Paragraph: The flower was not invented to please us.
It flaunted its petals and spread its perfume to attract an insect. The insect carries the pollen from flower to flower so that pollen is not carried away by wind and thus not wasted. What we call a flower’s beauty is merely a by-product and a human invention. The perfume is not there to please us, it pleases us because it is there and we have been conditioned to it.
Q. 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
Correct answer: d) Neither 1 nor 2
Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT
Explanation :
1. First, let’s analyze what the passage actually says:
– Flowers weren’t created to please humans
– Their features (petals, perfume) are meant to attract insects
– The purpose is pollination
– Human perception of beauty is just a by-product
– We appreciate flower perfume because we’re conditioned to it
2. Now let’s examine Assumption 1: “flowers are creations of Nature’s luxury”
– The passage actually suggests the opposite
– It describes flowers as having practical, functional purposes (pollination)
– There’s nothing luxurious about their features – they serve a specific biological function
– Therefore, Assumption 1 is invalid
3. Let’s examine Assumption 2: “author does not believe in the usefulness of flowers except as things of beauty”
– This is completely contrary to the passage
– The author explicitly describes the useful role of flowers in pollination
– The beauty aspect is described as merely incidental
– Therefore, Assumption 2 is invalid
4. Since both assumptions are invalid, the correct answer is d) Neither 1 nor 2.
