Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made : 1. The author of the passage believes that flowers are creations of Nature's luxury. 2. The author of the passage does not believe in the usefulness of flowers except as things of beauty. Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2 ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• The passage explicitly states that flowers evolved to attract insects for pollination, not to please humans or as a 'luxury'.
• It defines beauty and perfume as by-products of this biological function, not as the primary purpose.
• Assumption 1 is invalid because the author views flowers as functional biological entities, not creations of luxury.
• Assumption 2 is invalid because the author emphasizes the utility of flowers in pollination, rejecting the idea that they are useful *only* as things of beauty.
• Since both assumptions misinterpret the author's stance on the functional origin of flowers, neither is valid.
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Assumption 1 is invalid because the author describes flowers as functional tools for pollination, not creations of Nature's luxury.
- (b) 2 only
- Assumption 2 is invalid because the author explicitly highlights the biological usefulness of flowers in attracting insects for pollination.
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- Both assumptions are invalid as they contradict the passage's assertion that flowers serve a functional purpose in pollination rather than existing for beauty or luxury.
Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2024, held on 16 June 2024. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.