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.

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.

The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. Signed in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran, it aims to preserve wetlands as habitats for biodiversity, especially for migratory birds. It promotes wise use of wetland ecosystems through local and national actions.

• Mountain: Conserved under other ecological programs.
• Grassland: Managed under terrestrial biodiversity initiatives.
• Forest: Covered under the UN Forest Forum, not Ramsar.

Explanation: An artery is a large blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart to various parts of the body. Arteries have thick, elastic walls to withstand high pressure. In contrast, veins carry blood toward the heart, and capillaries are tiny vessels that connect arteries and veins.

Explanation: Animals that live in or on trees are called arboreal animals. They are adapted to climbing and moving about among branches. Examples include monkeys, squirrels, chameleons, and tree frogs. Their adaptations may include grasping limbs, prehensile tails, claws, or adhesive pads that help them cling to tree surfaces and move efficiently among branches.

Explanation: Natural gas is not a renewable source of energy because it is a fossil fuel formed over millions of years from the remains of plants and animals. Once used, it cannot be replenished quickly. In contrast, geothermal energy, flowing water, and biomass are renewable energy sources that can be naturally regenerated.

Explanation: Rickets is a bone disease caused by the deficiency of Vitamin D in children. Vitamin D is essential for the proper absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestine, which are vital for healthy bone formation. Its deficiency leads to weak and soft bones, resulting in deformities such as bowed legs and knock knees. The adult form of this disease is known as osteomalacia. Vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight, fish oil, eggs, and fortified milk.

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.

Explanation: Red light is used as a stop signal because it has the longest wavelength among visible colors, allowing it to scatter the least and remain visible from a greater distance, even in fog, rain, or dust. This ensures better visibility and safety on roads.

Explanation: Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the Measles virus, which belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family, genus Morbillivirus. It spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing by an infected person. Common symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic red skin rash. Severe cases can lead to pneumonia or encephalitis. Measles can be effectively prevented by the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella).