Passage: Maintaining an ecosystem just to conserve biodiversity will affect its commercial potential as well as the livelihoods d…

Question

Passage: Maintaining an ecosystem just to conserve biodiversity will affect its commercial potential as well as the livelihoods dependent on the ecosystem. There is also a conflict between using an ecosystem only for livelihoods, for commercial exploitation, or strictly for conservation. Deforestation caused due to commercial exploitation will lead to indirect harm like floods, siltation problems and microclimatic instability, apart from adversely affecting livelihoods dependent on forests. These conflicts are particularly acute in developing countries where the dependence of people on the ecosystem is significant, and commercial exploitation has the potential to boost national income.

Which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message conveyed by the author of the passage?

1. A. Conservation of biodiversity is not an issue to be worried about when some people depend on ecosystems for their livelihoods.
2. B. Commercial exploitation of forests goes against the fundamental rights of the people dependent on forests for food and shelter.
3. C. Sustenance of livelihood and degradation of ecosystem while being together exacerbate one another, leading to conflicts and imbalance. (Correct answer)
4. D. Commercial exploitation of ecosystems should be completely stopped.

Correct Answer

Option C — Sustenance of livelihood and degradation of ecosystem while being together exacerbate one another, leading to conflicts and imbalance.

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Sustenance of livelihood and degradation of ecosystem while being together exacerbate one another, leading to conflicts and imbalance..

Key Points

• The passage describes the conflict between livelihood, commercial exploitation, and conservation of ecosystems.
• Option C best captures the core message: when livelihoods and ecosystem degradation coexist, they worsen each other and create conflict.
• Options A, B, D are either too extreme or not supported by the passage.