No species lasts forever. Our species has been in existence for at least 200,000 years and is not old in evolutionary terms. Consequently, we should persist for hundreds of thousands of years yet there are no indications that Homo sapiens is in decline. However, whether we have the capacity for total destruction — through nuclear annihilation or such — remains debated. Some experts argue that humans are so numerous, widespread and suited to survive catastrophe that no event would result in extinction. A collapse of global ecosystems resulting from climate change and overpopulation has also been predicted as a cause for our extinction but, again, it is difficult to accept that such events could cause human die-off everywhere. Ultimately, it is impossible to predict what might happen in coming centuries. But, more so than any other species, humanity is able to control its evolution via the use of technology, genetic modification and the control of resources; these factors make it likely that we will persist for longer than has been typical for mammal species before us.
Which of the following sentences are factually incorrect as per the passage?
A. Our species is 200,000 years old
B. Our species is not old in evolutionary terms
C. Our species is in decline
D. Our species can become extinct due to overpopulation
E. Our species is unable to control its evolution
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → C and E only
(A) Our species is 200,000 years old — Factually correct.
- The passage says our species "has been in existence for at least 200,000 years".
(B) Our species is not old in evolutionary terms — Factually correct.
- The same sentence adds that it "is not old in evolutionary terms".
(C) Our species is in decline — Factually incorrect.
- The passage says "there are no indications that Homo sapiens is in decline".
(D) Our species can become extinct due to overpopulation — Factually correct.
- A collapse of ecosystems from climate change and overpopulation "has also been predicted as a cause for our extinction".
(E) Our species is unable to control its evolution — Factually incorrect.
- The passage says that, more than any other species, "humanity is able to control its evolution".