Directions: Carefully read the given passage and answer the question that follow. You are required to select your answer solely based on the contents of the passage and the opinion of the author only.
People by and large are concerned with and pursue self-interest. They are unlikely to be motivated to use renewable resources in a prudent and sustainable fashion. They are unlikely to be motivated under the following conditions: if their resource catchments are vast, so that degradation of any particular portion affects them very little; or if they have open before them possibilities of substitution as any one resource element is depleted; or if their control over the resource base is tenuous, so that others may, at any time, deplete a resource they value, even if they use it in a restrained fashion. Indeed, exhaustive use is highly likely when any one of these three conditions obtains. It is only when people perceive their resource catchments as limited, possibilities of substitution of exhausted resource elements as not readily feasible, and their own control over the resource base as secure, will they be motivated to use the resources in a prudent fashion. People, rooted in a locality, and retaining control over their resource base are most likely to fulfil all three prerequisites for sustainable resource use; and therefore to behave in ways conducive to the conservation of biodiversity within their localities.
People rooted in a locality
believe in conservation and re- production of resources
Understanding Resource Use and Conservation by People Rooted in a Locality
The passage discusses the factors that influence whether people are motivated to use renewable resources prudently and sustainably. It contrasts conditions that lead to exhaustive use with those that encourage careful resource management.
According to the author, people are unlikely to be motivated towards prudent and sustainable resource use under certain conditions:
- If their resource catchments are vast, making local degradation seem insignificant.
- If substitution options are readily available when a resource is depleted.
- If their control over the resource base is weak, fearing others might deplete it regardless of their own restrained use.
In fact, the passage states that exhaustive use is highly probable when any of these conditions exist.
Conversely, the passage identifies specific conditions under which people will be motivated to use resources prudently:
- When they perceive their resource catchments as limited.
- When possibilities of substituting exhausted resources are not easily feasible.
- When their own control over the resource base is secure.
The question specifically asks about "People rooted in a locality". The final sentence of the passage directly addresses this group:
"People, rooted in a locality, and retaining control over their resource base are most likely to fulfil all three prerequisites for sustainable resource use; and therefore to behave in ways conducive to the conservation of biodiversity within their localities."
This statement is key. It links being "rooted in a locality" and having "control over their resource base" to fulfilling the conditions necessary for prudent and sustainable resource use. It explicitly connects this behaviour to "conservation of biodiversity".
Analyzing the Options Based on the Passage
Let's examine each option in light of what the passage says about people rooted in a locality:
- Option 1: cause harm to available resources
The passage suggests that people rooted in a locality are likely to meet the conditions for *prudent* and *sustainable* use, which is the opposite of causing harm. This option contradicts the passage. - Option 2: generate resources
The passage discusses how people *use* resources (prudently or exhaustively), not whether they generate them. While sustainable use might involve practices that help regenerate resources, the passage's focus is on the motivation for *using* existing resources carefully. This option is not directly supported. - Option 3: believe in conservation and re- production of resources
The passage explicitly states that people rooted in a locality are likely to behave in ways conducive to "conservation". Conservation means protecting and using resources wisely. While "re-production" isn't a term used by the author, the concept of "sustainable resource use" implies maintaining resources for future use, which can involve processes akin to regeneration or re-production of the resource base. This option aligns well with the passage's conclusion that rooted people are likely to practice conservation and sustainable use. - Option 4: consume resources freely
The passage links people rooted in a locality to fulfilling the prerequisites for *prudent* and *sustainable* use. Consuming resources freely is the opposite of prudent and sustainable use. This option contradicts the passage.
Based on the passage's clear statement that people rooted in a locality are likely to engage in "sustainable resource use" and "conservation", Option 3 is the most consistent interpretation of the author's opinion.
Conclusion on People Rooted in a Locality and Resource Conservation
The passage strongly implies that people who are rooted in a locality and have secure control over their resources are likely to adopt behaviors that support the long-term health of those resources. This motivation stems from their perception of limited local resources and the lack of easy alternatives, making conservation a practical necessity for their continued well-being within that locality. Therefore, their actions are driven by a belief in the importance of conservation for their own sustained existence tied to that place.
Revision Table: Understanding Resource Use Motivations
| Condition | Likelihood of Prudent/Sustainable Use | Reasoning from Passage |
|---|---|---|
| Vast Resource Catchments | Unlikely | Degradation in one area affects them little. |
| Easy Substitution Options | Unlikely | They can just move to another resource source if one depletes. |
| Tenuous Control Over Resource Base | Unlikely (Exhaustive Use Likely) | Fear that others will deplete the resource anyway, regardless of personal restraint. |
| Limited Resource Catchments | Likely | Perceive local impact of degradation. |
| No Readily Feasible Substitution | Likely | Must rely on the existing resource base. |
| Secure Control Over Resource Base | Likely | Efforts towards sustainable use benefit themselves directly in the long term. |
| Rooted in Locality + Secure Control | Most Likely | Likely to fulfill all three prerequisites for sustainable use and conservation. |
Additional Information on Sustainable Resource Management
Sustainable resource management involves using natural resources in a way that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations. Key principles include:
- Conservation: Protecting and preserving natural resources and ecosystems.
- Efficiency: Using resources more efficiently to minimize waste and depletion.
- Restoration: Repairing damaged ecosystems and resource bases.
- Equity: Ensuring fair access to and distribution of resources, both within current generations and between generations.
- Community Involvement: Engaging local communities, especially those directly dependent on resources, in decision-making and management processes. The passage highlights this point by focusing on people "rooted in a locality" and having "control over their resource base" as being key to sustainable use.
Understanding the motivations behind resource use, as explored in the passage, is crucial for developing effective strategies for conservation and sustainable development.
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
Which among the following is closest in meaning with the word 'deplete'?
Which one of the following does not belong to the biotic community?
