Biology-class 12th
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Question 3 of 30
3. Question
Consider the following statements
- Primary productivity is defined as the rate of formation of new organic matter by consumers.
- Secondary productivity is defined as the amount of biomass or organic matter produced per unit area over a time period by plants during photosynthesis.
- Primary productivity is same in different types of ecosystems.
- Primary productivity of Oceans is less compared to that of the Land.
Which of the above statements are INCORRECT?
Correct
Primary production is defined as the amount of biomass or organic matter produced per unit area over a time period by plants during photosynthesis. The rate of biomass production is called productivity.
Secondary productivity is defined as the rate of formation of new organic matter by consumers.
In the question the definitions are interchanged. Hence statements 1 and 2 are incorrect.
Primary productivity depends on the plant species inhabiting a particular area. It also depends on a variety of environmental factors, availability of nutrients and photosynthetic capacity of plants. Therefore, it varies in different types of ecosystems.
Hence Statement 3 is also incorrect.
The annual net primary productivity of the whole biosphere is approximately 170 billion tons (dry weight) of organic matter.
Of this, despite occupying about 70 percent of the surface, the productivity of the oceans is only 55 billion tons. Rest of course, is on land.
Hence Statement 4 is correct.
Source: NCERT Biology-class 12th
Incorrect
Primary production is defined as the amount of biomass or organic matter produced per unit area over a time period by plants during photosynthesis. The rate of biomass production is called productivity.
Secondary productivity is defined as the rate of formation of new organic matter by consumers.
In the question the definitions are interchanged. Hence statements 1 and 2 are incorrect.
Primary productivity depends on the plant species inhabiting a particular area. It also depends on a variety of environmental factors, availability of nutrients and photosynthetic capacity of plants. Therefore, it varies in different types of ecosystems.
Hence Statement 3 is also incorrect.
The annual net primary productivity of the whole biosphere is approximately 170 billion tons (dry weight) of organic matter.
Of this, despite occupying about 70 percent of the surface, the productivity of the oceans is only 55 billion tons. Rest of course, is on land.
Hence Statement 4 is correct.
Source: NCERT Biology-class 12th
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Question 4 of 30
4. Question
Consider the following statements
- Detritivores (e.g., earthworm) break down detritus into smaller particles. This process is called fragmentation.
- Bacterial and fungal enzymes degrade detritus into simpler inorganic substances. This process is called as catabolism.
- The processes Fragmentation, Leaching and Catabolism (in the same order) operates one after the other on detritus.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Correct
Detritivores (e.g., earthworm) break down detritus into smaller particles. This process is called fragmentation.
Bacterial and fungal enzymes degrade detritus into simpler inorganic substances. This process is called as catabolism.
Hence Statements 1 and 2 are correct.
By the process of leaching, water soluble inorganic nutrients go down into the soil horizon and get precipitated as unavailable salts.
It is important to note that all the above steps in decomposition operate simultaneously on the detritus.
Hence Statement 3 is incorrect.
Source: NCERT Biology-class 12th
Incorrect
Detritivores (e.g., earthworm) break down detritus into smaller particles. This process is called fragmentation.
Bacterial and fungal enzymes degrade detritus into simpler inorganic substances. This process is called as catabolism.
Hence Statements 1 and 2 are correct.
By the process of leaching, water soluble inorganic nutrients go down into the soil horizon and get precipitated as unavailable salts.
It is important to note that all the above steps in decomposition operate simultaneously on the detritus.
Hence Statement 3 is incorrect.
Source: NCERT Biology-class 12th
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Question 5 of 30
5. Question
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding humus
- It is a dark coloured amorphous substance.
- It is highly resistant to microbial action.
- It is colloidal in nature.
- The humus is further degraded by some microbes and release of inorganic nutrients occurs by the process known as Humification.
Which of the above statements are correct?
Correct
Humification and mineralisation occur during decomposition in the soil.
Humification leads to accumulation of a dark coloured amorphous substance called humus that is highly resistant to microbial action and undergoes decomposition at an extremely slow rate.
Hence Statement 1 and 2 are correct.
Being colloidal in nature it serves as a reservoir of nutrients.
Hence Statement 3 is correct.
The humus is further degraded by some microbes and release of inorganic nutrients occur by the process known as mineralisation.
Hence Statement 4 is incorrect.
Source: NCERT Biology-class 12th
Incorrect
Humification and mineralisation occur during decomposition in the soil.
Humification leads to accumulation of a dark coloured amorphous substance called humus that is highly resistant to microbial action and undergoes decomposition at an extremely slow rate.
Hence Statement 1 and 2 are correct.
Being colloidal in nature it serves as a reservoir of nutrients.
Hence Statement 3 is correct.
The humus is further degraded by some microbes and release of inorganic nutrients occur by the process known as mineralisation.
Hence Statement 4 is incorrect.
Source: NCERT Biology-class 12th
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Question 6 of 30
6. Question
Consider the following statements regarding Food Chain
- In an aquatic ecosystem, Grazing Food Chain is the major conduit for energy flow.
- In a terrestrial ecosystem, a much larger fraction of energy flows through the Detritus Food Chain than through the Grazing Food Chain.
Which of the statements above is/are INCORRECT?
Correct
In an aquatic ecosystem, Grazing Food Chain is the major conduit for energy flow.
As against this, in a terrestrial ecosystem, a much larger fraction of energy flows through the detritus food chain than through the Grazing Food Chain.
Hence both the statements are correct.
Detritus food chain may be connected with the grazing food chain at some levels
The detritus food chain (DFC) begins with dead organic matter. It is made up of decomposers which are heterotrophic organisms, mainly fungi and bacteria. They meet their energy and nutrient requirements by degrading dead organic matter or detritus. These are also known as saprotrophs.
Source: Shankar IAS book
Incorrect
In an aquatic ecosystem, Grazing Food Chain is the major conduit for energy flow.
As against this, in a terrestrial ecosystem, a much larger fraction of energy flows through the detritus food chain than through the Grazing Food Chain.
Hence both the statements are correct.
Detritus food chain may be connected with the grazing food chain at some levels
The detritus food chain (DFC) begins with dead organic matter. It is made up of decomposers which are heterotrophic organisms, mainly fungi and bacteria. They meet their energy and nutrient requirements by degrading dead organic matter or detritus. These are also known as saprotrophs.
Source: Shankar IAS book
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Question 7 of 30
7. Question
Consider the following statements regarding the Ecological Pyramids
- Pyramid of energy is always upright
- Pyramid of biomass in sea is generally upright.
- Ecological pyramids do not take into account the same species belonging to two or more trophic levels.
- Saprophytes are not given any place in ecological pyramids.
Which of the above statements are correct?
Correct
Pyramid of energy is always upright, can never be inverted, because when energy flows from a particular trophic level to the next trophic level, some energy is always lost as heat at each step.
Hence statement 1 is correct.
The pyramid of biomass in sea is generally inverted because the biomass of fishes far exceeds that of phytoplankton.
Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
However, there are certain limitations of ecological pyramids such as it does not take into account the same species belonging to two or more trophic levels.
Saprophytes are not given any place in ecological pyramids even though they play a vital role in the ecosystem.
Hence Statements 3 and 4 are correct.
It assumes a simple food chain, something that almost never exists in nature; it does not accommodate a food web.
Source: Shankar IAS book
Incorrect
Pyramid of energy is always upright, can never be inverted, because when energy flows from a particular trophic level to the next trophic level, some energy is always lost as heat at each step.
Hence statement 1 is correct.
The pyramid of biomass in sea is generally inverted because the biomass of fishes far exceeds that of phytoplankton.
Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
However, there are certain limitations of ecological pyramids such as it does not take into account the same species belonging to two or more trophic levels.
Saprophytes are not given any place in ecological pyramids even though they play a vital role in the ecosystem.
Hence Statements 3 and 4 are correct.
It assumes a simple food chain, something that almost never exists in nature; it does not accommodate a food web.
Source: Shankar IAS book
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Question 8 of 30
8. Question
Which of the following statements are correct regarding Ecological Succession?
- Succession is a process that starts where no living organisms are there.
- Primary Succession is faster than Secondary Succession.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Correct
The gradual and fairly predictable change in the species composition of a given area is called ecological succession.
Succession is hence a process that starts where no living organisms are there – these could be areas where no living organisms ever existed, say bare rock; or in areas that somehow, lost all the living organisms that existed there. The former is called primary succession, while the latter is termed secondary succession.
Hence Statement 1 is correct.
Secondary succession begins in areas where natural biotic communities have been destroyed such as in abandoned farm lands, burned or cut forests, lands that have been flooded. Since some soil or sediment is present, secondary succession is faster than primary succession.
Hence Statement 2 is wrong.
Source – NCERT
Incorrect
The gradual and fairly predictable change in the species composition of a given area is called ecological succession.
Succession is hence a process that starts where no living organisms are there – these could be areas where no living organisms ever existed, say bare rock; or in areas that somehow, lost all the living organisms that existed there. The former is called primary succession, while the latter is termed secondary succession.
Hence Statement 1 is correct.
Secondary succession begins in areas where natural biotic communities have been destroyed such as in abandoned farm lands, burned or cut forests, lands that have been flooded. Since some soil or sediment is present, secondary succession is faster than primary succession.
Hence Statement 2 is wrong.
Source – NCERT
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Question 9 of 30
9. Question
Consider the following statements regarding Carbon
- Carbon constitutes 49 per cent of dry weight of organisms and is next only to water.
- The amount of Carbon dissolved in Oceans is more than that is stored in the land biosphere.
Which of the above statement is/are true?
Correct
When you study the composition of living organisms, carbon constitutes 49 per cent of dry weight of organisms and is next only to water.
Hence Statement 1 is correct.
If we look at the total quantity of global carbon, we find that 71 per cent carbon is found dissolved in oceans. This oceanic reservoir regulates the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Hence Statement 2 is correct.
A considerable amount of carbon returns to the atmosphere as CO2 through respiratory activities of the producers and consumers. Decomposers also contribute substantially to CO2 pool by their processing of waste materials and dead organic matter of land or oceans. Some amount of the fixed carbon is lost to sediments and removed from circulation.
Burning of wood, forest fire and combustion of organic matter, fossil fuel, and volcanic activity are additional sources for releasing CO2 in the atmosphere.
Incorrect
When you study the composition of living organisms, carbon constitutes 49 per cent of dry weight of organisms and is next only to water.
Hence Statement 1 is correct.
If we look at the total quantity of global carbon, we find that 71 per cent carbon is found dissolved in oceans. This oceanic reservoir regulates the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Hence Statement 2 is correct.
A considerable amount of carbon returns to the atmosphere as CO2 through respiratory activities of the producers and consumers. Decomposers also contribute substantially to CO2 pool by their processing of waste materials and dead organic matter of land or oceans. Some amount of the fixed carbon is lost to sediments and removed from circulation.
Burning of wood, forest fire and combustion of organic matter, fossil fuel, and volcanic activity are additional sources for releasing CO2 in the atmosphere.
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Question 10 of 30
10. Question
Consider the following statements regarding the processes that occur in Nitrogen cycle
- Decomposers chemically modify the nitrogen found in organic matter to ammonium ion (NH4+). This process is known as micelle fixation.
- The process of Nitrification involves the metabolic reduction of nitrate (NO3-) into nitrogen (N2) or nitrous oxide (N2O) gas
Which of the above statements is/are INCORRECT?
Correct
Decomposers chemically modify the nitrogen found in organic matter to ammonium ion (NH4+). This process is known as mineralization and it is carried out by a variety of bacteria and fungi.
Hence Statement 1 is wrong.
Nitrogen in the form of ammonium can be absorbed onto the surfaces of clay particles in the soil. The ammonium ion has a positive molecular charge and is normally held by negatively charged soil colloids. This process is sometimes called micelle fixation.
Ammonium is released from the colloids by way of cation exchange. When released, most of the ammonium is often chemically altered by a specific type of autotrophic bacteria (bacteria that belong to the genus Nitrosomonas) into nitrite (NO2-). Further modification by another type of bacteria (belonging to the genus Nitrobacter) converts the nitrite to nitrate (NO3-). Both of these processes involve chemical oxidation and are known collectively as nitrification.
The process of denitrification involves the metabolic reduction of nitrate (NO3-) into nitrogen (N2) or nitrous oxide (N2O) gas. Both of these gases then diffuse into the atmosphere, thus removing nitrogen from the soil, accounting for the name, denitrification.
Hence Statement 2 is also incorrect.
Incorrect
Decomposers chemically modify the nitrogen found in organic matter to ammonium ion (NH4+). This process is known as mineralization and it is carried out by a variety of bacteria and fungi.
Hence Statement 1 is wrong.
Nitrogen in the form of ammonium can be absorbed onto the surfaces of clay particles in the soil. The ammonium ion has a positive molecular charge and is normally held by negatively charged soil colloids. This process is sometimes called micelle fixation.
Ammonium is released from the colloids by way of cation exchange. When released, most of the ammonium is often chemically altered by a specific type of autotrophic bacteria (bacteria that belong to the genus Nitrosomonas) into nitrite (NO2-). Further modification by another type of bacteria (belonging to the genus Nitrobacter) converts the nitrite to nitrate (NO3-). Both of these processes involve chemical oxidation and are known collectively as nitrification.
The process of denitrification involves the metabolic reduction of nitrate (NO3-) into nitrogen (N2) or nitrous oxide (N2O) gas. Both of these gases then diffuse into the atmosphere, thus removing nitrogen from the soil, accounting for the name, denitrification.
Hence Statement 2 is also incorrect.
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Question 11 of 30
11. Question
Which of the following statements in general correctly explains ‘edge effect’
Correct
The edge effect is an ecological concept that describes how there is a greater diversity of life in the region where the edges two adjacent ecosystems overlap, such as land/water, or forest/grassland.
At the edge of two overlapping ecosystems, you can find species from both of these ecosystems, as well as unique species that aren’t found in either ecosystem but are specially adapted to the conditions of the transition zone between the two edges.
The organisms which occur primarily or most abundantly in this zone are known as edge species.
Incorrect
The edge effect is an ecological concept that describes how there is a greater diversity of life in the region where the edges two adjacent ecosystems overlap, such as land/water, or forest/grassland.
At the edge of two overlapping ecosystems, you can find species from both of these ecosystems, as well as unique species that aren’t found in either ecosystem but are specially adapted to the conditions of the transition zone between the two edges.
The organisms which occur primarily or most abundantly in this zone are known as edge species.
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Question 12 of 30
12. Question
Consider the following statements regarding Ecological Niche
- Organisms that occupy same or similar ecological niches in different geographical regions are called Ecophenes.
- Species with broad ecological niches tend to be specialists.
Which of the above statements is/ are correct?
Correct
Ecological niche of an organism not only includes the physical space occupied by an organism, but also its functional role in the community of organisms.
Organisms that occupy same or similar ecological niches in different geographical regions are called ecological equivalents.
Hence Statement 1 is wrong.
Species with narrow niches tend to be specialists, relying on comparatively few food sources. In contrast, species with broad niches are generalists.
Hence Statement 2 is also wrong.
Ecophene is the range of phenotypic modifications produced by one genotype within the limits of the habitat under which the genotype is found in nature.
Incorrect
Ecological niche of an organism not only includes the physical space occupied by an organism, but also its functional role in the community of organisms.
Organisms that occupy same or similar ecological niches in different geographical regions are called ecological equivalents.
Hence Statement 1 is wrong.
Species with narrow niches tend to be specialists, relying on comparatively few food sources. In contrast, species with broad niches are generalists.
Hence Statement 2 is also wrong.
Ecophene is the range of phenotypic modifications produced by one genotype within the limits of the habitat under which the genotype is found in nature.
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Question 13 of 30
13. Question
Consider the following:
Seral Community Explanation - Lithosere
Community on rock - Xerosere
Community in dry area - Psammosere
Community in saline body - Hydrosere
Community in water Which of the following are correctly matched?
Correct
Depending on the substratum and climate, a seral community can be one of the following
Seral Community Explanation 1. Lithosere Community on rock 2. Xerosere Community in dry area 3. Psammosere Community on sand 4. Hydrosere Community in water 5. Halosere Community in saline body Incorrect
Depending on the substratum and climate, a seral community can be one of the following
Seral Community Explanation 1. Lithosere Community on rock 2. Xerosere Community in dry area 3. Psammosere Community on sand 4. Hydrosere Community in water 5. Halosere Community in saline body -
Question 14 of 30
14. Question
Consider the following statements regarding the processes of ecological succession
- Ecesis is the increase in population of the species which has become established in the area.
- Nudation is the initial establishment of plant community.
Which of the above statements is/are INCORRECT?
Correct
Nudation is the development of a bare site uninhabited by any organism. The process is usually caused by disturbances. The area formed can sustain only autotrophic organisms which can utilize inorganic substrates.
Hence statement 2 is wrong.
Ecesis is the initial establishment of plant community.
Aggregation is the increase in population of the species which has become established in the area.
Hence statement 1 is also wrong.
Incorrect
Nudation is the development of a bare site uninhabited by any organism. The process is usually caused by disturbances. The area formed can sustain only autotrophic organisms which can utilize inorganic substrates.
Hence statement 2 is wrong.
Ecesis is the initial establishment of plant community.
Aggregation is the increase in population of the species which has become established in the area.
Hence statement 1 is also wrong.
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Question 15 of 30
15. Question
Consider the following statements regarding Sikkim
- It is the first organic state in India.
- Sikkim was awarded Future Policy Gold Award 2018 for its achievement in becoming the world’s first totally organic agriculture state.
- The award is given by UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Correct
India’s “100 per cent organic state” Sikkim has won the “Oscar for best policies”, conferred by the Food and Agriculture Organisation for the world’s best policies promoting agroecological and sustainable food systems.
Sikkim won the Future Policy Award 2018, beating 51 nominated policies from 25 countries, according to a statement. Policies from Brazil, Denmark and Quito (Ecuador) bagged silver awards.
The award is co-organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the World Future Council (WFC) and IFOAM – Organics International.
Sikkim became the first state in India to officially announce adoption of organic farming in the year 2003 to ensure long term sustenance of soil fertility, protection of environment and ecology, healthy living and decreasing the risk of health ailments.
Sikkim is the first organic state in the world. All of its farmland is certified organic.
Hence all the statements are correct.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/100-per-cent-organic-state-sikkim-gets-fao-award-for-best-policies/articleshow/66219884.cms
Incorrect
India’s “100 per cent organic state” Sikkim has won the “Oscar for best policies”, conferred by the Food and Agriculture Organisation for the world’s best policies promoting agroecological and sustainable food systems.
Sikkim won the Future Policy Award 2018, beating 51 nominated policies from 25 countries, according to a statement. Policies from Brazil, Denmark and Quito (Ecuador) bagged silver awards.
The award is co-organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the World Future Council (WFC) and IFOAM – Organics International.
Sikkim became the first state in India to officially announce adoption of organic farming in the year 2003 to ensure long term sustenance of soil fertility, protection of environment and ecology, healthy living and decreasing the risk of health ailments.
Sikkim is the first organic state in the world. All of its farmland is certified organic.
Hence all the statements are correct.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/100-per-cent-organic-state-sikkim-gets-fao-award-for-best-policies/articleshow/66219884.cms
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Question 16 of 30
16. Question
Consider the following statements
- Bio-accumulation occurs across different trophic levels in a food chain.
- Bio-magnification occurs when an organism absorbs a toxic substance from all sources at a rate greater than that at which the substance is lost.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Correct
Bio-accumulation is the accumulation of contaminants by species in concentrations that are orders of magnitude higher than the surrounding environment. Bioaccumulation occurs when an organism absorbs a toxic substance from all sources at a rate greater than that at which the substance is lost.
Biomagnification stands for Biological Magnification, which means the increase of contaminated substances or toxic chemicals that take place in the food chains. It occurs across different trophic levels in a food chain.
Hence both the statements are wrong.
Incorrect
Bio-accumulation is the accumulation of contaminants by species in concentrations that are orders of magnitude higher than the surrounding environment. Bioaccumulation occurs when an organism absorbs a toxic substance from all sources at a rate greater than that at which the substance is lost.
Biomagnification stands for Biological Magnification, which means the increase of contaminated substances or toxic chemicals that take place in the food chains. It occurs across different trophic levels in a food chain.
Hence both the statements are wrong.
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Question 17 of 30
17. Question
Consider the following statements about Organic World Congress (OWC)
- The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM – Organics International) organizes it.
- It is an annually organized congress.
- OWC-2020 is to be conducted in India.
Which of the above statements is/are INCORRECT?
Correct
Once every three years, IFOAM – Organics International organizes the Organic World Congress (OWC) in a different country to achieve its vision as the global organic movement and also to provide a platform where organic stakeholders can share their knowledge and expertise and establish valuable partnerships.
Hence statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect
OWC-2017 was organized in India.
OWC-2020 is to be held in France.
Hence statement 3 is also incorrect.
Source: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/business-wire/biofach-india-together-with-india-organic-2017/article22313286.ece
Incorrect
Once every three years, IFOAM – Organics International organizes the Organic World Congress (OWC) in a different country to achieve its vision as the global organic movement and also to provide a platform where organic stakeholders can share their knowledge and expertise and establish valuable partnerships.
Hence statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect
OWC-2017 was organized in India.
OWC-2020 is to be held in France.
Hence statement 3 is also incorrect.
Source: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/business-wire/biofach-india-together-with-india-organic-2017/article22313286.ece
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Question 18 of 30
18. Question
Consider the below statements and select the correct statement from the codes given below:
- The succession brought about by external conditions and not by the existing organisms is known as allogenic succession.
- The succession that begins in a predominantly inorganic environment where there is dominance of autotrophic organisms is called Autogenic Succession.
Choose the correct answer:
Correct
Autotrophic Succession is characterized by early and continued dominance of autotrophic organisms like green plants. It begins in a predominantly inorganic environment.
Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
Allogenic Succession is caused largely by any other external condition and not by existing organisms.
Hence Statement 1 is correct
Autogenic Succession:- It is the community itself, which as a result of its reactions with environment, modifies its own environment and thus causing its own replacement by new communities.
Micro Succession involves the succession of microorganisms.
Incorrect
Autotrophic Succession is characterized by early and continued dominance of autotrophic organisms like green plants. It begins in a predominantly inorganic environment.
Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
Allogenic Succession is caused largely by any other external condition and not by existing organisms.
Hence Statement 1 is correct
Autogenic Succession:- It is the community itself, which as a result of its reactions with environment, modifies its own environment and thus causing its own replacement by new communities.
Micro Succession involves the succession of microorganisms.
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Question 19 of 30
19. Question
Consider the following pair of biotic interactions.
Type of interaction Result 1. Neutralism No net benefit or harm to either species 2. Amensalism One species benefits, one is not affected - Parasitism
One species benefits, one is harmed Which of the above pairs is/are correct?
Correct
Mutualism: both species benefit.
Example: in pollination mutualism is seen, the pollinator gets food (pollen, nectar), and the plant has its pollen transferred to other flowers for cross-fertilization (reproduction).
Commensalism: one species benefits, the other is unaffected.
Example: Cow dung provides food and shelter to dung beetles. The beetles have no effect on the cows.
Competition: both species are harmed by the interaction.
Example: If two species eat the same food, and there isn’t enough for both, both may have access to less food . They both suffer a shortage of food
Predation and parasitism: one species benefits, the other is harmed.
Example: Parasitism: tick gains benefit by sucking blood; host is harmed by losing blood.
Amensalism: One species is harmed, the other is unaffected.
Example: A large tree shades a small plant, retarding the growth of the small plant. The small plant has no effect on the large tree.
Neutralism: There is no net benefit or harm to either species.
Incorrect
Mutualism: both species benefit.
Example: in pollination mutualism is seen, the pollinator gets food (pollen, nectar), and the plant has its pollen transferred to other flowers for cross-fertilization (reproduction).
Commensalism: one species benefits, the other is unaffected.
Example: Cow dung provides food and shelter to dung beetles. The beetles have no effect on the cows.
Competition: both species are harmed by the interaction.
Example: If two species eat the same food, and there isn’t enough for both, both may have access to less food . They both suffer a shortage of food
Predation and parasitism: one species benefits, the other is harmed.
Example: Parasitism: tick gains benefit by sucking blood; host is harmed by losing blood.
Amensalism: One species is harmed, the other is unaffected.
Example: A large tree shades a small plant, retarding the growth of the small plant. The small plant has no effect on the large tree.
Neutralism: There is no net benefit or harm to either species.
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Question 20 of 30
20. Question
Which of the following statements best describes ‘Ecotype’?
Correct
In evolutionary ecology, an ecotype, sometimes called ecospecies, describes a genetically distinct geographic variety, population or race within a species, which is genotypically adapted to specific environmental conditions.
Typically, though ecotypes exhibit phenotypic differences (such as in morphology or physiology) stemming from environmental heterogeneity, they are capable of interbreeding with other geographically adjacent ecotypes without loss of fertility or vigor.
Incorrect
In evolutionary ecology, an ecotype, sometimes called ecospecies, describes a genetically distinct geographic variety, population or race within a species, which is genotypically adapted to specific environmental conditions.
Typically, though ecotypes exhibit phenotypic differences (such as in morphology or physiology) stemming from environmental heterogeneity, they are capable of interbreeding with other geographically adjacent ecotypes without loss of fertility or vigor.
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Question 21 of 30
21. Question
You will notice that Nordic countries are always on the top chart of any international index or reports. Consider the following w.r.t Nordic Countries:
- Finland is the only Nordic country to have border with Russia
- Sweden lies west of the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Bothnia
Which of the given statement/s is/are correct?
Correct
The Nordic countries are generally considered to refer to Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, including their associated territories (Greenland, the Faroe Islands and the Åland Islands).
Norway also borders Russia.
Incorrect
The Nordic countries are generally considered to refer to Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, including their associated territories (Greenland, the Faroe Islands and the Åland Islands).
Norway also borders Russia.
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Question 22 of 30
22. Question
Match the following
- Bru Tribe:: Meghalaya
- Reang Tribe:: Tripura
- Apatani Tribe: Arunachal Pradesh
Select the correct match:
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Question 23 of 30
23. Question
The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) recently added four species to a Recovery Programme for Critically Endangered Species. Which is not one of them?
Correct
The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) recently added four species- the Northern River Terrapin, Clouded Leopard, Arabian Sea Humpback Whale, Red Panda– to a Recovery Programme for Critically Endangered Species on the recommendation of a Standing Committee.
So far, 17 + 4, species have been identified under the recovery programme. These are the
- Snow Leopard,
- Bustard (including Floricans),
- Dolphin,
- Hangul,
- Nilgiri Tahr,
- Marine Turtles,
- Dugongs,
- Edible Nest Swiftlet,
- Asian Wild Buffalo,
- Nicobar Megapode,
- Manipur Brow-antlered Deer,
- Vultures,
- Malabar Civet,
- Indian Rhinoceros,
- Asiatic Lion,
- Swamp Deer
- Jerdon’s Courser.
Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/4-species-added-to-recovery-programme-by-wildlife-board-60997
Incorrect
The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) recently added four species- the Northern River Terrapin, Clouded Leopard, Arabian Sea Humpback Whale, Red Panda– to a Recovery Programme for Critically Endangered Species on the recommendation of a Standing Committee.
So far, 17 + 4, species have been identified under the recovery programme. These are the
- Snow Leopard,
- Bustard (including Floricans),
- Dolphin,
- Hangul,
- Nilgiri Tahr,
- Marine Turtles,
- Dugongs,
- Edible Nest Swiftlet,
- Asian Wild Buffalo,
- Nicobar Megapode,
- Manipur Brow-antlered Deer,
- Vultures,
- Malabar Civet,
- Indian Rhinoceros,
- Asiatic Lion,
- Swamp Deer
- Jerdon’s Courser.
Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/4-species-added-to-recovery-programme-by-wildlife-board-60997
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Question 24 of 30
24. Question
India’s first biofortified sorghum (jowar), was formally launched recently. Consider the following statements regarding it:
- It is developed by International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
- It can be grown in rainy, post-rainy and summer seasons.
Select the correct statement/s:
Correct
India’s first biofortified sorghum (jowar), with significantly higher iron and zinc than regular sorghum, was formally released.
- Developed by ICRISAT it was released for cultivation by Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Maharashtra.
- The improved variety ICSR 14001, released as ‘Parbhani Shakti’ by VNMKV, offers a cost-effective and sustainable solution to address micronutrient deficiency. An MoU was signed today between ICRISAT and VNMKV for large-scale seed production and dissemination.
- This improved sorghum variety was developed by ICRISAT under the HarvestPlus sorghum biofortification project and was tested as PVK 1009 in Maharashtra state and in All India Co-ordinated Sorghum Improvement Project (AICSIP) Trials.
- It was released as a rainy season variety (Kharif) but it can be grown in post-rainy (Rabi) and summer seasons. The yield levels are higher (>5.0 t ha-1) in post-rainy and summer seasons with irrigation.
- When grown in summer season, it can tolerate higher temperatures (41°C) at flowering and seed setting but the flowering may be delayed (80 days).
Source: https://www.icrisat.org/india-gets-its-first-biofortified-sorghum/
Incorrect
India’s first biofortified sorghum (jowar), with significantly higher iron and zinc than regular sorghum, was formally released.
- Developed by ICRISAT it was released for cultivation by Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Maharashtra.
- The improved variety ICSR 14001, released as ‘Parbhani Shakti’ by VNMKV, offers a cost-effective and sustainable solution to address micronutrient deficiency. An MoU was signed today between ICRISAT and VNMKV for large-scale seed production and dissemination.
- This improved sorghum variety was developed by ICRISAT under the HarvestPlus sorghum biofortification project and was tested as PVK 1009 in Maharashtra state and in All India Co-ordinated Sorghum Improvement Project (AICSIP) Trials.
- It was released as a rainy season variety (Kharif) but it can be grown in post-rainy (Rabi) and summer seasons. The yield levels are higher (>5.0 t ha-1) in post-rainy and summer seasons with irrigation.
- When grown in summer season, it can tolerate higher temperatures (41°C) at flowering and seed setting but the flowering may be delayed (80 days).
Source: https://www.icrisat.org/india-gets-its-first-biofortified-sorghum/
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Question 25 of 30
25. Question
Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Asia Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA)’
- It was formerly known as Hong Kong Declaration
- APTA is an initiative under the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP)
- India is a founding member of APTA
Select the correct statements
Correct
The results of 4th Round of negotiations under the Asia Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) (formerly Bangkok Agreement) among six countries, namely, Bangladesh, China, India, Lao PDR, Republic of Korea, and Sri Lanka, have been implemented with effect from 1st July, 2018.
- APTA is an initiative under the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) for trade expansion through exchange of tariff concessions among developing country members of the Asia Pacific Region, in place since 1975.
- APTA is a Preferential Trade Agreement, under which the basket of items as well as extent of tariff concessions are enlarged during the trade negotiating rounds which are launched from time to time.
- India is a founding member
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/india-to-provide-tariff-concessions-on-3142-items-to-apta-members/articleshow/64825996.cms
Incorrect
The results of 4th Round of negotiations under the Asia Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) (formerly Bangkok Agreement) among six countries, namely, Bangladesh, China, India, Lao PDR, Republic of Korea, and Sri Lanka, have been implemented with effect from 1st July, 2018.
- APTA is an initiative under the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) for trade expansion through exchange of tariff concessions among developing country members of the Asia Pacific Region, in place since 1975.
- APTA is a Preferential Trade Agreement, under which the basket of items as well as extent of tariff concessions are enlarged during the trade negotiating rounds which are launched from time to time.
- India is a founding member
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/india-to-provide-tariff-concessions-on-3142-items-to-apta-members/articleshow/64825996.cms
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Question 26 of 30
26. Question
‘Foreign Direct Investment Confidence (FDI) Index’ is published by
Correct
The Foreign Direct Investment Confidence (FDI) Index prepared by A.T. Kearney is an annual survey which tracks the impact of likely political, economic, and regulatory changes on the foreign direct investment intentions and preferences of CEOs, CFOs, and other top executives of Global 1000 companies.
India was ranked 11th in the2018 index.
India remains the second highest ranked emerging market on the Index. A variety of recent reforms have made its regulatory environment more business friendly and economic growth is forecast to rebound this year.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/india-drops-three-ranks-in-at-kearney-fdi-confidence-index/article24497785.ece
Incorrect
The Foreign Direct Investment Confidence (FDI) Index prepared by A.T. Kearney is an annual survey which tracks the impact of likely political, economic, and regulatory changes on the foreign direct investment intentions and preferences of CEOs, CFOs, and other top executives of Global 1000 companies.
India was ranked 11th in the2018 index.
India remains the second highest ranked emerging market on the Index. A variety of recent reforms have made its regulatory environment more business friendly and economic growth is forecast to rebound this year.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/india-drops-three-ranks-in-at-kearney-fdi-confidence-index/article24497785.ece
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Question 27 of 30
27. Question
Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to ‘SRIMAN’ Scheme?
- It encourages voluntary monetary contribution from private individuals and organizations so as to improve the infrastructure facilities for primary and secondary schools
- It enables the top foreign education institutions to open their campuses in India
Select the correct statements
Correct
Scientific Research Infrastructure Management and Networks (SRIMAN)
NEWS: SRIMAN proposed to transform scientific instruments in government labs into lucrative assets generating a steady rental income
About
- To address various issues for effective utilization of its research infrastructure.
- It plans to hire out to researchers all lab equipment that cost more than ₹10 lakh.
Objective
- Simplified but smarter ways of procurement and maintenance of scientific equipment and infrastructure.
- Providing greater access to instruments funded by the Government of India and its agencies through a network all over the country.
- Providing a framework for smarter ways of disposal of dated equipments and infrastructure
- Providing a framework to improve and promote efficiency of operations of research infrastructure
- A broad template to monitor utilization of expensive research infrastructure.
Benefits
- It will promote creation of a regional ecosystem, by galvanizing relevant stakeholders of scientific research infrastructure that provides wider access to scientists, researchers and industry professionals across the country.
- It will also help in creating a pool of trained operators for operation and maintenance of the equipment.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/education/rent-a-lab-policy-to-bring-revenues-to-institutions/article24477344.ece
Incorrect
Scientific Research Infrastructure Management and Networks (SRIMAN)
NEWS: SRIMAN proposed to transform scientific instruments in government labs into lucrative assets generating a steady rental income
About
- To address various issues for effective utilization of its research infrastructure.
- It plans to hire out to researchers all lab equipment that cost more than ₹10 lakh.
Objective
- Simplified but smarter ways of procurement and maintenance of scientific equipment and infrastructure.
- Providing greater access to instruments funded by the Government of India and its agencies through a network all over the country.
- Providing a framework for smarter ways of disposal of dated equipments and infrastructure
- Providing a framework to improve and promote efficiency of operations of research infrastructure
- A broad template to monitor utilization of expensive research infrastructure.
Benefits
- It will promote creation of a regional ecosystem, by galvanizing relevant stakeholders of scientific research infrastructure that provides wider access to scientists, researchers and industry professionals across the country.
- It will also help in creating a pool of trained operators for operation and maintenance of the equipment.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/education/rent-a-lab-policy-to-bring-revenues-to-institutions/article24477344.ece
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Question 28 of 30
28. Question
Consider the following statements with respect to ‘International Comparison Program (ICP)’
- It compares how climate change impacts regions across the globe in different ways
- It is led by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
Select the correct statements
Correct
International Comparison Program (ICP)
- The ICP is a worldwide statistical initiative led by the World Bank under the auspices of the United Nations Statistical Commission, with the main objective of providing comparable price and volume measures of gross domestic product (GDP) and its expenditure aggregates among countries within and across regions.
- Through a partnership with international, regional, sub-regional and national agencies, the ICP collects and compares price data and GDP expenditures to estimate and publish purchasing power parities (PPPs) of the world’s economies.
PPPs
- PPPs measure the total amount of goods and services that a single unit of a country’s currency can buy in another country.
- PPPs are widely used to convert national accounts data, like GDP, into a common currency, while also eliminating the effect of price level differences between countries.
News: 50th Anniversary of the ICP
Incorrect
International Comparison Program (ICP)
- The ICP is a worldwide statistical initiative led by the World Bank under the auspices of the United Nations Statistical Commission, with the main objective of providing comparable price and volume measures of gross domestic product (GDP) and its expenditure aggregates among countries within and across regions.
- Through a partnership with international, regional, sub-regional and national agencies, the ICP collects and compares price data and GDP expenditures to estimate and publish purchasing power parities (PPPs) of the world’s economies.
PPPs
- PPPs measure the total amount of goods and services that a single unit of a country’s currency can buy in another country.
- PPPs are widely used to convert national accounts data, like GDP, into a common currency, while also eliminating the effect of price level differences between countries.
News: 50th Anniversary of the ICP
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Question 29 of 30
29. Question
Q.29) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘White Helmets’
- They serve under the authority of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
- They are deployed to implement and monitor peacekeeping agreements concerning NATO members and allies
Select the correct statements
Correct
The White Helmets officially known as Syria Civil Defence is a volunteer organisation that operates in parts of rebel-controlled Syria and in Turkey.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/syrian-white-helmet-members-flee-to-jordan/article24488994.ece
Incorrect
The White Helmets officially known as Syria Civil Defence is a volunteer organisation that operates in parts of rebel-controlled Syria and in Turkey.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/syrian-white-helmet-members-flee-to-jordan/article24488994.ece
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Question 30 of 30
30. Question
‘Lake Titicaca’ is bordered by
- Ecuador
- Colombia
- Peru
Select the correct code:
Correct
Lake Titicaca is a large, deep lake in the Andes on the border of Bolivia and Peru, often called the “highest navigable lake” in the world. By volume of water and by surface area, it is the largest lake in South America. Lake Maracaibo has a larger surface area, but it is a tidal bay, not a lake.
Incorrect
Lake Titicaca is a large, deep lake in the Andes on the border of Bolivia and Peru, often called the “highest navigable lake” in the world. By volume of water and by surface area, it is the largest lake in South America. Lake Maracaibo has a larger surface area, but it is a tidal bay, not a lake.
