UPSC CSE 2025 · PYQ · Reading Comprehension / Central Idea · easy
If there is inequality in the pattern of population growth, there is greater inequality in food production and utilization. As societies become wealthier, their consumption of animal products increases. This means that a greater proportion of such basic foodstuff as grains and legumes that could feed humans directly is instead being converted into feed for poultry and large farm animals. Yet this conversion of plant-based food into animal food for humans is far from efficient. Only 16% of the calories fed to chickens are recovered by us when we eat them. This conversion rate goes down to five to seven per cent in large animals that are fed grain to add fat and some protein before slaughter.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the crux of the passage?
A.There is an urgent need for a public policy to promote the consumption of cereal-based foods in wealthier societies.
B.Animal-based food is far less efficient than grain/plant-based food in terms of production and utilization.✓ Correct
C.Plant-based protein should replace the animal-based protein in our daily diets.
D.Inequality in food production and consumption is inevitable in any fast changing society.
Explanation
The passage centrally discusses the inefficiency of converting plant-based food (grains and legumes) into animal-based food. It provides specific figures (16% recovery for chickens, 5-7% for large animals) to underscore this inefficiency. Option (b) accurately captures this crux. Option (a) suggests a public policy not advocated in the passage; option (c) prescribes a dietary change not stated; option (d) generalizes about inequality being inevitable, which goes beyond the passage's scope.
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