Q1. The primary reason for conducting the hornbill population survey during the breeding season is to:
- Reduce survey costs by limiting field days
- Ensure better visibility and more accurate population estimates
- Train forest personnel in bird identification
- Prevent disturbance to non-breeding bird species
Correct Option: 2. Ensure better visibility and more accurate population estimates
Explanation:
Hornbills are more active and easier to detect during the breeding season, especially around nesting sites. Conducting surveys during this period increases the likelihood of sightings, helps identify nesting trees, and improves the accuracy of population density estimates. The timing is intentional to coincide with breeding for better data quality, not for cost reduction or training purposes.
Q2. Which of the following best describes the line transect method use to determine wildlife population?
- Counting birds from fixed observation towers
- Using satellite imagery to estimate forest bird populations
- Walking along predetermined paths to record wildlife sightings
- Capturing birds temporarily for tagging and release
Correct Option: 3. Walking along predetermined paths to record wildlife sightings
Explanation:
The line transect method involves observers walking along a fixed line or route through a habitat and recording animals seen or heard at varying distances. In the hornbill survey, forest staff, biologists, and researchers will walk several kilometres daily through identified habitats to document sightings and estimate population density. It does not involve remote sensing, capture, or stationary observation.
Q3. What is the main purpose of a drogue parachute?
- To completely stop an aircraft or spacecraft
- To stabilize and reduce speed before the main parachute deploys
- To increase lift during flight
- To control direction during takeoff
Correct Option: 2. To stabilize and reduce speed before the main parachute deploys
Explanation:
A drogue parachute is a small parachute deployed at high speed to provide initial deceleration and stability. It reduces velocity and prevents violent opening of the main parachute by ensuring controlled conditions before full deployment. It does not bring the vehicle to a complete stop; that role is performed by the main parachute.
Q4. In which application is a drogue parachute most critical?
- Glider training flights
- High-speed aircraft landings and spacecraft re-entry
- Low-altitude balloon operations
- Helicopter hovering
Correct Option: 2. High-speed aircraft landings and spacecraft re-entry
Explanation:
Drogue parachutes are especially important in high-speed conditions, such as spacecraft re-entry and military or supersonic aircraft landings. At such speeds, deploying a large main parachute directly would cause structural damage. The drogue parachute safely slows and stabilizes the vehicle before further deceleration systems engage.
Q5. Why is a drogue parachute smaller than the main parachute?
- To allow deployment at very high speeds without structural damage
- To provide maximum drag force
- To replace the main parachute
- To reduce manufacturing cost
Correct Option: 1. To allow deployment at very high speeds without structural damage
Explanation:
A drogue parachute is designed to deploy at very high speeds, where a large parachute would experience excessive aerodynamic forces and could tear apart. Being smaller in size, the drogue parachute can withstand these forces while still providing enough drag to stabilize and slow down the vehicle, preparing safe conditions for the deployment of the main parachute.