UPSC Prelims 2018·CSAT·Reading Comprehension·Passage Comprehension

Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Your answer to this item should be based on the passage only. A male tiger was removed from Pench Tiger Reserve and was relocated in Panna National Park. Later, this tiger trekked toward his home 250 miles away. The trek of this solitary tiger highlights a crisis. Many wildlife reserves exist as islands of fragile habitat in a vast sea of humanity, yet tigers can range over a hundred miles, seeking prey, mates and territory. Nearly a third of India's tigers live outside tiger reserves, a situation that is dangerous for both human and animal. Prey and tigers can only disperse if there are recognized corridors of land between protected areas to allow unmolested passage. Which of the following is the most rational and crucial message given by the passage?

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  1. AThe conflict between man and wildlife cannot be resolved, no matter what efforts we make
  2. BSafe wildlife corridors between protected areas is an essential aspect of conservation effortsCorrect
  3. CIndia needs to declare more protected areas and set up more tiger reserves
  4. DIndia's National Parks and Tiger Reserves need to be professionally managed.

Explanation

The passage highlights the problem of wildlife reserves existing as isolated "islands" and the wide-ranging nature of tigers, leading to conflict with humans. It explicitly states that "Prey and tigers can only disperse if there are recognized corridors of land between protected areas to allow unmolested passage." This directly points to corridors as the crucial solution. Analyzing the options: A) The passage identifies a problem but also suggests a solution (corridors), implying that resolution is possible, not impossible. B) This option directly reflects the passage's concluding statement and the solution it offers for the crisis of isolated habitats and wide-ranging tigers. C) The passage focuses on connecting existing protected areas rather than simply declaring more, which might also become isolated "islands." The emphasis is on connectivity. D) The passage discusses habitat fragmentation and tiger movement, not the professional management quality of reserves. Therefore, B is the most rational and crucial message.
Reading Comprehension: Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Your answer to this item should be based on the passage onl
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