On a chilly winter evening, nothing warms you up better than a cup of hot cocoa. Chocolate was first consumed in liquid form by the Olmec people of northwestern Central America around 1500 BCE. It was even enjoyed by the Aztec Emperor Montezuma, and the Aztec word for it (xocolatl, pronounced shoh-kwah-tl) evolved into the English word Chocolate.
But the Aztecs didn’t serve their cocoa hot. And since sugar had not yet arrived from Europe, back then, the drink was often flavoured with peppers and spices. It may not have been quite as indulgent as today’s version, but it was more palatable if you believed, as the Aztecs did, that chocolate was a gift from the Gods and had healing properties.
After the Spanish arrived in the Americas in the 1500s, liquid chocolate made its way across the pond, where wealthy Europeans added sugar and drank it warm. In Chocolate: History, Culture and Heritage, author Bertram Gordon says hot chocolate became ‘‘the beverage of the aristocracy,’’ as sugar was still a luxury.
Soon enough, though, hot choclate caught on with the masses. Chocolate houses — a cross between cafes and casinos — started popping up around 17th-century Europe. In these lively places, hot chocolate was poured from gilded pots into elegant cups (for a posh experience, one can still find it today at the famed Parisian tearoom Angelina’s, which is also in New York City). But by the end of the 18th century, chocolate houses had mostly died off, partly because the cost of chocolate was much higher than that of coffee or tea.
Taking a tour of international cups of cocoa, Italians serve it like a thick pudding. Colombians serve it with a dollop of soft cheese while Mexicans punch it up with vanilla, chilli powder and cinnamon. And Filipinos serve it with mango chunks.
Which of the following varieties of coffee is the most sold in the world?
- Coffea Canephora
- Coffea Arabica
- Coffea Eugenioides
- A blend of Coffea Canephora and Coffea Arabica
The Correct Option is B
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
Coffea Arabica is the most sold variety of coffee worldwide.
Context: Coffea Arabica is the most popular and widely consumed variety of coffee across the globe. Known for its smooth flavor and aromatic qualities, Arabica coffee beans make up the majority of global coffee production and sales.
Characteristics of Coffea Arabica: Arabica coffee beans are generally considered to have a milder taste compared to other coffee varieties, such as Robusta. They are known for their delicate, fruity, and slightly acidic flavor profile, making them a favorite among coffee enthusiasts worldwide.
Global Popularity: Coffea Arabica is responsible for approximately 60-70% of the world's coffee production. It is grown primarily in higher altitudes in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Costa Rica, where the climate conditions are ideal for its cultivation.
Final Thought: Due to its superior taste and popularity, Coffea Arabica remains the most sold and consumed coffee variety globally, shaping coffee culture in many countries.
Which of the following species of coffee has more than two copies of each chromosome?
- Arabica
- Robusta
- Coffea Eugenioides
- A blend of Arabica and Robusta
The Correct Option is A
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
Coffea Arabica is polyploid, meaning it has more than two copies of each chromosome.
Context: Coffea Arabica, the most popular variety of coffee, is polyploid, which means it has multiple sets of chromosomes. Unlike most organisms that are diploid (with two copies of each chromosome), polyploid organisms have more than two sets, which can influence their genetic diversity and characteristics.
Polyploidy in Coffea Arabica: Coffea Arabica is a hybrid species, resulting from the interbreeding of two other coffee species: Coffea canephora (Robusta) and Coffea eugenioides. As a result of this hybridization, Arabica coffee has four sets of chromosomes instead of the typical two, making it a tetraploid species.
Implications of Polyploidy: The polyploid nature of Coffea Arabica contributes to its genetic stability and may influence its resilience, flavor profile, and adaptability to different growing conditions. Polyploid species often have increased genetic variation, which can result in greater biodiversity and improved characteristics in crops.
Final Thought: The polyploid nature of Coffea Arabica plays a crucial role in its widespread cultivation and popularity, offering benefits in terms of genetic diversity and coffee quality.
Which of the following statements is true about Coffea Arabica?
- Hybridization is the main source of its genetic variation.
- It has only two copies of each chromosome.
- It displays the phenomenon of polyploidy.
- It is easily interbred with other species.
The Correct Option is C
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
Coffea Arabica displays the phenomenon of polyploidy.
Context: Coffea Arabica is known for exhibiting the phenomenon of polyploidy, which refers to the presence of more than two sets of chromosomes in an organism. This characteristic sets Coffea Arabica apart from many other coffee species and contributes to its unique genetic makeup.
Polyploidy in Coffea Arabica: Coffea Arabica is a tetraploid species, meaning it has four sets of chromosomes, compared to the typical two sets found in diploid species. This is the result of a natural hybridization event between two other coffee species, Coffea canephora (Robusta) and Coffea eugenioides.
Significance of Polyploidy: Polyploidy in Coffea Arabica enhances its genetic diversity and stability, which can improve its adaptability to different growing conditions. Additionally, polyploidy can contribute to desirable traits such as increased size and resilience, which makes Arabica coffee a preferred variety for many consumers.
Final Thought: The polyploid nature of Coffea Arabica is a key factor in its cultivation and widespread popularity, influencing both its genetic characteristics and its suitability for global coffee production.
Which of the following species of coffee developed only in the last 50,000 years?
- Coffea Canephora
- Coffea Eugenioides
- Arabica
- Robusta
The Correct Option is C
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
Coffea Arabica developed as a hybrid in the last 50,000 years.
Context: Coffea Arabica, the most widely consumed coffee species, developed as a hybrid relatively recently in geological terms. This hybridization occurred within the last 50,000 years and has contributed to its unique characteristics and widespread popularity.
Hybridization of Coffea Arabica: Coffea Arabica is the result of the interbreeding between two species: Coffea canephora (Robusta) and Coffea eugenioides. This hybridization process occurred naturally and led to the development of a new species with enhanced traits, such as improved flavor and higher resilience compared to its parent species.
Significance of Hybridization: The hybrid nature of Coffea Arabica gives it a distinct genetic profile, which not only makes it more adaptable to different environmental conditions but also contributes to the smooth, aromatic flavor that is favored by coffee drinkers worldwide. The hybridization also played a role in its dominance in coffee markets globally.
Final Thought: The hybridization of Coffea Arabica within the last 50,000 years has played a significant role in its development, leading to the emergence of a coffee species that is both genetically unique and commercially valuable.
Which of the following types of variability is not very high for Coffea Arabica?
- Variability at the structural level
- Variability at the chromosomal level
- Variability at the level of deletions and insertions
- Variability at the DNA level
The Correct Option is D
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
Coffea Arabica has low variability at the DNA level.
Context: Coffea Arabica, although a hybrid species, exhibits relatively low genetic variability compared to other coffee species. This is due to its polyploid nature, where the four sets of chromosomes result in less genetic diversity at the DNA level.
Genetic Characteristics of Coffea Arabica: As a tetraploid species, Coffea Arabica has a more stable genetic structure compared to diploid species like Coffea canephora (Robusta). While this stability is beneficial for maintaining consistent traits, it also means that there is less genetic variation within the species, which can make it more vulnerable to disease and environmental changes.
Implications of Low Variability: The low genetic variability in Coffea Arabica limits the potential for rapid adaptation to changing environmental conditions or new threats. However, it also ensures that the high-quality traits associated with Arabica coffee, such as its smooth flavor and aroma, are preserved across generations.
Final Thought: While the low genetic variability in Coffea Arabica provides consistency in flavor and quality, it also presents challenges in terms of resilience and adaptability. This characteristic is an important factor in the cultivation and breeding of Arabica coffee.
Choose the statement that is factually incorrect from the options given below.
- It is possible to roast the beans of a single species of coffee.
- Two species of coffee can be blended to make a brew.
- Due to its genetic make-up, novel mutations do not occur in the species Coffea Arabica.
- Variations in disease resistance can be seen in the Arabica coffee plant.
The Correct Option is C
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
Novel mutations do occur in Coffea Arabica, despite its genetic make-up.
Context: Although Coffea Arabica has relatively low genetic variability due to its polyploid nature, novel mutations can still occur. These mutations contribute to small changes in its genetic make-up, which may influence various traits such as disease resistance, yield, and flavor characteristics.
Mutations in Coffea Arabica: Mutations are random genetic changes that can happen over time, even in species with low variability. In Coffea Arabica, these mutations can lead to new variations in traits, some of which may offer advantages, such as improved resistance to pests or environmental stresses.
Impact of Mutations: While the genetic stability of Coffea Arabica ensures consistency in its high-quality coffee production, the occurrence of novel mutations can introduce beneficial traits or unexpected challenges. These mutations may allow for the development of new coffee varieties, or in some cases, lead to unforeseen vulnerabilities.
Final Thought: Despite its low genetic variability, Coffea Arabica is not immune to novel mutations, which can play an important role in the evolution of the species, affecting everything from disease resistance to flavor profiles and growth characteristics.
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