Comprehension

Read the following passage and answer the question:
Lakes and river systems are separated from each other by barriers of land. It might have been thought that fresh water productions would not have ranged widely within the same country, and as the sea is apparently a still more impassable barrier, that they never would have extended to distant countries. But the case is exactly the reverse. Not only have fresh-water species, belonging to quite different classes, an enormous range, but allied species have also prevailed in a remarkable manner throughout the world. I well remember, while first collecting the fresh-waters of Brazil, feeling much surprise at the similarity of the fresh-water insects, shells, etc. and at the dissimilarity of the surrounding terrestrial beings, compared with those of Britain.

Question: 1

The author seems to be surprised often comparing certain species of which of the following two regions?

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Always trace the specific comparison mentioned in the passage—in this case, freshwater species between Brazil and Britain.
Updated On: Apr 28, 2025
  • India and Britain
  • Brazil and India
  • Britain and Brazil
  • Brazil and Canada
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The passage clearly states that the author was surprised by the similarity of freshwater species between Brazil and Britain, despite the distance, and also noted how different the surrounding terrestrial species were. Hence, the correct regions of comparison are Britain and Brazil.
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Question: 2

Which of the following conclusions has the author drawn?

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Focus on descriptive terms like “enormous range” and “remarkable manner throughout the world” to infer conclusions.
Updated On: Apr 28, 2025
  • There is less variation in biodiversity of fresh-water species
  • Biodiversity of fresh-water species is greater than that of marine species
  • Biodiversity is greater in lakes as compared to river systems
  • There is a wide variation in biodiversity of fresh water species
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The author notes that freshwater species have an “enormous range” and that allied species are found globally, which supports the conclusion of a wide variation in biodiversity among freshwater species.
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Question: 3

Which of the following species, the author most likely studied as per the given passage?

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Stick to what the passage explicitly says—insects are clearly mentioned as part of the author’s observation.
Updated On: Apr 28, 2025
  • Insects
  • Blue whale
  • Star fish
  • Wrasses
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

The passage mentions that the author studied freshwater environments in Brazil and found similarities in freshwater “insects, shells, etc.” Therefore, insects are explicitly referred to as the species under study.
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Question: 4

Which of the following has been cited in the passage as a possible reason to support the hypothesis of narrow range of fresh water species biodiversity?

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In comprehension, look for hypotheses or beliefs directly mentioned—here, the “sea” was thought to limit species spread.
Updated On: Apr 28, 2025
  • Over hunting
  • Sexual incompatibility
  • Water pollution
  • Sea barrier
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The passage suggests that the sea is considered an "apparently still more impassable barrier," which might have supported the idea of limited distribution of freshwater species. This implies that the sea barrier was considered a constraint on their range.
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Question: 5

Which of the following captures the essence of the given passage most appropriately?

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Always ask: “What is this passage mainly about?” In this case, biodiversity is the clear recurring theme.
Updated On: Apr 28, 2025
  • Water pollution
  • Biodiversity
  • Fisheries
  • Aqua-culture
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The passage is centered on the unexpected widespread similarity and diversity of freshwater species across geographical barriers, highlighting the concept of biodiversity. It is not focused on pollution, fisheries, or aquaculture.
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