World wheat production has increased dramatically during the past thre

Question

World wheat production has increased dramatically during the past three decades. It will, however, have to be raised still higher for the world's growing population to be fed. Since  new arable croplands are not likely to become available on a large enough scale to do the job, and since the application of such energy-intensive agricultural aids  as fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides is becoming prohibitively expensive, the next big increment in production will have to be achieved mainly by further improvements in the productivity of wheat itself. Accordingly there is an urgent need for the development of new varieties of wheat with a greater yield.

Two factors limit this effort, the first is that the genetic material of the cultivated wheats has already been exploited for breeding purposes almost to its full capacity. The second is that the range of genetic variation of the cultivated wheats has decreased drastically over the past two centuries. The erosion of the gene pool of cultivated wheat not only reduces the possibility of further improvements in productivity, but also makes the world wheat crop increasingly vulnerable to new diseases and to adverse climatic changes.

The introduction of modern, scientifically planned breeding practices has substantially diminished the genetic variability of the cultivated wheats. For several decades new, more productive varieties of wheat have been selected at the expense. of the overall genetic variability of the world wheat crop. Attempts to increase the variability of the new cultivated wheats by inducing mutations, either by ionizing radiation such as x-rays or by chemical treatment, have met with little success.

The wild relatives of cultivated wheat, however, contain a large reservoir of genes. The adaptation of the various wild wheats to very different environments indicates great genetic variability. The mid wheats arc found in a wide range of climatic regions often inhospitable to cultivated wheat: from cool, humid mountains to hot, dry valleys; from arras with an annual rainfall of 1.000 millimeters or more to and regions with as little as 100 .millimeters. Wild wheats also grow in many different types of soils, even in salty ones.

The restoration and enrichment of the gene pool of the cultivated wheats can be accomplished by tapping the vast genetic resources found in the wild relatives of the wheats. Scientists have only just begun to examine these wild genetic resources for agronomically useful characteristics, and the full extent of the genetic treasure trove is still unknown. From the information gathered so far, it is clear that the wild relatives of the cultivated wheats carry many genes of great economic potential.    1 
 1. The author of the passage is primarily concerned with

(A) refuting a widely held thesis 
(B) analyzing a set of previously unanalyzed data 
(C) reconciling a set of opposing views 
(D) describing a potential solution to a problem 
(E) establishing a new theory

2 
 2. It can be inferred from the passage that the breeding practices that are responsible for the diminished genetic variability of the cultivated wheats are also responsible for which of the following?

(A) The decreased vulnerability of the cultivated wheats to new diseases 
(B) The decline in the number of acres planted in wheat over the past two centuries 
(C) The increased productivity of the cultivated wheats 
(D) The increased genetic variability of the wild wheats 
(E) The continuing high demand for wheat products

3 
 3. The author's claim that world wheat production will have to increase in order to feed the world's growing population suggests that she believes which of the following?

(A) The growth rate of the world's population will increase steadily over the next three decades.
(B) The world's population will double in size by the year 2000.
(C) Nonwheat foodstuffs will be unable to meet the demands of the world's growing population.
(D) Most of the world's arable croplands are already in production. 
(E) Per capita consumption of wheat products will grow steadily over the "ext. three decades.

4 
 4. The author mentions the limited availability of new arable cropland and the high cost of energy-intensive agricultural aids ( Highlighted ) in order to make which of the following points?

(A) Further growth in wheat production will have to be achieved through the development of varieties of wheat that have greater yields. 
(B) The high productivity of the cultivated wheats has been achieved at the cost of depleting the world's energy resources. 
(C) World wheat production will, begin to decline unless new breeding practices are developed.
(D) World wheat production can increase only if fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides become less expensive. 
(E) Wheat productivity can be increased only by developing varieties of wheat that can grow in arid regions

5 
 5. According to the passage, the erosion of the gene pool of the cultivated wheats has resulted in which of the following?

I. The world wheat crop is becoming increasingly vulnerable to disease. 
II. The cultivated wheats are becoming less responsive to applications of fertilizers. 
III. The world wheat crop is becoming less susceptible to adverse climatic changes.

(A) I only 
(B) II only 
(C) III only 
(D) I and II only 
(E) I and III only

6 
 6. The passage implies which of the following about the genetic variability of the cultivated wheats?

(A) It has been diminished by frequent applications of herbicides and pesticides. 
(B) It is roughly equal to that of the wild wheats. 
(C) It will continue to decline over the next three decades. 
(D) It was far greater two hundred years ago than it is today.
(E) It was increasing before the introduction of modern scientific breeding practices.

7 
 7. Which of the following dots the author mention as evidence for the impressive genetic variability of the wild wheats?

(A) The fact that there are more varieties of wild wheat than of cultivated wheat 
(B) The invulnerability of the wild wheats to diseases that often damage cultivated wheats 
(C) The ability of the wild wheats to thrive without the help of energy-intensive agricultural aids
(D) The fact that modern, scientific breeding practices have not been applied to the wild wheats
(E) The wide range of different environments to which the various wild wheats have been able to adapt

8 
 8. The idea that the gene pool of the cultivated wheats can be replenished is regarded by the author with

(A) absolute skepticism 
(B) mild derision 
(C) marked indifference 
(D) cautious optimism 
(E) complete confidence

9 
 9. Which of the following best expresses the main idea of the passage?

(A) The use of fertilizers and pesticides will have to be curtailed due to the high costs involved.
(B) Further increases in wheat productivity may be achieved by tapping the genetic resources of the wild wheats. 
(C) Scientists must more carefully screen the genetic resources of wild wheat for agronomically useful characteristics. 
(D) Wild wheats are capable of growing in places normally inhospitable to cultivated wheats. 
(E) The genetic variability of the cultivated wheats has decreased significantly during the last' two centuries.

GMAT Club's Reading Comprehension (RC) Quiz-I 2023   
   10 Days | 20 Passages | Win Prizes | Get Better at GMAT   
 Passage # 11  |  Date: 06 March 2023 
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Oppenheimer1945 · Answer

1. The author of the passage is primarily concerned with

(A) refuting a widely held thesis (author is not refuting any thesis)
(B) analyzing a set of previously unanalyzed data (author is not analyzing any data)
(C) reconciling a set of opposing views (In no way author reconciled diff views)
 (D) describing a potential solution to a problem (Author first describes the problem, then states the methods and their limitations. Then suggests a new method to solve the problem) 
(E) establishing a new theory (author is not bringing in a new theory)

2. It can be inferred from the passage that the breeding practices that are responsible for the diminished genetic variability of the cultivated wheats are also responsible for which of the following?

(A) The decreased vulnerability of the cultivated wheats to new diseases (It increases vulnerability to new diseases)
(B) The decline in the number of acres planted in wheat over the past two centuries (nowhere mentioned)
(C) The increased productivity of the cultivated wheats (decreases productivity)
(D) The increased genetic variability of the wild wheats (False as per statement "breeding practices that are responsible for the diminished genetic variability of the cultivated wheats")
 (E) The continuing high demand for wheat products (True)

The second is that the range of genetic variation of the cultivated wheats has decreased drastically over the past two centuries. The erosion of the gene pool of cultivated wheat not only reduces the possibility of further improvements in productivity, but also makes the world wheat crop increasingly vulnerable to new diseases and to adverse climatic changes.

3. The author's claim that world wheat production will have to increase in order to feed the world's growing population suggests that she believes which of the following?

(A) The growth rate of the world's population will increase steadily over the next three decades.(growth rate is out of scope)
(B) The world's population will double in size by the year 2000.(doubling of world pop is not mentioned)
(C) Nonwheat foodstuffs will be unable to meet the demands of the world's growing population.(Non wheat food is out of scope)
(D) Most of the world's arable croplands are already in production.(This is not what the author believes as per question)
 (E) Per capita consumption of wheat products will grow steadily over the "ext. three decades.(True)

4. The author mentions the limited availability of new arable cropland and the high cost of energy-intensive agricultural aids (lines 44) in order to make which of the following points?

(A) Further growth in wheat production will have to be achieved through the development of varieties of wheat that have greater yields.(true) 
(B) The high productivity of the cultivated wheats has been achieved at the cost of depleting the world's energy resources.
(C) World wheat production will, begin to decline unless new breeding practices are developed.
(D) World wheat production can increase only if fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides become less expensive. (Attractive answer)
(E) Wheat productivity can be increased only by developing varieties of wheat that can grow in arid regions

Since new arable croplands are not likely to become available on a large enough scale to do the job, and since the application of such energy-intensive agricultural aids as fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides is becoming prohibitively expensive, the next big increment in production will have to be achieved mainly by further improvements in the productivity of wheat itself.

5. According to the passage, the erosion of the gene pool of the cultivated wheats has resulted in which of the following?

I. The world wheat crop is becoming increasingly vulnerable to disease.
II. The cultivated wheats are becoming less responsive to applications of fertilizers.
III. The world wheat crop is becoming less susceptible to adverse climatic changes.

(A) I only (True) 
(B) II only
(C) III only
(D) I and II only
(E) I and III only
 
 The erosion of the gene pool of cultivated wheat not only reduces the possibility of further improvements in productivity, but also makes the world wheat crop increasingly vulnerable to new diseases and to adverse climatic changes.

6. The passage implies which of the following about the genetic variability of the cultivated wheats?

(A) It has been diminished by frequent applications of herbicides and pesticides. (True) 
(B) It is roughly equal to that of the wild wheats.
(C) It will continue to decline over the next three decades.
(D) It was far greater two hundred years ago than it is today.
(E) It was increasing before the introduction of modern scientific breeding practices.

Attempts to increase the variability of the new cultivated wheats by inducing mutations, either by ionizing radiation such as x-rays or by chemical treatment, have met with little success.

7. Which of the following dots the author mention as evidence for the impressive genetic variability of the wild wheats?

(A) The fact that there are more varieties of wild wheat than of cultivated wheat
(B) The invulnerability of the wild wheats to diseases that often damage cultivated wheats
(C) The ability of the wild wheats to thrive without the help of energy-intensive agricultural aids
(D) The fact that modern, scientific breeding practices have not been applied to the wild wheats
 (E) The wide range of different environments to which the various wild wheats have been able to adapt (True )

. The adaptation of the various wild wheats to very different environments indicates great genetic variability. The mid wheats arc found in a wide range of climatic regions often inhospitable to cultivated wheat: from cool, humid mountains to hot, dry valleys; from arras with an annual rainfall of 1.000 millimeters or more to and regions with as little as 100 .millimeters. Wild wheats also grow in many different types of soils, even in salty ones.

8. The idea that the gene pool of the cultivated wheats can be replenished is regarded by the author with

(A) absolute skepticism (below line are not skeptism)
(B) mild derision (no ridicule by author)
(C) marked indifference (Author is not neutrual)
(D) cautious optimism (author is giving no caution)
 (E) complete confidence (True-it is clear that the wild relatives of the cultivated wheats carry many genes of great economic potential)

Scientists have only just begun to examine these wild genetic resources for agronomically useful characteristics, and the full extent of the genetic treasure trove is still unknown. From the information gathered so far, it is clear that the wild relatives of the cultivated wheats carry many genes of great economic potential.

9. Which of the following best expresses the main idea of the passage?

(A) The use of fertilizers and pesticides will have to be curtailed due to the high costs involved. (Main Idea) 
(B) Further increases in wheat productivity may be achieved by tapping the genetic resources of the wild wheats. (This is the solution provided by author)
(C) Scientists must more carefully screen the genetic resources of wild wheat for agronomically useful characteristics.(This is a part of passage)
(D) Wild wheats are capable of growing in places normally inhospitable to cultivated wheats.(This is a part of passage)
(E) The genetic variability of the cultivated wheats has decreased significantly during the last' two centuries.(Genetic variability is not the main idea)

The author introduces with the concern of costs of fertilizers & persticides of wheat productivity and looks for solutions

nd since the application of such energy-intensive agricultural aids as fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides is becoming prohibitively expensive, the next big increment in production will have to be achieved mainly by further improvements in the productivity of wheat itself. Accordingly there is an urgent need for the development of new varieties of wheat with a greater yield.

Elite097 · Answer

1. The author of the passage is primarily concerned with

(A) refuting a widely held thesis- There is no thesis being refuted

(B) analyzing a set of previously unanalyzed data- We are not sure about whether data was analysed or not previously

(C) reconciling a set of opposing views- There are no opposing views, let alone reconcilement

(D) describing a potential solution to a problem--  Context of the problem is provided in the first para followed by the cause for the problem and the reason for one of those causes in the 2nd and 3rd para respectively. Then another relative of plant variety is talked about followed by a solution to the problem and how that variety can be made use of
 
(E) establishing a new theory- The passage is not concerned with simply establishing a new theory.

Ans D

2. It can be inferred from the passage that the breeding practices that are responsible for the diminished genetic variability of the cultivated wheats are also responsible for which of the following?

(A) The decreased vulnerability of the cultivated wheats to new diseases- Passage states opposite "makes the world wheat crop increasingly vulnerable to new diseases"

(B) The decline in the number of acres planted in wheat over the past two centuries- We have no info regarding land used for the past two years

(C) The increased productivity of the cultivated wheats- Decreased variability has been cited as a limiting factor for inability to increase productivity so clearly the breeding practices that led to decreased variability could not lead to / be responsible for increased productivity

(D) The increased genetic variability of the wild wheats- Breeding practices involve "more productive varieties of wheat have been selected at the expense of the overall genetic variability of the world wheat crop" hence we cannot say that they are responsible for the increase variability of wild wheats. Moreover we dont know much about breeding practices of wild wheat

(E) The continuing high demand for wheat products-  There is 'continuing' high demand cuz existing demand is not being taken care of as a result of low yield of wheat hence we can conclude what this choice says

Ans E

3. The author's claim that world wheat production will have to increase in order to feed the world's growing population suggests that she believes which of the following?

(A) The growth rate of the world's population will increase steadily over the next three decades- 
We dont know anything about growth rates and clearly thats not believed for wheat production to increase

(B) The world's population will double in size by the year 2000- 
This is too specific and we do not need tis assumption

(C) Nonwheat foodstuffs will be unable to meet the demands of the world's growing population- 
This choice is very tempting and could be true if D wasnt given and if limited context was given in the passage but since this is an RC, we cannot go beyond what is stated in the passage and the passage clerly talks about D

(D) Most of the world's arable croplands are already in production -  "Since new arable croplands are not likely to become available on a large enough scale to do the job" suggests what is said in this choice.

(E) Per capita consumption of wheat products will grow steadily over the "ext. three decades- 
Nowhere does the passage mention about future consequences

Ans D

4. The author mentions the limited availability of new arable cropland and the high cost of energy-intensive agricultural aids (lines 44) in order to make which of the following points?

(A) Further growth in wheat production will have to be achieved through the development of varieties of wheat that have greater yields: 
 These lines indicate this " Since new arable croplands are not likely to become available on a large enough scale to do the job, and since the application of such energy-intensive agricultural aids as fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides is becoming prohibitively expensive, the next big increment in production will have to be achieved mainly by further improvements in the productivity of wheat itself. "

(B) The high productivity of the cultivated wheats has been achieved at the cost of depleting the world's energy resources- 
It has not yet been achieved and this is not the purpose for concluding that

(C) World wheat production will, begin to decline unless new breeding practices are developed- 
he question is about increased productivity not new breeding practices so this choice does not fit in

(D) World wheat production can increase only if fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides become less expensive- 
This is not why author has mentioned in the line and we also cannot definitely say that if D is true, then world wheat production will surely increase

(E) Wheat productivity can be increased only by developing varieties of wheat that can grow in arid regions- 
This is not mentoned in the para, also its not the purpose

Ans A

5. According to the passage, the erosion of the gene pool of the cultivated wheats has resulted in which of the following?

I. The world wheat crop is becoming increasingly vulnerable to disease- 
 "also makes the world wheat crop increasingly vulnerable to new diseases and to adverse climatic changes" proves this

II. The cultivated wheats are becoming less responsive to applications of fertilizers- 
We dont know the impact of fertilisers

III. The world wheat crop is becoming less susceptible to adverse climatic changes-
"also makes the world wheat crop increasingly vulnerable to to adverse climatic changes" goes against this choice

Ans A

6. The passage implies which of the following about the genetic variability of the cultivated wheats?

(A) It has been diminished by frequent applications of herbicides and pesticides- 
The cause has been stated as breeding practices used but we dont know specifically whether its cuz pf herbicides. It was rather more to do with the selection

(B) It is roughly equal to that of the wild wheats- 
Rather the varieties were reduced for ultivated wheat

(C) It will continue to decline over the next three decades- 
We have no info on the future consequences

(D) It was far greater two hundred years ago than it is today- 
 "The second is that the range of genetic variation of the cultivated wheats has decreased drastically over the past two centuries" implies this

(E) It was increasing before the introduction of modern scientific breeding practices- 
We cannot conclude about the trend before the introduction

Ans D

7. Which of the following does the author mention as evidence for the impressive genetic variability of the wild wheats?

(A) The fact that there are more varieties of wild wheat than of cultivated wheat- 
Conclusion cant be used to prove itself

(B) The invulnerability of the wild wheats to diseases that often damage cultivated wheats- 
This is not mentioned as evidence

(C) The ability of the wild wheats to thrive without the help of energy-intensive agricultural aids- 
This is not mentioned as evidence

(D) The fact that modern, scientific breeding practices have not been applied to the wild wheats- 
This is not mentioned as evidence

(E) The wide range of different environments to which the various wild wheats have been able to adapt- 
 "The adaptation of the various wild wheats to very different environments indicates great genetic variability" indicates this
 
Ans E

8. The idea that the gene pool of the cultivated wheats can be replenished is regarded by the author with

(A) absolute skepticism- 
No evidence to support this

(B) mild derision- 
No evidence to support this

(C) marked indifference- 
No evidence to support this

(D) cautious optimism- 
 "can be accomplished" indicates optimism , " full extent of the genetic treasure trove is still unknown" indicates caution

(E) complete confidence- 
Not true we still dont know about characteristics being present in wild wheat

Ans D

9. Which of the following best expresses the main idea of the passage?

(A) The use of fertilizers and pesticides will have to be curtailed due to the high costs involved- 
Too narrow in scope, only in first para

(B) Further increases in wheat productivity may be achieved by tapping the genetic resources of the wild wheats- 
 Yes the passage was talking about increasing productivity and concluded by saying that this can happen on the basis of the info all the paras and hence this is the main idea of the passage
 
(C) Scientists must more carefully screen the genetic resources of wild wheat for agronomically useful characteristics- 
Too narrow, only in last para

(D) Wild wheats are capable of growing in places normally inhospitable to cultivated wheats- 
oo narrow, only in 4th para

(E) The genetic variability of the cultivated wheats has decreased significantly during the last' two centuries- 
This is very tempting and one can say it is discussed in the passage but main cruz has to do with incrasing productivity and this presents the problem

Ans B

pintukr · Answer

1. The author of the passage is primarily concerned with

(A) refuting a widely held thesis
 paragraph 1 lays down specific problem regarding wheat production; no specific thesis proposed in the passage

(B) analyzing a set of previously unanalyzed data
 data analysis not presented in the passage

(C) reconciling a set of opposing views
 only one view relating to the problem of wheat production has been highlighted

(D) describing a potential solution to a problem
  problem of wheat production for growing population highlighted in paragraph 2, while the rest of the paragraphs focus on finding solutions to this problem..CORRECT answer

(E) establishing a new theory
 Irrelevant, as no new theory proposed in the passage..wild wheat varieties can't be dubbed as new theory

2. It can be inferred from the passage that the breeding practices that are responsible for the diminished genetic variability of the cultivated wheats are also responsible for which of the following?

(A) The decreased vulnerability of the cultivated wheats to new diseases
 opposite to this prompt is true..leads to increased vulnerability of the cultivated wheats

(B) The decline in the number of acres planted in wheat over the past two centuries 
no such claims made in the passage
 
(C) The increased productivity of the cultivated wheats
  breeding practices have led to increase productivilty (highlighted in paragraph 2)..CORRECT answer

(D) The increased genetic variability of the wild wheats
 no linkages between the cultivated wheats and wild wheats can be established

(E) The continuing high demand for wheat products
 Irrelevant, as the claim can't be corroborated from the passage

3. The author's claim that world wheat production will have to increase in order to feed the world's growing population suggests that she believes which of the following?

(A) The growth rate of the world's population will increase steadily over the next three decades.
 already evident in the given question statement

(B) The world's population will double in size by the year 2000.
 prediction can't be ascertained using the given question statement

(C) Nonwheat foodstuffs will be unable to meet the demands of the world's growing population.
  If this the implication, it will surely suuport the claim that the world wheat production will have to increase in order to feed the world's growing population..CORRECT answer

(D) Most of the world's arable croplands are already in production.
 Additional piece of information..can't be linked to the suthor's claim

(E) Per capita consumption of wheat products will grow steadily over the "ext. three decades.
 this prediction can't be made using the given question statement

4. The author mentions the limited availability of new arable cropland and the high cost of energy-intensive agricultural aids (lines 44) in order to make which of the following points?

(A) Further growth in wheat production will have to be achieved through the development of varieties of wheat that have greater yields.
  that's why the author's recommeneded focus is on wild wheat varieties..CORRECT answer

(B) The high productivity of the cultivated wheats has been achieved at the cost of depleting the world's energy resources.
 linkage to the energy resources not mentioned

(C) World wheat production will, begin to decline unless new breeding practices are developed.
 usage of 'decline' will not be correct

(D) World wheat production can increase only if fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides become less expensive.
 focus is to highlight the requirement of new high yielding wheat varieties

(E) Wheat productivity can be increased only by developing varieties of wheat that can grow in arid regions
 'arid regions' is irrelevant

5. According to the passage, the erosion of the gene pool of the cultivated wheats has resulted in which of the following?

I. The world wheat crop is becoming increasingly vulnerable to disease.
II. The cultivated wheats are becoming less responsive to applications of fertilizers.
III. The world wheat crop is becoming less susceptible to adverse climatic changes.

(A) I only
  increased vulnerabilty to disease (as mentioned in paragraph 2)..CORRECT answer

(B) II only
 not mentioned in the passage

(C) III only
 not mentioned in the passage

(D) I and II only
 (II) not mentioned in the passage

(E) I and III only
 (III) not mentioned in the passage

6. The passage implies which of the following about the genetic variability of the cultivated wheats?

(A) It has been diminished by frequent applications of herbicides and pesticides
 can't be corroborated from the passage

(B) It is roughly equal to that of the wild wheats.
 no such claims made in the passage
 
(C) It will continue to decline over the next three decades.
 prediction not based on the facts presented in the passage

(D) It was far greater two hundred years ago than it is today.
  genetic variabilty has been decreasing due to focus on the high yielding varieties..CORRECT answer

(E) It was increasing before the introduction of modern scientific breeding practices. 
 no such inference can be drawn

7. Which of the following dots the author mention as evidence for the impressive genetic variability of the wild wheats?

(A) The fact that there are more varieties of wild wheat than of cultivated wheat
 not mentioned as evidence

(B) The invulnerability of the wild wheats to diseases that often damage cultivated wheat
 while vulnerabity to diseases is mentioned for cultivated wheats, nos such claims can be extended to the wild wheats

(C) The ability of the wild wheats to thrive without the help of energy-intensive agricultural aids
 not listed as evidence

(D) The fact that modern, scientific breeding practices have not been applied to the wild wheats
 no such evidence presented in the passage

(E) The wide range of different environments to which the various wild wheats have been able to adapt
  mentioned in line 4 of paragraph 4..CORRECT answer

8. The idea that the gene pool of the cultivated wheats can be replenished is regarded by the author with

(A) absolute skepticism
 the author shows clear optimism in paragraphs 3, 4 and 5

(B) mild derision
 the author shows clear optimism; nor derision

(C) marked indifference
 the author shows clear optimism in paragraphs 3, 4 and 5

(D) cautious optimism
  while optimistic, the author specifically mentions in paragraph 5 that 'the full extent of the genetic treasure trove is still unknown'..CORRECT answer

(E) complete confidence
 may not be entirely true , since the author highlights reservations by citing that 'the full extent of the genetic treasure trove is still unknown'

9. Which of the following best expresses the main idea of the passage?

(A) The use of fertilizers and pesticides will have to be curtailed due to the high costs involved.
 not corroborated using the claims presented in the passage

(B) Further increases in wheat productivity may be achieved by tapping the genetic resources of the wild wheats.
 the author's recommeneded focus is on wild wheat varieties for increasing wheat productivity..CORRECT answer

(C) Scientists must more carefully screen the genetic resources of wild wheat for agronomically useful characteristics.
 while such claim regarding screening of genetic resources has been made in paragraph 5, this is not the main idea of the passage

(D) Wild wheats are capable of growing in places normally inhospitable to cultivated wheats.
 Just a piece of information highlighted in paragraph 4..not the main idea of the passage

(E) The genetic variability of the cultivated wheats has decreased significantly during the last' two centuries.
 while such claim regarding screening of genetic resources has been made in paragraphs 2 nad 3, this is not the main idea of the passage

The correct answer sequence is DCCAADEDB

$!vakumar.m · Answer

1. The author of the passage is primarily concerned with 
  (A) refuting a widely held thesis  
Not true because the author is not refuting any thesis rather, he is proposing a solution to the problems stated in the second and third paragraph.

(B) analyzing a set of previously unanalyzed data  
Not true. The author has presented the urgent requirement in first paragraph, the problems in the second and third paragraph and a potential solution in the fourth and fifth paragraph. He is not analyzing any data rather, he is describing the problems and solution.

(C) reconciling a set of opposing views  
Option C is incorrect because no opposing views have been presented in the paragraph.

(D) describing a potential solution to a problem  
The author states that there is an urgent need for the development of new varieties of wheat with a greater yield to meet the demands of world's growing population. He further states that the genetic material of the cultivated wheat has already been exploited almost to its full capacity. Also, due to the usage of modern, scientifically planned breeding practices the genetic variability of the cultivated wheats has substantially diminished. However, he provides a potential solution to the above problem. By tapping the vast genetic resources found in the wild relatives of the wheats the restoration and enrichment of the gene pool of the cultivated wheats can be accomplished.

(E) establishing a new theory  
Option E is incorrect because the author is not proposing a new theory here. He is suggesting that the vast genetic resources of wild wheats can be tapped for the development of new varieties of wheat with a greater yield to meet the demands of world's growing population.

2. It can be inferred from the passage that the breeding practices that are responsible for the diminished genetic variability of the cultivated wheats are also responsible for which of the following?

(A) The decreased vulnerability of the cultivated wheats to new diseases  
Option A is incorrect because the breeding practices that are responsible for the diminished genetic variability of the cultivated wheats are also responsible for making the world wheat crop increasingly vulnerable to new diseases and to adverse climatic changes.

(B) The decline in the number of acres planted in wheat over the past two centuries  
Not true because there is no support in the passage that the modern breeding practices are responsible for the decline in the number of acres planted in wheat over the past two centuries.

(C) The increased productivity of the cultivated wheats  
Correct. The first line of the passage says that “World wheat production has increased dramatically during the past three decades.” Also, the author mentions that “for several decades new, more productive varieties of wheat have been selected at the expense of the overall genetic variability of the world wheat crop.” From this we can infer that the modern breeding practices resulted in the increased productivity of the cultivated wheats.

(D) The increased genetic variability of the wild wheats  
Though the author says that the wild relatives of cultivated wheat contain a large reservoir of genes but there is no support in the passage to verify that this is due to the usage of modern breeding practices.

(E) The continuing high demand for wheat products  
Not true because the increase in demand for wheat products is primarily due to the growing population.

3. The author's claim that world wheat production will have to increase in order to feed the world's growing population suggests that she believes which of the following?

(A) The growth rate of the world's population will increase steadily over the next three decades.  
Not true because the author is not concerned about the population growth only for the next three decades. 
  (B) The world's population will double in size by the year 2000.  
Not true because the author is not concerned whether the population will be double by year 2000 or not.

(C) Non-wheat foodstuffs will be unable to meet the demands of the world's growing population.  
True. If there are no other food that can replace the demand of wheat, then the wheat production has to be increased in order to meet the demand of the world's growing population.
 
  (D) Most of the world's arable croplands are already in production.  
Not true because this limitation has already been stated as an issue in the first passage.

(E) Per capita consumption of wheat products will grow steadily over the next three decades.  
Not true for reasons mentioned in A and B.

4. The author mentions the limited availability of new arable cropland and the high cost of energy-intensive agricultural aids (lines 4) in order to make which of the following points?

(A) Further growth in wheat production will have to be achieved through the development of varieties of wheat that have greater yields.  
Correct. The author mentions the ibid issues in order to emphasize that the next big increment in production will have to be achieved mainly by further improvements in the productivity of the wheat itself. Accordingly there is an urgent need for the development of new varieties of wheat with a greater yield.

(B) The high productivity of the cultivated wheats has been achieved at the cost of depleting the world's energy resources.  
Option B is incorrect because the main issue is to increase the productivity of wheat.

(C) World wheat production will, begin to decline unless new breeding practices are developed.  
Not true. Nowhere in the passage the author suggests that the wheat production will decline.

(D) World wheat production can increase only if fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides become less expensive.  
Not true. The author is not emphasizing that wheat production can only be increased by reducing the prices of agricultural aids.

(E) Wheat productivity can be increased only by developing varieties of wheat that can grow in arid regions.  
Not true because of its limited scope.

5. According to the passage, the erosion of the gene pool of the cultivated wheats has resulted in which of the following?

I. The world wheat crop is becoming increasingly vulnerable to disease.  
True. The author states that the breeding practices that are responsible for the diminished genetic variability of the cultivated wheats are also responsible for making the world wheat crop increasingly vulnerable to new diseases and to adverse climatic changes.
 II. The cultivated wheats are becoming less responsive to applications of fertilizers. 
Not true because no such thing is mentioned in the passage.
 III. The world wheat crop is becoming less susceptible to adverse climatic changes. 
Not true. Rather the world wheat crop is becoming more vulnerable to adverse climatic changes.
  Option A is correct.

6. The passage implies which of the following about the genetic variability of the cultivated wheats?

(A) It has been diminished by frequent applications of herbicides and pesticides.  
Incorrect. Though it is true partially, there are other factors responsible for the decreasing gene pool.
  (B) It is roughly equal to that of the wild wheats.  
Incorrect. No such parallel is drawn in the passage.

(C) It will continue to decline over the next three decades.  
Incorrect. The author mentions that the gene pool of the cultivated wheats can be enriched by tapping the vast genetic resources found in the wild relatives of the wheats.

(D) It was far greater two hundred years ago than it is today.  
The author mentions in the second paragraph that the second factor is that the range of genetic variation of the cultivated wheats has decreased drastically over the past two centuries. From this we can infer that the genetic variability of the cultivated wheats would have been greater two centuries ago than it is today. Option D is correct.

(E) It was increasing before the introduction of modern scientific breeding practices.  
Not true. No such support is present in the passage to say that it was increasing before the introduction of modern scientific breeding practices. Rather, it is mentioned that the range of genetic variation of the cultivated wheats has decreased drastically over the past two centuries.

7. Which of the following facts the author mentions as evidence for the impressive genetic variability of the wild wheats?

(A) The fact that there are more varieties of wild wheat than of cultivated wheat  
Option A is incorrect because it is the adaptability of wild wheats to a wide range of environment that has been used as evidence for their impressive genetic variability. 
  (B) The invulnerability of the wild wheats to diseases that often damage cultivated wheats  
Option B is incorrect because this is one of the attributes of the wild wheats but the more important fact is that they are able to adapt to wide range of different environments. 
  (C) The ability of the wild wheats to thrive without the help of energy-intensive agricultural aids  
Option C is incorrect because while it may be true that wild wheats are able to thrive without the help of fertilizers and pesticides, but the more important fact is that they are able to adapt to wide range of different environments.

(D) The fact that modern, scientific breeding practices have not been applied to the wild wheats  
Option D is incorrect because this fact is mentioned in order to highlight that such practices has substantially diminished the genetic variability of the cultivated wheats. 
  (E) The wide range of different environments to which the various wild wheats have been able to adapt  
Correct. In the fourth paragraph, the author states that the adaptation of the various wild wheats to very different environments indicates that wild wheats have great genetic variability.

9. Which of the following best expresses the main idea of the passage?

(A) The use of fertilizers and pesticides will have to be curtailed due to the high costs involved.  
Option A is incorrect because the author doesn’t presents any economic issues in the passage nor does he advocates that the usage of fertilizers and pesticides must be curtailed in order to achieve any savings.

(B) Further increases in wheat productivity may be achieved by tapping the genetic resources of the wild wheats.  
The author states that there is an urgent need for the development of new varieties of wheat with a greater yield to meet the demands of world's growing population. He further states that the genetic material of the cultivated wheat has already been exploited almost to its full capacity. Also, due to the usage of modern, scientifically planned breeding practices the genetic variability of the cultivated wheats has substantially diminished. However, the restoration and enrichment of the gene pool of the cultivated wheats can be accomplished by tapping the vast genetic resources found in the wild relatives of the wheats. Thus, the central idea of the passage is Option B.

(C) Scientists must more carefully screen the genetic resources of wild wheat for agronomically useful characteristics.  
Option C is incorrect because the author states that the scientists have only just begun to examine the wild genetic resources for agronomically useful characteristics, and the full extent of the genetic treasure trove is still unknown. He doesn’t advocate that they must do screening carefully. 
  (D) Wild wheats are capable of growing in places normally inhospitable to cultivated wheats.  
Option D is incorrect because while the attribute of wild wheat in the ibid option is true it is not the central theme of the passage.
  (E) The genetic variability of the cultivated wheats has decreased significantly during the last' two centuries.  
Option E is incorrect because this issue is discussed only to highlight that it is a limiting factor in the development of new varieties of wheat with a greater yield.

Catman · Answer

1. The author of the passage is primarily concerned with

(A) refuting a widely held thesis  ~ Author is not refuting the widely held thesis, author presents a solution to the problem of increasing wheat yield by using wild variety of wheat in genetic variability

(B) analyzing a set of previously unanalyzed data  ~ Incorrect, author is not analyzing any data set in the passage.
 
(C) reconciling a set of opposing views  ~ Incorrect, there is no set of opposing views are mentioned, only different solutions to a problem is mentioned.

(D) describing a potential solution to a problem  ~ Correct, author is mentioning how wild variety of wheat can be useful in increasing wheat yields. Refer to the line "From the information gathered so far, it is clear that the wild relatives of the cultivated wheats carry many genes of great economic potential"

(E) establishing a new theory  ~ Author is not establishing a new theory, he is giving a possible solution to the problem.

3. The author's claim that world wheat production will have to increase in order to feed the world's growing population suggests that she believes which of the following?

(A) The growth rate of the world's population will increase steadily over the next three decades.  ~ Incorrect, refer to the line "World wheat production has increased dramatically during the past three decades". Author does not make specific claims about how much population will rise.

(B) The world's population will double in size by the year 2000.  ~ Incorrect, Author does not make specific claims about how much population will rise.

(C) Non wheat foodstuffs will be unable to meet the demands of the world's growing population.  ~ Correct, if the non-wheat foodstuff is unable to meet the demand of the world's growing population than the increase in the production of wheat must be required.

(D) Most of the world's arable croplands are already in production.  ~ InCorrect, refer to the line "Since new arable croplands are not likely to become available on a large enough scale to do the job" Since arable cropland is limited we have to seek other methods to increase the wheat production. This has been already mentioned in the passage as the reason.

(E) Per capita consumption of wheat products will grow steadily over the next. three decades.  ~ Incorrect, author is not concerned with increase in per capita consumption of wheat.

4. The author mentions the limited availability of new arable cropland and the high cost of energy-intensive agricultural aids (lines 44) in order to make which of the following points?

(A) Further growth in wheat production will have to be achieved through the development of varieties of wheat that have greater yields.  ~ Correct, author mentions these two points that they have reach their limits and will not be able to further increase the wheat production for the growing population.

(B) The high productivity of the cultivated wheats has been achieved at the cost of depleting the world's energy resources.  ~ Incorrect, no mention of the depletion of the world's energy resource. 
 
(C) World wheat production will, begin to decline unless new breeding practices are developed.  ~ Incorrect, we can't say that the world wheat production will decline, may be the production will remain constant, but we have to further increase the production for growing population.

(D) World wheat production can increase only if fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides become less expensive.  ~ Incorrect, although if cost can be reduced, than also production will not increase significantly.

(E) Wheat productivity can be increased only by developing varieties of wheat that can grow in arid regions  ~ Incorrect, later wild variety of wheat is introduced in the passage, but that is not limited only to the arid regions.

5. According to the passage, the erosion of the gene pool of the cultivated wheats has resulted in which of the following?

I. The world wheat crop is becoming increasingly vulnerable to disease.  ~ Correct, refer to the line ""The erosion of the gene pool of cultivated wheat not only reduces the possibility of further improvements in productivity, but also makes the world wheat crop increasingly vulnerable to new diseases and to adverse climatic changes."

II. The cultivated wheats are becoming less responsive to applications of fertilizers.  ~ Incorrect, not mentioned as the result in the passage. 
 
III. The world wheat crop is becoming less susceptible to adverse climatic changes.   Incorrect, refer to the line this is already mentioned. ""The erosion of the gene pool of cultivated wheat not only reduces the possibility of further improvements in productivity, but also makes the world wheat crop increasingly vulnerable to new diseases and to adverse climatic changes."

(A) I only Correct.

(B) II only

(C) III only

(D) I and II only

(E) I and III only

6. The passage implies which of the following about the genetic variability of the cultivated wheats?

(A) It has been diminished by frequent applications of herbicides and pesticides.  ~ Incorrect, variability cannot be increased by applications of herbicides and pesticides, but we don't know it remain constant or diminished.
 
(B) It is roughly equal to that of the wild wheats.  ~ Incorrect, wild variety of wheat has vast genetic resources.

(C) It will continue to decline over the next three decades.  ~ Incorrect, no such hypothesis is mentioned in the passage.

(D) It was far greater two hundred years ago than it is today.  ~ Correct, refer to the line "the range of genetic variation of the cultivated wheats has decreased drastically over the past two centuries." Genetic variation has decreased drastically.
 
(E) It was increasing before the introduction of modern scientific breeding practices.  ~ Incorrect, refer to the line "The introduction of modern, scientifically planned breeding practices has substantially diminished the genetic variability of the cultivated wheats."

7. Which of the following does the author mention as evidence for the impressive genetic variability of the wild wheats?

(A) The fact that there are more varieties of wild wheat than of cultivated wheat  ~ Incorrect, although, the wild relatives of cultivated wheat, however, contain a large reservoir of genes, but it is not the evidence, It is the statement for which we want to find the evidence.

(B) The invulnerability of the wild wheats to diseases that often damage cultivated wheats  ~ Incorrect, no data about the invulnerability of the wild wheat to disease is mentioned.

(C) The ability of the wild wheats to thrive without the help of energy-intensive agricultural aids  ~ Incorrect, this is not mentioned as the reason for variability.

(D) The fact that modern, scientific breeding practices have not been applied to the wild wheats  ~ Incorrect, no data about the breeding practice applied on the wild wheats is mentioned.

(E) The wide range of different environments to which the various wild wheats have been able to adapt  ~ Correct, refer to the line "The adaptation of the various wild wheats to very different environments indicates great genetic variability."

8. The idea that the gene pool of the cultivated wheats can be replenished is regarded by the author with

(A) absolute skepticism  ~ Incorrect, in the last paragraph, author believe that wild wheats can replenished the problem of the genetic pool of cultivated wheats
 
(B) mild derision  ~ Incorrect, author is not mocking this.

(C) marked indifference  ~ Incorrect, author is not indifferent to the cause.

(D) cautious optimism  ~ Incorrect, author is not cautious about it refer to the line "From the information gathered so far, it is clear that the wild relatives of the cultivated wheats carry many genes of great economic potential.
 
(E) complete confidence  ~ Correct, refer to the line "rom the information gathered so far, it is clear that the wild relatives of the cultivated wheats carry many genes of great economic potential. "

9. Which of the following best expresses the main idea of the passage ?

(A) The use of fertilizers and pesticides will have to be curtailed due to the high costs involved.  ~ Incorrect, this is mentioned that why due to this wheat production cannot be increased further and is not the main idea of the passasge.

(B) Further increases in wheat productivity may be achieved by tapping the genetic resources of the wild wheats.  ~ Correct, refer to the line which summarizes the author's point"From the information gathered so far, it is clear that the wild relatives of the cultivated wheats carry many genes of great economic potential."
 
(C) Scientists must more carefully screen the genetic resources of wild wheat for agronomically useful characteristics.  ~ Incorrect, author does not mention that what scientist will do.

(D) Wild wheats are capable of growing in places normally inhospitable to cultivated wheats.  ~ Incorrect, wild wheats are mentioned that they have genetic variability which may be solve the problem of wheat production.

(E) The genetic variability of the cultivated wheats has decreased significantly during the last' two centuries.  Incorrect, this is idea for which author introduces the main idea of wild wheats and their role.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

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OE will be posted tomorrow morning.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

1. The author of the passage is primarily concerned with

Explanation

The passage discusses the problem of the need to increase world wheat production in order to feed the growing population, while also acknowledging the limitations of available arable croplands and the increasing cost of energy-intensive agricultural aids. The author then proposes that the next big increment in wheat production will have to be achieved mainly by further improvements in the productivity of wheat itself, and suggests that the development of new varieties of wheat with a greater yield is urgently needed. The author then identifies two factors that limit this effort and proposes the solution of tapping the vast genetic resources found in the wild relatives of the wheats in order to restore and enrich the gene pool of the cultivated wheats. Therefore, the author is primarily concerned with describing a potential solution to a problem.

Answer: D

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

2. It can be inferred from the passage that the breeding practices that are responsible for the diminished genetic variability of the cultivated wheats are also responsible for which of the following?

Explanation

The passage states that the introduction of modern, scientifically planned breeding practices has substantially diminished the genetic variability of the cultivated wheats. This decrease in genetic variability has allowed for the selection of new, more productive varieties of wheat, but has also reduced the possibility of further improvements in productivity and increased vulnerability to new diseases and adverse climatic changes. Therefore, it can be inferred that the breeding practices are responsible for  (C)  the increased productivity of the cultivated wheats. Answer  choices (A), (B), (D),  and  (E)  are not supported by the passage.

Answer: C

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

3. The author's claim that world wheat production will have to increase in order to feed the world's growing population suggests that she believes which of the following?

Explanation

The passage states that world wheat production has increased dramatically in the past three decades but will need to be raised still higher to feed the growing population. It further notes that new arable croplands are not likely to become available on a large enough scale, and the application of energy-intensive agricultural aids is becoming prohibitively expensive. Therefore, the next big increment in production will have to be achieved mainly by further improvements in the productivity of wheat itself.

This argument implies that wheat is a crucial foodstuff for meeting the demands of the growing population. This means that nonwheat foodstuffs will not be able to meet the demands of the growing population, making  option (C)  the correct answer.

Option (A)  is incorrect because the passage does not mention anything about the growth rate of the world's population.

Option (B)  is incorrect because the passage does not mention any specific projections for the size of the world's population by the year 2000. Moreover, this date has already passed, making this option irrelevant.

Option (D)  is incorrect because the passage only suggests that new arable croplands are not likely to become available on a large enough scale, not that most of the world's arable croplands are already in production.

Option (E)  is incorrect because the passage does not mention anything about per capita consumption of wheat products over the next three decades.

Answer: C

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

4. The author mentions the limited availability of new arable cropland and the high cost of energy-intensive agricultural aids (Highlighted) in order to make which of the following points?

Explanation

In the  first paragraph , the author discusses how the world's growing population will require even higher wheat production, but new arable croplands are unlikely to become available on a large enough scale and the use of energy-intensive agricultural aids is becoming prohibitively expensive. Therefore, the next big increment in production will have to be achieved mainly by further improvements in the productivity of wheat itself. This leads to the urgent need for the development of new varieties of wheat with a greater yield.

Option (B)  is incorrect because there is no mention of the depletion of the world's energy resources in the passage.

Option (C)  is incorrect because there is no indication that world wheat production will begin to decline unless new breeding practices are developed. The passage only suggests that further improvements in wheat productivity will be necessary to meet the needs of a growing population.

Option (D)  is incorrect because the passage does not suggest that the cost of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides is the only factor that affects wheat production.

Finally,  option (E)  is incorrect because the passage does not suggest that wheat productivity can be increased only by developing varieties of wheat that can grow in arid regions.

Answer: A

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

5. According to the passage, the erosion of the gene pool of the cultivated wheats has resulted in which of the following?

Explanation

The passage explains that the erosion of the gene pool of the cultivated wheats has reduced the possibility of further improvements in productivity and made the world wheat crop increasingly vulnerable to new diseases and adverse climatic changes. It does not mention anything about the responsiveness of the cultivated wheats to fertilizers. Therefore, the correct answer is (A) I only.

Answer: A

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

6. The passage implies which of the following about the genetic variability of the cultivated wheats?

Explanation

The passage discusses the genetic variability of cultivated wheats and how it has been reduced over time. The passage states that  "the genetic material of the cultivated wheats has already been exploited for breeding purposes almost to its full capacity"  and  "the range of genetic variation of the cultivated wheats has decreased drastically over the past two centuries."  This suggests that the genetic variability of cultivated wheats has decreased over time.

Therefore, the correct answer is  (D)  It was far greater two hundred years ago than it is today.

Answer: D

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

7. Which of the following dots the author mention as evidence for the impressive genetic variability of the wild wheats?

Explanation

In the passage, the author notes that the wild relatives of cultivated wheat  "contain a large reservoir of genes"  and that  "the adaptation of the various wild wheats to very different environments indicates great genetic variability."  The author goes on to explain that wild wheats are found in a wide range of climatic regions and can grow in many different types of soils, even in salty ones. This demonstrates the impressive genetic variability of wild wheats and their ability to adapt to diverse environments.

Answer  choice (A)  is incorrect because the passage does not make a direct comparison between the number of varieties of wild wheat and cultivated wheat.

Answer  choice (B)  is incorrect because the passage does not discuss the invulnerability of wild wheats to diseases.

Answer  choice (C)  is incorrect because the passage does not make a direct comparison between the use of energy-intensive agricultural aids for wild wheats and cultivated wheats.

Answer  choice (D)  is incorrect because the passage mentions that modern, scientific breeding practices have not been applied to wild wheats, but this is not evidence of their genetic variability.

Answer: E

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

8. The idea that the gene pool of the cultivated wheats can be replenished is regarded by the author with

Explanation

Option (E) "complete confidence"  is the correct answer because the author expresses a positive attitude towards the idea that the gene pool of the cultivated wheats can be replenished by tapping into the vast genetic resources found in the wild relatives of the wheats. The author states that  "the restoration and enrichment of the gene pool of the cultivated wheats can be accomplished by tapping the vast genetic resources found in the wild relatives of the wheats,"  and that  "the wild relatives of the cultivated wheats carry many genes of great economic potential."

Option (A) "absolute skepticism"  and  option (B) "mild derision"  are incorrect because the author does not express any negative attitudes towards the idea that the gene pool of the cultivated wheats can be replenished. In fact, the author emphasizes the urgent need for new varieties of wheat with greater yield and suggests that wild relatives of cultivated wheat could be a valuable source of genetic material.

Option (C) "marked indifference"  is incorrect because the author does not express any indifference towards the idea of replenishing the gene pool of cultivated wheat. Instead, the author emphasizes the importance of developing new varieties of wheat to meet the demands of a growing population and suggests that wild relatives of cultivated wheat could be a valuable source of genetic material.

Option (D) "cautious optimism"  is incorrect because while the author expresses optimism towards the potential of wild relatives of cultivated wheat as a source of genetic material, there is no indication of caution in the author's tone or argument. The author suggests that tapping into the vast genetic resources found in wild relatives of cultivated wheat is a promising avenue for improving the productivity of wheat.

Answer: E

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

9. Which of the following best expresses the main idea of the passage?

Explanation

The main idea of the passage is that the genetic variability of cultivated wheats has decreased significantly over the last two centuries, which reduces the possibility of further improvements in wheat productivity and makes the world wheat crop more vulnerable to diseases and adverse climatic changes. The passage suggests that the next big increment in wheat production will have to be achieved mainly by further improvements in the productivity of wheat itself, which can be accomplished by tapping the vast genetic resources found in the wild relatives of the wheats. From the information gathered so far, it is clear that the wild relatives of the cultivated wheats carry many genes of great economic potential. Therefore, the best expression of the main idea of the passage is (B) Further increases in wheat productivity may be achieved by tapping the genetic resources of the wild wheats.

Option (A)  is incorrect because the passage suggests that the application of energy-intensive agricultural aids such as fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides is becoming prohibitively expensive and not that their use will have to be curtailed.

Option (C)  is incorrect because the passage does not focus on the need for scientists to more carefully screen the genetic resources of wild wheat for agronomically useful characteristics but rather on the potential benefits of tapping into the vast genetic resources found in wild wheats.

Option (D)  is incorrect because the passage does mention that wild wheats are capable of growing in many different types of soils and in places often inhospitable to cultivated wheats but this is not the main idea of the passage.

Option (E)  is partially correct in that it correctly identifies the decrease in genetic variability of cultivated wheats but it fails to capture the main idea of the passage, which is that further increases in wheat productivity may be achieved by tapping the genetic resources of the wild wheats.

Answer: B

Elite097 · Answer

Sajjad1994  bt the passage says "“scientists have only just begun to examine these wild genetic resources for agronomically useful characteristics, and the full extent of the genetic treasure trove is still unknown”." - This is cautious

Sajjad1994 · Answer

You are probably interchanging the idea "the gene pool of the cultivated wheats can be replenished" (asked in question statement) with "The restoration and enrichment of the gene pool" (stated somewhere in the passage).

The question is a specific purpose (answer is based on a particular part of the passage) question but i think you are applying it to whole passage.

VerbalBot · Answer

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