General Studies (Uncategorized)2025
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 are correct?
Explanation
The correct option is II only because marine phytoplankton and photosynthetic bacteria together contribute approximately 50% of the Earth's oxygen through photosynthesis. Statement I is incorrect, as while rain forests are vital for oxygen production, the ocean, particularly through phytoplankton, generates a greater share. Statement III is also inaccurate; well-oxygenated surface water does contain dissolved oxygen, but it is generally at much lower concentrations compared to the oxygen available in the atmosphere, where it is around 21%. Thus, only statement II accurately represents the major sources of oxygen on Earth as reflected in ecological studies and environmental science textbooks.
