Question 2 from UPSC CSE 2018 - Environment

Question

Which of the following statements best describes "carbon fertilization"?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Strategy: Identify the option that directly links 'carbon fertilization' to increased CO2 and plant growth, specifically through photosynthesis. Exclude alternatives that mention temperature rise, ocean acidity, or general adaptation, as these do not align with the 'fertilization' aspect of the term.

Key Info: Carbon fertilization is a phenomenon in plant physiology where elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations enhance the rate of photosynthesis and, consequently, plant growth. This effect is based on the biological process where plants absorb CO2 from the air and utilize it in photosynthesis to produce glucose and oxygen.

Theoretically, higher concentrations of CO2 can stimulate greater biomass production in certain crops and forests. However, the real-world impact of carbon fertilization is influenced by other limiting factors, such as nutrient and water availability, temperature, and specific plant species. While increased carbon fertilization may improve yields of crops like wheat, rice, or soybeans in controlled environments, field observations often show limited or diminishing benefits due to these constraints.

Carbon fertilization does not refer to temperature increase (the greenhouse effect), ocean acidification, or the broader adaptation of organisms to climate change.

Answer

Option B: Increased temperature of Earth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Answer

Option C: Increased acidity of oceans as a result of increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Answer

Option D: Adaptation of all living beings on Earth to the climate change brought about by the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere