TGPSC Group-I Prelims 2012

130 questions from the 2012 papers, each with the official answer and an explanation.

A question repeated across years is listed once, under one of the years it appeared.

41. Q41Public finance and the budget

    Which one is kept outside the purview of Goods and Services Tax Bill of 2011?

    • aCrude petroleum
    • bAviation
    • cNatural gas
    • dAll the aboveAnswer
    ›Explanation

    Option D is correct because the 115th Constitutional Amendment Bill of 2011 proposed to exclude petroleum crude, natural gas, and aviation turbine fuel along with petrol and diesel from the purview of GST until decided otherwise by the GST Council. Option A: Crude petroleum was not the sole excluded item as aviation turbine fuel and natural gas were also excluded. Option B: Aviation fuel was kept outside the purview along with crude oil and natural gas rather than being an isolated exclusion. Option C: Natural gas was only one of several petroleum-based commodities kept outside the GST purview.

42. Q42Public finance and the budget

    The annual statement in parliamentary language under Article 112 is called this.

    • aAnnual Plan
    • bBudgetAnswer
    • cFinance Bill
    • dTreasury Bill
    ›Explanation

    Option B is correct because the Constitution of India refers to the budget as the Annual Financial Statement under Article 112, making Budget the popular parliamentary term used for it. Article 112: Annual Financial Statement (popularly known as the Union Budget). Article 110: Money Bills, including the provisions enacted through the Finance Bill. Option A: Annual Plan refers to an operational planning instrument under the erstwhile Planning Commission, not the constitutional financial statement. Option C: Finance Bill is the legislative proposal introduced under Article 110 to give effect to the taxation proposals of the government. Option D: Treasury Bill is a short-term debt instrument issued by the RBI on behalf of the Government, not a parliamentary financial statement.

43. Q43Interior of the Earth and its landforms

    What is the Mercalli scale?

    • aNatuk
    • bDeyyu
    • cBargluAnswer
    • dGonthu

    Explanation coming soon.

44. Q44Atmosphere, weather and climate

    The volume percentage of oxygen present in the air which we inhale is

    • a20 percentAnswer
    • b30 percent
    • c40 percent
    • d60 percent
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because the ambient air inhaled by humans contains approximately 20.95 percent oxygen by volume, which rounds to 20 percent. Option B: 30 percent is significantly higher than the normal proportion of oxygen in atmospheric air. Option C: 40 percent represents nearly twice the normal atmospheric oxygen concentration. Option D: 60 percent is characteristic of specialized medical oxygen mixtures, not inhaled natural air.

45. Q45India: physiography, drainage and climate

    The hills on which shillong is situated are

    • aGaro
    • bNaga
    • cKhasiAnswer
    • dMikir
    ›Explanation

    Option C is correct because Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is situated on the Khasi Hills, specifically within the East Khasi Hills district. Option A: Garo hills form the western section of the Meghalaya plateau, with Tura being their principal urban center. Option B: Naga hills are part of the Purvanchal range located along the India-Myanmar border in Nagaland. Option D: Mikir hills are located in central Assam, detached to the northeast of the Meghalaya plateau.

46. Q46India: physiography, drainage and climate

    Sri Lanka is separated from India by the

    • aIndira Point
    • bGulf of MannarAnswer
    • cVellankulum
    • dTalaimannar
    ›Explanation

    Option B is correct because the Gulf of Mannar, along with the Palk Strait, forms the shallow body of water that physically separates the southeastern tip of India from the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Option A: Indira Point is the southernmost tip of Indian territory on Great Nicobar Island, facing the Indian Ocean. Option C: Vellankulum is an inland settlement in northern Sri Lanka, not the dividing body of water. Option D: Talaimannar is a coastal town on Mannar Island in Sri Lanka, not the maritime passage separating the two nations.

47. Q47India: physiography, drainage and climate

    The river that passes through Srinagar city is

    • aJhelumAnswer
    • bChenab
    • cRavi
    • dBeas
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because the Jhelum River flows right through the heart of Srinagar city before entering Wular Lake. Option B: Chenab flows through the Kishtwar and Doda regions of Jammu, not Srinagar. Option C: Ravi flows through Himachal Pradesh and along the Punjab border, far south of Srinagar. Option D: Beas flows entirely within Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.

48. Q48India: physiography, drainage and climate

    River Krishna originates in

    • aKodagu
    • bMahabaleshwarAnswer
    • cTrimbikeshwar
    • dChikkaballapur
    ›Explanation

    Option B is correct because the Krishna River originates near Mahabaleshwar in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra at an altitude of about 1337 metres. Option A: Kodagu is the origin of the Kaveri River at Talakaveri. Option C: Trimbikeshwar in Nashik district is the origin point of the Godavari River. Option D: Chikkaballapur in Karnataka is associated with the origin of rivers like the North Pennar and Palar.

49. Q49India: physiography, drainage and climate

    In which month do dust storms occur most frequently in India?

    • aMarch
    • bMayAnswer
    • cJuly
    • dOctober
    ›Explanation

    Option B is correct because dust storms occur with the highest frequency during the peak summer month of May due to intense surface heating and the formation of low-pressure troughs across northwestern and northern India. Option A: March marks only the beginning of the hot weather season, when ground heating is insufficient to cause widespread dust storm activity. Option C: July falls in the southwest monsoon season, when high humidity and widespread rainfall suppress dust generation. Option D: October represents the retreating monsoon period characterized by clear skies and stable atmospheric conditions.

50. Q50Natural resources and their distribution

    Place where Thorium is found

    • aAndhra Pradesh
    • bKeralaAnswer
    • cKarnataka
    • dTamil Nadu
    ›Explanation

    Option B is correct because the beach placer sands of Kerala, particularly in Chavara and the Palakkad gap region, are globally known for containing large concentrations of monazite, the chief mineral ore of thorium. Option A: Andhra Pradesh contains monazite along its coastline, but Kerala is the historically foremost and primary referenced source of thorium reserves in India. Option C: Karnataka is noted primarily for metalliferous deposits like iron ore and gold, rather than prominent thorium-bearing monazite sands. Option D: Tamil Nadu has beach placer deposits, but Kerala is the classic textbook location representing India's richest thorium-bearing monazite reserves.

51. Q51Population, settlement and human geography

    According to 2001 Census, the Indian state with highest density of population per sq. km is

    • aKerala
    • bWest BengalAnswer
    • cBihar
    • dUttar Pradesh
    ›Explanation

    Option B is correct because according to the 2001 Census, West Bengal had the highest population density among all Indian states with 903 persons per square kilometre. West Bengal: 903 persons per sq. km Kerala: 819 persons per sq. km Bihar: 881 persons per sq. km Uttar Pradesh: 690 persons per sq. km Option A: Kerala ranked third among states in 2001 with a density of 819 persons per sq. km. Option C: Bihar had 881 persons per sq. km in 2001, only overtaking West Bengal in the 2011 Census with 1106 persons per sq. km. Option D: Uttar Pradesh had a density of 690 persons per sq. km in 2001, far below West Bengal.

52. Q52Population, settlement and human geography

    According to the 2001 Census of India, the Union Territory with the lowest population

    • aPuducherry
    • bChandigarh
    • cLakshadweepAnswer
    • dDelhi
    ›Explanation

    Option C is correct because Lakshadweep recorded the smallest total population among all States and Union Territories in the 2001 Census. Lakshadweep population in 2001: 60,650 Chandigarh population in 2001: 900,635 Puducherry population in 2001: 974,345 Delhi population in 2001: 13,850,507 Option A: Puducherry had nearly 10 lakh residents, far exceeding Lakshadweep. Option B: Chandigarh had over 9 lakh residents. Option D: Delhi was the most populated Union Territory with well over one crore residents.

53. Q53Population, settlement and human geography

    The region of India which has larger female population than male population is

    • aWest Bengal
    • bMizoram
    • cNagaland
    • dPondicherryAnswer
    ›Explanation

    Option D is correct because Pondicherry (Puducherry) has a sex ratio greater than 1000, meaning females outnumber males according to Census 2011 data. Pondicherry sex ratio: 1037 females per 1000 males West Bengal sex ratio: 950 females per 1000 males Nagaland sex ratio: 931 females per 1000 males Mizoram sex ratio: 976 females per 1000 males Option A: West Bengal has 950 females per 1000 males, meaning males outnumber females. Option B: Mizoram has 976 females per 1000 males, with fewer females than males. Option C: Nagaland has 931 females per 1000 males, where the male population exceeds the female population.

54. Q54Natural hazards, disasters and their management

    How many people face floods every year in India?

    • a180 millions
    • b150 millionsAnswer
    • c200 millions
    • d225 millions

    Official answer shown. The explanation is under review.

55. Q55Natural hazards, disasters and their management

    The coastal area in India vulnerable to storm surges, cyclones, and tsunamis is

    • a5700 kilometersAnswer
    • b4700 kilometers
    • c3700 kilometers
    • d2700 kilometers
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because out of India's total coastline of about 7516 kilometers, approximately 5700 kilometers is vulnerable to tropical cyclones, storm surges, and tsunamis. Option B: 4700 kilometers underestimates the length of the vulnerable coastal belt by a thousand kilometers. Option C: 3700 kilometers excludes a major portion of vulnerable coastal regions on both coasts. Option D: 2700 kilometers represents less than half of the officially designated vulnerable coastline.

56. Q56Natural hazards, disasters and their management

    Of the total 35 States/Union Territories in India, how many are disaster prone?

    • a22
    • b23
    • c24
    • d25Answer
    ›Explanation

    Option D is correct because according to the High Powered Committee on Disaster Management report, 25 out of the total 35 States and Union Territories existing at that time were identified as disaster prone. Option A: 22 undercounts the number of disaster-prone states and union territories identified in official reports. Option B: 23 is incorrect as the established figure documented by disaster management authorities is 25. Option C: 24 is one less than the officially recognized count of 25.

57. Q57Natural hazards, disasters and their management

    National Institute of Disaster Management is located at

    • aBaroda
    • bNew DelhiAnswer
    • cCochin
    • dCuttack
    ›Explanation

    Option B is correct because the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), established under the Disaster Management Act of 2005 for capacity building and training, is headquartered in New Delhi. Option A: Baroda is not the headquarters of NIDM. Option C: Cochin does not host the headquarters of NIDM. Option D: Cuttack does not host the headquarters of NIDM.

58. Q58Natural hazards, disasters and their management

    First Indian Disaster Management Congress was inaugurated on

    • a26-10-2006
    • b29-8-2006
    • c29-11-2006Answer
    • d29-10-2006
    ›Explanation

    Option C is correct because the First India Disaster Management Congress was organized by the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) and inaugurated on 29 November 2006 in New Delhi. First India Disaster Management Congress inaugural date: 29 November 2006 (29-11-2006) Option A: 26-10-2006 is one month earlier than the actual inaugural date. Option B: 29-8-2006 has the wrong month. Option D: 29-10-2006 is exactly one month prior to the event.

59. Q59Natural hazards, disasters and their management

    National Institute of Disaster Management publishes a biannual journal titled

    • aDisaster & DevelopmentAnswer
    • bDisaster India
    • cDisaster Mitigation
    • dIndian Disaster
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because Disaster & Development is the official biannual peer-reviewed journal published by the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), New Delhi. Option B: Disaster India is not a publication or journal of NIDM. Option C: Disaster Mitigation is not the registered title of the NIDM journal. Option D: Indian Disaster is not an academic journal published by NIDM.

60. Q60Natural hazards, disasters and their management

    According to the World Bank, during the period 1996 to 2000, the approximate percentage loss of gross domestic produce due to disasters was

    • a2.85%
    • b2.50%
    • c2.25%Answer
    • d1.95%
    ›Explanation

    Option C is correct because World Bank studies on Indian disaster vulnerability cited in the High Powered Committee report and the Tenth Five Year Plan placed the average annual GDP loss due to natural disasters at roughly 2.25 percent between 1996 and 2000. Period under review: 1996 to 2000 Estimated GDP loss share: 2.25% Option A: Overstates the World Bank estimate by 0.60 percentage points. Option B: Exceeds the recorded figure of 2.25 percent. Option D: Understates the documented impact on national economic output.

61. Q61Natural hazards, disasters and their management

    The National Policy on Disaster Management was approved by the Union Cabinet in

    • a2009Answer
    • b2008
    • c2007
    • d2010
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because the Union Cabinet approved the National Policy on Disaster Management on 22 October 2009, in pursuance of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Disaster Management Act enacted: 2005 National Policy on Disaster Management approved by Union Cabinet: 22 October 2009 National Disaster Management Plan released: May 2016 Option B: 2008 is incorrect as the formal Cabinet approval took place the following year. Option C: 2007 is incorrect because policy formulation was still under inter-ministerial review. Option D: 2010 is incorrect as the policy had already been finalized and approved in late 2009.

62. Q62Natural hazards, disasters and their management

    The Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority is

    • aVice President
    • bMinister, Human Resource Development
    • cHome Minister
    • dPrime MinisterAnswer
    ›Explanation

    Option D is correct because Section 3 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 specifies that the Prime Minister of India serves as the ex officio Chairperson of the National Disaster Management Authority. Disaster Management Act, 2005: Section 3(2)(a) Chairperson of NDMA: Prime Minister of India Option A: The Vice President is the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, not the NDMA. Option B: The Minister of Human Resource Development oversees education and holds no statutory headship in the NDMA. Option C: The Union Home Minister oversees the administrative ministry for disaster management, but does not chair the NDMA.

63. Q63Natural hazards, disasters and their management

    By what measures can we significantly reduce the impact of disasters on our people?

    • aBetter planning
    • bPreparedness awareness
    • cMitigation measures
    • dAll the aboveAnswer
    ›Explanation

    Option D is correct because comprehensive disaster risk reduction requires a holistic approach that integrates proactive planning, community preparedness awareness, and structural as well as non-structural mitigation measures. Option A: Better planning is essential, but it is incomplete without active mitigation measures and public preparedness. Option B: Preparedness awareness equips communities to react effectively, but alone it cannot address systemic physical vulnerabilities. Option C: Mitigation measures lessen the severity of hazards, but they require planning and public awareness to achieve maximum impact.

64. Q64Natural hazards, disasters and their management

    According to the World Disasters Report 2010, 85 percent of those affected by disasters between 2000-2009 belonged to which region?

    • aAsia Pacific regionAnswer
    • bAfrica region
    • cJapan region
    • dAustralia region
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because the World Disasters Report 2010 by the IFRC documented that the Asia Pacific region accounted for approximately 85 percent of all people affected by disasters worldwide between 2000 and 2009. Option B: Africa accounted for a significant number of events but a much smaller share of the total globally affected population. Option C: Japan is a single country within Asia, not the designated global continental region identified in the report. Option D: Australia is an individual continent and country with a very low percentage of the globally affected population.

65. Q65Natural hazards, disasters and their management

    In which year was the Disaster Management Act formulated in India?

    • a2006
    • b2005Answer
    • c2007
    • d2008
    ›Explanation

    Option B is correct because the Disaster Management Act was passed by the Parliament of India in December 2005 and received the assent of the President on 23 December 2005. Passed by Rajya Sabha: 28 November 2005 Passed by Lok Sabha: 12 December 2005 Presidential Assent: 23 December 2005 Publication in Gazette of India: 26 December 2005 Option A: 2006 was the year the Act came into force across states and its provisions were notified, but the Act itself is the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Option C: 2007 is incorrect as the primary legislation was already enacted and functional by 2005. Option D: 2008 is unrelated to the formulation year of this legislation.

66. Q66World regional geography

    The world’s longest river is

    • aAmazon
    • bNileAnswer
    • cYangtze
    • dCongo
    ›Explanation

    Option B is correct because the Nile River in northeastern Africa is recognized as the longest river in the world, flowing northward over approximately 6,650 kilometers. Option A: Amazon River is the world's largest river by water discharge and drainage basin area, but ranks second in accepted length at around 6,400 kilometers. Option C: Yangtze River is the longest river entirely within Asia and third longest globally at about 6,300 kilometers. Option D: Congo River is the deepest river in the world and second in Africa by length, reaching roughly 4,700 kilometers.

67. Q67World regional geography

    Pakistan and Afghanistan are connected by

    • aBolan pass
    • bKhyber passAnswer
    • cRohtang pass
    • dAfghan pass
    ›Explanation

    Option B is correct because the Khyber Pass is an ancient mountain pass cutting through the Spin Ghar range of the Hindu Kush, linking Peshawar in Pakistan with Jalalabad and Kabul in Afghanistan. Option A: Bolan Pass cuts through the Toba Kakar range in western Pakistan, connecting Sibi and Jacobabad to Quetta within Pakistan. Option C: Rohtang Pass is located in the Pir Panjal Range in Himachal Pradesh, India, connecting the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys. Option D: Afghan pass is a non-existent geographical feature rather than an established mountain pass.

68. Q68World regional geography

    Which is called Emerald Island?

    • aBritain
    • bTasmania
    • cIrelandAnswer
    • dSicily
    ›Explanation

    Option C is correct because Ireland is famously referred to as the Emerald Island, or the Emerald Isle, because of its rolling green countryside fostered by a mild and rainy marine climate. Option A: Britain is historically nicknamed Great Britain or Albion, not Emerald Island. Option B: Tasmania is commonly known as the Apple Isle or the Island of Inspiration. Option D: Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and is not associated with this title.

69. Q69World regional geography

    Karakum desert is situated in

    • aMongolia
    • bChina
    • cUzbekistan
    • dTurkmenistanAnswer
    ›Explanation

    Option D is correct because the Karakum Desert, meaning Black Sand, covers approximately 350,000 square kilometers and occupies roughly 70 percent of the total land territory of Turkmenistan. Option A: Mongolia contains the northern sections of the Gobi Desert rather than the Karakum. Option B: China features the Taklamakan Desert and parts of the Gobi Desert. Option C: Uzbekistan primarily contains the Kyzylkum Desert, which lies adjacent to but northeast of the Karakum across the Amu Darya.

70. Q70World regional geography

    The longest river of Asia is

    • aYellow river
    • bBrahmputra
    • cGanga
    • dYangtzeAnswer
    ›Explanation

    Option D is correct because the Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest river in the world, spanning about 6300 kilometres across China. Yangtze: 6300 km Yellow River: 5464 km Brahmaputra: 2900 km Ganga: 2525 km Option A: Yellow river is the second-longest river in Asia. Option B: Brahmputra is shorter in total length compared to the Yangtze. Option C: Ganga is significantly shorter than the Yangtze.

71. Q71World regional geography

    The Great Victoria Desert is in

    • aUK
    • bAustraliaAnswer
    • cUSA
    • dUganda
    ›Explanation

    Option B is correct because the Great Victoria Desert is an arid ecoregion covering over 300,000 square kilometers in southwestern Australia. Option A: The United Kingdom possesses a temperate oceanic climate with no desert regions. Option C: The United States contains deserts such as the Mojave, Sonoran, and Great Basin, not the Great Victoria Desert. Option D: Uganda is an East African equatorial country with no arid deserts.

72. Q72World regional geography

    The fertile Pokhara valley is in

    • aBhutan
    • bSikkim
    • cNepalAnswer
    • dArunachal Pradesh
    ›Explanation

    Option C is correct because the Pokhara Valley is a prominent and fertile valley situated in the Gandaki Province of central Nepal. Option A: Bhutan does not contain this valley; it is situated entirely within Nepal. Option B: Sikkim is an Indian state and does not encompass the Pokhara Valley. Option D: Arunachal Pradesh is an Indian northeastern state located far to the east of Pokhara.

73. Q73World regional geography

    Mountains that stand as the border between France and Spain

    • aPyreneesAnswer
    • bPennines
    • cSwiss Algandiya Range
    • dSentinel Range
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because the Pyrenees mountain range forms a high natural border dividing France and Spain on the Iberian Peninsula. Option B: Pennines are a range of hills located in northern England. Option C: Swiss Algandiya Range is not the border range between France and Spain. Option D: Sentinel Range is located in Ellsworth Land in Antarctica.

74. Q74World regional geography

    Which area is the most’important for uranium mining?

    • aUrals
    • bNew Mexico
    • cKatangaAnswer
    • dMesabi Range
    ›Explanation

    Option C is correct because the Katanga province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, through deposits like the famed Shinkolobwe mine, has been historically renowned for possessing exceptionally rich, high-grade uranium ore that supplied major global nuclear programs. Option A: Urals is recognized for rich iron, copper, and precious metal deposits rather than being the premier uranium extraction hub. Option B: New Mexico has notable sandstone-hosted uranium reserves in the Grants district, but its ores are significantly lower in grade compared to Katanga's legendary deposits. Option D: Mesabi Range in Minnesota is renowned worldwide for massive banded iron formation iron ore, not uranium.

75. Q75World regional geography

    The original name of Big Apple is

    • aNew YorkAnswer
    • bCleveland
    • cAntarctica
    • dSrinagar
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because the Big Apple is the world-famous nickname for New York City, popularized by sports writer John J. Fitz Gerald in the 1920s and later adopted in official city promotional campaigns. Option B: Cleveland is commonly known as The Forest City or The Rock and Roll Capital, not the Big Apple. Option C: Antarctica is a polar continent and has no connection to the moniker Big Apple. Option D: Srinagar is traditionally called the City of Lakes or the Venice of the East.

76. Q76World regional geography

    The Desert City in Nevada which is known of Casinos is

    • aSan Diego
    • bLas VagasAnswer
    • cSan Jose
    • dSacramento
    ›Explanation

    Option B is correct because Las Vegas is situated in the Mojave Desert of southern Nevada and is internationally celebrated as a major resort city known predominantly for its world-class casinos, gambling, and entertainment industries. Option A: San Diego is a coastal port city located in southern California, not in Nevada. Option C: San Jose is a major city in California's Silicon Valley, not a desert city in Nevada. Option D: Sacramento is the inland state capital of California, not a casino city in Nevada.

77. Q77India state by state: capitals, districts and where places are

    Number of people killed by natural disasters in India from 1980 to 2010.

    • a1,43,039Answer
    • b1,23,039
    • c1,13,039
    • d1,03,039
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because according to the EM-DAT disaster database compiled by the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters and published by PreventionWeb, exactly 1,43,039 people lost their lives to natural disasters in India from 1980 to 2010. Option B: 1,23,039 is an incorrect lower count that does not match the official disaster database statistics. Option C: 1,13,039 underestimates the documented fatalities by thirty thousand. Option D: 1,03,039 is incorrect and underreports the mortality by forty thousand.

78. Q78Nuclear technology

    The first nuclear power plant in India was set up at

    • aTarapurAnswer
    • bRamagundam
    • cJaipur
    • dKoodankulam
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because the Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS), located in Palghar district of Maharashtra, was India's first commercial nuclear power plant, commencing commercial operations in October 1969. Option B: Ramagundam is known for its major National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) coal-fired thermal plant and solar plant, not nuclear power. Option C: Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan and does not host a nuclear power station. Option D: Koodankulam began operating its first unit in 2013, decades after Tarapur.

79. Q79SCHOOL BIOLOGY: life sciences as the papers actually ask them

    In which of the following parts of plants does cell division actively occur?

    • aStem
    • bLeaves
    • cRootsAnswer
    • dFruits
    ›Explanation

    Option C is correct because the root apical meristem, situated just behind the protective root cap, undergoes continuous and rapid mitotic cell division to drive primary root growth. Option A: The majority of mature stem tissue consists of non-dividing permanent tissues, with active division restricted only to narrow terminal and cambial zones. Option B: Fully formed leaves consist of differentiated mesophyll and epidermal cells that have permanently lost the capacity to divide. Option D: In developing and ripe fruits, early cell division ceases and subsequent growth occurs predominantly through cell enlargement.

80. Q80SCHOOL BIOLOGY: life sciences as the papers actually ask them

    The color of tomatoes is due to this?

    • aCarotenoidsAnswer
    • bFlavonoids
    • cVitamins
    • dMineral salts
    ›Explanation

    Option A is correct because the bright red color of ripe tomatoes is produced primarily by lycopene, an acyclic pigment belonging to the carotenoid family. Option B: Flavonoids are plant pigments responsible for certain pale yellow, blue, or purple hues, not the characteristic red shade of ripe tomatoes. Option C: Vitamins are essential micronutrients synthesized by plants and do not function as the structural pigments imparting red coloration. Option D: Mineral salts are inorganic nutrients absorbed from soil that maintain cellular osmotic balance without contributing color.