Passage

Passage – 1 The Himalayan ecosystem is highly vulnerable to damage, both due to geological reasons and on account of the stress caused by increased pressure of population, exploitation of natural resources and other related challenges. These aspects may be exacerbated due to the impact of climate change. It is possible that climate change may adversely impact the Himalayan ecosystem through increased temperature, altered precipitation patterns, episodes of drought and biotic influences. This would not only impact the very sustenance of the indigenous communities in uplands but also the life of downstream dwellers across the country and beyond. Therefore, there is an urgent need for giving special attention to sustain the Himalayan ecosystem. This would require conscious efforts for conserving all the representative systems. Further, it needs to be emphasized that the endemics with restricted distribution, and most often with specialized habitat requirements, are among the most vulnerable elements. In this respect the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, with rich endemic diversity, is vulnerable to climate change. The threats include possible loss of genetic resources and species, habitats and concomitantly a decrease in ecosystem services. Therefore, conservation of endemic elements in representative ecosystems/habitats assumes a great significance while drawing conservation plans for the region. Towards achieving the above, we will have to shift toward contemporary conservation approaches, which include a paradigm of landscape level interconnectivity between protected area systems. The concept advocates a shift from the species-habitat focus to an inclusive focus on expanding the biogeographic range so that natural adjustments to climate change can proceed without being restrictive.

With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made : 1. To maintain natural ecosystems, exploitation of natural resources should be completely avoided. 2. Not only anthropogenic but also natural reasons can adversely affect ecosystems. 3. Loss of endemic diversity leads to the extinction of ecosystems. Which of the above assumptions is/are correct ?

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only ✓ UPSC's answer
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 only

Why the answer is (b)

• The passage states the Himalayan ecosystem is vulnerable due to geological reasons and due to stress from population pressure, exploitation of natural resources, and related challenges.

• Therefore, assumption 2 is correct because both natural causes such as geological reasons and anthropogenic causes such as population pressure and exploitation can adversely affect ecosystems.

• Assumption 1 is not correct because the passage says exploitation is a stress factor, but it does not state that exploitation of natural resources should be completely avoided to maintain natural ecosystems.

• Assumption 3 is not correct because the passage says loss of endemic elements can cause loss of genetic resources, species, habitats, and a decrease in ecosystem services, not that it leads to extinction of ecosystems.

• Hence only assumption 2 is correct, so the key option (b) follows.

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1 and 2: Option (a) is wrong because it includes assumption 1, which is not stated in the passage; the passage does not require complete avoidance of exploitation of natural resources.
(c) 2 and 3: Option (c) is wrong because it includes assumption 3, which is not stated in the passage; the passage links loss of endemic diversity to decreased ecosystem services, not extinction of ecosystems.
(d) 3 only: Option (d) is wrong because it includes assumption 3, which is not stated in the passage, and it excludes assumption 2, which is supported by the passage's reference to geological reasons and anthropogenic stress.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2014, held on 24 August 2014. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.