1999 General Studies, all questions
UPSC Prelims 1999 · General Studies
Question 122: Science and Technology
When ants bite, they inject
aglacial acetic acid
bmethanol
cformic acid
dstearic acid
AnswerThe answer is (c).
Ants inject formic acid (methanoic acid) when they bite or sting; its name comes from formica, the Latin word for ant. It causes the burning, itching pain. Glacial acetic acid is the concentrated form of the acid in vinegar, methanol is wood alcohol, and stearic acid is a fatty acid found in fats. Remember: formic acid means ants.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong. Glacial acetic acid is concentrated vinegar acid, not what ants inject.
- (b) Wrong. Methanol is an alcohol, not an acid.
- (c) Right. Ants inject formic acid.
- (d) Wrong. Stearic acid is a fatty acid found in fats.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1999, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.