Question

Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.
We can think of the history of life on earth as a vast, long-term experiment in pure competition. Every living organism is competing with all other living organisms for resources (nutrients, sunlight, water, territory, etc.). Nature, or the natural world, is a laboratory of unfettered competition. It’s a dog-eat-dog, no-holds- barred, day-in and day-out struggle.
There are no governmental regulators to protect the weak or favor the strong. All organisms are given a chance, but not necessarily an equal chance. As the climate and the environment change (and change they do), some organisms are favored over others at times, but these advantages are fleeting. What nature gives, nature can take away.
Which of the following can be BEST concluded from the passage?

• A. Competition is critical to ensure the survival of the fittest.
• B. Without unforgiving competition, the planet will be inundated with the weak.
• C. Nature gives a fair opportunity to every organism to survive.
• D. Forgiveness is alien to the natural world.
• E. Brutal competition is the only constant in the natural world.

Answer 1

Answer: (E)

The passage describes the natural world as a place of relentless competition where every living organism must continuously compete for resources. This theme of persistent and unforgiving competition is underscored by phrases like "a dog-eat-dog, no-holds-barred, day-in and day-out struggle." The passage suggests that there are no regulations to assist weaker organisms and that benefits from nature are temporary. It emphasizes that nature's advantages can be given or taken away, reinforcing the idea that struggle and competition are enduring aspects of life.

Among the provided options, "Brutal competition is the only constant in the natural world" best captures the central message of the passage. It recognizes the unchanging nature of competition as described in the text. Other options mention aspects like fair opportunities or survival of the fittest but do not encapsulate the relentless nature of the competition described.