Q. With reference to Phytoplankton, consider the following statements:
1.They are the primary producers in aquatic food webs, feeding organisms from zooplankton to large whales.
2.Phytoplankton are responsible for transferring carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to the ocean through photosynthesis.
3.The “biological carbon pump” operated by phytoplankton transfers about 60 gigatonnes of carbon annually to the deep ocean.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: B
Notes:
Explanation:
- Phytoplankton form the foundation of the aquatic food chain.
- They absorb CO₂ during photosynthesis, helping regulate atmospheric carbon.
- The biological carbon pump transfers ~10 gigatonnes of carbon per year into deep oceans.
Source: Environment (N.C.E.R.T)
