2013 Q. 14 Set A
Geography
Physical Geography

Variations in the length of daytime and nighttime from season to season are due to

Smart Elimination

When two statements describe the Earth’s revolution in different ways, UPSC is likely considering one of them correct — so don’t eliminate both revolution-related statements.

Potential Trap

Confusing Rotation (Day/Night existence) with Revolution/Tilt (Variation in length).

Answer Key & Explanation

Answer: D

The correct answer is Option D.

Explanation:

  • Rotation on Axis: Causes the occurrence of Day and Night.
  • Revolution + Tilt: The variation in the length of day and night from season to season is due to the revolution of the earth around the sun combined with the inclination (tilt) of the earth's axis (23.5 degrees).
  • If the axis were not tilted, days and nights would be equal (12 hours) everywhere throughout the year.

Value Addition

  • Solstice: Summer Solstice (longest day in hemisphere), Winter Solstice (shortest day).
  • Equinox: Equal day and night (Sun overhead at Equator).

Topic Trend (2011-2025)

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Difficulty Assessment
easy

Foundational question based on core concepts.

Global Importance Score
5 / 10
Based on analysis of this topic across 2011-2025.