Explanation: Ecology is a branch of biology that deals with the relationships of living organisms with one another and with their physical surroundings. It examines how organisms adapt to their environment, how energy flows through ecosystems, and how matter cycles within the biosphere. The term “Ecology” was first coined by Ernst Haeckel in 1866.

Explanation: Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is a natural light phenomenon visible mainly in the northern hemisphere, near the Arctic regions. It occurs when charged particles from the solar wind interact with gases like oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth's upper atmosphere (ionosphere). These collisions release energy in the form of colorful lights, usually green, pink, red, or violet. A similar phenomenon in the southern hemisphere is called the Aurora Australis or Southern Lights.

Brown is not seen in a rainbow. A natural rainbow displays seven distinct colours — Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red (VIBGYOR). These colours appear due to the dispersion of sunlight by water droplets in the atmosphere, but brown is not part of the visible spectrum formed by dispersion.

• Yellow, Green, Red: All are part of the seven colours of the rainbow.

Explanation: Mars is known as the Red Planet because its surface contains a large amount of iron oxide (rust), which gives it a reddish appearance. It is the fourth planet from the Sun and has two moons — Phobos and Deimos.

Explanation: According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) – IS 10500:2012, the acceptable limit of total hardness in drinking water, expressed as CaCO₃, is 200 mg/l. The permissible limit in the absence of an alternate source is up to 600 mg/l. Excess hardness can cause scaling and affect the taste of water.

Explanation: Antibodies (also called immunoglobulins) are specialized proteins produced by B-lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) in response to the presence of foreign substances known as antigens (such as bacteria, viruses, or toxins). These antibodies recognize and bind specifically to the antigens to neutralize or destroy them, helping the body fight infections and build immunity. Antibodies are a vital part of the immune system and form the basis for vaccines and disease resistance.

Explanation: A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth and casts its shadow on the Earth. This happens during the new moon phase, when all three celestial bodies are almost in a straight line. Depending on the alignment, the eclipse can be total (Sun completely covered), partial (Sun partially covered), or annular (ring-shaped Sun visible). During this event, sunlight is blocked for a short time in specific areas of the Earth’s surface.

Explanation: The sour taste of a lemon is due to the presence of citric acid. Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and limes. It gives them their characteristic tangy flavor and also acts as a natural preservative.

The Green Revolution is associated with Agriculture. It refers to the period during the 1960s–70s when new technologies like high-yield variety (HYV) seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, and pesticides were introduced to boost food grain production, especially wheat and rice. It helped India achieve self-sufficiency in food production.

• Sericulture: Rearing of silkworms for silk.
• Fishery: Cultivation and harvesting of fish.
• Cultivation of bees: Known as apiculture, for honey production.