Previous Year Question
Which one of the following is the largest ecosystem of the world?
A.
Ocean
B.
Grassland
C.
Forest
D.
Mountains
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
The Ocean or Marine Ecosystem is the largest ecosystem on Earth.
Oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface. Because of their enormous area and volume, marine ecosystems contain numerous habitats, including coastal zones, coral reefs, open ocean, continental shelves and the deep sea.
The Ocean ecosystem is important not only because of its size. It also plays a major role in global climate regulation, the Carbon Cycle, Oxygen production, nutrient cycling and biodiversity.
In contrast, Grasslands, Forests and Mountains are important terrestrial ecosystems, but none has a global extent comparable to that of the oceans.