Read the passage given below and answer the following questions: Coral reefs…
2023
Read the passage given below and answer the following questions:
Coral reefs are the most biologically diverse ecosystems of the ocean. As divers know, thousands of beautiful fish, mollusks and urchins are among the amazing marine life that live among coral reefs. In fact, the corals themselves are also marine animals. Almost a thousand coral species currently exist in fantastic shapes ranging from mushrooms to moose antlers, cabbages, tabletops, wire strands and fluted pillars. With the majority of humankind living in coastal regions, many people depend on living coral reefs for food and protection from storms and erosion, as well as the additional benefits of medical research, tourism and natural beauty. Coral reefs contribute about 25 percent of the total fish catch in developing countries, providing food for one billion people in Asia alone. Unfortunately, human activities, including those associated with global warming are threatening these animals. Increasing sea temperatures stress corals and cause damage. World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is working to develop and test conservation strategies to better protect coral reefs while also working to stop global warming, the root cause of their destruction.
Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): All coral reefs have only one shape.
Statement (II): Global warming is threatening the coral reefs.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.
Answer: D. Statement (I) is false but Statement (II) is true. — ConceptFor passage-based statement questions, judge each statement only against the information in the passage. A universal claim using words such as all or…
- A.
Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are true
- B.
Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are false.
- C.
Statement (I) is true but Statement (II) is false.
- D.
Statement (I) is false but Statement (II) is true.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Concept
For passage-based statement questions, judge each statement only against the information in the passage. A universal claim using words such as all or only is disproved by one explicit counterexample, whereas a threat claim is supported when the passage expressly identifies a harmful cause.
Application
The passage lists coral forms such as mushrooms, antlers, cabbages, tabletops, wire strands and pillars. These multiple forms contradict the claim that all coral reefs have only one shape, so Statement (I) is false.
The passage says that human activities associated with global warming threaten corals, that rising sea temperatures damage them, and that global warming is the root cause of their destruction. Therefore Statement (II) is true.
Cross-check and contrast
Both statements true conflicts with the passage’s list of many coral shapes.
Both statements false ignores the passage’s explicit account of the threat from global warming.
Statement (I) true and Statement (II) false conflicts with both pieces of textual evidence.
Statement (I) false and Statement (II) true is consistent with the two independent checks.
Result
Thus, Statement (I) is false but Statement (II) is true.