UPSC Prelims 2008 Q121: Science & Technology – Science & Technology History
Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched?
1. Francis Collins - Mapping human genome
2. Sergey Brin : Google Search Engine
3. Jimmy Wales - Wikipedia
Select the correct answer
using the code given below:
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Checking three person-achievement pairs
These notable figures are matched here to their well-known achievements, all of which turn out to be accurate.
| Pair | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Francis Collins - Mapping human genome | Correct | Francis Collins led the Human Genome Project, mapping the human genome |
| 2. Sergey Brin - Google Search Engine | Correct | Sergey Brin co-founded Google and its search engine |
| 3. Jimmy Wales - Wikipedia | Correct | Jimmy Wales co-founded Wikipedia |
Correct person-achievement pairs:
| Person | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Francis Collins | Human genome mapping |
| Sergey Brin | Google Search Engine |
| Jimmy Wales | Wikipedia |
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Pair 3 (Jimmy Wales-Wikipedia) is also correct, so '1 and 2 only' is incomplete.
- (b) Incorrect. Pair 1 (Francis Collins-genome mapping) is also correct, so '2 and 3 only' wrongly excludes it.
- (c) Incorrect. Pairs 1 and 2 (Collins, Brin) are also correct, so '3 only' is far too narrow.
- (d) CORRECT. All three person-achievement pairs are accurately matched.
Key point
Francis Collins-human genome mapping, Sergey Brin-Google Search Engine, Jimmy Wales-Wikipedia — all three pairs are accurately matched.
Remember
Francis Collins-genome mapping, Sergey Brin-Google, Jimmy Wales-Wikipedia — all three correctly matched.
Common mistakes
- Assuming only one or two of three plausible-sounding achievement pairs can be correct at once.
- Not knowing Francis Collins's specific role leading the Human Genome Project.
- Confusing different tech/science pioneers' individual achievements.
Exam tip
Collins=genome mapping, Brin=Google, Wales=Wikipedia. When a question lists several genuinely accurate achievement pairs, 'all of the above' often fits.
Sources
- National Human Genome Research Institute — Francis S. Collins, Director (the Human Genome Project)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Jimmy Wales
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Sergey Brin