Fathers of Science — Set 5

Correct Answer: A. Theophrastus

• **Theophrastus** = Theophrastus was an ancient Greek philosopher who wrote foundational treatises on plants. • His works, '**On the History of Plants**' and '**On the Causes of Plants**' — provided the first systematic classification and description of the plant kingdom. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Carl Linnaeus: Developed the modern system of binomial nomenclature for classifying organisms; Aristotle: Primarily known as the 'Father of Zoology' and a broad philosopher; Gregor Mendel: Known as the 'Father of Genetics' for his work on inheritance in pea plants.

Correct Answer: B. Aristotle

• **Aristotle** = Aristotle was the first to categorize animals systematically based on observations and dissections. • His classification system — remained largely influential for nearly **two thousand years**. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Carl Linnaeus: Developed the modern system of binomial nomenclature for classifying organisms; Charles Darwin: Proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection; Gregor Mendel: Known as the 'Father of Genetics' for his work on inheritance in pea plants.

Correct Answer: A. Raja Ram Mohan Roy

• **Raja Ram Mohan Roy** = Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a social and religious reformer who significantly influenced modern Indian thought. • The founding of **Brahmo Samaj in 1828** — was a key step in his efforts towards social and religious reform. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: B.R. Ambedkar: Architect of the Indian Constitution and a champion of Dalit rights; Mahatma Gandhi: Led India's independence movement through non-violent civil disobedience; Jawaharlal Nehru: India's first Prime Minister, known for his policies on non-alignment and industrialization.

Correct Answer: C. Dadasaheb Phalke

• **Dadasaheb Phalke** = Dadasaheb Phalke directed 'Raja Harishchandra', India's first full-length feature film. • In **1913** — 'Raja Harishchandra' was released, marking the birth of Indian cinema. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Raj Kapoor: A celebrated actor, director, and producer, known for his iconic contributions during the Golden Age of Indian cinema; Prithviraj Kapoor: A pioneer of Indian theatre and the Hindi film industry, patriarch of the Kapoor acting family; Satyajit Ray: An internationally acclaimed film director from Bengal, known for his art-house films.

Correct Answer: C. Verghese Kurien

• **Verghese Kurien** = Verghese Kurien was the architect of Operation Flood, transforming India into the world's largest milk producer. • **Operation Flood** — was the world's largest dairy development program, ensuring milk availability and empowering farmers. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Homi Bhabha: Known as the 'Father of the Indian Nuclear Program'; Vikram Sarabhai: Known as the 'Father of the Indian Space Program'; M.S. Swaminathan: Known as the 'Father of the Indian Green Revolution'.

Correct Answer: A. Dhanvantari

• **Dhanvantari** = He is revered as the divine physician and the 'Father of Ayurveda'. • **National Ayurveda Day** — This day is celebrated on his birth anniversary, highlighting his significance in Ayurvedic medicine. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Sushruta]: He is known as the 'Father of Surgery' in ancient India; [Charaka]: He is known for his work 'Charaka Samhita', a fundamental text of Ayurveda; [Patanjali]: He is revered as the compiler of the Yoga Sutras.

Correct Answer: B. J.R.D. Tata

• **J.R.D. Tata** = He was India's first licensed pilot and founded Tata Airlines, which later became Air India. • **1932** — This is the year J.R.D. Tata founded Tata Airlines, marking the beginning of India's commercial aviation. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Jehangir Tata]: This is the full name of J.R.D. Tata, but J.R.D. Tata is the more recognized name for this title; [Homi Bhabha]: He is known as the 'Father of the Indian Nuclear Program'; [Ratan Tata]: He is a prominent industrialist but not the pioneer of civil aviation in India.

Correct Answer: B. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

• **A.P.J. Abdul Kalam** = He played a crucial role in the development of India's Agni and Prithvi missiles. • **11th President** — He served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007, earning him the title 'Missile Man of India'. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Homi Bhabha]: He is regarded as the 'Father of the Indian Nuclear Program'; [Vikram Sarabhai]: He is known as the 'Father of the Indian Space Program'; [Satish Dhawan]: He was a prominent aerospace scientist and former chairman of ISRO, but not the primary 'Father' of the missile program.

Correct Answer: D. Aristotle

• **Aristotle** = He was the first to systematically study and record the natural world, laying the foundation for life sciences. • **First scientific classification system** — He is credited with developing this system for living organisms, contributing fundamentally to biology. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Hippocrates]: He is known as the 'Father of Medicine'; [Charles Darwin]: He is known for his theory of evolution by natural selection; [Gregor Mendel]: He is recognized as the 'Father of Genetics'.

Correct Answer: A. William Harvey

• **William Harvey** = He was the first to describe in detail the systemic circulation of blood pumped by the heart. • **'De Motu Cordis'** — His landmark book accurately described the circulatory system, challenging previous beliefs about blood flow. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Galen]: His incorrect theories on blood flow were widely accepted before Harvey's discoveries; [Karl Landsteiner]: He is known for discovering the major blood groups; [Andreas Vesalius]: He is considered the 'Father of Modern Human Anatomy'.