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UPSC CSE CSAT 2016 · Question 43 · Reading comprehension

Which among the following is the most critical inference that can be made from the above passage?

Passage—3

Understanding of the role of biodiversity in the hydrological cycle enables better policy-making. The term biodiversity refers to the variety of plants, animals, microorganisms, and the ecosystems in which they occur. Water and biodiversity are interdependent. In reality, the hydrological cycle decides how biodiversity functions. In turn, vegetation and soil drive the movement of water. Every glass of water we drink has, at least in part, passed through fish, trees, bacteria, soil and other organisms. Passing through these ecosystems, it is cleansed and made fit for consumption. The supply of water is a critical service that the environment provides.

CSAT 2016 · Q43

Reading comprehension Medium

Which among the following is the most critical inference that can be made from the above passage?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) Biodiversity sustains the ability of nature to recycle water

Water and biodiversity are interdependent: vegetation and soil drive the movement of water, and water passing through fish, trees, bacteria and soil is cleansed. So biodiversity sustains nature's ability to cycle and renew water.

  • ✓ (a) 'Vegetation and soil drive the movement of water', and passing through ecosystems water 'is cleansed and made fit for consumption'.
  • ✗ (b) 'Cannot ... without' is too absolute; water passes through organisms only 'at least in part'.
  • ✗ (c) Generally true, but the passage is about water and biodiversity, not interaction among organisms.
  • ✗ (d) How life came into existence is outside the passage.

Remember · Reject absolute words ('cannot', 'never') when the passage hedges ('at least in part'); the right inference keeps the passage's own link.

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper II (2016, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·

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