Passage

Monoculture carries great risks. A single disease or pest can wipe out swathes of the world's food production, an alarming prospect given that its growing and wealthier population will eat 70% more by 2050. The risks are magnified by the changing climate. As the planet warms and monsoon rains intensify, farmlands in Asia will flood. North America will suffer more intense droughts, and crop diseases will spread to new latitudes.

QUESTION

CSAT

Medium

Comprehension

Prelims 2018

Which of the following is the most logical, rational and crucial message given by the passage?

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Option 1 is correct. This is the most logical and rational message conveyed by the passage. It emphasizes that monoculture carries great risks, such as vulnerability to diseases and pests, and how the changing climate can exacerbate those risks. Therefore, preserving crop genetic diversity can act as a safeguard against these issues.

Option 2 is incorrect. The passage does not suggest that monoculture is the only way to ensure food security. It instead warns of the risks associated with monoculture, particularly with respect to disease, pests, and climate change.

Option 3 is incorrect. The passage does not focus on genetically modified crops as the solution. Instead, it addresses the risks of monoculture and the importance of genetic diversity in crops.

Option 4 is incorrect. While the passage mentions that Asia and North America will suffer from specific climate impacts (flooding and droughts), it does not state they will be the worst sufferers or directly discuss food shortages in this context.

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