CAT 2023 Slot 3 — VARC Question 24
The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
Gradually, life for the island’s birds is improving. Antarctic prions and white-headed petrels, which also nest in burrows, had managed to cling on in some sites while pests were on the island. Their numbers are now increasing. “It’s fantastic and so exciting,” Shaw says. As birds return to breed, they also poo. This adds nutrients to the soil, which in turn helps the plants to grow back stronger. Tall plants then help burrowing birds hide from predatory skuas. “It’s this wonderful feedback loop,” Shaw says. Today, the “pretty paddock” that Houghton first experienced has been transformed. “The tussock is over your head, and you’re dodging all these penguin tunnels,” she says. The orchids and tiny herb that had been protected by fencing have started turning up all over the place.
Answer & solution
In the absence of pests, life on the island is now protected, and there has been a revival of a variety of birds and plants.
- B
There is an increasing number of predatory birds and plants on the island despite the presence of pests which is a positive development.
- C
There is a huge positive transformation of the ecosystem of the island when broughtunder environmental protection.
- D
Flowering plants, herbs and birds are now being protected on this wonderful Antarctic island.
Easy
Summary question: the passage describes how, with pests gone, the island’s ecosystem is recovering — birds returning, their droppings enriching soil, plants growing back, which in turn shelter the birds (a positive feedback loop). The best summary names both the cause (no pests) and the twin revival of birds and plants.
"In the absence of pests, life on the island is now protected, and there has been a revival of a variety of birds and plants." Captures the cause (no pests) and the dual recovery of birds and plants. Correct.
Says predatory birds are increasing and that pests are still present — both contradict the passage (tall plants help birds hide from predatory skuas; pests are gone). Wrong.
Credits "environmental protection" as the cause. The recovery is driven by the removal of pests, not a protection programme. Wrong.
Just says plants, herbs and birds are "being protected" — too vague and misses the key cause (absence of pests) and the revival/feedback idea. Wrong.
Option A — with pests gone, both birds and plants are reviving on the island.