Question

Vegetation affects the temperature of the atmosphere by changing the color of the surface of the earth, adding to sunlight reflection, altering water transpiration amounts, changing surface roughness, and __________.
A)
changing the rate at which greenhouse gases are released from Earth’s surface into the atmosphere
B)
changing the rate at which greenhouse gases are absorbed into Earth’s surface from the atmosphere
C)
changing the rate at which sunlight is absorbed and released into the atmosphere
D)
changing the rate at which sunlight is released and absorbed into Earth’s surface

Answer 1

Answer: A) changing the rate at which greenhouse gases are released from Earth's surface into the environment.

Explanation: Without vegetation (For example trees) the rate at which greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, are released from Earth's surface into the environment would skyrocket. Vegetation uses carbon dioxide in photosynthesis and converts it into oxygen, helping to absorb some of the greenhouse gases that would otherwise accumulate in our atmosphere. It essentially reduces the rate at which greenhouse gases are released into our atmosphere.