UPSC Prelims 2008 Q41: Science & Technology – Biology
Norman Ernest Borlaug who is regarded as the father of the Green Revolution in India is
from which country?
- (a) United States of America
- (b) Mexico
- (c) Australia
- (d) New Zealand
Answer: (a) United States of America
Explanation
Norman Borlaug's country of origin
This renowned agricultural scientist, credited with pioneering India's Green Revolution advancements, hailed from a specific country.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) United States of America | Correct | Norman Ernest Borlaug was an American agricultural scientist, often called the 'father of the Green Revolution' |
| (b) Mexico | Incorrect | Borlaug conducted significant wheat research in Mexico, but he himself was not from Mexico |
| (c) Australia | Incorrect | Not Borlaug's country of origin |
| (d) New Zealand | Incorrect | Not Borlaug's country of origin |
Norman Borlaug facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American (USA) |
| Work location | Pioneering wheat research in Mexico, later influencing India's Green Revolution |
| Recognition | Nobel Peace Prize laureate |
Answer: (a) United States of America.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Norman Borlaug was American, from the United States of America.
- (b) Incorrect. Borlaug worked extensively in Mexico, but was not himself Mexican.
- (c) Incorrect. Australia is not his country of origin.
- (d) Incorrect. New Zealand is also not his country of origin.
Key point
Norman Ernest Borlaug, the 'father of the Green Revolution', was American (from the United States of America) — he conducted his pioneering wheat research in Mexico, but was not himself Mexican.
Remember
Norman Ernest Borlaug, father of the Green Revolution, was from the United States of America.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Borlaug's nationality with the country (Mexico) where he did his pioneering agricultural research.
- Not knowing his status as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
- Assuming his global agricultural impact implies a different national origin.
Exam tip
Norman Borlaug = American, though his landmark wheat research happened in Mexico. Don't confuse nationality with work location.
Sources
- Nobel Prize — The Nobel Peace Prize 1970 (Norman E. Borlaug), press release
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Norman Borlaug