JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3ev078
An increase in UV-B reaching the ocean surface harms phytoplankton. A direct consequence of reduced phytoplankton is
Aincrease in ozone formation in the sea
Bdecrease in infrared absorption by the oceans
Ccomplete removal of methane from the atmosphere
Dless uptake of COX2 by photosynthesis and disturbance of the marine food chain
Answer: D
Phytoplankton are primary producers at the base of aquatic food chains and take up COX2. Fewer of them means less COX2 fixation and less food for higher organisms.