UPSC Prelims 2023 · CSAT

Question 23: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “Elephants are landscape architects, creating clearings…” — Passage – 3 · as printed by UPSC

Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational inference that can be drawn from the passage ?

aThe home range of elephants needs to be a vast area of rich biodiversity.

bElephants are the keystone species and they benefit the biodiversity.

cRich biodiversity cannot be maintained in the forests without the presence of elephants.

dElephants are capable of regenerating forests with species as per their requirement.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).

The passage lists what elephants do: they open clearings that let other plants regenerate, spread seeds in their travels, enrich the soil with dung, feed insects, and dig water holes that help other animals in drought. These roles show that elephants are a keystone species whose activity benefits biodiversity. The passage says nothing about their home range, does not say biodiversity is impossible without them, and does not say they regenerate forests by design.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Wrong: the elephant's home range is not discussed.
(b) Right: their many roles make them a keystone species that benefits biodiversity.
(c) Wrong: too strong; the passage never says biodiversity cannot be maintained without elephants.
(d) Wrong: the passage describes effects, not forests regenerated to suit elephants' own needs.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2023, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.