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Question No. 187Interactive Test Mode
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Q187. Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth? 1. Volcanic action 2. Respiration 3. Photosynthesis 4. Decay of organic matter Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth?

  1. Volcanic action
  2. Respiration
  3. Photosynthesis
  4. Decay of organic matter Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)

Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 2014 • Science and Technology

Correct Answer: Option (C) — 1, 2 and 4 only

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

Statement 1 is correct: Volcanic eruptions release mantle-trapped CO₂ into the atmosphere.

Statement 2 is correct: Respiration by plants, animals, and microbes oxidizes carbon compounds and releases CO₂.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Photosynthesis absorbs and fixes atmospheric CO₂ into glucose, removing CO₂ from the carbon pool.

Statement 4 is correct: Microbial decomposition/decay of dead organic matter releases CO₂ back into the atmosphere.

Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

Photosynthesis is the fundamental carbon sink (it fixes CO₂ rather than releasing it). Eliminating 3 immediately leaves option (c).

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2014 (Q187)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicScience and Technology → Health & Medicine
Official Answer KeyOption (C) — 1, 2 and 4 only

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2014 Q187

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2014 GS Paper I Question 187 (Science and Technology)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2014 Science and Technology (Health & Medicine) question is Option (C): "1, 2 and 4 only". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2014 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Science and Technology" and micro-topic "Health & Medicine". You can explore all repeated questions from Health & Medicine in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this Health & Medicine UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

Photosynthesis is the fundamental carbon sink (it fixes CO₂ rather than releasing it). Eliminating 3 immediately leaves option (c).

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