One of the following regions has the world's largest tropical peatland, which holds about three years worth of global carbon emissions from fossil fuels; and the possible destruction of which can exert detrimental effect on the global climate. Which one of the following denotes that region?
A
Amazon Basin
B
Congo Basin
Correct Answer
C
Kikori Basin
D
Rio de la Plata Basin
Explanation
The Congo Basin is the correct answer because it houses the Cuvette Centrale, the world's largest tropical peatland complex, which stores approximately 30 billion tonnes of carbon—equivalent to three years of global fossil fuel emissions. While the Amazon Basin is the world's largest tropical rainforest, its peatland reserves are smaller and less concentrated than those found in the Congo. This question tests the core concept of carbon sequestration and the critical role of peatlands as high-density carbon sinks in global climate regulation.
Ecosystems & BiomesPeatlands & Carbon SinksTropical peatlandCarbon emissionsFossil fuelsCongo BasinAmazon Basin