Passage

Understanding of the role of biodiversity in the hydrological cycle enables better policymaking. 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 drinkhas, 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.

QUESTION

CSAT

Medium

Comprehension

Prelims 2016

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

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Statement A is correct. The passage highlights the interdependence of biodiversity and the hydrological cycle. It states that vegetation and soil influence water movement, and that ecosystems play a role in water purification. This suggests that biodiversity helps sustain nature’s ability to recycle water, making this the most critical inference.

Statement B is incorrect. While the passage states that water passes through organisms and is purified, it does not say that potable water cannot exist without living organisms.

Statement C is incorrect. Although the passage mentions interactions between plants, animals, and microorganisms, the focus is on biodiversity’s role in the hydrological cycle, not just biological interactions.

Statement D is incorrect. The passage does not discuss the origin of life or suggest that living organisms could not have come into existence without the hydrological cycle.

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