Which of the following statements about the world’s forests are correct? (A)…
2022
Which of the following statements about the world’s forests are correct? (A) Forests act as a huge carbon sink. (B) Most of the world’s forests are concentrated in the subtropical belts of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. (C) Forests are home to much of the world’s biodiversity. (D) Moisture released from forests also contributes to rainfall. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer: C. (A), (C) and (D) only — ConceptForests influence climate and ecosystems through three broad processes: carbon storage, habitat support, and water cycling. Global forest distribution…
- A.
(A) and (B) only
- B.
(B), (C) and (D) only
- C.
(A), (C) and (D) only
- D.
(A), (B) and (C) only
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Concept
Forests influence climate and ecosystems through three broad processes: carbon storage, habitat support, and water cycling. Global forest distribution is assessed across climatic zones rather than by assuming that one subtropical belt contains most forests.
Application
Statement A describes carbon sequestration. Trees and forest soils absorb and store large quantities of carbon, so the carbon-sink function is established.
Statement B places most global forests in the subtropical belts of both hemispheres. Global forests are distributed across tropical, boreal, temperate, and subtropical zones; the subtropical zone alone does not contain most of them.
Statement C describes forests as major habitats for terrestrial biodiversity. Forest ecosystems support a large share of the world’s plant, animal, and microbial diversity.
Statement D describes moisture recycling. Evapotranspiration from forests adds water vapour to the atmosphere and can contribute to cloud formation and rainfall.
Contrast
(A) and (B) only includes the unsupported subtropical-concentration claim and leaves out the biodiversity and rainfall functions.
(B), (C) and (D) only includes the unsupported subtropical-concentration claim and leaves out carbon sequestration.
(A), (B) and (C) only includes the unsupported subtropical-concentration claim and leaves out moisture recycling.
Cross-check
A cross-check by ecosystem function supports A, C, and D—carbon cycling, habitat provision, and water cycling—while the global distribution evidence rejects B.
Result
Therefore, the supported set is (A), (C) and (D) only.