Explanation: Human blood is maintained at a slightly alkaline pH of 7.4 (range 7.35–7.45). This balance is vital for the proper functioning of enzymes and biochemical reactions in the body. The buffer systems in blood — primarily the bicarbonate buffer system (H₂CO₃ / HCO₃⁻) — help maintain this stable pH. A small deviation from this range can lead to severe physiological disturbances.

Imbalances:

• Acidosis: pH below 7.35 — causes drowsiness, confusion, and respiratory distress.
• Alkalosis: pH above 7.45 — causes muscle twitching, irritability, and convulsions.

A Hygrometer is an instrument used to measure the humidity (moisture content) in the atmosphere. It helps determine the percentage of water vapor present in the air, which is essential for weather forecasting, climate studies, and maintaining controlled environments in industries or laboratories. Some common types include the dry and wet bulb hygrometer and the digital hygrometer.

Other options (for context)

• Barometer: Used to measure atmospheric pressure.
• Anemometer: Used to measure wind speed.
• Thermometer: Used to measure temperature.

Explanation: Bryology is the branch of botany that deals with the study of bryophytes, which include mosses and liverworts. These are small, non-vascular plants that typically grow in moist and shady environments.

Explanation: The blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) holds the record as the largest mammal and the largest living organism on Earth. Adult blue whales can reach lengths of up to 30 meters (98 feet) and weigh over 180 tons. Despite their size, they feed mainly on small shrimp-like creatures called krill, filtering them through their baleen plates. Whales are warm-blooded, breathe air through blowholes, and give birth to live young — all key mammalian traits.

Comparison:

• Blue whale (largest mammal): up to 30 m long, ~180 tons
• African elephant (largest land mammal): up to 4 m tall, ~6 tons
• Rhinoceros: up to 2 m tall, ~2 tons

Explanation: Plants absorb nitrogen from the soil mainly in the form of nitrates (NO₃⁻). Inside the plant, nitrates are reduced to nitrites (NO₂⁻) and then to ammonia (NH₃) through the action of specific reductase enzymes. The ammonia thus formed is then used to synthesize amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids, and other nitrogen-containing compounds necessary for plant growth.

Simplified Pathway:

NO₃⁻ → NO₂⁻ → NH₃ → Amino acids → Proteins

Nickel exposure commonly causes a skin disease called Dermatitis, specifically Allergic Contact Dermatitis. This condition occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with nickel-containing objects such as jewelry, coins, or belt buckles. It leads to redness, itching, and rashes, especially in sensitive individuals. Nickel allergy is one of the most common metal allergies worldwide.

Other options (for context)

• Itai Itai: Caused by cadmium poisoning, not nickel.
• Learning Disability: Not directly linked to nickel exposure.
• Asthma: May be aggravated by pollutants, but not typically caused by nickel.

Explanation: Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) is a tall, jointed, perennial grass belonging to the family Poaceae. It has thick stems rich in sucrose, which is extracted to produce sugar. The plant reproduces mainly through stem cuttings (vegetative propagation). Its structure and growth habit are similar to other grasses like maize and bamboo.

Explanation: In space, where there is no gravity, convection cannot occur because it depends on the movement of fluid due to gravity-induced density differences. Therefore, heat transfer in such conditions takes place only through radiation and conduction (within the liquid itself).

Explanation: Bilirubin and Biliverdin are yellow and green bile pigments respectively, found in the bile secreted by the liver. These pigments are produced during the breakdown of hemoglobin from old red blood cells (RBCs) in the liver and spleen. Biliverdin (green pigment) is first formed from the heme part of hemoglobin and is then reduced to bilirubin (yellow pigment). The bile containing these pigments helps in the digestion and emulsification of fats. Excess bilirubin in the blood causes jaundice, leading to a yellowing of the skin and eyes.