UPSC Prelims 2000 · General Studies

Question 86: Geography

Assertion (A): In Australia, cattle rearing is done more for meat than for milk. Reason (R): Australians are traditionally non-vegetarians.

aBoth A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

bBoth A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A

cA is true, but R is false

dA is false, but R is true

AnswerThe answer is (b).

Australia has vast grasslands and few people, and its cattle are reared mostly for beef, much of it for export, while dairying is limited to the wetter south-east. So A is true. R is also true, since Australians are mostly meat-eaters. But the reason for beef rearing is the extensive grazing land and the export market, not the eating habits of the people, so R does not explain A.

A. Cattle in Australia are reared more for meat than for milk.
R. Australians are traditionally non-vegetarian, though that is not why beef is emphasised.

How you could have got this

If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (d) goes. Then judge the second statement; if it is correct too, decide whether it explains the first.

This follows an unofficial answer: UPSC has not published its key for this year, and if that answer is wrong, so is this path.

Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) R is true but it is not the reason for A, which lies in grazing land and export markets.
(b) Right: both are true, but R is not the correct explanation.
(c) R is true, so it cannot be called false.
(d) A is true, so it cannot be called false.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

Practise this paper timedPrevious question Next question

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2000, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.