Day Minus 9.
Mothers and fathers are stocking up supplies for their young. Unlike elsewhere on Earth, however, this is happening right in the middle of winter, where resources are scarce. They know that to give their young the best chance at their coming trials, they need sustenance, rest, and training. Many seek the help of others, who have passed such trials before, at great cost. A few young are without such support, and make their own preparations, although of these only a small number are able to shore up as generously.
Fate, however, has other plans - those few who must scavenge for themselves in fact become among the strongest of the next generation; they are fully fledged birds of prey where the others are mere hatchlings; and competition is strong.
In the background others are onto the next stage of their trials. Much like those before, a single tiger has found a new habitat, one in which he will face further competition for the best dens, and the best breeding females. This population is rather advantageous for the male - there are many females in this new habitat, many of whom will be vying for his attention, as a mate, or if not, perhaps for protection. And yet he cannot help but cast a glimpse at the younglings whom he knows will scarce make it past this winter. For this is a special winter, one that is survived by fighting, rather than by hiding.
He is one of the lucky ones - others before him have been forced into the desolate wastelands, where food, water, and shelter are scarce, let alone any potential mates. Some of the unfortunate ones have left their relative safety of their known habitat and find themselves starving. And yet, this is not by choice - the natural order demands that these few take up territory in the wastelands. A few will stay and thrive, but many will try to return to a more plentiful habitat; unfortunately, all the desirable territory will have been long gone.
3. The tiger in the aforementioned passage is:
a. A year 12 student
b. A first year medical student
c.
@pi
d. A first year doctor
4. What is implied by 'Fate, however, has other plans'?
a. Parents buying UMAT prep for their children is to no avail
b. Students who are motivated to prepare for the UMAT will do better than those who are directed to do so by their parents
c. Most of the applicants to UMAT will not succeed in obtaining a good score
d. The students have no control over how well they do in the UMAT
5. The desolate wastelands are:
a. Tasmania
b. Rural internships
c. Psychiatry and rehabilitation medicine rotations
d. Medical Science degrees
This is the second in the series of 'Mana pretends to be David Attenborough'. You can read the first post here.