Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 5.

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and
select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
When trees are illegally or irresponsibly cut, forest ecosystems are (1)______. Their ability to
store carbon, shelter wildlife, filter water, and to provide food, products, and jobs for
(2)______ is compromised. Global forest loss also leads to more greenhouse gases in the
(3)______. This is much more than what comes from all cars, trucks, trains, planes and ships
in the world. But when forests thrive, they absorb carbon dioxide and (4)______ down climate
change. Protecting forests does much more than just keep trees standing because forests are
the (5)______ of the planet and serve as the home, market and apothecary of people living on
it.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The correct answer is option 2, i.e. lungs.

Context: The passage is talking about the importance of forests in absorbing carbon dioxide and helping slow down climate change. It compares forests to an organ of the human body to show their role in keeping the planet healthy.

Meaning of the words:

Feet – not related to breathing or environmental function
Lungs – organs used to breathe, take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide
Brain – controls thinking and bodily functions
Chest – part of the body, but not a specific organ

Correct word: Lungs – because just like lungs help in breathing and managing gases in the body, forests help in filtering the air and managing carbon dioxide on Earth.

Reason: Forests act like lungs for the planet by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, which is very important to slow down climate change. So, the best comparison is lungs, not feet, brain, or chest.

Final Sentence: Forests are the lungs of the planet and serve as the home, market and apothecary of people living on it.

Hence, the chosen option is correct.

SSC Selection Post 2022 PYQ — Question 6