Classification – Odd one out (physical geography landforms): Which term does not belong with the others among Mountain, Hill, Plateau, and Plane (note the spelling)?

Introduction / Context:
This verbal classification item asks you to spot the single word that does not fit a common, real-world category. Three of the given terms are standard physical landforms taught in geography. One term, however, is not a landform at all in this spelling and therefore breaks the category. The fastest way to solve such questions is to map each option to a concise category label and look for a 3-to-1 split.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Mountain: a high, prominent landform with great local relief.
• Hill: a smaller elevation than a mountain but still a natural raised landform.
• Plateau: an extensive, relatively level area of high ground.
• Plane: in this spelling, commonly means an aircraft or a geometric “plane,” not a landform (contrast with “plain,” a flat landform).

Concept / Approach:
The intended category is “physical geography landforms.” Mountain, Hill, and Plateau are canonical landforms. “Plane,” however, is either a vehicle (airplane) or a geometric concept (flat two-dimensional surface). If the stem had “plain” (spelled P-L-A-I-N), it would be a landform and would fit; but “plane” (P-L-A-N-E) does not, and that spelling distinction is decisive here.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Tag each word: Mountain → landform; Hill → landform; Plateau → landform; Plane → aircraft/geometry (not a landform).2) Count by category: three landforms vs one non-landform.3) Therefore, the odd member is “Plane.”

Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute definitions into a sentence: “All three are types of landforms.” This works for Mountain, Hill, Plateau, but not for Plane. If the test intended “plain,” the stem would explicitly use that spelling; classification questions depend on exact wording.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Mountain, Hill, Plateau: each is a natural terrestrial landform.

Common Pitfalls:
Overlooking the spelling difference between “plain” (landform) and “plane” (vehicle/geometry). The test leverages this homophone trap.

Final Answer:
Plane