VFA Mixed Practice Test #416

Question 1

Acetylcholine is a key neurotransmitter in the nervous system. In which part of the autonomic nervous system is acetylcholine the primary neurotransmitter released by postganglionic neurons at their target organs?

Accepted Answer

B. Parasympathetic nervous system — In the parasympathetic nervous system, acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter released by both preganglionic and postganglionic neurons at their target organs, mediating 'rest and digest' responses. In contrast, the sympathetic nervous system primarily uses norepinephrine at its postganglionic synapses (except for sweat glands). The somatic nervous system is voluntary and uses acetylcholine at neuromuscular junctions, while the central nervous system uses a wide array of neurotransmitters.

Answer

A. Sympathetic nervous system

Answer

C. Somatic nervous system

Answer

D. Central nervous system

Question 2

A geographer is studying a region in the northern plains of India characterized by fine alluvial deposits, high fertility, a marshy and waterlogged environment, and a historical presence of dense forests. This region is typically found immediately south of the Bhabar belt. Which physiographic division does this description best fit?

Accepted Answer

B. The Terai belt — The description accurately defines the Terai belt. Located immediately south of the Bhabar belt, the Terai is known for its marshy, wet, and densely forested environment where streams that disappeared in the porous Bhabar region re-emerge. Bhangar plains are composed of older alluvium on higher ground and are generally drier. Khadar plains are newer floodplains, highly fertile but not typically as perennially marshy as the Terai. A Doab is simply the land between two confluent rivers, not a specific physiographic belt with these unique characteristics.

Answer

A. The Bhangar plain

Answer

C. The Khadar plain

Answer

D. The Doab region

Question 3

The J.C. Daniel Award is the highest honour in Malayalam cinema, instituted by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy. This award primarily recognizes individuals for their:

Accepted Answer

B. Significant lifetime contributions and overall excellence to Malayalam cinema. — The J.C. Daniel Award is a lifetime achievement award. It is given to individuals for their comprehensive and enduring contributions to the growth and development of Malayalam cinema, encompassing various roles such as acting, direction, scriptwriting, or technical excellence over many years.

Answer

A. Outstanding performance as a lead actor in a single blockbuster film.

Answer

C. Direction of commercially successful films in the previous calendar year.

Answer

D. Achievements exclusively in international film festivals.

Question 4

What was the first compound made from noble gases, which were previously called inert gases?‌​‍

Accepted Answer

XePtF₆ (Bartlett 1962) — Then XeF₂, XeF₄, XeF₆, XeO₃. ‌​‍Only Kr, Xe, Rn compounds known. He, Ne, Ar truly inert.

Answer

He₂

Answer

ArF

Answer

XeF₂

Question 5

The largest gland in the human body is:‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Liver — The liver, weighing ~1.5 kg in adults, is the largest gland.‌​‍

Answer

Pituitary

Answer

Pancreas

Answer

Thyroid

Question 6

What technology did the first generation of computers primarily use?‌​‍

Accepted Answer

Vacuum Tubes — First generation computers (1940-1956) used vacuum tubes. ‌​‍ENIAC was the first general-purpose electronic computer.

Answer

Transistors

Answer

Integrated Circuits

Answer

Microprocessors

Question 7

Which of the following factors primarily determines the rate of gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide) across the alveolar-capillary membrane?

Accepted Answer

B. Partial pressure gradient of gases — The rate of gas exchange across the alveolar-capillary membrane is directly proportional to the partial pressure gradient of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Gases move from an area of higher partial pressure to an area of lower partial pressure. Blood pH primarily affects hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen, while lung compliance and tidal volume influence ventilation, not the direct rate of diffusion.

Answer

A. Blood pH

Answer

C. Lung compliance

Answer

D. Tidal volume

Question 8

Lasers produce:

Accepted Answer

Coherent, monochromatic, collimated, intense light — Stimulated emission (Einstein, 1917). Population inversion needed. Nobel Townes, Basov, Prokhorov (1964).

Answer

Incoherent light

Answer

Heat only

Answer

X-rays only

Question 9

A tall, slender individual with a strong desire for cold drinks, burning pains that are ameliorated by cold applications, and a tendency to haemorrhage (e.g., nosebleeds) is afraid of thunderstorms. Which remedy is indicated?

Accepted Answer

B. Phosphorus — Phosphorus individuals are typically tall and slender, desire cold drinks, experience burning pains relieved by cold, have a haemorrhagic tendency, and are very sensitive, especially to thunderstorms. Arsenicum album has burning pains but desires warmth and is restless. Sulphur is warm-blooded and worse by heat, and Sanguinaria is known for right-sided headaches and burning palms/soles.

Answer

A. Arsenicum album

Answer

C. Sulphur

Answer

D. Sanguinaria

Question 10

A science teacher wants students to understand the principles of buoyancy. Instead of directly lecturing, the teacher provides various objects (wood, metal, plastic), a tub of water, and encourages students to experiment, observe what floats and sinks, and then formulate their own hypotheses and conclusions. This pedagogical approach is most aligned with which theorist's principles?

Accepted Answer

C. Jerome Bruner — Bruner's theory emphasizes discovery learning, where students actively engage with materials and problems to construct their own understanding. By allowing students to experiment and formulate hypotheses, the teacher is facilitating this active, hands-on process, which is a cornerstone of Bruner's approach. Ausubel focuses on meaningful reception learning, Vygotsky on social interaction, and Piaget on stages of cognitive development through individual exploration.

Answer

A. David Ausubel

Answer

B. Lev Vygotsky

Answer

D. Jean Piaget

VFA Mixed Practice Test #416