UPSC Prelims 2018 · GS Paper I

Question 65: Environment and Ecology

Which of the following statements best describes “carbon fertilization” ?

aIncreased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

bIncreased temperature of Earth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

cIncreased acidity of oceans as a result of increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

dAdaptation of all living beings on Earth to the climate change brought about by the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).

Carbon fertilization is the increase in plant growth and photosynthesis that results when the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide rises, because carbon dioxide is a raw material of photosynthesis. The effect is limited by the supply of water and nutrients and by heat. Higher temperature is the greenhouse effect, ocean acidification is a separate effect of carbon dioxide dissolving in sea water, and adaptation of living beings is not what the term means.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Right: more plant growth from higher carbon dioxide.
(b) That describes the greenhouse effect or global warming.
(c) That describes ocean acidification.
(d) Adaptation is a different idea and not what carbon fertilization means.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2018, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.