Explanation: Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) was discovered by Dr. Albert Hofmann, a Swiss chemist, in 1938 at the Sandoz Laboratories in Switzerland. LSD is a powerful hallucinogenic compound derived from lysergic acid, which occurs in the fungus Claviceps purpurea (ergot) that grows on rye. Hofmann accidentally discovered its psychological effects in 1943 when he absorbed a small amount through his skin, leading to vivid visual hallucinations. LSD acts on serotonin receptors in the brain and profoundly alters perception and mood.

Explanation: An anemometer is a meteorological instrument used to measure wind speed and direction. It is an essential tool in weather stations, aviation, and marine forecasting.

Working Principle: The cup anemometer has three or four cups that rotate with the wind. The rotation speed is proportional to wind velocity. Advanced types also detect wind direction.

Types of Anemometers:

• Cup: Measures wind speed using rotating cups.
• Vane: Measures both speed and direction.
• Hot-wire: Uses heat loss to measure air flow.
• Ultrasonic: Uses sound waves for precise measurement.

Explanation: Shadows are formed when an opaque object comes in the path of light. Opaque objects do not allow light to pass through them, causing a dark region called a shadow to form on the opposite side. Transparent and translucent objects allow light to pass fully or partially, so they form faint or no shadows.

Silviculture is the branch of forestry concerned with the management, cultivation, and care of forests. It involves the practice of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, and quality of forest stands to meet diverse needs such as timber production, wildlife habitat, and environmental conservation. The term comes from Latin — silva meaning forest, and cultura meaning cultivation.

Other options (for context)

• Rivers: Managed under hydrology or water resource management, not silviculture.
• Lakes: Managed under limnology or aquatic resource management.
• Hills: May be part of forest areas, but silviculture specifically refers to forest management.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a major cause of acid rain. When released into the atmosphere from vehicle exhausts and industrial emissions, it reacts with water vapor to form nitric acid (HNO₃). Along with sulfur dioxide forming sulfuric acid, it contributes to acid rain, which damages vegetation, aquatic life, and buildings.

• Carbon dioxide: Causes global warming, not acid rain.
• Carbon monoxide: A toxic gas but not acidic.
• Oxygen: Essential for respiration, not a pollutant.

Explanation: Mitochondria are double-membraned organelles found in almost all eukaryotic cells. They are known as the 'power house of the cell' because they generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through the process of cellular respiration. The inner membrane forms folds called cristae, which increase the surface area for enzyme activity related to energy production. Mitochondria also contain their own DNA and ribosomes, enabling them to produce some of their own proteins.

Key Reaction:

Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide + Water + ATP

Explanation: Saliva, secreted by the salivary glands, begins the process of carbohydrate digestion in the mouth. It contains the enzyme salivary amylase (also known as ptyalin), which catalyzes the breakdown of starch (polysaccharide) into maltose (disaccharide). This is the first step in digestion, and it occurs while food is chewed and mixed with saliva before being swallowed.

Chemical Reaction:

Starch → (Salivary amylase) → Maltose

Thus, saliva plays an essential role in the digestion of carbohydrates, making the food slightly sweet when chewed for a longer time.

Explanation: The element hydrogen is common to all acids. Acids are substances that produce hydrogen ions (H⁺) or hydronium ions (H₃O⁺) when dissolved in water. This property gives acids their characteristic sour taste, the ability to turn blue litmus paper red, and to react with bases to form salts and water. Examples include hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄), and nitric acid (HNO₃)—all of which release hydrogen ions in aqueous solution.