Explanation
- A
Iodine
Option (a) claims that seaweeds are an important source of iodine. This is scientifically correct because marine brown algae and other seaweeds absorb and accumulate large amounts of iodide from seawater. Consequently, they serve as one of the richest natural dietary sources of iodine, making option (a) the correct key.
- B
Bromine
Option (b) claims that seaweeds are an important source of bromine. While some marine organisms do contain bromine compounds, it is not the primary or defining commercial element extracted from seaweeds compared to iodine. Thus, bromine is not the key answer here.
- C
Chlorine
Option (c) claims that seaweeds are an important source of chlorine. Chlorine is abundantly available from common salt and other marine minerals rather than being specifically sourced from seaweeds. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
- D
Argon
Option (d) claims that seaweeds are an important source of argon. Argon is an inert noble gas found in the Earth's atmosphere and is not produced or stored by biological marine seaweeds. Hence, this option is completely wrong.
Summary. Official key is (a) Iodine. Seaweeds, particularly brown algae like kelp, are well known for accumulating vast quantities of iodine from ocean water. Historically, kelp ashes were a primary commercial source for extracting elemental iodine. Bromine, chlorine, and argon do not share this biological significance as primary seaweed extracts. Therefore, option (a) is the only correct choice.