Question

In one year one hectare of a tropical rain forest will

• A. Consume 10 tonnes of $C{O}_2$ and evolve 10 tonnes of O${}_2$.
• B. Consume 30 tonnes of $C{O}_2$ and evolve 10 tonnes of O${}_2$.
• C. Consume 20 tonnes of $C{O}_2$ and evolve 10 tonnes of O${}_2$.
• D. Consume 40 tonnes $C{O}_2$ and evolve 30 tonnes of O${}_2$.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Consume 30 tonnes of $C{O}_2$ and evolve 10 tonnes of O${}_2$.

The balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide is maintained by respiration and photosynthesis. The carbon dioxide expelled by respiration is taken up by the plants for fixation by photosynthesis. The Amazon tropical rainforest has dense flora. It is considered as the lungs of our planet because it provides the essential environmental world service of continuously recycling carbon dioxide into oxygen. More than 20 percent of the world oxygen is produced in the Amazon rainforest. One hectare (2.47 acres) may contain over 750 types of trees and 1500 species of higher plants. The amount of oxygen produced by an acre of trees per year equals the amount consumed by 18 people annually. One tree produces nearly 260 pounds of oxygen each year. One acre of trees removes up to 30 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year. Thus, the correct answer is option B.