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.
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
Similar Questions
- According to the passage, what can adversely affect the walking tour ?
'The many genres of academic and popular history run the full gamut from logically systematic to impressionistic' means:
- What, according to the author, makes historians come to conflicting conclusions?
1. They are influenced by their philosophical beliefs in asking questions on the same data.
2. They apply different interpretations on the same data.
3. They go for the primary data and evidence.
4. They are influenced by the current political developments.
Select the correct answer using the code given below: - Which word(s) from the passage can be substituted for the assertion that "all events and human actions are ultimately shaped by causes external to the will" ?
- Which one of the following relates to the post-modernist approach to History?
- According to the passage, what is the primary purpose of a walking tour?
- According to the passage, a walking tour should be gone upon alone because :
- According to the passage, how should a walking tour conclude ?
- What is the meaning of the word "dilettantes" in the passage?
- Which of the following does not amount to historical analysis?
Important Questions from Reading Comprehension
What is the meaning of ‘intrigued’?
What are ice shelves?
What are icebergs?
When the iceberg turns upside down, it appears ________.
The use of science in its simple form has helped man to ____________
