Question

UPSC Prelims 2018 Question:

Which of the following statements best describes "carbon fertilization"?

1. Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
2. Increased temperature of Earth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
3. Increased acidity of oceans as a result of increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
4. Adaptation of all living beings on Earth to the climate change brought about by the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1: Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

Carbon Fertilisation is also known as Carbon Dioxide Fertilisation. It is the phenomenon in which increased levels of carbon dioxide increases the rate of photosynthesis in green plants.
Green leaves use energy from sunlight through photosynthesis to chemically combine carbon dioxide drawn in from the air with water and nutrients tapped from the ground to produce sugars, which are the main source of food, fiber and fuel for life on Earth. Studies have shown that increased concentrations of carbon dioxide increase photosynthesis, spurring plant growth.

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.

Subject: Environment | Miscellaneous(env)

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