IBPS PO Prelims 20 Oct 2024 Shift 1 Paper

Question Numbers: 41-49
Directions: Read the given passage carefully to answer the following questions. Each question will have five alternatives as its answer. Choose the correct option as your answer.
Dr. Eliza Bennett, a renowned botanist, had spent the majority of her career studying the flora of Madagascar. Her research was now focused on a peculiar tree species known as the "Luminous Baobab." Tales about this tree had been passed down through generations of local tribes, who believed it possessed magical properties capable of curing ailments. Present in only a small, secluded area of the island, the Luminous Baobab emitted a soft, glowing light at night. This unique characteristic had caught Dr. Bennett's attention and became the reason for her dedication to uncovering the secrets behind this extraordinary tree. When she first arrived at the site, Dr. Bennett found herself mesmerised by the tree’s ethereal glow. She quickly set up her equipment and spent her days meticulously documenting its growth patterns, bark texture, and the unusual bioluminescent properties. Her nights were filled with observing the tree and collecting samples under the moonlit sky. Local villagers often visited her camp, sharing their stories and wisdom about the Luminous Baobab. According to them, the tree's leaves, when ground into a paste, could heal wounds faster than any known ________. Interestingly, its sap was said to alleviate pain almost instantly. Dr. Bennett was skeptical at first, but the more testimonies she heard, the more determined she became to understand the science behind these claims.
Months of rigorous analysis revealed that the tree produced a unique compound, which not only caused its bioluminescence but also had exceptional healing properties. This discovery had the potential to revolutionise medicine. However, harvesting the compound without harming the tree was a significant challenge. With the villagers' help, Dr. Bennett developed a sustainable method to extract the compound, ensuring the Luminous Baobab would continue to thrive. The reason behind her relentless pursuit was not just scientific curiosity but also a personal experience. Years ago, her younger brother had succumbed to an illness that modern medicine couldn’t cure. Driven by the hope that the Luminous Baobab could prevent such tragedies in the future, she worked with an unmatched fervour. Dr. Bennett's findings were published in several prestigious journals, and her work soon attracted interest from pharmaceutical companies worldwide. The once obscure tree of Madagascar was thrust into the spotlight, offering hope and healing to countless people around the globe. In her acceptance speech for a major scientific award, she emphasised the importance of conservation and expressed her gratitude to the Malagasy villagers, saying, "At present, we have only scratched the surface of nature's potential. We must tread carefully, respecting and protecting the very ________ of our discoveries." Through her tireless research, Dr. Bennett had not only found a reason to heal personal wounds but had also contributed significantly to the world's medical advancements. The Luminous Baobab, with its gentle glow, symbolised hope, ingenuity, and the profound interconnectedness of all life forms.