With reference to the planet Earth, consider the following statements: I. Rain forests produce more oxygen…

With reference to the planet Earth, consider the following statements: I. Rain forests produce more oxygen than that produced by oceans. II. Marine phytoplankton and photosynthetic bacteria produce about 50% of world's oxygen. III. Well-oxygenated surface water contains several folds higher oxygen than that in atmospheric air. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  1. I and II
  2. II only
  3. I and III
  4. None of the above statements is correct

Solution

Oceans produce more oxygen than rainforests (I wrong). Marine phytoplankton and photosynthetic bacteria produce ~50% of atmospheric oxygen (II correct). Atmospheric air has much more O2 than dissolved in water (III wrong).

Asked in: UPSC Prelims 2025

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