1
Question
Read the passage and answer the following questions.
Acid rain is formed after the burning of fossil fuels releases compounds containing nitrogen and sulphur into the atmosphere. Sunlight and rain bring about chemical reactions that convert these compounds into nitric acid and sulphur dioxide, which combine with water droplets to form acid rain. Acid rain typically has a pH of approximately 5.5. "The higher acidity of soil and water affects many living organisms adversely. As the pH of lake water falls, fish become ill and die. Table 1 shows the effects of pH on the size of adult fish.
pH of lake
Average length of fish (cm)
Average mass of fish (g)
7.5
30 cm
454 g 7.0
28 cm
450 g
6.5
29 cm
453 g 6.0
25 cm
401 g 5.5
20 cm
288 g
5.0
17 cm
127 g 4.5
all fish died
all fish died
Mycorrhizal fungi, which form a mutualistic association with many plant roots, are particularly sensitive to the effects of acid rain. These fungi facilitate the absorption of water and nutrients by the plants; in turn, the plants provide sugars and amino acids without which the fungi could not survive.
What might be the best strategy to prevent the death of the fishes?
Acid rain is formed after the burning of fossil fuels releases compounds containing nitrogen and sulphur into the atmosphere. Sunlight and rain bring about chemical reactions that convert these compounds into nitric acid and sulphur dioxide, which combine with water droplets to form acid rain. Acid rain typically has a pH of approximately 5.5. "The higher acidity of soil and water affects many living organisms adversely. As the pH of lake water falls, fish become ill and die. Table 1 shows the effects of pH on the size of adult fish.
| pH of lake | Average length of fish (cm) | Average mass of fish (g) |
| 7.5 | 30 cm | 454 g |
| 7.0 | 28 cm | 450 g |
| 6.5 | 29 cm | 453 g |
| 6.0 | 25 cm | 401 g |
| 5.5 | 20 cm | 288 g |
| 5.0 | 17 cm | 127 g |
| 4.5 | all fish died | all fish died |
Mycorrhizal fungi, which form a mutualistic association with many plant roots, are particularly sensitive to the effects of acid rain. These fungi facilitate the absorption of water and nutrients by the plants; in turn, the plants provide sugars and amino acids without which the fungi could not survive.
What might be the best strategy to prevent the death of the fishes?
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Solution
The correct option is A Reduce the amount of fossil fuels that are burned
Acid rain is caused by burning of fossil fuels. By reducing the amount of burning of fossil fuel, which is one of the major cause of acid rain, frequency of acid rain can be reduced. Bigger fishes may or may not withstand the acidity. Supply of excess phosphorus and water may not benefit the plants as absorption of these substances by plant is not guaranteed. Likewise, supplying excess sugar and amino acid wont benefit the fungi. Adding alkaline might help but are not eco-friendly.Therefore, the correct answer is option B.
Acid rain is caused by burning of fossil fuels. By reducing the amount of burning of fossil fuel, which is one of the major cause of acid rain, frequency of acid rain can be reduced. Bigger fishes may or may not withstand the acidity. Supply of excess phosphorus and water may not benefit the plants as absorption of these substances by plant is not guaranteed. Likewise, supplying excess sugar and amino acid wont benefit the fungi. Adding alkaline might help but are not eco-friendly.
Therefore, the correct answer is option B.
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