General Instructions :-
- Rotate your Mobile Device for Best Performance and Design.
- Total duration of examination is X minutes.
- Total number of questions are 25, which contains 25 questions of English.
- The Question Palette displayed on the right side of screen will show the status of each question using one of the following symbols:
- Not Visited questions in White background colour.
- Answered questions in green colour.
- Unanswered questions in red colour.
- Marked for review questions in purple colour
- The clock will be set at the server. The countdown timer in the top right corner of screen will display the remaining time available to you for completing the examination. When the timer reaches zero, the examination will automatically submit or end by itself. You also can end or submit your examination by clicking on submit button.
- Marked for review status for a question simply indicates that you would like to review the question again.
- Please note that if a question is answered and ‘marked for review’, your answer for that question will be considered in the evaluation.
- You can click on the question palette to navigate faster across questions.
Answering a Question :-
- Procedure for answering multiple-choice type questions:
- To select your answer, click on the button of one of the options.
- To deselect your chosen answer, click again on the button of the chosen option again or click on the Clear Response button.
- To change your chosen answer, click on the button of another option.
- To save your answer, you MUST click on the Save Next button.
- To mark a question for review, click on the Mark for Review & Next button.
- To change answer to a question that has already been answered, select that question from the Question Palette and then follow the procedure for answering that type of question.
- Note that ONLY questions for which answers are either saved or marked for review after answering, will be considered for evaluation.
- To change your answer to a question that has already been answered, first select that question for answering and then follow the procedure for answering that type of question.
- Note that ONLY Questions for which answers are saved or marked for review after answering will be considered for evaluation.
Navigating through sections :-
- Click on the question number in the Question Palette at the right of your screen to go to a question.
- Note that using this option does NOT save your answer.
- Click on Save & Next to save your answer for a question and then move to the next question.
- If you want to keep a question marked for review, click on the button Mark for Review & Next to save your answer for the current question and then proceed to the next question.
Read the following Instruction carefully :-
- This test comprises of multiple-choice questions.
- Each question will have only one of the available options as the correct answer.
- You are advised not to close the browser window before submitting the test.
- In case, if the test does not load completely or becomes unresponsive, click on browser's refresh button to reload.
Marking Scheme :-
- 1 marks will be awarded for each correct answer.
- There will be 0.25 negative marking for each wrong answer.
- No marks will be deducted for un-attempted questions
SECTION
Directions: Read the given passage carefully to answer the following questions. Each question will have five alternatives as its answer. Choose the correct option as your answer.
Dolphins, often celebrated in folklore and admired for their intelligence, agility, and friendly demeanor, are indeed one of the sea's most fascinating inhabitants. These mammals, belonging ___ the family Delphinidae, navigate the vast expanses of the ocean with a grace and efficiency that has captivated human imagination for centuries. With over 40 species of dolphins discovered to date, they are a testament to the adaptability and diversity of marine life.
One of the most remarkable aspects of dolphins is their sophisticated echolocation ability, which they use to hunt for food and navigate through murky waters. This biological sonar enables dolphins to emit sound waves that bounce off objects, allowing them to "see" their surroundings through sound. This skill is not just a testament to their intelligence but also a critical adaptation for survival in the diverse and sometimes challenging environments they inhabit.
Dolphins are also known for their complex social structures. They live in pods, which can vary in size from a few individuals to over a thousand, depending on the species and environment. These social units are crucial for their survival, aiding in hunting, raising young, and protecting each other from predators. The intricate social behaviors observed in dolphins, including cooperation, altruism, and even grieving, reflect a level of social intelligence that is rare in the animal kingdom.
The relationship between dolphins and the sea is symbiotic and essential. The sea provides a habitat rich in resources, enabling dolphins to thrive. In return, dolphins play a significant role in the marine ecosystem. As apex predators, they help maintain the balance of marine life by controlling fish populations, which can contribute to the health of coral reefs and other marine habitats. Furthermore, dolphins are indicators of ocean health, with their presence or absence often signaling shifts in environmental conditions.
Despite their significance, dolphins face numerous threats from human activities, including pollution, climate change, and entanglement in fishing gear. Conservation efforts are essential to ensure that dolphins continue to flourish in the oceans. Protected marine areas, sustainable fishing practices, and ongoing research and education are critical components of these efforts.
In conclusion, dolphins are not just captivating creatures of the sea; they are pivotal to the marine ecosystem's health and diversity. Their intelligence, social complexity, and symbiotic relationship with the ocean make them a subject of endless fascination and an important focus for conservation. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of these extraordinary animals, it is imperative that we also take steps to protect them and the vibrant habitat they call home.
What role do dolphins play in maintaining the balance of marine life, according to the passage?
