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 photo-synthetic 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 is/are correct?

UPSC Prelims 2025 Question:

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 photo-synthetic 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 is/are correct?

  • A. I and II
  • B. II only
  • C. I and III
  • D. None of the above statements is correct
Correct Answer: Option B