Explanation: Seismology is the branch of geophysics that deals with the study of earthquakes and the propagation of seismic waves through the Earth. Scientists who study earthquakes are called seismologists. Seismology helps in understanding the origin, intensity, and effects of earthquakes, as well as the internal structure of the Earth. The intensity of an earthquake is measured using instruments like the seismograph and scales such as the Richter scale or Moment Magnitude scale.

Explanation: A parity bit is added to binary data in a computer system for error detection. It helps identify whether data has been altered during transmission or storage. The parity bit makes the total number of 1s either even (even parity) or odd (odd parity), allowing simple error checking.

Hepatitis is a disease that primarily affects the liver. It is characterized by inflammation of the liver tissues and can be caused by viral infections (such as Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses), excessive alcohol consumption, toxins, or autoimmune conditions. Symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain. Severe or chronic hepatitis can lead to liver failure or cirrhosis if left untreated.

Other options (for context)

• Pancreas: Affected by diseases like pancreatitis or diabetes, not hepatitis.
• Spleen: Involved in blood filtration and immunity, not affected by hepatitis.
• Small intestine: Responsible for digestion and absorption of food, not linked to hepatitis.

Tuberculosis (TB) is commonly known as the "White Plague". It earned this name because it causes extreme paleness and weight loss in affected individuals. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs but can also spread to other parts of the body. It spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

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• Typhoid: Caused by Salmonella typhi, affects the intestine and causes high fever.
• Malaria: Caused by Plasmodium parasite transmitted through mosquito bites.
• Plague: Caused by Yersinia pestis, historically known as the “Black Death,” not the white plague.

Explanation: Boron is a vital micronutrient that assists in the uptake and utilization of calcium and maintains the integrity of cell walls and membranes. It also regulates water movement in plant tissues and plays a role in pollen germination and fruit development. Deficiency of boron can lead to poor calcium translocation, brittle tissues, and reduced water absorption.

Sustainable Development refers to growth that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It aims to balance economic progress, social equity, and environmental protection by conserving natural resources and reducing pollution for long-term ecological stability.

• Green economy: Focuses mainly on eco-friendly industries.
• Holistic development: Emphasizes overall human and social growth.
• Subsistence agriculture: Involves farming mainly for self-consumption.

Explanation: The full form of GPS is Global Positioning System. It is a satellite-based navigation system that provides accurate information about the location, speed, and time anywhere on Earth. Developed by the U.S. Department of Defense, GPS uses a network of at least 24 satellites orbiting the Earth. It is widely used in navigation, mapping, military operations, aviation, and smartphone tracking applications.

Explanation: Leguminous crops such as peas, beans, gram, and clover have a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria in their root nodules. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, enriching soil fertility naturally. Hence, legumes are used in crop rotation to restore nitrogen content in soil.

Explanation: Smallpox is a highly contagious and deadly disease caused by the Variola virus. It is characterized by high fever, fatigue, and a distinctive pustular rash on the skin. Smallpox was one of the most devastating diseases in human history, but thanks to the worldwide vaccination campaign led by the World Health Organization (WHO), it was officially eradicated in 1980. The vaccine for smallpox was first developed by Edward Jenner in 1796.

Marble is not an element; it is a metamorphic rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). It forms when limestone is subjected to high pressure and temperature, causing recrystallization. Being a compound and mixture of minerals, marble does not consist of a single type of atom, unlike elements.

Other options (for context)

• Oxygen (O₂): A chemical element essential for respiration and combustion.
• Nitrogen (N₂): A chemical element that makes up about 78% of Earth’s atmosphere.
• Hydrogen (H₂): The lightest chemical element and the main component of stars.