Question

the table below shows carbon dioxide emissions and world population data for several years between 1800 and 2004.

based on the table above, how has population growth in the recent past most likely impacted the composition of the earths atmosphere?

the composition of the earths atmosphere did not change between 1800 and 2004.

the earths atmosphere contained a higher level of carbon dioxide in 1800 than it did in 2004.

the earths atmosphere contained a higher level of carbon dioxide in 2004 than it did in 1800.

the earths atmosphere did not contain any carbon dioxide in 1800, but it was the most common atmospheric gas in 2004.

Explanation:

As population increased from 1 billion in 1800 to 6 billion in 2004, carbon - dioxide emissions rose from 100 metric tons carbon per year to 8000 metric tons carbon per year. Higher emissions lead to higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Option A is incorrect as emissions changed (so composition likely did). Option B is wrong as emissions (and thus likely CO₂ levels) were lower in 1800. Option D is false as there was CO₂ in 1800 (emissions were 100 metric tons).

Answer:

C. The Earth's atmosphere contained a higher level of carbon dioxide in 2004 than it did in 1800.