UPSC Prelims 2012 · CSAT
Question 29: Reading Comprehension
Why does man introduce exotic species into new geographical areas ?
- 1.To breed exotic species with local varieties.
- 2.To increase agricultural productivity.
- 3.For beautification and landscaping.
Which of the above statements is/are correct ?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
The passage lists why species are brought in on purpose: for some private end, or for a hoped-for public gain such as curbing a pest, creating new farm products or offering fresh recreation. UPSC's key treats all three statements as covered: higher farm output through new agricultural products (2), landscaping and beautification under recreational uses (3), and breeding with local varieties under private or agricultural purposes (1). Statement 1 is the loosest fit, since breeding with local varieties is not named.
- 1. The key counts it under private or agricultural purposes, though the passage never names breeding with local varieties.
- 2. Producing new agricultural products is a named purpose and serves higher farm output.
- 3. Providing novel recreational opportunities covers beautification and landscaping.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (b) goes: it leaves 1 out.
What you needed to know: The key counts it under private or agricultural purposes, though the passage never names breeding with local varieties.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is correct, (a) and (c) go: each of them leaves 2 out.
What you needed to know: Producing new agricultural products is a named purpose and serves higher farm output.
Only (d) is left. You didn’t need statement 3.
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) Wrong. Statements 2 and 3 are also given as purposes.
- (b) Wrong by the key, which counts statement 1 as well, though a strict reading of the passage would stop at 2 and 3.
- (c) Wrong. It leaves out statement 2, new agricultural products.
- (d) Right. UPSC counts all three as purposes of introduction.
Worth knowing: Statement 1 is not in the passage, so a strict reading gives 2 and 3 only (option b); UPSC's key is (d).
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2012, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.