Origin of the Earth – NDA Geography PYQs

NDA 2022-II

Q. 1. Piecing together the puzzle of geologic time to create and analyze historical barometers of the Earth is known as:

(a) paleoclimatology

(b) paleogeomorphology

(c) paleolithology

(d) paleogeography

Answer: (a) paleoclimatology

Explanation: Paleoclimatology is the scientific study of ancient climates by using proxies: natural records preserved in rocks, ice cores, tree rings, coral reefs, fossils, and sediments. These proxies serve as “historical barometers”: they measure past climate conditions. The phrase “piecing together the puzzle of geologic time to create historical barometers” specifically describes the reconstruction of ancient climate records. Paleogeography: the study of past geographic distribution of continents, oceans, and landmasses. Paleogeomorphology: the study of ancient landforms and relief features. Paleolithology: not a standard scientific term (paleology of stone). Concept Tested: Paleoclimatology: study of ancient climates using proxy records (ice cores, fossils, tree rings) as historical barometers

NDA 2019-II

Q. 2. Which one of the following hypothesis/theory explains the origin of the universe?

(a) Nebular hypothesis

(b) Binary theory

(c) Big Bang theory

(d) Planetesimal hypothesis

Answer: (c) Big Bang theory

Explanation: The Big Bang theory is the prevailing scientific explanation for the origin of the universe. It proposes that approximately 13.8 billion years ago, all matter and energy were compressed into an incredibly hot, dense point (a singularity). A rapid expansion: the Big Bang: occurred, creating space, time, matter, and energy. The other theories are associated with the origin of the solar system, not the universe: Nebular hypothesis: explains the origin of the solar system from a rotating nebula of gas and dust (Kant-Laplace hypothesis). Binary theory: one of several solar system origin theories (involving a companion star). Planetesimal hypothesis: Chamberlin and Moulton’s theory on the origin of planets from small solid bodies (planetesimals). Concept Tested: Big Bang theory: origin of the universe; other options explain the solar system’s origin

★ JOVIK Exam Insight A key distinction for NDA: Origin of the UNIVERSE → Big Bang theory (~13.8 billion years ago). Origin of the SOLAR SYSTEM → Nebular hypothesis (Kant-Laplace), Planetesimal hypothesis (Chamberlin-Moulton), Binary theory, Tidal theory (Jeans-Jeffreys). NDA may ask about either: always check whether the question asks about the universe or the solar system.

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