UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 92
The acidification of oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern?
- The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be adversely affected.
- The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected.
- The survival of some animals that have phytoplanktonic larvae will be adversely affected.
- The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be adversely affected.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Correct Option: A
Explanation: Ocean acidification reduces carbonate availability, threatening calcifying plankton, corals and vulnerable marine larval forms.
Statement/Item-wise Analysis:
1: Correct - Lower carbonate saturation makes calcification more difficult for calcareous phytoplankton.
2: Correct - Coral skeleton formation and reef growth are harmed by acidifying water.
3: Correct - Some animals’ planktonic larvae have vulnerable calcium-carbonate structures.
4: Incorrect - Ocean acidification is not established as a direct cause of impaired cloud seeding or cloud formation in this exam context.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Correct - includes exactly the valid statements/items and excludes the invalid ones.
B: Incorrect - omits correct items 1, 3.
C: Incorrect - omits correct item 2.
D: Incorrect - includes incorrect item 4.
Review Note: Complex ocean–atmosphere aerosol mechanisms exist, but statement 4 is not a standard established consequence.