GATE ECE 2022 | GA Question: 6

Question

Mosquitoes pose a threat to human health. Controlling mosquitoes using chemicals may have undesired consequences. In Florida, authorities have used genetically modified mosquitoes to control the overall mosquito population. It remains to be seen if this novel approach has unforeseen consequences.

Which one of the following is the correct logical inference based on the information in the above passage?

• A. Using chemicals to kill mosquitoes is better than using genetically modified mosquitoes because genetic engineering is dangerous
• B. Using genetically modified mosquitoes is better than using chemicals to kill mosquitoes because they do not have any side effects
• C. Both using genetically modified mosquitoes and chemicals have undesired consequences and can be dangerous
• D. Using chemicals to kill mosquitoes may have undesired consequences but it is not clear if using genetically modified mosquitoes has any negative consequence

Answer 1

The passage states that controlling mosquitoes using chemicals ${\color{Red} \text{ may have undesired consequences.}}$

However, it does not provide any information about whether using genetically modified mosquitoes has any ${\color{Magenta} \text{ negative consequences or not}}$ as made clear by this sentence: “It remains to be seen if this novel approach has unforeseen consequences”

Therefore, we cannot make a definitive judgment about the safety or potential negative consequences of genetically modified mosquitoes based on the information provided in the passage.

Correct Answer: D

Answer 2

(D) Using chemicals to kill mosquitoes may have undesired consequences but it is not clear if using genetically modified mosquitoes has any negative consequence.

Here's why the other options are not accurate:

• (A) This statement makes a strong claim without sufficient evidence. The passage only mentions that chemicals may have consequences, not definitively states that they are worse than genetic engineering.
• (B) This statement similarly lacks proof. The passage acknowledges the lack of knowledge about long-term effects of genetically modified mosquitoes.
• (C) While the passage mentions potential downsides of both methods, it doesn't necessarily imply that both are equally dangerous or bad.

Therefore, option (D) accurately reflects the cautious stance presented in the passage. It acknowledges the possible risks of chemical use while highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the consequences of genetically modified mosquitoes.