UPSC Prelims 2015 · CSAT

Question 25: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “Flamingos in large flocks in the wild…” — Passage – 5 · as printed by UPSC

Which among the following is the most logical corollary to the above passage ?

aMass nesting in all species of birds is essential to ensure complete survival of their offspring.

bOnly birds have the capacity to develop social behaviour and thus can do mass nesting to raise their chicks in safety.

cSocial behaviour in some species of birds increases the odds of survival in an unsafe world.

dAll species of birds set up crèches for their chicks to teach them social behaviour and loyalty.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

The passage describes flamingos as social and loyal: they dance in groups and gather chicks into crèches for protection while adults go off to feed. A corollary is a modest conclusion that follows from this: social behaviour in some birds helps their young survive. 'All species', 'only birds' and 'complete survival' go beyond the passage, which speaks of one kind of bird and says nothing about guaranteed survival or about teaching loyalty.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Wrong: it claims all species and complete survival; the passage covers only flamingos and protection.
(b) Wrong: it says only birds can be social, which the passage never claims.
(c) Right: crèches protect chicks, so social behaviour in some species improves their survival chances.
(d) Wrong: it generalises to all species and claims chicks are taught loyalty, which is not stated.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2015, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.