GyanGramEnvironment · Prelims 2012 Q440
What would happen if phytoplankton of an ocean is completely destroyed for some reason? 1. The ocean as a carbon sink would be adversely affected. 2. The food chains in the ocean…
Stem and options.
What would happen if phytoplankton of an ocean is completely destroyed for some reason?
1. The ocean as a carbon sink would be adversely affected.
2. The food chains in the ocean would be adversely affected.
3. The density of ocean water would drastically decrease.
Source: UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2012. Syllabus tags and explanation are GyanGram editorial joins for learning—not official UPSC metadata.
Correct option D
• Correct Answer: D
• Phytoplankton drive the ocean's biological carbon pump and form the base of marine food webs; their loss would collapse both.
• Ocean density is governed by temperature and salinity, not phytoplankton biomass.
Where this sits in Learn.
Unit
Climate Science
ENV-U06Chapter
Carbon Cycle
ENV-U06-C05Same paper. Same subject. Same bank in-app.
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