The Origin and Evolution of the Earth Important Questions
These important questions from The Origin and Evolution of the Earth cover key NCERT concepts related to the origin of the universe, Big Bang Theory, Nebular Hypothesis, formation of planets, evolution of Earth, atmosphere, hydrosphere and origin of life.
The questions include MCQs, assertion and reason questions, one-word questions and analytical descriptive questions useful for UPSC, SSC, Railways, State PSC, CUET, CBSE board exams and other competitive examinations.
NCERT Page Coverage: Page 12–16
Table of Contents
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
These MCQs from The Origin and Evolution of the Earth help students revise important scientific and geographical concepts related to planetary formation, Earth evolution and origin theories.
MCQ 1
Which theory explains the origin of the universe through expansion?
- A. Continental Drift Theory
- B. Big Bang Theory
- C. Plate Tectonic Theory
- D. Tidal Theory
Page Reference: Page 13
MCQ 2
Who provided evidence for the expanding universe in 1920?
- A. Newton
- B. Laplace
- C. Edwin Hubble
- D. Wegener
Page Reference: Page 13
MCQ 3
The Big Bang is believed to have occurred about:
- A. 4.6 billion years ago
- B. 5 billion years ago
- C. 13.7 billion years ago
- D. 20 billion years ago
Page Reference: Page 13
MCQ 4
Which hypothesis suggested that planets formed from a rotating cloud of material?
- A. Big Bang Theory
- B. Nebular Hypothesis
- C. Continental Drift Theory
- D. Plate Tectonic Theory
Page Reference: Page 12
MCQ 5
Who proposed the Nebular Hypothesis initially?
- A. Wegener
- B. Edwin Hubble
- C. Immanuel Kant
- D. Galileo
Page Reference: Page 12
MCQ 6
The galaxies are mainly formed due to:
- A. Volcanic eruptions
- B. Density differences and gravitational forces
- C. Ocean currents
- D. Earthquakes
Page Reference: Page 14
MCQ 7
A large cloud of gas and dust in space is called:
- A. Asteroid
- B. Meteor
- C. Nebula
- D. Satellite
Page Reference: Page 14
MCQ 8
The small rounded bodies formed during planetary formation are called:
- A. Comets
- B. Planetesimals
- C. Meteors
- D. Satellites
Page Reference: Page 15
MCQ 9
The Earth initially was:
- A. Cool and watery
- B. Rocky, barren and hot
- C. Covered with forests
- D. Completely frozen
Page Reference: Page 15
MCQ 10
Which process caused heavier materials to sink towards Earth’s centre?
- A. Condensation
- B. Erosion
- C. Differentiation
- D. Weathering
Page Reference: Page 15
MCQ 11
Which layer of Earth is the outermost solid layer?
- A. Core
- B. Mantle
- C. Crust
- D. Inner core
Page Reference: Page 15
MCQ 12
The present atmosphere mainly contains:
- A. Hydrogen and helium
- B. Nitrogen and oxygen
- C. Carbon dioxide only
- D. Methane and ammonia
Page Reference: Page 15
MCQ 13
The early atmosphere of Earth mainly consisted of:
- A. Nitrogen and oxygen
- B. Hydrogen and helium
- C. Carbon dioxide and oxygen
- D. Ozone and argon
Page Reference: Page 15
MCQ 14
The oceans were formed due to:
- A. Volcanic eruptions only
- B. Condensation of water vapour
- C. Earthquakes
- D. Meteorite impacts only
Page Reference: Page 16
MCQ 15
Life is believed to have originated around:
- A. 500 million years ago
- B. 1 billion years ago
- C. 3,800 million years ago
- D. 10 billion years ago
Page Reference: Page 16
MCQ 16
Photosynthesis contributed to increase of:
- A. Hydrogen
- B. Oxygen
- C. Methane
- D. Helium
Page Reference: Page 16
MCQ 17
Which evidence of early life is found in rocks?
- A. Crystals
- B. Fossils
- C. Lava
- D. Minerals
Page Reference: Page 16
MCQ 18
The distance travelled by light in one year is called:
- A. Astronomical unit
- B. Light year
- C. Parsec
- D. Orbit
Page Reference: Page 14
MCQ 19
The Earth’s layered structure developed due to:
- A. Erosion
- B. Differentiation of materials
- C. Wind action
- D. Glaciation
Page Reference: Page 15
MCQ 20
The universe is considered expanding because:
- A. Galaxies are moving farther apart
- B. Earth is rotating faster
- C. Oceans are expanding
- D. Volcanoes are active
Page Reference: Page 13
One-Word / Very Short Answer Questions
| Question | Answer | Page Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Which theory explains the origin of the universe? | Big Bang Theory | Page 13 |
| Who gave evidence for the expanding universe? | Edwin Hubble | Page 13 |
| Which hypothesis explained formation of planets from a nebula? | Nebular Hypothesis | Page 12 |
| What is a large cloud of gas and dust called? | Nebula | Page 14 |
| What are small bodies formed during planetary formation called? | Planetesimals | Page 15 |
| Which process separated heavier and lighter materials inside Earth? | Differentiation | Page 15 |
| Which is the outermost solid layer of Earth? | Crust | Page 15 |
| Which gases dominated the early atmosphere? | Hydrogen and helium | Page 15 |
| What caused the formation of oceans? | Condensation | Page 16 |
| Which process increased oxygen in atmosphere? | Photosynthesis | Page 16 |
| What is evidence of ancient life in rocks called? | Fossils | Page 16 |
| What is the distance travelled by light in one year called? | Light year | Page 14 |
| Around how many years ago did life originate? | 3,800 million years ago | Page 16 |
| Which gases dominate present atmosphere? | Nitrogen and oxygen | Page 15 |
| Which process formed planets through accumulation of matter? | Accretion | Page 12 |
Assertion and Reason Questions
Question 1
Assertion (A): The universe is expanding.
Reason (R): Galaxies are moving farther apart over time.
Options:
- A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
- B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
- C. A is true but R is false
- D. A is false but R is true
Page Reference: Page 13
Question 2
Assertion (A): Nebular Hypothesis explains planetary formation.
Reason (R): Planets formed from a rotating cloud of gas and dust.
Options:
- A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
- B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
- C. A is true but R is false
- D. A is false but R is true
Page Reference: Page 12
Question 3
Assertion (A): Earth developed a layered structure over time.
Reason (R): Materials separated according to density.
Options:
- A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
- B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
- C. A is true but R is false
- D. A is false but R is true
Page Reference: Page 15
Question 4
Assertion (A): Oceans formed after Earth cooled.
Reason (R): Water vapour condensed into liquid water.
Options:
- A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
- B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
- C. A is true but R is false
- D. A is false but R is true
Page Reference: Page 16
Question 5
Assertion (A): Photosynthesis changed the composition of atmosphere.
Reason (R): It released oxygen into atmosphere and oceans.
Options:
- A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
- B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
- C. A is true but R is false
- D. A is false but R is true
Page Reference: Page 16
Question 6
Assertion (A): Fossils provide evidence of early life forms.
Reason (R): Fossils are preserved remains found in rocks.
Options:
- A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
- B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
- C. A is true but R is false
- D. A is false but R is true
Page Reference: Page 16
Question 7
Assertion (A): Galaxies formed due to gravitational forces.
Reason (R): Matter accumulated because of density differences.
Options:
- A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
- B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
- C. A is true but R is false
- D. A is false but R is true
Page Reference: Page 14
Important Exam-Based Concept Questions
Question 1
Explain the Nebular Hypothesis regarding the origin of planets.
Page Reference: Page 12
Question 2
Discuss the Big Bang Theory and origin of the universe.
Page Reference: Page 13
Question 3
Explain the evidence supporting the expanding universe theory.
Page Reference: Page 13
Question 4
Describe the process of star formation.
Page Reference: Page 14
Question 5
Explain the stages involved in the formation of planets.
Page Reference: Page 15
Question 6
Discuss the evolution of the Earth from a hot rocky body to its present form.
Page Reference: Page 15
Question 7
Explain the process of differentiation inside the Earth.
Page Reference: Page 15
Question 8
Discuss the evolution of Earth’s atmosphere.
Page Reference: Page 15–16
Question 9
Explain the origin of oceans on Earth.
Page Reference: Page 16
Question 10
Describe the role of photosynthesis in atmospheric evolution.
Page Reference: Page 16
Question 11
Explain the origin and evolution of life on Earth.
Page Reference: Page 16
Question 12
Discuss the significance of fossils in understanding Earth’s history.
Page Reference: Page 16
Question 13
Explain how galaxies are formed.
Page Reference: Page 14
Question 14
Discuss the importance of gravitational forces in planetary formation.
Page Reference: Page 14–15
Question 15
Explain the importance of the Big Bang Theory in modern science.
Page Reference: Page 13
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