The World Bank warned that India could become one of the first places where wet-bulb temperatures routinely exceed 35°C. Which of the following statements best reflect(s) the implication of the above-said report? [Biodiversity]

I. Peninsular India will most likely suffer from flooding, tropical cyclones and droughts.

II. The survival of animals including humans will be affected as shedding of their body heat through perspiration becomes difficult.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

The correct answer is II only.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Understanding Wet-Bulb Temperature:
Wet-bulb temperature is the lowest temperature that can be reached by evaporating water from a surface. It is a combined measure of ambient temperature and relative humidity. When the relative humidity is high, water (or sweat) evaporates much more slowly because the air is already saturated with moisture. Therefore, wet-bulb temperature is a direct indicator of how effectively the body can cool itself.

2. Implication of Wet-Bulb Temperature Exceeding 35°C (Statement II):
The human body maintains its core temperature at around 37°C. To regulate heat, especially in hot environments, the body relies on the evaporation of sweat (perspiration) from the skin to shed excess body heat.
A wet-bulb temperature of 35°C represents a critical threshold. At or above this temperature (at 100% relative humidity), the surrounding air is so hot and humid that sweat can no longer evaporate. Consequently, the body cannot shed heat to the environment, leading to hyperthermia, heat stroke, and eventually death, even for healthy individuals resting in the shade. Therefore, Statement II is a direct and scientifically accurate implication of wet-bulb temperatures exceeding 35°C.

3. Analysis of Statement I:
Statement I states that "Peninsular India will most likely suffer from flooding, tropical cyclones and droughts." While climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events like floods, cyclones, and droughts in Peninsular India, this statement is not the direct physiological implication of the specific "wet-bulb temperature exceeding 35°C" warning mentioned in the report. The wet-bulb temperature threshold specifically relates to heat stress and the physiological limits of survival due to humidity and heat, not the broad meteorlogical occurrence of cyclones or droughts. Thus, Statement I is incorrect in the context of the immediate implication of wet-bulb temperature limits.

Therefore, only Statement II is correct.