Vedadots
Q3233/80Q34
Q33·CSAT · Prelims 2022

Validating assumptions regarding species extinction and Darwinian theory

Reading Comp.Science / Evolution passageStatement-basedMedium

Question

With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made:

1Only species that have the ability to overcome environmental catastrophes will survive and perpetuate.
2More than 90% of the species on the earth are in the danger of getting extinct due to drastic changes in the environment.
3Darwin's theory explains all the natural phenomena.

Options

a

1 only

Answer
b

1 and 2 only

c

3 only

d

1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Assumption 1 is valid. The text states extinction is the outcome for "those species which cannot overcome environmental adversity," logically meaning survival is exclusive to those that can overcome it. Assumption 2 is a distortion. The text states 90% of species that have ever lived are already extinct, not that 90% of current species are in danger. Assumption 3 uses an extreme absolute ("explains all the natural phenomena"). The passage compares Darwin to Newton and Einstein, but clearly assigns Darwin to biological evolution, not all phenomena (like gravity or astrophysics).

Pay strict attention to verb tenses in data claims; confusing historical aggregates ("have ever lived") with present continuous threats ("are in danger") is a classic trap.

Answer: (a).

Question details

Year

2022

Paper

CSAT

Question

Q33

Section

Reading Comprehension

Sub-topic

Science / Evolution passage

Type

Statement-based

Difficulty

Medium

Source hint

Passage 1 (Natural selection and evolution) - Q33

See all questions on Science / Evolution passage

Browse every tagged question across all years

Explore →