UPSC Prelims 2014 · CSAT
Question 26: Reading Comprehension
Consider the following statements : According to the passage, the adverse impact of climate change on an ecosystem can be a
- 1.permanent disappearance of some of its flora and fauna.
- 2.permanent disappearance of ecosystem itself.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).
The author warns that a changing climate could cost the Himalayan region some of its species, their habitats and genetic stock, and weaken the benefits people draw from the ecosystem. Loss of some plants and animals therefore fits the passage. Nothing in it says the whole ecosystem would vanish; the picture is of reduced functioning, not total disappearance. A claim as strong as that needs explicit support.
- 1. Loss of species and genetic stock is named among the threats.
- 2. The passage speaks of loss of species, habitats and services, not of the whole ecosystem vanishing.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (b) and (d) go: each of them leaves 1 out.
What you needed to know: Loss of species and genetic stock is named among the threats.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (c) goes: it includes 2.
What you needed to know: The passage speaks of loss of species, habitats and services, not of the whole ecosystem vanishing.
Only (a) is left. This one needs every statement.
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) Right. Species loss is named; ecosystem disappearance is not.
- (b) Loss of the whole ecosystem is not stated.
- (c) Statement 2 goes beyond the passage.
- (d) Species loss is named as a threat, so statement 1 is correct.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2014, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.