Directions: Read the following passage and answer the questions: A Lichen is a composite organism that arises from algae living among filaments of multiple fungi in a symbiotic relationship. The combined lichen has properties different from those of its component organisms. Lichens come in many colours, sizes and forms. The properties are sometimes plant-like, but lichens are not plants. Lichens may have tiny leafless branches, flat leaflike structures or flakes that lie on the surface like peeling paint or other growth forms. Lichens occur from sea level to high alpine elevations, in many environmental conditions and can grow on almost any surface. Different kinds of lichens have adapted to survive in some of the most extreme environments on earth such as Arctic, Tundra, hot dry deserts, rocky coasts, and toxic slag heaps. They can even live inside solid rocks, growing between the grains. It is estimated that 6% of the earth's land surface is covered by lichens. Some of them are considered to be the oldest living things. They are among the first living things to grow on fresh rock exposed after an event such as a landslide. The long-life span and slow but regular growth rate of some lichens can be used to date events.
Choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the word FLAKES:
Peeling
This question asks us to identify the best meaning of the word FLAKES as used in the provided passage about lichens. To answer this correctly, we need to carefully examine the context in which the word appears.
Lichen Structures and the Term FLAKES
The passage describes various forms that lichens can take. Specifically, it mentions: "Lichens may have tiny leafless branches, flat leaflike structures or flakes that lie on the surface like peeling paint or other growth forms."
The key to understanding FLAKES here is the comparison provided: "like peeling paint". This simile suggests that these lichen structures are thin, flat, and possibly detached or loosely attached to the surface they grow on, much like paint that starts to curl and lift off a wall.
Analyzing the Options for FLAKES
Let's look at each option to see which one best fits this contextual meaning:
- 1. Peeling: This word describes the act of something coming off a surface in thin strips or pieces. It directly matches the comparison made in the passage ("like peeling paint") and accurately describes thin, flat structures that lie on a surface.
- 2. Pip: A pip is a small seed, usually found inside a fruit. This meaning is unrelated to the description of lichen forms.
- 3. Loaf: A loaf typically refers to a shaped mass, such as bread. This does not fit the description of thin, flat lichen structures.
- 4. Whole: This term means complete or entire, which is the opposite of being in pieces or flakes.
Determining the Best Fit for FLAKES
Considering the comparison to "peeling paint," the word FLAKES refers to thin, flat pieces. Out of the given options, Peeling most closely captures this meaning, as it describes the characteristic of coming off in thin pieces, similar to the visual analogy provided in the text about lichen growth forms.
Important Questions from Reading Comprehension
Why, according to the writer can't people be motivated to use a resource prudently?
1. They feel that others may overuse the resource
2. It is possible to substitute the resource
3. Abundance of the resource availability
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
When do people use resources exhaustively?
The self-interest of people affects the use of renewable resources
People rooted in a locality
Which among the following is closest in meaning with the word 'deplete'?
