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UPSC 2012: 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. Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
(a)1 and 2 only
(b)2 only
(c)3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3
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Not attemptedCorrect Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Phytoplankton perform the majority of oceanic photosynthesis, sequestering CO₂; their loss would weaken the ocean’s role as a carbon sink. They form the base of marine food webs, so food chains would collapse. Their biomass is too small to appreciably change seawater density, so statement 3 is incorrect. Hence only 1 and 2 are correct. ([satheessc.iitk.ac.in](https://satheessc.iitk.ac.in/sathee-ssc/student-corner/practice-set/ssc_general_studies_pq/general_studies_ques_71/?utm_source=openai))
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct answer to this UPSC 2012 Environment & Ecology question?▼
The correct answer is option (a): 1 and 2 only. Watch the detailed video explanation in our Sherlocking Prelims course on UnlockIAS.
Which year was this Ecosystems & Ecology Concepts question asked in UPSC Prelims?▼
This question was asked in UPSC CSE Prelims 2012, GS Paper 1, as Question 99. It falls under Environment & Ecology > Ecosystems & Ecology Concepts.
What is the difficulty level of this UPSC question?▼
This question is rated "easy". It tests basic recall and most well-prepared aspirants should answer it correctly.
How many UPSC Prelims questions have been asked from Ecosystems & Ecology Concepts?▼
UPSC has asked 48 questions from Ecosystems & Ecology Concepts (under Environment & Ecology) across multiple years. Visit the topic page to see the full list and year-wise trends.