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Question

Read the passage and answer the questions based on it. You are required to select your answers based on the contents of the passage and opinion of the author only.

In its simple form, science has helped man to protect himself from Nature and to overcome natural obstacles to movement. But with the advance of science, a situation has arisen in which Nature need to be protected from man. He has used Nature’s own gifts, not only of metal but even the human brain, to attack Nature. Forests are being destroyed not only to satisfy the need but to provide luxuries. The evil effects of deforestation are already making themselves clearly felt in climatic changes and soil erosion. Man has at last begun to learn that he has to protect if he wants Nature to protect him.

Nature now needs to be protected from man because _____________

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2017 General Knowledge Previous Year Paper (05-Feb-2017)
The correct answer is

Man is rapidly destroying Nature

Understanding Why Nature Needs Protection from Man

The passage discusses the changing relationship between man and nature. Initially, science helped man protect himself from nature's harsh elements and overcome physical barriers. However, as science advanced, the situation reversed. Now, the passage argues, nature requires protection from man himself.

Analyzing the Passage's Claim

The core idea is presented clearly in the sentence:

"But with the advance of science, a situation has arisen in which Nature need to be protected from man."

The passage then elaborates on *how* man threatens nature:

  • He uses nature's own gifts (like metal and even the human brain) to attack nature.
  • Forests are being destroyed for needs and luxuries.
  • This destruction leads to negative consequences like climatic changes and soil erosion.

These points collectively illustrate the ways in which man's actions are harmful and destructive towards nature.

Evaluating the Options Based on the Passage

Let's examine each option in light of the passage's content:

Option 1: Nature has become weak

The passage does not state that nature has become inherently weak. It suggests that man's actions are overpowering and harming nature, but not that nature itself has lost its inherent strength or resilience independently of man's impact.

Option 2: Man is rapidly destroying Nature

This option directly reflects the passage's examples of how man is impacting nature negatively. The destruction of forests, leading to climatic changes and soil erosion, are cited as evidence of man's destructive activities. The phrase "attack Nature" also supports this idea. This option aligns well with the passage's explanation for why nature needs protection.

Option 3: Man is cruel to animals

While cruelty to animals is a way man can harm nature, the passage specifically focuses on broader environmental destruction like deforestation, climatic changes, and soil erosion. It does not mention animal cruelty as the primary reason nature needs protection in this context.

Option 4: Man has become irrational

The passage describes man's actions and their consequences, but it doesn't explicitly label man as irrational. The actions described, while harmful, are presented as driven by need and luxury, rather than a loss of reason.

Conclusion

Based on the detailed analysis of the passage, the reason stated for nature needing protection from man is the rapid destruction caused by human activities like deforestation, which leads to significant environmental damage. This is best captured by Option 2.

Option Analysis Based on Passage Relevance
Nature has become weak Not mentioned in the passage. Irrelevant
Man is rapidly destroying Nature Supported by examples like deforestation, climatic changes, soil erosion. Directly explains why nature needs protection. Highly Relevant
Man is cruel to animals Not the main focus of the passage's examples of destruction. Less Relevant
Man has become irrational Passage describes actions, not man's mental state. Irrelevant

Revision Table: Key Concepts from the Passage

Reviewing the central ideas helps reinforce understanding of why nature needs protection.

  • Initial relationship: Science helps man against nature.
  • Current situation: Nature needs protection from man.
  • Reason for need: Man uses resources destructively.
  • Examples of destruction: Deforestation for needs and luxuries.
  • Consequences: Climatic changes, soil erosion.
  • Realization: Man must protect nature for his own survival.

Additional Information: Man's Impact on Nature

The passage highlights key aspects of human impact on the environment, often referred to as anthropogenic impact. This impact can be positive or negative, but the passage focuses on the negative aspects. Some examples of man's destructive impact include:

  • Habitat Destruction: Clearing forests, wetlands, and other natural areas for agriculture, urban development, and infrastructure.
  • Pollution: Contaminating air, water, and soil with chemicals, waste, and plastics.
  • Overexploitation: Harvesting resources like timber, fish, and minerals at unsustainable rates.
  • Climate Change: Altering the Earth's climate through greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from burning fossil fuels.
  • Invasive Species: Introducing non-native species that outcompete or prey on native species, disrupting ecosystems.

Understanding these impacts is crucial for appreciating the urgency behind protecting nature from human activity.

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Similar Questions

  1. What is the meaning of ‘intrigued’?

  2. What are ice shelves?

  3. What are icebergs?

  4. When the iceberg turns upside down, it appears ________.

  5. The use of science in its simple form has helped man to ____________

  6. Forests are being destroyed in order to ________

  7. The evil effect of destroying Nature instead of using it is seen in _________

  8. Climatic changes and soil erosion are results of _____________

  9. Which of the following helps women most to achieve equality with men?

  10. Why does the writer talk about the maidservant in the hotel lobby?


Important Questions from Reading Comprehension

  1. What is the meaning of ‘intrigued’?

  2. What are ice shelves?

  3. What are icebergs?

  4. When the iceberg turns upside down, it appears ________.

  5. The use of science in its simple form has helped man to ____________

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