Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow. We probably owe our existence to a catastrophic cosmic impact. Some 66 million years ago, an unimaginable natural disaster put a permanent end to the dinosaurs. This suddenly opened new, rapid evolutionary possibilities for mammals, ultimately including primates. The rest is history, as the saying goes: If the dinosaurs hadn't become extinct, Homo sapiens would almost certainly never have walked the earth.
We now know that dinosaurs first appeared on the scene some 230 million years ago, and from just under 200 million years ago were the dominant life form on Earth. They might still have been so today had the cosmos not put a stop to that.
We know from geological research that dinosaurs became extinct 66 million years ago, at the threshold of the Cretaceous and Paleogene periods. These time periods are often defined by the fossils found in ancient rock layers, so it is no coincidence that the disappearance of the horned Triceratops and the dreaded Tyrannosaurus rex coincided with such a geological transition. At the same time, countless other life-forms also disappeared, both on land and in the ocean. In total, three-quarters of all biological species on Earth perished. The term 'mass extinction' is therefore no exaggeration.
Dinosaurs, which had ruled the planet for tens of millions of years, did not see their sudden end coming. But we humans are well aware of the danger, and it would be completely irresponsible of us not to properly assess the risks, and not to think about ways to avert such a fate.
Understanding the Antonym of 'Catastrophic'
The question asks for the closest antonym of the word 'catastrophic' as it is used in the provided passage. The passage describes the cosmic impact that led to the extinction of dinosaurs as a "catastrophic cosmic impact." In this context, catastrophic refers to an event that is extremely harmful, disastrous, and devastating.
Analyzing the Options for 'Catastrophic'
Let's examine each option to find the word that means the opposite of disastrous or extremely harmful:
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Option 1: calamitous
This word means involving great damage or suffering; disastrous. It is very similar in meaning to 'catastrophic' and is considered a synonym. -
Option 2: fortuitous
This word means happening by accident or chance, often resulting in a lucky or fortunate outcome. While it implies chance, it contrasts with the idea of a purely negative, disastrous event. It suggests luck or coincidence, which is the opposite of a disastrous event. -
Option 3: catatonic
This term relates to a state of physical or mental inactivity, often associated with shock or illness. It is unrelated to the meaning of 'catastrophic' or its consequences. -
Option 4: destructive
This word means causing destruction or damage. Similar to 'calamitous', it is a close synonym of 'catastrophic'.
Identifying the Closest Antonym
Based on the analysis:
- 'Calamitous' and 'destructive' are synonyms of 'catastrophic'.
- 'Catatonic' is irrelevant to the context.
- 'Fortuitous' describes something happening by chance, often luckily. This meaning provides the best contrast to the extremely negative and disastrous sense of 'catastrophic'. Therefore, it serves as the closest antonym among the choices provided.
The passage explains how a catastrophic event (the impact) led to the end of the dinosaurs, which in turn opened evolutionary paths for mammals. Finding an antonym helps understand the extreme nature of the event described.
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'?
