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Question

Directions: Each item in this sections consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words. Select the option that is  opposite in meaning  to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

The Earth's climate sensitivity is conventionally defined as the equilibrium temperature increase caused by a doubling of carbon dioxide.

This question was previously asked in
NDA 2020 GAT Previous Year Paper (06-Sep-2020)
The correct answer is

imperviousness

Understanding the Opposite Meaning of 'Sensitivity' in Climate Context

The question asks us to find the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word 'sensitivity' as used in the sentence: "The Earth's climate sensitivity is conventionally defined as the equilibrium temperature increase caused by a doubling of carbon dioxide."

In this context, 'sensitivity' refers to how much the Earth's climate responds or reacts to a change, specifically to an increase in carbon dioxide levels. A high climate sensitivity means the temperature changes significantly in response to carbon dioxide levels, while a low sensitivity means the temperature changes less.

We are looking for a word that describes a lack of responsiveness or a resistance to being affected by something.

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine the given options to determine which one is the opposite of 'sensitivity' in this specific context:

  1. imperviousness
  2. willingness
  3. responsiveness
  4. closeness

We need to understand the meaning of each option:

  • Imperviousness: This word means not allowing fluid to pass through, or, more relevantly here, unable to be affected by or acting without regard to. If something is impervious, it doesn't respond or react to external influences.
  • Willingness: This means the state of being prepared to do something; readiness. This is unrelated to how something is affected by external factors.
  • Responsiveness: This means the quality of reacting quickly and positively. This is very similar in meaning to 'sensitivity' and is therefore a synonym, not an opposite.
  • Closeness: This refers to the state of being near or intimacy. This is completely unrelated to the concept of sensitivity or being affected by something.

Identifying the Opposite

Based on the analysis, 'imperviousness' most directly describes the state of not being affected or not responding to an external influence, which is the opposite of being sensitive or responsive. If the Earth's climate had high imperviousness to carbon dioxide changes, its temperature would not increase significantly.

Conclusion

The word that is opposite in meaning to 'sensitivity' in the context of climate response to carbon dioxide is 'imperviousness'.

Word Meaning in Context Opposite
Sensitivity How much something is affected by or responds to an external factor (like CO2 levels) Lack of response or being unaffected by an external factor

Option Meaning Opposite of Sensitivity?
imperviousness Unaffected by, resistant to Yes
willingness Readiness No
responsiveness Reacting quickly/positively No (Synonym/Similar)
closeness Nearness, intimacy No

Revision Table: Key Concepts

Term Definition Related Concepts
Climate Sensitivity Equilibrium temperature increase from doubling CO2 Global Warming, Greenhouse Effect, Climate Change
Sensitivity (general) Quality of being easily affected or quick to respond Responsiveness, Susceptibility, Receptivity
Imperviousness Inability to be affected or penetrated Resistance, Immunity, Unresponsiveness

Additional Information on Climate Sensitivity

Climate sensitivity is a crucial metric in climate science. It helps scientists predict how much the global average temperature will rise in the future based on different scenarios of greenhouse gas emissions. While the conventional definition focuses on doubling carbon dioxide (CO2), different definitions and time scales (like transient climate response vs. equilibrium climate sensitivity) are used. Factors like feedback loops (e.g., changes in water vapor, ice, and clouds due to warming) significantly influence the actual climate sensitivity, making it a complex area of study. A climate system with high sensitivity is easily affected by CO2 increases, leading to larger temperature changes, whereas a system with high imperviousness would be less affected.

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