Which of the following is the most appropriate option to fill in the blank labelled as (A)?

Question

Question

Comprehension

Directions: In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

Bees play a critical role in our ecosystem, not just through the production of honey, but also in food production due to their pollination activities. Pollination is the process by which pollen is transferred from the male part of a flower to the female part, enabling fertilization (A) _______ the production of seeds. Bees are one of the primary (B) _______ that accomplish this task. In fact, it’s estimated that about one-third of the food we consume daily relies on pollination, primarily by bees. Without bees, many of the crops that constitute our diet would be significantly (C) _______. This includes fruits like apples, vegetables like cucumbers, and even nuts. These insects are also vital for plants that provide the seeds for certain animal feeds. As a result, the (D) _______ of bees would not only impact human food supplies but also animal husbandry. Unfortunately, bee populations have been in decline due to factors like pesticide exposure, habitat loss, and climate change. Protecting bees is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring food security. Various (E) _______ are in place to protect and encourage the health of bee colonies, including the planting of wildflowers and the reduction of pesticide use. The role bees play (F) _______ enriching our diet and supporting agriculture cannot be overstated.

Which of the following is the most appropriate option to fill in the blank labelled as (A)?

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SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 22 February 2025 Shift 1)

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and
or
but
so
hence

Answer 1

The correct answer is 'and'.

Key Points

The passage discusses the process of pollination and its role in fertilization and seed production.
The appropriate conjunction should connect the two related actions, "enabling fertilization" and "the production of seeds."
"And" fits well as it indicates that both actions occur as part of the same process.
Other options ("or", "but", "so", and "hence") do not fit the context of describing the dual outcomes of pollination.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

Complete Passage: Bees play a critical role in our ecosystem, not just through the production of honey, but also in food production due to their pollination activities. Pollination is the process by which pollen is transferred from the male part of a flower to the female part, enabling fertilization and the production of seeds. Bees are one of the primary (B) _______ that accomplish this task. In fact, it’s estimated that about one-third of the food we consume daily relies on pollination, primarily by bees. Without bees, many of the crops that constitute our diet would be significantly (C) _______. This includes fruits like apples, vegetables like cucumbers, and even nuts. These insects are also vital for plants that provide the seeds for certain animal feeds. As a result, the (D) _______ of bees would not only impact human food supplies but also animal husbandry. Unfortunately, bee populations have been in decline due to factors like pesticide exposure, habitat loss, and climate change. Protecting bees is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring food security. Various (E) _______ are in place to protect and encourage the health of bee colonies, including the planting of wildflowers and the reduction of pesticide use. The role bees play (F) _______ enriching our diet and supporting agriculture cannot be overstated.

Additional Information

Or: "Or" indicates a choice, which does not fit the context of describing the outcomes of pollination.
But: "But" indicates a contrast, which does not align with the ideas being connected.
So: "So" indicates a result, which does not properly link the actions in this sentence.
Hence: "Hence" indicates a consequence, which does not fit the context of describing simultaneous outcomes.

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Question

Comprehension

Which of the following is the most appropriate option to fill in the blank labelled as (A)?

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