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CSAT 2018 paper

UPSC CSE CSAT 2018 · Question 30 · Reading comprehension

With reference to the above passage, which of the following would assist us in coping with the…

Passage—2

A diversity of natural assets will be needed to cope with climate change and ensure productive agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. For example, crop varieties are needed that perform well under drought, heat, and enhanced CO₂. But the private-sector and farmer-led process of choosing crops favours homogeneity adapted to past or current conditions, not varieties capable of producing consistently high yields in warmer, wetter, or drier conditions. Accelerated breeding programmes are needed to conserve a wider pool of genetic resources of existing crops, breeds, and their wild relatives. Relatively intact ecosystems, such as forested catchments, mangroves, wetlands, can buffer the impacts of climate change. Under a changing climate, these ecosystems are themselves at risk, and management approaches will need to be more proactive and adaptive. Connections between natural areas, such as migration corridors, may be needed to facilitate species movements to keep up with the change in climate.

CSAT 2018 · Q30

Reading comprehension Easy

With reference to the above passage, which of the following would assist us in coping with the climate change?

  1. 1.Conservation of natural water sources
  2. 2.Conservation of wider gene pool
  3. 3.Existing crop management practices
  4. 4.Migration corridors

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 4 only

The passage names intact ecosystems such as forested catchments and wetlands, a wider pool of genetic resources, and migration corridors as aids to coping. Current crop choices, which favour homogeneity suited to past conditions, are part of the problem, not the solution.

  • ✓ 1. 'Relatively intact ecosystems, such as forested catchments, mangroves, wetlands, can buffer the impacts of climate change' — these are natural water sources.
  • ✓ 2. 'Accelerated breeding programmes are needed to conserve a wider pool of genetic resources'.
  • ✗ 3. The existing process 'favours homogeneity adapted to past or current conditions', not varieties for warmer, wetter or drier conditions; the passage wants it changed.
  • ✓ 4. Migration corridors 'may be needed to facilitate species movements to keep up with the change in climate'.

Remember · Separate what the passage recommends from what it criticises; 'existing' or 'current' practices are often the criticised part.

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper II (2018, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·

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