The following text is about environmental science.
Peatlands cover only about 3% of Earth's land surface but store approximately twice as much carbon as all the world's forests combined. These waterlogged ecosystems accumulate dead plant material over thousands of years, trapping carbon that would otherwise enter the atmosphere. When peatlands are drained for agriculture or burned, they release this stored carbon, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Protecting and restoring peatlands is therefore crucial for addressing climate change.
What main point does the text make about peatlands?
Peatlands should be drained to create farmland
Forests store more carbon than any other ecosystem
Peatlands store vast amounts of carbon and must be protected for climate reasons
Dead plant material always releases carbon into the air
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the correct answer. The text emphasizes that peatlands store "twice as much carbon as all the world's forests" and concludes their protection is "crucial for addressing climate change."
- Evidence: Carbon storage statistics and climate imperative.
- Reasoning: The contrast between preservation (good) and destruction (harmful) is central.
- Conclusion: Protection is essential for climate.
Choice A is incorrect because draining releases harmful carbon. Choice B is incorrect because peatlands store more than forests. Choice D is incorrect because peatlands trap, not release, carbon when intact.