Passage

If there is inequality in the pattern of population growth, there is greater inequality in food production and utilization. As societies become wealthier, their consumption of animal products increases. This means that a greater proportion of such basic foodstuff as grains and legumes that could feed humans directly is instead being converted into feed for poultry and large farm animals. Yet this conversion of plant-based food into animal food for humans is far from efficient. Only 16% of the calories fed to chickens are recovered by us when we eat them. This conversion rate goes down to five to seven per cent in large animals that are fed grain to add fat and some protein before slaughter.

QUESTION

CSAT

Easy

Comprehension

Prelims 2025

Which one of the following statements best reflects the crux of the passage?

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Option A is incorrect: The passage never directly suggests the need for a public policy to promote cereal-based food. It only explains the inefficiency of converting plant-based food into animal-based food.

Option B is correct: This exactly reflects the crux. The entire passage is explaining that as societies get wealthier, more plant-based food is diverted to animals which is inefficient — only 16% for chicken and 5-7% for large animals is recovered. So animal-based food is much less efficient than plant-based food.

Option C is incorrect: The passage does not prescribe that plant protein must replace animal protein. It only shows inefficiency in conversion. It does not make dietary recommendations.

Option D is incorrect: The passage never says inequality is inevitable. It states inequality exists, but no inevitable conclusion is drawn.