Comprehension Passage
The Earth's climate is undergoing significant changes due to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. One of the most ..... (1) ..... ecosystems to these changes is the Arctic region, home to the majestic polar bear. The impact of climate change on polar bears is a subject of growing ..... (2) ..... and study. Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are iconic symbols of the Arctic, adapted to life in a harsh, frozen environment. They are marine mammals uniquely equipped to ..... (3) ..... on sea ice, using it as a platform to hunt their primary prey, seals. However, the Arctic is warming at more than twice the global average rate, resulting in the rapid loss of sea ice. This loss has severe consequences for polar bears. The primary challenge for polar bears is their reliance on sea ice as a hunting ground. As the ice melts earlier in the spring and forms later in the fall, polar bears have shorter periods to hunt seals. This results in reduced food availability and forces them to fast for longer periods. Prolonged fasting can lead to ..... (4) ..... and a decline in the bears' overall health. Additionally, longer ice-free seasons compel polar bears to swim longer distances between ice floes, which can be physically exhausting and dangerous. Cubs are particularly vulnerable during these swims, as they have lower fat reserves and may not be able to endure such ..... (5) ..... journeys. Consequently, cub survival rates have declined in many populations. The shrinking sea ice also affects polar bear reproduction. Female bears rely on ice to create dens in which they give birth and raise their cubs. With less stable ice, the availability of suitable denning sites decreases, potentially leading to lower cub survival rates. Climate change-induced habitat loss also brings polar bears into closer contact with humans. As bears search for food on land during ice-free periods, ..... (6) ..... with communities can arise. Human-bear encounters pose risks to both humans and bears, often resulting in the ..... (7) ..... of bears deemed problematic. Conservation efforts are underway to address these challenges. Scientists are closely monitoring polar bear populations, conducting research on their behaviour, and studying how climate change is ..... (8) ..... their habitat. Conservation organizations and governments are working to establish protected areas and reduce human-bear conflicts through responsible management practices. The fate of polar bears is intricately tied to the broader issue of climate change. Efforts to ..... (9) ..... global warming and reduce greenhouse gas emissions are critical not only for the polar bear's survival but also for the health and stability of the entire planet. By addressing climate change, we can hope to secure a future where thesemagnificent creatures continue to roam the Arctic ice, reminding us of the ..... (10) ..... balance of our planet's ecosystems.
Directions (Qs. 1 - 10): In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
1. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank ..... (1) .....
A) vulnerable B) enjoyable
C) detectable D) controllable
2. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank ..... (2) .....
A) trivial B) concern
C) minimal D) useless
3. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank ..... (3) .....
A) choose B) drive
C) thrive D) travel
4. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank ..... (4) .....
A) flourishing B) healthy
C) prosperity D) malnutrition
5. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank ..... (5) .....
A) strenuous B) mild
C) weak D) gentle
6. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank ..... (6) ......
A) agreements B) conflicts
C) increments D) complements
7. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank ..... (7) ......
A) flee B) stranded
C) relocation D) extraction
8. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank ..... (8) ......
A) educating B) entertaining
C) suffocating D) impacting
9. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank ..... (9) ......
A) mitigate B) increase
C) magnify D) intricate
10. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank ..... (10) ......
A) stubborn B) delicate
C) robust D) supreme
Key 1-A 2-B 3-C 4-D 5-A6-B 7-C 8-D 9-A 10-B
