UPSC Prelims 2004 Q141: Science & Technology – Health & Diseases
Consider the following statements:
1. Femur is the longest bone in the human body.
2. Cholera is a disease caused by bacteria.
3. ‘Athlete’s foot’ is a disease caused by virus.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 2 and 3
- (c) 1 and 3
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2
Explanation
Femur, cholera and athlete's foot
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Femur is the longest bone | True |
| 2. Cholera is caused by bacteria | True — Vibrio cholerae |
| 3. Athlete's foot is caused by a virus | False: it is a fungal infection |
Statements 1 and 2 are correct: a femur is the longest bone in the human body and cholera is caused by bacteria, while athlete's foot is caused by a fungus and not by a virus.
Answer: (a) 1 and 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Statements 1 and 2 are correct.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false, as athlete's foot is fungal.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 is also correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false.
Key point
Fungal: athlete's foot, ringworm. Bacterial: cholera, typhoid. Viral: polio, dengue.
Remember
Athlete's foot is a fungal disease.
Common mistakes
- Thinking athlete's foot is viral.
- Forgetting that cholera is a bacterial disease.
- Mixing the femur up with the humerus.
Exam tip
Longest bone: femur; smallest: stapes.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII Biology — Human Health and Disease
- NCERT Class XI Biology — Locomotion and Movement (human skeleton)