UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 33
One of the following regions has the world's largest tropical peatland, which holds about three years worth of global carbon emissions from fossil fuels; and the possible destruction of which can exert detrimental effect on the global climate. Which one of the following denotes that region ?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B (Congo Basin)
Explanation: The Congo Basin’s Cuvette Centrale peatlands are the world’s largest tropical peatland complex and hold exceptionally large stores of carbon.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-The Amazon Basin contains peatlands, but the giant Cuvette Centrale tropical peatland complex is in the Congo.
B. Correct-the central Congo Basin’s peatlands are the intended location.
C. Incorrect-Kikori is a river basin in Papua New Guinea, not this African peatland system.
D. Incorrect-Rio de la Plata drains temperate South America, not the Congo peatland complex.