Comprehension:
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow
There can be no greater example of a mankind’s creative genius than for him to create new abodes of life throughout the solar system. Today, with an increasing population of more than six billion people and the fear of possible disaster, the need for an alternate home for mankind has become urgent. Mars is the only planet in our solar system, besides Earth – that has all the ingredients necessary to support life. Though the average surface temperature on Mars is frigid and it is a desolate lifeless planet, Mars once had an atmosphere thick and warm enough to allow for the flow of liquid on its surface.
If it is ever done, transforming a dry, desert-like Mars into a lush environment that can support the flora and fauna of the Earth, will be a mammoth task requiring decades or maybe centuries! Two methods have been proposed to make this a reality. One is placing large orbital mirrors that will reflect sunlight and heat onto the polar caps of Mars, which would melt the ice there. Gradually, the rise in temperature would release the greenhouse gases and heat the planet.
Another option would be to set-up solar-powered, greenhouse gas producing factories. Imitating the process of photosynthesis, the atmosphere of Mars would be oxygenated to the extent that people would survive on Mars with only a breathing apparatus.
While we may reach Mars this century, it would take several millennia for transforming it into a planet wherein plants and animals can flourish.
Select the most appropriate option to complete the following sentence:
In the light of ever increasing population, scientists view Mars planet as a challenge to _________________________.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → make it habitable
The growing population and the fear of disaster make "the need for an alternate home for mankind" urgent. The passage then describes ways of turning Mars into a place where people, plants and animals can live, that is, making it habitable (fit to live in).
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: demonstrate their creative ingenuity — Incorrect. Wrong focus: the passage praises mankind's creative genius, but the challenge arising from population growth is to find a new home, not to show off skill.
Option 3: facilitate research and experimentation — Incorrect. Wrong focus: research would be part of the work, but the passage does not present it as the aim.
Option 4: show the supremacy of humans over nature — Incorrect. Not mentioned: the passage says nothing about humans proving their power over nature.