What would happen if phytoplankton of an ocean is completely destroyed for some reason?<br/>1. The ocean as a carbon sink would be adversely affected.<br/>2. The food chains in the ocean would be adversely affected.<br/>3. The density of ocean water would drastically decrease.<br/><br/>Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1. Correct. Phytoplankton photosynthesize and absorb large amounts of CO2; they are central to the ocean’s role as a major carbon sink. Their destruction would weaken this function.

2. Correct. Phytoplankton are the primary producers at the base of most marine food webs. If they disappear, oceanic food chains would be severely disrupted.

3. Incorrect. Ocean water density mainly depends on salinity and temperature, not directly on the presence of phytoplankton. Their loss would not cause a drastic decrease in density.

Hence, statements 1 and 2 only are correct.