Which of the following statements best describes “carbon fertilisation”?

1. Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
2. Increased temperature of Earth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
3. Increased acidity of oceans as a result of increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
4. Adaptation of all living beings on Earth to the climate change brought about by the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Explanation

Statement (a) is correct

• Plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and water for photosynthesis to produce oxygen and carbohydrates that plants use for energy and growth. Rising levels of CO2 in the atmosphere drive an increase in plant photosynthesis—an effect known as the carbon fertilisation effect.
• New research has found that between 1982 and 2020, global plant photosynthesis grew 12 percent, tracking CO2 levels in the atmosphere as they rose 17 percent.

Answer: (a) Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere; Difficulty Level: Medium