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
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.
Which theory explains the origin of the universe through expansion?
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Who provided evidence for the expanding universe in 1920?
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The Big Bang is believed to have occurred about:
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Which hypothesis suggested that planets formed from a rotating cloud of material?
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Who proposed the Nebular Hypothesis initially?
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The galaxies are mainly formed due to:
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A large cloud of gas and dust in space is called:
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The small rounded bodies formed during planetary formation are called:
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The Earth initially was:
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Which process caused heavier materials to sink towards Earth’s centre?
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Which layer of Earth is the outermost solid layer?
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The present atmosphere mainly contains:
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The early atmosphere of Earth mainly consisted of:
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The oceans were formed due to:
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Life is believed to have originated around:
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Photosynthesis contributed to increase of:
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Which evidence of early life is found in rocks?
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The distance travelled by light in one year is called:
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The Earth’s layered structure developed due to:
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The universe is considered expanding because:
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| 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 (A): The universe is expanding.
Reason (R): Galaxies are moving farther apart over time.
Options:
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Assertion (A): Nebular Hypothesis explains planetary formation.
Reason (R): Planets formed from a rotating cloud of gas and dust.
Options:
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Assertion (A): Earth developed a layered structure over time.
Reason (R): Materials separated according to density.
Options:
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Assertion (A): Oceans formed after Earth cooled.
Reason (R): Water vapour condensed into liquid water.
Options:
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Assertion (A): Photosynthesis changed the composition of atmosphere.
Reason (R): It released oxygen into atmosphere and oceans.
Options:
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Assertion (A): Fossils provide evidence of early life forms.
Reason (R): Fossils are preserved remains found in rocks.
Options:
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Assertion (A): Galaxies formed due to gravitational forces.
Reason (R): Matter accumulated because of density differences.
Options:
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Explain the Nebular Hypothesis regarding the origin of planets.
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Discuss the Big Bang Theory and origin of the universe.
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Explain the evidence supporting the expanding universe theory.
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Describe the process of star formation.
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Explain the stages involved in the formation of planets.
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Discuss the evolution of the Earth from a hot rocky body to its present form.
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Explain the process of differentiation inside the Earth.
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Discuss the evolution of Earth’s atmosphere.
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Explain the origin of oceans on Earth.
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Describe the role of photosynthesis in atmospheric evolution.
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Explain the origin and evolution of life on Earth.
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Discuss the significance of fossils in understanding Earth’s history.
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Explain how galaxies are formed.
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Discuss the importance of gravitational forces in planetary formation.
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Explain the importance of the Big Bang Theory in modern science.
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