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 photosynthetic 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?
Explanation
Oxygen on Earth mainly comes from photosynthesis, especially by phytoplankton (marine organisms), and oxygen levels differ between air and water.
Statement I is incorrect: * Oceans (phytoplankton) produce more oxygen than rainforests.
Statement II is correct: * Marine phytoplankton and photosynthetic bacteria produce about 50% of the world's oxygen.
Statement III is incorrect: * Atmospheric air has much more oxygen than surface water; water does not contain several folds higher oxygen than air.
So, the correct answer is: B