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.
When do people use resources exhaustively?
When the resources use has little impact
Understanding Resource Use Based on Passage Analysis
The question asks under what conditions people use resources exhaustively, according to the provided passage. We need to carefully read the passage to identify the situations where the author states exhaustive use is likely.
Analyzing the Passage on Resource Use
The passage discusses the motivations behind people's resource use, particularly focusing on when they are *unlikely* to be motivated to use renewable resources sustainably or prudently. It lists three specific conditions under which exhaustive use becomes highly likely:
- If their resource catchments (the area from which resources are gathered) are vast, meaning damage to one part affects them very little.
- If they have easy options for substituting one resource element when it runs out.
- If their control over the resource base is weak, leading to the fear that others might deplete it anyway, even if they use it carefully.
The passage explicitly states, "Indeed, exhaustive use is highly likely when any one of these three conditions obtains."
Evaluating the Options
Let's examine each option in light of the conditions mentioned in the passage for exhaustive resource use:
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When the substitution of resource is felicitated by NGOs
The passage mentions that having "possibilities of substitution as any one resource element is depleted" is a condition where exhaustive use is likely. However, it does not specify *who* facilitates this substitution (like NGOs). The key factor is the *possibility* of substitution, not the facilitator.
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When the resource is about to expand
The passage discusses resource depletion and sustainable use of existing resources. It does not mention conditions related to a resource "about to expand."
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When the resources use has little impact
The passage states that exhaustive use is likely "if their resource catchments are vast, so that degradation of any particular portion affects them very little". This condition directly implies that the impact of using a particular portion of the resource is perceived as small or having little effect on the individual because of the large overall size of the resource base. This aligns with the idea of resource use having little perceived local impact.
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When they desire desperately for sustainable development
The passage states that people are motivated to use resources *in a prudent fashion* (which is linked to sustainable use) when they perceive resources as limited, substitution as difficult, and their control as secure. A desire for sustainable development would likely lead to prudent, not exhaustive, resource use.
Conclusion Based on Passage Content
Based on the passage, exhaustive use is highly likely when the resource catchment is vast, resulting in localized degradation having very little effect on the individual. This scenario directly corresponds to the idea that the resources use has little perceived impact. Therefore, Option 3 is the condition, as described in the passage, under which people use resources exhaustively.
| Condition for Exhaustive Use (from Passage) | Matching Option |
|---|---|
| Resource catchments are vast, so degradation affects them very little. | Option 3: When the resources use has little impact. |
| Possibilities of substitution are open. | Partially relates to Option 1, but facilitator is not specified. |
| Control over the resource base is tenuous. | No direct match in options. |
Option 3 accurately reflects one of the key conditions the author identifies as leading to exhaustive resource use: when the immediate impact of that use on the individual is minimal, typically because the overall resource base is perceived as very large.
Revision Table: Resource Use & Motivation
| Concept | Description based on Passage |
|---|---|
| Prudent/Sustainable Resource Use | Likely when catchments are limited, substitution is not easy, and control is secure. |
| Exhaustive Resource Use | Highly likely when catchments are vast (little local impact), substitution is easy, or control is tenuous. |
| Role of Local Rooting & Control | People rooted in a locality with secure control are most likely to meet prerequisites for sustainable use. |
Additional Information on Sustainable Resource Management
Sustainable resource management is the process of managing natural resources in a way that they can be used by present and future generations without depletion or degradation. It involves balancing economic, social, and environmental considerations.
Key principles often include:
- Conservation: Protecting and preserving natural resources.
- Efficiency: Using resources in a way that minimizes waste.
- Renewable Resource Use: Prioritizing the use of resources that can replenish themselves naturally.
- Community Involvement: Ensuring that local communities have a say in how resources in their area are managed, especially when they are directly dependent on them.
The passage highlights that the perception of resource limitations and security of control are strong motivators for sustainable behavior. When people feel directly affected by resource depletion and have a secure stake in the resource base, they are more inclined to use it prudently. This underscores the importance of local control and understanding the environmental limits of resource use.
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:
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'?
Which one of the following does not belong to the biotic community?
