UPSC Prelims 2016 · CSAT

Question 65: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “All humans digest mother's milk as infants,…” — Passage-2 · as printed by UPSC

Which among the following is the most logical assumption that can be made from the above passage ?

aAbout 10,000 years ago, the domestication of animals took place in some parts of the world

bA permanent change in the food habits of a community can bring about a genetic change in its members

cLactose tolerant people only are capable of getting simple sugars in their bodies

dPeople who are not lactose tolerant cannot digest any dairy product

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).

The passage says children once stopped making lactase after weaning, but herding cattle made digesting milk useful, so lactose tolerance evolved among herder groups, while groups not relying on cattle stayed intolerant. The underlying assumption is that a lasting change in a community's food habits can bring about a genetic change in its members. Option (a) is partly stated, not assumed, and (c) and (d) go beyond what is said about lactose and dairy.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) The timing of cattle domestication is stated, not assumed.
(b) Right: herding cattle changed diet, and digestion changed across generations.
(c) Overreach: lactose tolerant people are not claimed to be the only ones getting simple sugars.
(d) Overreach: the passage does not speak of dairy products other than milk.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2016, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.