Origin of the Earth – NDA Geography PYQs

Question 1 [NDA 2019-II]
Which one of the following hypothesis/theory explains the origin of the Universe?
(a) Nebular hypothesis
(b) Binary theory
(c) Big Bang theory
(d) Planetesimal hypothesis

Answer: (c) Big Bang theory
The Big Bang theory explains the origin of the Universe — the expansion from a single point about 13.8 billion years ago from which all space, time, matter, and energy originated. The Nebular and Planetesimal hypotheses explain the origin of the Solar System — a much smaller and more recent event. These are different things and students frequently confuse them.

Question 2 [NDA 2022-II]
Piecing together the puzzle of geologic time to create and analyse historical barometers of the Earth is known as:
(a) Palaeoclimatology
(b) Paleogeomorphology
(c) Paleolithology
(d) Paleogeography

Answer: (a) Palaeoclimatology
Palaeoclimatology is the study of ancient climates using evidence from rocks, fossils, ice cores, and sediments. It helps scientists understand how Earth’s climate has changed over geological time — and provides context for understanding modern climate change.