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Which of the following oceanic regions is the primary site of generation of new crust, hosting mineral resources and supporting unique ecosystems?
  • a)
    Littoral region
  • b)
    Continental Shelf
  • c)
    Mid-oceanic ridges
  • d)
    Continental rise
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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Which of the following oceanic regions is the primary site of generat...
The Mid-Ocean Ridge system forms the most extensive chain of mountains on Earth, with more than 90% of the mountain range lying in the deep ocean - with a total length of about 60,000 km. Mid-ocean ridges are geologically important because they occur along divergent plate boundaries, where the new ocean floor is created as the Earth’s tectonic plates spread apart. As the plates separate, some molten rock rises to the seafloor, producing enormous volcanic eruptions of basalt, and building the longest chain of volcanoes in the world. Because most of these eruptions occur deep under the water, they often go unnoticed.
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Which of the following oceanic regions is the primary site of generat...
Mid-oceanic ridges are the primary site of generation of new crust, hosting mineral resources, and supporting unique ecosystems.

Key Points:
1. Definition of Mid-oceanic ridges
2. Generation of new crust
3. Hosting mineral resources
4. Supporting unique ecosystems

Definition of Mid-oceanic ridges
- Mid-oceanic ridges are underwater mountain ranges that run through the middle of the oceans.
- They are formed by the separation of tectonic plates and the upwelling of molten material from the Earth's mantle.

Generation of new crust
- Mid-oceanic ridges are the primary site of seafloor spreading, where new crust is generated.
- As the tectonic plates move apart, magma rises to the surface and solidifies, creating new crust.
- This process is known as volcanic activity and it leads to the continuous growth of the oceanic crust.

Hosting mineral resources
- The process of seafloor spreading at mid-oceanic ridges also brings up mineral-rich fluids from the Earth's mantle.
- These fluids contain valuable minerals such as copper, zinc, and gold, which accumulate near the ridges.
- Over time, these mineral deposits can become economically viable resources for human exploitation.

Supporting unique ecosystems
- Mid-oceanic ridges are home to unique and diverse ecosystems that rely on the mineral-rich fluids and volcanic activity.
- Hydrothermal vents, located along the ridges, release hot, mineral-rich water into the surrounding seawater.
- These vents support a variety of specialized organisms that thrive in extreme conditions, such as bacteria, tube worms, and deep-sea fish.
- The ecosystems associated with mid-oceanic ridges are considered some of the most productive and biologically diverse in the world's oceans.

In conclusion, mid-oceanic ridges are the primary site of generation of new crust, hosting mineral resources, and supporting unique ecosystems. The volcanic activity and seafloor spreading at these ridges contribute to the continuous growth of the oceanic crust, bring up valuable mineral resources, and create habitats for specialized organisms.
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The Himalayan ecosystem is highly vulnerable to damage, both due to geological reasons and on account of the stress caused by increased pressure of population, exploitation of natural resources and other related challenges. These aspects may be exacerbated due to the impact of climate change. It is possible that climate change may adversely impact the Himalayan ecosystem through increased temperature altered precipitation patterns, episodes of drought and biotic influences.This would not only impact the very sustenance of the indigenous communities in uplands but also the life of downstream dwellers across the country and beyond.Therefore, there is an urgent need for giving special attention to sustain the Himalayan ecosystem. This would require conscious efforts for conserving all the representative systems.Further, it needs to be emphasized that the endemics with restricted distribution, and most often with specialized habitat requirements, are among the most vulnerable elements. In this respect the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, with rich endemic diversity, is vulnerable to climate change.The Threats include possible loss of genetic resources and species, habitats and concomitantly a decrease in ecosystem services. Therefore, conservation of endemic elements in representative ecosystems/habitats assumes a great significance while drawing conservation plans for the region.Towards achieving the above, we will have to shift towards contemporary conservation approaches, which include a paradigm of landscape level interconnectivity between protected area systems. The concept advocates a shift from the species-habitat focus to an inclusive focus on expanding the biogeographic range so that natural adjustments to climate change can proceed without being restrictive.Q.With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. To maintain natural ecosystems, exploitation of natural resources should be completely avoided.2. Not only anthropogenic but also natural reasons can adversely affect ecosystems.3. Loss of endemic diversity leads to the extinction of ecosystems.Which of the above assumptions is/are correct?

The Himalayan ecosystem is highly vulnerable to damage, both due to geological reasons and on account of the stress caused by increased pressure of population, exploitation of natural resources and other related challenges. These aspects may be exacerbated due to the impact of climate change. It is possible that climate change may adversely impact the Himalayan ecosystem through increased temperature altered precipitation patterns, episodes of drought and biotic influences.This would not only impact the very sustenance of the indigenous communities in uplands but also the life of downstream dwellers across the country and beyond.Therefore, there is an urgent need for giving special attention to sustain the Himalayan ecosystem. This would require conscious efforts for conserving all the representative systems.Further, it needs to be emphasized that the endemics with restricted distribution, and most often with specialized habitat requirements, are among the most vulnerable elements. In this respect the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, with rich endemic diversity, is vulnerable to climate change.The Threats include possible loss of genetic resources and species, habitats and concomitantly a decrease in ecosystem services. Therefore, conservation of endemic elements in representative ecosystems/habitats assumes a great significance while drawing conservation plans for the region.Towards achieving the above, we will have to shift towards contemporary conservation approaches, which include a paradigm of landscape level interconnectivity between protected area systems. The concept advocates a shift from the species-habitat focus to an inclusive focus on expanding the biogeographic range so that natural adjustments to climate change can proceed without being restrictive.Q.Which one of the following statements best implies the need to shift toward contemporary conservation approach?

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Which of the following oceanic regions is the primary site of generation of new crust, hosting mineral resources and supporting unique ecosystems?a) Littoral regionb) Continental Shelfc) Mid-oceanic ridgesd) Continental riseCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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