Passage

An increase in human-made carbon dioxide in the atmosphere could initiate a chain reaction between plants and microorganisms that would unsettle one of the largest carbon reservoirs on the planet – soil. In a study, it was found that the soil, which contains twice the amount of carbon present in all plants and Earth’s atmosphere combined, could become increasingly volatile as people add more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. This is largely because of increased plant growth. Although a greenhouse gas and a pollutant, carbon dioxide also supports plant growth. As trees and other vegetation flourish in a carbon dioxide-rich future, their roots could stimulate microbial activity in soil that may in turn accelerate the decomposition of soil carbon and its release into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide

QUESTION

CSAT

Easy

Comprehension

Prelims 2016

Which among the following is the most logical corollary to the above passage?

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Statement A is incorrect. While carbon dioxide supports plant growth, the passage does not claim it is essential for the survival of microorganisms and plants.

Statement B is incorrect . The passage discusses human contribution to carbon dioxide levels but does not state that humans are solely responsible for its release.

Statement C is incorrect. The passage explains that increased plant growth stimulates microbial activity, leading to carbon release, but does not suggest that microorganisms and soil carbon are the primary cause of plant growth.

Statement D is correct. The passage describes how increased plant growth due to higher carbon dioxide levels could stimulate microbial activity, leading to the release of carbon from the soil.

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