Read the passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 2...

Read the passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

Our cities, pulsating with relentless energy and constant development, are often seen as antithetical to nature. Yet, for millions, the sliver of green in a local park, the lone tree pushing through pavement, or the surprising resilience of a few hardy birds are their only daily connection to the natural world. This relentless march of urbanization, while necessary for growth, often comes at a steep price: the quiet erosion of urban green spaces and the subtle but profound impact on both the environment and human well-being.

The incessant expansion of the concrete jungle continues unabated. Old gardens make way for apartment blocks, forgotten corners become parking lots, and even small patches of woodland are cleared for infrastructure. What often goes unnoticed is not just the physical loss of trees or grass, but the disappearance of vital ecological functions. These urban green lungs regulate temperatures, absorb rainwater, filter pollutants, and provide crucial habitat for a surprising array of wildlife – from insects vital for local ecosystems to migrating birds seeking refuge. Their removal intensifies urban heat island effects, exacerbates flood risks, and diminishes air quality, making cities less livable.

Beyond the environmental metrics, the human cost is equally significant. Access to green spaces is increasingly recognized as fundamental for mental and physical health. A walk in a park can reduce stress, improve mood, and even boost cognitive function. Children who are deprived of natural play areas miss out on critical developmental experiences. For vulnerable communities, who often have the least access to quality green spaces, this urban ecological deficit deepens existing inequalities, creating healthier environments for some while others are left in concrete deserts.

Reimagining our cities to embrace rather than eradicate nature is no longer a mere aesthetic choice; it’s an urgent necessity for resilience and well-being. Integrating green roofs, vertical gardens, community allotments, and accessible parks into urban planning isn’t just about beautification. It’s about building smarter, healthier, and more sustainable cities that recognize the intrinsic value of nature, not as an optional extra, but as an essential component of a thriving modern metropolis. The fight for conservation, in many ways, is now playing out on the very streets we inhabit.

(Adapted from WordPress.com)

Question 23: According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as an ecological function of urban green spaces?
A. Regulating local temperatures B. Providing habitat for wildlife
C. Improving soil fertility for agriculture D. Filtering air pollutants