Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:-
The saving of certain wild animals from extinction has for many years been a problem for zoologists and other specialists; but more recently the problem has become so acute, and has received so much publicity, that most people are now concerned about it. This may at first seem strange because one of the most gratifying developments of the last few years has been the passing of strict laws to protect wild animals and the consequent decline in the hunting of big – game for sport. One reason is the “march of civilization”. When an area is wholly cleared of vegetation to make room for new towns, factory sites or hydroelectric plants, the natural home of several species is destroyed. The displaced must either migrate to another area or perish. Even the clearing of land for a road or an airfield may involve ‘pushing back’ the jungle, and the smaller the area in which wild animals compete for a living the smaller the number that can hope to survive. Civilization brings, too, swift and easy transport and so assists those who are determined to break the various protective laws. Thieves can elude the game wardens, shoot an elephant for its tusks, a rhinoceros for its horn, or a deer for its meat and be miles away from the site of the crime before the dead or dying victim is even discovered. Civilization which brings so many benefits to people brings also facilities for the heartless criminals who, for only material gain, slaughter harmless animals and threaten the disappearance of its kind from the earth forever.
a) State whether the following statements are True or False. Write ‘T’ for Trueand ‘F’ for False.
i) The development of passing strict laws to protect wild animals had not been gratifying.
Answer – False
ii) The ‘march of civilization’ leads to the destruction of several species.
Answer – True
iii) Civilization is a hindrance to the criminals.
Answer – False
iv) Criminals slaughter harmless animals and threaten its extinction only for material gain.
Answer – True
b) Answer each of the following questions in about 30 words:-
i) What has most people become concerned about?
Answer – people have been most concerned about the saving of certain wild animals from extinction. For many years zoologists and other experts found it very hard to solve this problem but since people became concerned about it, it is helping the them effectively.
ii) How is ‘march of civilization’ responsible for extinction of animals?
Answer –March of civilization is a term used to address clearing vegetation of a place to make room for various urban development, such as building new towns, factories, roads etc. When this happens the species lose their natural habitat, they are forced to migrate to another place. This endangers the species which may lead to extinction.
iii) How does civilization help criminals?
Answer –Civilization benefits criminals by various ways. One of them is provide easy transportation. With the easy transportation criminals can kill wild animals and fly away from the site easily, even before the dead body has been discovered. Since tracking culprit is hard, it’s easy for them to break various laws.