Passage: Geographers analyzed 175 satellite images of ocean colour, which is an indicator of phytoplankton productivity at the ocean's surface, and found that giant icebergs are responsible for storing up to 20 percent of carbon in the Southern Ocean. The researchers discovered that melting water from giant icebergs which contains iron and other nutrients, supports hitherto unexpectedly high levels of phytoplankton growth.

Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
1. Giant icebergs have a bearing on primary productivity and food chains of the Southern Ocean.
2. Melting of giant icebergs can produce climate change effects and impact world fisheries.
Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?

Question

Passage: Geographers analyzed 175 satellite images of ocean colour, which is an indicator of phytoplankton productivity at the ocean's surface, and found that giant icebergs are responsible for storing up to 20 percent of carbon in the Southern Ocean. The researchers discovered that melting water from giant icebergs which contains iron and other nutrients, supports hitherto unexpectedly high levels of phytoplankton growth.

Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
1. Giant icebergs have a bearing on primary productivity and food chains of the Southern Ocean.
2. Melting of giant icebergs can produce climate change effects and impact world fisheries.
Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?

Accepted Answer

Both 1 and 2. Assumption 1 follows directly: icebergs supply nutrients enabling phytoplankton growth (primary productivity), which forms the base of marine food chains. Assumption 2 also follows: icebergs store 20% of carbon in Southern Ocean — their melting would release carbon affecting climate; phytoplankton growth supports fisheries, so changes in iceberg melting would impact world fisheries. Both assumptions are valid extensions of the passage.

Explanation

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