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Q70 (NDA-II/2015) Geography › World Physical Geography › Solar system bodies Answer Verified

According to the Geo-scientists, the shape of the earth is: 1. round 2. spherical 3. close to that of a sphere 4. an oblate ellipsoid Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Result
Your answer: —  Â·  Correct: D
Explanation

According to geo-scientists, the Earth is not a perfect sphere but is slightly flattened at the poles and bulges at the equator due to centrifugal forces from its rotation [1]. This specific shape is scientifically defined as an oblate spheroid or an oblate ellipsoid [5]. While the Earth is often described as 'spherical' or 'round' in general contexts or for practical mapping purposes [4], geo-scientists emphasize its deviation from a perfect sphere. Precise measurements show the equatorial diameter is approximately 42 kilometers larger than the polar diameter. Therefore, the most accurate scientific descriptions are that the Earth's shape is 'close to that of a sphere' (but not a perfect one) and specifically an 'oblate ellipsoid'. Statements 3 and 4 correctly reflect this scientific consensus on the Earth's geoid-like, ellipsoidal nature.

Sources

  1. [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 18: Latitudes and Longitudes > The Shape of The Earth and Latitudinal Heat Zones > p. 241
  2. [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_ellipsoid
  3. [2] Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 1: Locating Places on the Earth > Mapping the Earth > p. 12
  4. [3] Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 2: The Earth's Crust > Evidence of the Earth's Sphericity > p. 4
  5. [4] Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 1: Locating Places on the Earth > Mapping the Earth > p. 13
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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

NDA-I · 2022 · Q58 Relevance score: -0.22

In a group discussion on shape and size of the Earth, three students stated the following points : 1. Student 1 : The shape of the Earth is basically an oblate spheroid. 2. Student 2 : The polar diameter of the Earth is more than the equatorial diameter. 3. Student 3 : Bulge along the equatorial region is due to revolution of the Earth. Who among the above students is /are correct?

CDS-II · 2010 · Q30 Relevance score: -2.69

The Earth is an oblate spheroid and not a perfect sphere. This is because 1. the Earth has a rotational motion and the rotational speed increases as one goes from the Poles towards the Equator. 2. the Equator experiences greater gravitational pull from the Sun. 3. the intensity of sunlight received at the Equator is greater than that at the Poles. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

CDS-I · 2004 · Q60 Relevance score: -3.48

That Earth is spherical in space is not proved by which of the following statements: I. If Earth were flat there would be some sharp edges to be found by travellers. II. Solar eclipses show the shadow of earth as circular. III. Sunrise is not visible from all places on Earths surface at the same time. IV. The altitude of stars seen from different places on Earths surface vary,

CAPF · 2012 · Q53 Relevance score: -3.81

Why does the Earth assume the shape of an oblate ellipsoid?

CAPF · 2011 · Q4 Relevance score: -4.42

Statement I: The Earth is shaped more like a tangerine. Statement I : The Earth spins faster at the Poles.