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Question

Directions : Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow the passage. Your answers to the questions should be based on the passage only.

Passage
As the new century begins, it is becoming evident to urban dwellers, whether in industrial or developing countries, that there is an immanent conflict between the automobile and the city. Urban air pollution, often from automobiles, claims millions of lives. Congestion also takes a direct economic toll in rising costs in time and the use of petrol.
Another cost of cities that are devoted to cars is a psychological one, a deprivation of contact with the natural world — an "asphalt complex". There is a growing body of evidence that there is an innate human need for contact with nature. Both ecologists and psychologists have been aware of this for some time. Ecologists, led by Harvard University biologist E.O. Wilson, have formulated the "biophilia hypothesis", which argues that those who are deprived of contact with nature suffer psychologically and that this deprivation leads to a measurable decline in well-being.
Meanwhile psychologists have coined their own term — ecopsychology — in which they make the same argument. Theodore Roszak, a leader in this field, cites a study that documents humans' dependence on nature by looking at the rate of recovery of patients in a hospital in Pennsylvania. Those whose rooms overlooked gardens with grass, trees, flowers, and birds recovered from illnesses more quickly than those who were in rooms overlooking the parking lot.

The "biophilia hypothesis" :

This question was previously asked in
CDS 1 2026 Maths Question Paper (12-Apr-2026)
The correct answer is
Formulates that separation from nature leads to infelicitous mental states

Biophilia Hypothesis Definition

The question asks to identify the correct definition of the "biophilia hypothesis" based on the provided passage.

Passage Explanation

The passage introduces the "biophilia hypothesis" formulated by ecologists, notably E.O. Wilson. According to the passage, this hypothesis posits that:

  • Humans possess an innate need to connect with nature.
  • Deprivation from contact with nature results in psychological suffering and a decline in overall well-being.

Option Analysis

Evaluating the provided options against the passage's definition:

  • Option 1 is incorrect. The hypothesis focuses on the positive need for nature and the negative effects of its absence, not on disorders caused by biological organisms.
  • Option 2 is incorrect. The biophilia hypothesis is a conceptual argument, not a specific experimental design for studying families in cities.
  • Option 3 accurately reflects the passage. The phrase "separation from nature" directly corresponds to the "deprivation of contact with nature" mentioned, and "infelicitous mental states" aligns with "suffer psychologically" and "decline in well-being".
  • Option 4 is too broad. While related to studying humans and nature, the hypothesis specifically addresses the psychological impact of nature contact and deprivation.

Conclusion

The passage explicitly defines the "biophilia hypothesis" as the idea that lacking contact with nature leads to negative psychological outcomes and reduced well-being.

Correct Answer: Option 3

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Similar Questions

  1. The passage draws attention to which one among the following ?
  2. In this passage, the word 'immanent' is closest in meaning to :
  3. Which one of the following includes the most appropriate and relevant set of keywords that match the concept of 'ecopsychology', as given in the passage ?
  4. The "asphalt complex" refers to :
  5. S1. The snowy albatross is among the largest birds that fly in the world.
    S2. It has the widest wingspan among all birds, with lengths reaching up to 12 feet.

  6. S1. Awareness about one’s own personality type is very important.
    S2. Self-awareness is a difficult goal for most people.

  7. S1. A scientific theory is first proposed as a hypothesis.
    S2. After it is subjected to inquiry and is proven, it becomes a thesis.

  8. S1. The final outcome can never be predicted incontrovertibly.
    S2. All outcomes are based on variables that cannot always be fully understood.

  9. S1. The beauty of India’s democracy rests in the greatness of its Constitution.
    S2. The Constitution of India upholds the collective values of the country’s civilizational ethos.

  10. S1. The manhunt for the perpetrator of the crime spread across the entire state,
    S2. There was deep public anger triggered by the enormity of the crime.

     


Important Questions from Reading Comprehension

  1. What best describes bulimia?

  2. When an activity requires too much effort we feel:

  3. What kind of attitude does the writer advocate for a life of fulfilment?

  4. Why did the young lady approach the piano teacher for music lessons?

  5. What does 'bread making' attitude consist of?

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