gs1medium

Human activities in the recent past have caused the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, but a lot of it does not remain in the lower atmosphere because of

  1. 1.Its escape into the outer stratosphere.
  2. 2.The photosynthesis by phytoplankton in the oceans.
  3. 3.The trapping of air in the polar ice caps. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  1. A.1 and 2
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.2 and 3 only
  4. D.3 only
▶ Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: B. 2 only

Phytoplankton in the oceans play a crucial role in absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, acting as a significant carbon sink. While atmospheric CO2 concentrations have risen due to human activities, a substantial portion is assimilated by oceanic organisms. The escape into the stratosphere or trapping in polar ice caps are not the primary mechanisms for the reduction of CO2 from the lower atmosphere.

Source: UPSC gs1 2011

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