Consider the following statements:

1.A carbon sink is a process that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere

2.Oceans are the main natural carbon sinks, absorbing up to half the carbon dioxide due to phytoplankton

3.The largest sink (pollutant receptor) of the planet is the hydrosphere

AStatements 1, 2 and 3 are true ✓ Correct

BOnly statements 1 and 2 are true

COnly statements 2 and 3 are true

DOnly statements 1 and 3 are true

Correct answer: (A) Statements 1, 2 and 3 are true

Explanation

All three statements are true, so the definition, the ocean's role and the hydrosphere as the largest sink hold together.

Statement 1 is right, as a carbon sink is any process that draws carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

Statement 2 is right, as oceans are the chief natural sink, aided by phytoplankton that absorb much of the carbon dioxide.

Statement 3 is right, as the water-rich hydrosphere is the planet's largest receptor of this pollutant.

Forests and soils act as further sinks, but the oceans dominate among the natural ones.

When a sink instead releases its stored carbon, it turns into a carbon source.

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