Read the following passage and answer the items that follow Your answer to these items should b...........

English Comprehension Reading Comprehension (C)

Read the following passage and answer the items that follow. Your answer to these items should be based on the passages only.

Passage – 1

Fig trees (genus Ficus) are considered sacred in India, East Asia and Africa and are common in agricultural and urban landscapes where other large trees are absent. In natural forests, fig trees provide food for wildlife when other resources are scarce and support a high density and diversity of frugivores (fruit-eating animals). If frugivorous birds and bats continue to visit to fig trees located in sites with high human disturbances, sacred fig trees may promote frugivore abundance. Under favourable microclimate, plenty of seedlings of other tree species would grow around fig trees.

On the basis of the passage given above, the following assumption have been made:

1. Fig trees can often be keystone species in natural forests.

2. Fig trees can grow where other large woody species cannot grow.

3. Sacred trees can have a role in biodiversity conservation.

4. Fig trees have a role in the seed dispersal of other tree species.

Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

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1 and 2 only

3 only

2 and 4 only

1, 3 and 4 only

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Explanation:

Option (1) is incorrect- The passage mentions fig trees providing food for wildlife species and supporting a density and diversity of frugivores where resources are scarce and absent. That is essentially what a keystone species signifies for an ecosystem. However, the passage is devoid of any affirmative mention of large 'woody' species giving way for the growth of fig trees in their absence.
Hence, statement 2 particularly of woody species can't be inferred/ established from the passage.
Option (2) is incorrect- The passage mentions biodiversity prevailing around fig trees in the form of frugivores, bats, animals, and humans living in co-existence. Hence, the third statement holds as a valid assumption. However, it is not the only valid assumption.
Option (3) is incorrect- The passage mentions that plenty of seedlings of other tree species are found to grow around fig trees due to the visit of frugivorous birds and bats. Hence, under favorable microclimatic conditions, it can be directly inferred that fig trees can have a role in the seed dispersal of the same. Hence, Statement 4 is correct.
Option (4) is correct- Based on the above deductions, this is the most appropriate answer.