Explanation: In 1643, Italian scientist Evangelista Torricelli invented the barometer, an instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure. His mercury barometer demonstrated that air has weight and that atmospheric pressure can support a column of mercury in a glass tube.

Explanation: White lung disease, scientifically known as byssinosis, is an occupational lung disorder caused by prolonged inhalation of cotton dust in textile and cotton processing industries. The inhaled dust irritates the airways, leading to symptoms such as chest tightness, cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Long-term exposure can result in chronic bronchitis and reduced lung capacity.

Preventive Measures:

• Proper ventilation and dust control in textile mills
• Use of protective masks by workers
• Regular health check-ups and dust monitoring

Explanation: A rainbow is formed in the part of the sky opposite to the Sun. It occurs when sunlight is refracted, internally reflected, and dispersed by raindrops, splitting the light into its seven constituent colors. The observer must have the Sun behind them and rain in front to see the rainbow clearly.

Explanation: The statement “Exercise does not help in managing psychological discomfort” is incorrect. Regular physical exercise helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by releasing endorphins — the body’s natural mood enhancers. It also improves overall mental health, cardio-respiratory fitness, reduces the risk of diabetes, and strengthens bones.

Insecticides primarily act upon the nervous system of insects. They interfere with the transmission of nerve impulses, leading to paralysis and ultimately death. Common insecticides like organophosphates and carbamates inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, causing continuous nerve stimulation. Some others, like pyrethroids, disrupt sodium channel functioning in nerve cells.

Other options (for context)

• Muscular system: Indirectly affected due to nerve failure, but not the primary target.
• Digestive system: Rarely affected — insecticides mainly disrupt neural signaling, not digestion.

Vitamin-B complex and Vitamin-C are water-soluble vitamins. This means they dissolve easily in water and are not stored in the body; hence, they must be consumed regularly through diet. Excess amounts of these vitamins are excreted through urine. Vitamin-B complex includes B₁ (Thiamine), B₂ (Riboflavin), B₃ (Niacin), B₆, B₁₂, and others that play key roles in metabolism and energy production. Vitamin-C (Ascorbic acid) helps in collagen formation, boosts immunity, and acts as an antioxidant.

Other options (for context)

• Vitamin-A & Vitamin-B: Vitamin-A is fat-soluble, while Vitamin-B is water-soluble.
• Vitamin-C & Vitamin-D: Vitamin-C is water-soluble, but Vitamin-D is fat-soluble.
• Vitamin-A & Vitamin-K: Both are fat-soluble vitamins.

Explanation: When salt is added to pure water, its boiling point increases. This phenomenon is known as boiling point elevation, a colligative property. The presence of dissolved salt particles reduces the vapor pressure of water, requiring a higher temperature for it to boil.

The Red Data Book contains information about endangered and threatened species of plants and animals. It is published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The book categorizes species based on their risk of extinction, such as Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, and Extinct. It serves as a global reference for monitoring biodiversity conservation and guiding environmental protection policies.

Other options (for context)

• All plant species: Incorrect — it includes only those plants that are endangered or threatened.
• All animal species: Incorrect — it covers only the endangered and vulnerable ones, not all animals.
• All extinct species: Incorrect — it includes species at risk of extinction, not only those already extinct.

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