HSA Mixed Practice Test #575

Question 1

Cortisol, a stress hormone, is secreted by:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Adrenal cortex — Adrenal cortex produces corticosteroids (cortisol) — regulate metabolism and immune response.‌​‍

Answer

Thyroid

Answer

Adrenal medulla

Answer

Ovary

Question 2

Lanthanoid contraction is:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Gradual decrease in size from La to Lu due to poor shielding of 4f — Consequence: 4d and 5d elements of same group (e.g., Zr and Hf) have nearly identical radii.‌​‍

Answer

Growth

Answer

Expansion

Answer

No change

Question 3

The largest saltwater lake in India is:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Sambhar (Rajasthan) — Sambhar Salt Lake (Rajasthan) is India's largest inland saltwater lake.‌​‍

Answer

Pulicat

Answer

Chilika

Answer

Kolleru

Question 4

Noble gases previously called inert gases; first compound made:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

XePtF₆ (Bartlett 1962) — Then XeF₂, XeF₄, XeF₆, XeO₃. ‌​‍Only Kr, Xe, Rn compounds known. He, Ne, Ar truly inert.

Answer

ArF

Answer

XeF₂

Answer

He₂

Question 5

Fascism in Italy was led by:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Mussolini — Benito Mussolini led Italian fascists; in power 1922–1943.‌​‍

Answer

Hitler

Answer

Franco

Answer

Stalin

Question 6

Under the Indian Constitution, residuary powers are vested in:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

The Centre — Article 248 — residuary powers of legislation rest with Parliament (Union).‌​‍

Answer

Equally divided between Centre and States

Answer

The States

Answer

States and Union Territories

Question 7

India's population as per Census 2011 was approximately:

Accepted Answer

121 crore — As per Census 2011, India's population was 121.09 crore (1.21 billion).

Answer

110 crore

Answer

130 crore

Answer

140 crore

Question 8

Which physiographic region of Kerala is primarily characterized by lateritic soil, laterite rocks, and undulating terrain, often forming small hillocks known as 'mounds'?

Accepted Answer

B. Midland — The Midland region of Kerala, also known as the midland region, is primarily characterized by lateritic soil and undulating terrain with small hillocks called 'mounds.' The Highland is primarily hilly, the Lowland is coastal and flat, and the Coastal plain is primarily sandy and wetland.

Answer

A. Highland

Answer

C. Lowland

Answer

D. Coastal plain

Question 9

The Upanishads are part of:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Vedic literature (philosophical concluding texts, c. 800-500 BCE) — Upanishads (Vedanta = end of Vedas) contain core Hindu philosophy: Atman-Brahman unity, karma, moksha. ‌​‍108 total, 13 principal.

Answer

Epics

Answer

Puranas

Answer

Dharmashastras

Question 10

Thyroid gland regulates:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Metabolism — Thyroid produces thyroxine which regulates metabolism. ‌​‍Iodine deficiency causes goitre.

Answer

Blood sugar

Answer

Blood pressure

Answer

Digestion

HSA Mixed Practice Test #575