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 factors help humanity control its evolution, as per the passage?
A. Predicting what might happen in the future
B. Use of technology
C. Persisting for longer than most mammal species
D. Control of resources
E. Genetic modification
Choose the most appropriate from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → B, D, E only
The passage says that humanity is able to control its evolution "via the use of technology, genetic modification and the control of resources".
(A) Predicting what might happen in the future — Incorrect.
- Contradicted: the passage says "it is impossible to predict what might happen in coming centuries".
(B) Use of technology — Correct.
- It is the first factor named.
(C) Persisting for longer than most mammal species — Incorrect.
- Result, not cause: this is the likely outcome of controlling evolution ("we will persist for longer"), not a factor that helps control it.
(D) Control of resources — Correct.
- It is the third factor named.
(E) Genetic modification — Correct.
- It is the second factor named.