đ Whatâs Inside This CAT RC Practice Post?
đ Authentic CAT Reading Comprehension Passage: Practice with a real RC passage from a previous CAT exam.
â
Detailed Questions with Step-by-Step Solutions: Each question is explained thoroughly for better understanding.
đ„ Video Solutions by Prashant Sir: Watch detailed video solutions for quicker concept clarity.
đ„ Passage Analysis Video by Prashant Sir: Understand the passage deeply with a full line-by-line and paragraph analysis.
đ In-Depth Passage Analysis: Gain insights through line-by-line and paragraph-wise analysis, supplemented with a quick summary table for efficient revision.
đ Vocabulary Enhancement: Get a separate post explaining all tough words from the passage.
RC Passage
Direction for the questions 7 to 12: The passage below is accompanied by a set of six questions. Choose the best answer to each question.
During the frigid season.. . itâs often necessary to nestle under a blanket to try to stay warm. The temperature difference between the blanket and the air outside is so palpable that we often have trouble leaving our warm refuge. Many plants and animals similarly hunker down, relying on snow cover for safety from winterâs harsh conditions. The small area between the snowpack and the ground, called the subnivium. . . might be the most important ecosystem that you have never heard of.
The subnivium is so well-insulated and stable that its temperature holds steady at around 32 degree Fahrenheit (0 degree Celsius). Although that might still sound cold, a constant temperature of 32 degree Fahrenheit can often be 30 to 40 degrees warmer than the air temperature during the peak of winter. Because of this large temperature difference, a wide variety of species. . . depend on the subnivium for winter protection.
For many organisms living in temperate and Arctic regions, the difference between being under the snow or outside it is a matter of life and death. Consequently, disruptions to the subnivium brought about by climate change will affect everything from population dynamics to nutrient cycling through the ecosystem.
The formation and stability of the subnivium requires more than a few flurries. Winter ecologists have suggested that eight inches of snow is necessary to develop a stable layer of insulation. Depth is not the only factor, however. More accurately, the stability of the subnivium depends on the interaction between snow depth and snow density. Imagine being under a stack of blankets that are all flattened and pressed together. When compressed, the blankets essentially form one compacted layer. In contrast, when they are lightly placed on top of one another, their insulative capacity increases because the air pockets between them trap heat. Greater depths of low-density snow are therefore better at insulating the ground.
Both depth and density of snow are sensitive to temperature. Scientists are now beginning to explore how climate change will affect the subnivium, as well as the species that depend on it. At first glance, warmer winters seem beneficial for species that have difficulty surviving subzero temperatures; however, as with most ecological phenomena, the consequences are not so straightforward. Research has shown that the snow season (the period when snow is more likely than rain) has become shorter since 1970. When rain falls on snow, it increases the density of the snow and reduces its insulative capacity. Therefore, even though winters are expected to become warmer overall from future climate change, the subnivium will tend to become colder and more variable with less protection from the above-ground temperatures.
The effects of a colder subnivium are complex . . . For example, shrubs such as crowberry and alpine azalea that grow along the forest floor tend to block the wind and so retain higher depths of snow around them. This captured snow helps to keep soils insulated and in turn increases plant decomposition and nutrient release. In field experiments, researchers removed a portion of the snow cover to investigate the importance of the subniviumâs insulation. They found that soil frost in the snow-free area resulted in damage to plant roots and sometimes even the death of the plant.
Full RC Video Analysis
RC Line-wise Explanation
Paragraph 1
"During the frigid season... itâs often necessary to nestle under a blanket to try to stay warm."
Explanation: In cold winter months, people typically cover themselves with blankets to stay warm.
"The temperature difference between the blanket and the air outside is so palpable that we often have trouble leaving our warm refuge."
Explanation: The contrast between the warmth under the blanket and the cold air outside is so noticeable that itâs hard to leave that comfort.
"Many plants and animals similarly hunker down, relying on snow cover for safety from winterâs harsh conditions."
Explanation: Just like humans use blankets, plants and animals use snow as insulation to protect themselves from the cold.
"The small area between the snowpack and the ground, called the subnivium... might be the most important ecosystem that you have never heard of."
Explanation: The space beneath the snow and above the groundâknown as the subniviumâis a crucial but little-known ecosystem.
Paragraph 2
"The subnivium is so well-insulated and stable that its temperature holds steady at around 32 degree Fahrenheit (0 degree Celsius)."
Explanation: The subnivium remains well-protected and maintains a constant temperature of 32°F due to its insulation.
"Although that might still sound cold, a constant temperature of 32 degree Fahrenheit can often be 30 to 40 degrees warmer than the air temperature during the peak of winter."
Explanation: While 32°F is cold, it can be significantly warmer than the much colder temperatures above the snow during winter.
"Because of this large temperature difference, a wide variety of species... depend on the subnivium for winter protection."
Explanation: Many species rely on the relatively warmer and stable subnivium to survive the winter.
Paragraph 3
"For many organisms living in temperate and Arctic regions, the difference between being under the snow or outside it is a matter of life and death."
Explanation: In cold regions, the protection offered by snow can determine whether organisms survive the winter.
"Consequently, disruptions to the subnivium brought about by climate change will affect everything from population dynamics to nutrient cycling through the ecosystem."
Explanation: Climate change could alter the subnivium, which would impact entire ecosystems, including species numbers and soil processes.
Paragraph 4
"The formation and stability of the subnivium requires more than a few flurries."
Explanation: A small amount of snow isnât enough to create a stable subnivium.
"Winter ecologists have suggested that eight inches of snow is necessary to develop a stable layer of insulation."
Explanation: Scientists believe at least eight inches of snow are needed to form a well-insulated subnivium.
"Depth is not the only factor, however."
Explanation: Snow depth alone doesnât determine the quality of insulation.
"More accurately, the stability of the subnivium depends on the interaction between snow depth and snow density."
Explanation: The subniviumâs effectiveness depends on both how deep and how dense the snow is.
"Imagine being under a stack of blankets that are all flattened and pressed together. When compressed, the blankets essentially form one compacted layer."
Explanation: If blankets are squished together, they donât provide much insulationâjust like dense snow.
"In contrast, when they are lightly placed on top of one another, their insulative capacity increases because the air pockets between them trap heat."
Explanation: Loosely layered blankets (or snow) trap warm air, making them better insulators.
"Greater depths of low-density snow are therefore better at insulating the ground."
Explanation: Thick layers of fluffy snow are best at keeping the subnivium warm.
Paragraph 5
"Both depth and density of snow are sensitive to temperature."
Explanation: The amount and compactness of snow change depending on temperature.
"Scientists are now beginning to explore how climate change will affect the subnivium, as well as the species that depend on it."
Explanation: Researchers are investigating how global warming might impact the subnivium and the life it supports.
"At first glance, warmer winters seem beneficial for species that have difficulty surviving subzero temperatures; however, as with most ecological phenomena, the consequences are not so straightforward."
Explanation: While warmer winters might seem helpful to some species, the effects are complex and not entirely positive.
"Research has shown that the snow season (the period when snow is more likely than rain) has become shorter since 1970."
Explanation: Studies show that since 1970, periods with snowfall have become shorter.
"When rain falls on snow, it increases the density of the snow and reduces its insulative capacity."
Explanation: Rain makes snow denser, which weakens its ability to insulate.
"Therefore, even though winters are expected to become warmer overall from future climate change, the subnivium will tend to become colder and more variable with less protection from the above-ground temperatures."
Explanation: Paradoxically, warmer winters may lead to a colder, less stable subnivium due to denser, less effective snow.
Paragraph 6
"The effects of a colder subnivium are complex..."
Explanation: The outcomes of a less insulated subnivium are complicated and wide-ranging.
"For example, shrubs such as crowberry and alpine azalea that grow along the forest floor tend to block the wind and so retain higher depths of snow around them."
Explanation: Some plants, like crowberry and alpine azalea, help trap snow by shielding it from wind.
"This captured snow helps to keep soils insulated and in turn increases plant decomposition and nutrient release."
Explanation: The retained snow keeps the soil warm, which boosts the breakdown of organic matter and nutrient flow.
"In field experiments, researchers removed a portion of the snow cover to investigate the importance of the subniviumâs insulation."
Explanation: Scientists tested how crucial the subniviumâs insulation is by removing some snow.
"They found that soil frost in the snow-free area resulted in damage to plant roots and sometimes even the death of the plant."
Explanation: In areas without snow cover, the ground froze, harming or even killing plant roots.
RC Paragraph Explanation
Paragraph 1 Summary
The subnivium, a layer between snow and ground, provides essential insulation for many plants and animals during winter, much like a blanket protects humans from the cold.
Paragraph 2 Summary
Despite seeming cold, the subniviumâs consistent temperature of 32°F is much warmer than the frigid air above it, making it a vital refuge for various species.
Paragraph 3 Summary
In cold regions, the subnivium is critical for survival, and climate change-induced disruptions to it can drastically alter ecosystems.
Paragraph 4 Summary
Creating a stable subnivium requires a balance of snow depth and density, with loose, fluffy snow providing the best insulation by trapping air and heat.
Paragraph 5 Summary
Climate change reduces the duration and quality of snow cover, leading to denser, less insulating snow that could result in a colder, more unstable subnivium.
Paragraph 6 Summary
A colder subnivium harms plants by causing root damage and reducing nutrient cycling, as shown in field studies where snow removal led to plant stress and death.
RC Quick Table Summary
| Paragraph Number | Main Idea |
|---|---|
| Paragraph 1 | The subnivium acts like a blanket, protecting life under the snow. |
| Paragraph 2 | Its stable temperature supports many species through harsh winters. |
| Paragraph 3 | Changes to the subnivium can affect entire ecosystems. |
| Paragraph 4 | Snow depth and density determine the subniviumâs insulating power. |
| Paragraph 5 | Climate change makes the subnivium colder and less reliable. |
| Paragraph 6 | Less insulation leads to root damage and disrupted nutrient cycles. |
RC Questions
Ques 7. The purpose of this passage is to
Ques 8. All of the following statements are true EXCEPT
Ques 9. Based on this extract, the author would support which one of the following actions?
Ques 10. In paragraph 6, the author provides the examples of crowberry and alpine azalea to demonstrate that
Ques 11. Which one of the following statements can be inferred from the passage?
Ques 12. In paragraph 1, the author uses blankets as a device to
