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.

The ozone hole leads to an increase in ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching the Earth's surface. The depletion of the ozone layer, caused by chemicals like CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), reduces its ability to block harmful UV rays. This can result in health issues such as skin cancer, cataracts, and also harm to crops and marine ecosystems.

• Acid rain: Caused by sulphur and nitrogen oxides, not ozone depletion.
• Global warming: Caused by greenhouse gases trapping heat.
• Greenhouse effect: Natural process intensified by CO₂, not related to ozone loss.

Explanation: A fan provides a feeling of comfort during hot weather because it increases the rate of evaporation of sweat from our skin. As the perspiration evaporates rapidly due to moving air, it absorbs heat from the body, producing a cooling effect and making us feel more comfortable.

When an ant bites, it releases formic acid (HCOOH) into the skin. This acid causes a sharp burning sensation, redness, and irritation at the site of the bite. The name “formic” comes from the Latin word “formica”, meaning ant, as the acid was first extracted from ants. The pain can be neutralized by applying a mild base like baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).

Other options (for context)

• Hydrochloric Acid: Found in the human stomach, aids digestion.
• Acetic Acid: Main component of vinegar, not involved in ant bites.
• Phosphoric Acid: Used in fertilizers and soft drinks, not produced by ants.

Sericulture is the rearing and cultivation of silkworms for the production of silk. The process involves raising silkworms on mulberry leaves, harvesting their cocoons, and then extracting silk fibers from these cocoons. The most commonly used silkworm species is Bombyx mori. Sericulture is an important cottage industry in countries like India, China, and Japan.

Other options (for context)

• Fishes: Their rearing is called Pisciculture.
• Honey bees: Their rearing is called Apiculture.
• Earth worms: Their cultivation for composting is called Vermiculture.

Explanation: The heart is enclosed in a double-layered protective membrane called the pericardium. The outer fibrous layer protects the heart and anchors it within the chest cavity, while the inner serous layer secretes pericardial fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats. This fluid-filled sac ensures smooth and cushioned movement of the heart as it contracts and relaxes continuously.

When iron rusts, its weight increases. This is because rusting is a chemical reaction between iron, oxygen, and moisture from the air, forming hydrated iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃·xH₂O). During this process, oxygen atoms from the air combine with the iron, adding extra mass to the metal surface in the form of rust. However, while the weight increases, the structural strength of the iron decreases due to corrosion.

Other options (for context)

• Decreases: Incorrect — mass increases due to the addition of oxygen.
• Remains the same: Incorrect — oxygen from air chemically adds to iron, increasing total mass.
• First increases and then decreases: Not applicable — in normal rusting, weight continues to increase until the surface flakes off.