Coffee’s genetic make-up is no trivial concern; 10 million tonnes of the crop were grown and sold in 2022–23. The coffee that we drink comes from two species: Coffea Canephora, which is also known as Robusta and Coffea Arabica, known as Arabica. In many cases, beans from the two species are blended to make a brew. But the beans of single species are also roasted and sold. Overall, Arabica beans represent around 56% of all coffee sold.
The above is an exacting definition of free will. What we commonly mean by free will is that we have a choice in most situations like, who you choose to marry, what profession you pursue or how you react to someone’s aggression. Sounds reasonable. But here’s the catch. Our ability to make that choice too is significantly restricted, dictated by our predispositions.
Most genetic variation in living organisms comes from hybridization with other species. However, this is a relatively rare event for Coffea Arabica because it has more than two copies of each chromosome — a phenomenon called polyploidy. Coffea Canephora has two copies of each chromosome, but Coffea Arabica contains multiple copies. This makes it much more difficult for Arabica to interbreed with other species.
As a result, Coffea Arabica’s main source of single nucleotide variation is mutation, which occurs at a steady rate over time. However, the species is also relatively young, having formed as a hybrid of Robusta and Coffea Eugenioides — another coffee species that is not widely cultivated — within the past 50,000 years. From that single plant, which has basically no variation, you create the whole species, and then the variation is only the novel mutations that have occurred since that event.
Despite this, there is substantial variation in the physical characteristics of the Arabica coffee plant, including different flavour profiles in the beans and variations in disease resistance, says emeritus geneticist Juan Medrano at the UC Davis Coffee Center at the University of California, Davis. “We’re always talking about low variability at the DNA level, but there is variability at the structural level, at the chromosomal level, at the level of deletions … and insertions,” Medrano says.
Cocoa was first introduced by the:
- American people
- Olmec people
- Aztec people
- Spanish people
The Correct Option is B
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
The Olmec people were the first to consume cocoa.
Context: The Olmec civilization, which existed around 1500 BCE to 400 BCE in present-day Mexico, is credited with being the first to consume cocoa. The Olmecs are often recognized for their early use of cacao, a plant that would later become central to the cultures of Mesoamerica.
Early Use of Cocoa: The Olmec people are believed to have made a form of chocolate from the beans of the cacao tree. They likely ground the beans to create a bitter drink, which was used for both ritualistic and medicinal purposes. This marks the beginning of the long history of cacao use in the Americas.
Cultural Significance: Cocoa was highly valued by later Mesoamerican civilizations, such as the Maya and Aztecs, who used it for both ceremonial and economic purposes. The Olmecs paved the way for these cultures, setting the foundation for cocoa to become a key part of their economies and spiritual practices.
Final Thought: The Olmec people's early consumption of cocoa highlights their advanced understanding of plants and their significant contributions to the culinary and cultural traditions that would shape Mesoamerican civilizations for centuries.
The Aztec people made their cocoa palatable by:
- serving it cold
- adding sugar to the drink
- spiking it with spices
- drinking it as a medicine
The Correct Option is C
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
The Aztecs added spices to make the cocoa drink more palatable.
Context: The Aztecs, who inherited the use of cocoa from earlier Mesoamerican cultures, transformed the bitter drink into a more flavorful beverage by adding various spices. This adaptation made the drink more enjoyable and allowed it to become an important part of their daily life and rituals.
Spices and Flavoring: The Aztecs added a variety of spices, such as chili peppers, vanilla, and annatto, to their cocoa drink. These ingredients not only enhanced the flavor but also provided additional cultural and medicinal significance. The spicy, often bitter drink became a symbol of power and was consumed by the elite and warriors.
Cultural Significance: For the Aztecs, cocoa was much more than just a beverage; it held spiritual importance and was often used in ceremonies, offerings, and rituals. The addition of spices to cocoa made it a refined and revered drink, often reserved for religious ceremonies or the elite of society.
Final Thought: The Aztecs' use of spices to enhance their cocoa drink not only made it more enjoyable but also elevated the drink to a symbol of cultural significance, showing the sophisticated nature of their culinary traditions.
Why did hot chocolate become "the beverage of the aristocracy" in Europe?
- The essential ingredient was out of reach of the commoners.
- The Queen had a marked chocolate maker.
- Only wealthy Europeans could buy it.
- It was being consumed by the pharma companies.
The Correct Option is C
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
Sugar, a luxury at the time, made hot chocolate a beverage for the wealthy.
Context: During the time of the Aztecs and early European introduction of chocolate, sugar was a rare and expensive commodity. As a result, adding sugar to hot chocolate made it a luxurious drink, often reserved for the elite and wealthy classes who could afford such an indulgence.
Sugar as a Luxury: Sugar was a precious ingredient in Europe, imported from the colonies, and it was used sparingly. The addition of sugar to cocoa made the drink more palatable and sweet, turning it into a treat that was often associated with wealth and status. For the upper class, hot chocolate was not only a flavorful drink but also a symbol of luxury.
Hot Chocolate and Social Status: In both Mesoamerica and Europe, the consumption of chocolate, especially sweetened with sugar, became a social marker. In Europe, it became a fashionable drink in aristocratic circles, often served in special gatherings and rituals, reinforcing the social divide between the wealthy and the common people.
Final Thought: The addition of sugar to hot chocolate elevated it from a simple drink to a symbol of luxury and privilege, reflecting the social and economic dynamics of the time.
The Chocolate Houses didn’t survive past the 18th century because:
- people preferred tea/coffee to hot chocolate
- it catered to the not-so-elite of society
- chocolate was costlier than tea or coffee
- the supply of cocoa dwindled over the years
The Correct Option is C
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
Chocolate was more expensive than tea or coffee, leading to the decline of Chocolate Houses.
Context: During the 17th and 18th centuries, Chocolate Houses were popular in Europe, particularly in England. These establishments offered patrons the opportunity to enjoy a luxurious drink made from chocolate. However, the high cost of chocolate compared to tea and coffee contributed to the decline of these specialized venues.
Cost of Chocolate: Chocolate was a rare and expensive commodity, primarily due to the complex process of importing cacao and the added luxury of sugar. As a result, it was considered a more exclusive drink than tea or coffee, which were becoming more widely available and affordable.
Decline of Chocolate Houses: As the price of chocolate remained high, fewer people could afford to indulge in it regularly. Meanwhile, tea and coffee became more popular, more affordable, and more accessible to the general public. This shift in consumer habits, combined with the high cost of chocolate, led to the gradual decline of Chocolate Houses, which could no longer compete with the lower-priced alternatives.
Final Thought: The decline of Chocolate Houses highlights how economic factors, such as the cost of ingredients, can shape social trends and consumer behavior, leading to the rise of new alternatives that better meet the needs of a broader population.
Choose the correct statement from the following:
- Italians serve hot chocolate flavored with spices.
- Mexicans serve hot chocolate topped with a dollop of cream.
- Colombians serve hot chocolate topped with a dollop of cheese.
- Filipinos serve hot chocolate flavored with peppers.
The Correct Option is C
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
This is the Correct Statement
Colombians serve hot chocolate with a dollop of cheese.
Context: In Colombia, hot chocolate is often served with a unique twist: a dollop of cheese. This tradition is deeply rooted in Colombian culture, where the combination of the rich, warm chocolate and the savory cheese creates a comforting and flavorful experience.
Hot Chocolate and Cheese: The practice of adding cheese to hot chocolate is common in Colombia and some other Latin American countries. The cheese, usually a mild variety, melts slightly when placed into the hot chocolate, creating a creamy texture and enhancing the overall flavor. It is typically served as part of a hearty breakfast or a mid-day snack.
Final Thought: The Colombian tradition of serving hot chocolate with cheese offers a distinctive and delicious variation of the classic drink, combining sweet and savory elements that reflect the country’s unique culinary culture.
Choose the correct meaning of the underlined expression: "Soon enough, though, hot chocolate caught on with the masses."
- was readily available in cafes
- became popular among the commoners
- hot chocolate did not appeal to people
- masses got attracted to the rich experience of drinking hot chocolate
The Correct Option is B
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
"Caught on with the masses" means becoming popular among the common people.
Context: The phrase "caught on with the masses" refers to something gaining widespread popularity, especially among ordinary people. When an idea, trend, or product "catches on," it becomes embraced by the general public and is adopted on a large scale.
Meaning of the Phrase: The expression highlights how certain trends or cultural phenomena go from being niche or exclusive to being widely accepted and enjoyed by the broader population. This shift indicates a change from limited appeal to widespread enthusiasm.
Example: A new fashion trend, technology, or social movement might start among a small group of people but, if it "catches on with the masses," it will soon be embraced by the general public, making it mainstream.
Final Thought: "Caught on with the masses" emphasizes how popular culture, ideas, and innovations can quickly gain traction and become a significant part of everyday life when they resonate with large groups of people.
Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
“Why do they pull down and do away with crooked streets, I wonder, which are my delight, and hurt no man living? Every day the wealthier nations are pulling down one or another in their capitals and their great towns: they do not know why they do it; neither do I. It ought to be enough, surely, to drive the great broad ways which commerce needs and which are the life-channels of a modern city, without destroying all history and all the humanity in between: the islands of the past.”
(From Hilaire Belloc’s “The Crooked Streets”)
Based only on the information provided in the above passage, which one of the following statements is true?- GATE PH - 2025
- General Aptitude
- Reading Comprehension
“Why do they pull down and do away with crooked streets, I wonder, which are my delight, and hurt no man living? Every day the wealthier nations are pulling down one or another in their capitals and their great towns: they do not know why they do it; neither do I. It ought to be enough, surely, to drive the great broad ways which commerce needs and which are the life-channels of a modern city, without destroying all history and all the humanity in between: the islands of the past.” (From Hilaire Belloc’s “The Crooked Streets”)
Based only on the information provided in the above passage, which one of the following statements is true?
- GATE CE - 2025
- General Aptitude
- Reading Comprehension
- “His life was divided between the books, his friends, and long walks. A solitary man, he worked at all hours without much method, and probably courted his fatal illness in this way. To his own name there is not much to show; but such was his liberality that he was continually helping others, and fruits of his erudition are widely scattered, and have gone to increase many a comparative stranger’s reputation.”
(From E.V. Lucas’s “A Funeral”)
Based only on the information provided in the above passage, which one of the following statements is true?- GATE CE - 2025
- General Aptitude
- Reading Comprehension
- Read the excerpt from a Handicrafts Manual: ‘Advanced Knitting Techniques’ and answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate answer.
THE FAIR ISLE METHOD: Fair Isle knitting is a traditional technique that involves using two or more colours of yarn in a single row to create intricate patterns and designs. This method requires careful tension management to ensure even stitches and prevent puckering. To begin, select your colours and cast on the desired number of stitches. As you knit, alternate between colours every few stitches, carrying the unused yarn along the back of the work. Mastering the Fair Isle technique allows you to create stunning visual effects in garments, accessories, and home textiles.
THE CONTINENTAL STYLE: The Continental knitting style, often referred to as “picking,” involves holding the yarn in the left hand while the right hand manipulates the needles. This method allows for greater speed and efficiency, particularly when working with complex patterns or multiple colours. To practice this style, start by casting on your stitches and using your left hand to tension the yarn. With each stitch, simply “pick” the yarn with your right needle, forming a quick and fluid motion. As you become comfortable with this technique, you may find that your overall knitting speed and comfort improve significantly.
THE SHORT-ROW TECHNIQUE: Short-row knitting is an advanced technique that allows for the creation of shaped garments, such as sleeves and shoulders, without the need for complex shaping. To make a sleeve using this technique, begin by casting on the required number of stitches. Work a portion of the row, then turn your work and return without completing the full row to create the “short rows” that shape the curves of the sleeve. To prevent holes at the turn, wrap the stitch before you turn your work. Repeat this process as needed to achieve the desired shaping and dimension of the sleeve. Once you have shaped the sleeve, you can then sew the side seams to connect the pieces of your garment and finally, complete the edges to ensure a clean finish. This method not only helps shape curves but also adds dimension to your piece, allowing you to enhance fit and style.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2025
- English
- Reading Comprehension
- Read the following passage and answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate answer.
The Story of Coffee
Coffee, a beloved beverage enjoyed by millions around the globe, has a rich and captivating history that spans centuries. The story of coffee begins in the ancient highlands of Ethiopia, where, according to legend, a goat herder named Kaldi discovered the stimulating effects of coffee beans. One day, Kaldi noticed his goats frolicking with unusual energy after eating red berries from a certain tree. Curious, he tried the berries himself and experienced a newfound alertness. This discovery soon spread to monasteries, where monks used it to stay awake during long hours of prayer. From Ethiopia, coffee cultivation and consumption spread to the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in Yemen, where the practice of roasting coffee beans and brewing the drink began to take shape. By the 15th century, coffee had become a popular beverage in the Islamic world, with coffee houses known as ‘qahveh khaneh’ emerging as social hubs for conversation, music, and intellectual exchange. These coffee houses became centers of culture and commerce, influencing the spread of coffee to Turkey and beyond, eventually reaching Europe. In Europe, coffee initially faced resistance from religious authorities who considered it a ‘Muslim drink’ and tried to ban it. However, its popularity persisted, and by the 17th century, coffee houses had sprung up in major European cities, becoming important gathering places for artists, writers, and thinkers. The stimulating effects of coffee were embraced during the Age of Enlightenment, where it was seen as a catalyst for intellectual discussion and innovation. The journey of coffee continued with the establishment of colonial plantations in tropical regions such as the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia. These plantations fuelled the global demand for coffee, transforming it from a regional specialty to a major commodity. The industrial revolution further accelerated coffee production and consumption, leading to innovations in coffee brewing methods and the development of instant coffee. In the modern era, coffee has evolved into a deeply ingrained part of daily life for people worldwide. Its cultural significance spans from the bustling cafes of Paris to the quiet coffee farms of Colombia. Today, coffee remains not only a popular beverage but also a symbol of social interaction, productivity, and enjoyment. Whether sipped slowly over a conversation with friends or grabbed hastily on the way to work, the story of coffee continues to unfold, intertwining with the histories and cultures of countless societies across the globe.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2025
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Questions Asked in CUET exam
- Two resistances of 100 \(\Omega\) and 200 \(\Omega\) are connected in series across a 20 V battery as shown in the figure below. The reading in a 200 \(\Omega\) voltmeter connected across the 200 \(\Omega\) esistance is _______.
Fill in the blank with the correct answer from the options given below- CUET (UG) - 2024
- Current electricity
- A molecule X associates in a given solvent as per the following equation:
X ⇌ (X)n
For a given concentration of X, the van’t Hoff factor was found to be 0.80 and the
fraction of associated molecules was 0.3. The correct value of ‘n’ is:- CUET (UG) - 2024
- Solutions
- If $t = e^{2x}$ and $y = \ln(t^2)$, then $\frac{d^2 y}{dx^2}$ is:
- CUET (UG) - 2024
- Second Order Derivative
- The corner points of the feasible region determined by $x + y \leq 8$, $2x + y \geq 8$, $x \geq 0$, $y \geq 0$ are $A(0, 8)$, $B(4, 0)$, and $C(8, 0)$. If the objective function $Z = ax + by$ has its maximum value on the line segment $AB$, then the relation between $a$ and $b$ is:
- CUET (UG) - 2024
- Linear Programmig Problem
- If 75$\%$ of a first-order reaction gets completed in 32 minutes, the time taken for 50$\%$ completion of this reaction is:
- CUET (UG) - 2024
- Order of reaction