Question

In the Northern Hemisphere, recall that atmospheric CO2 levels are highest in early spring and lowest during early fall. What accounts for this seasonal fluctuation in atmospheric CO2 levels? Select all that apply.

Answer 1

Answer:

Photosynthesis

Explanation:

Photosynthesis can be defined as the process whereby plants, some protistans, and some bacteria utilize the energy from sunlight to produce glucose from water and carbon dioxide. In early spring, there is the shift of plants from scanty winter branches to abundant spring leaves. When the leaves on the trees reduced in the fall, dead plants break down throughout the winter due to the activities of microbes. The microbes decompose the plant materials and generate carbon dioxide. This leads to increase in the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. In the spring, leaves return to the plants/trees and the rate of photosynthesis increases greatly. This consumes more carbon dioxide and the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere reduced.