Question

the graph shows data from ice cores.
atmospheric carbon dioxide from law dome ice cores (y - axis: atmospheric co₂ (ppm) with values 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350; x - axis: year (ad) with values 1000, 1200, 1400, 1600, 1800, 2000; the line shows relatively stable levels until around 1800, then a sharp increase).
which claim does the graph support?
a. it takes millions of years to change earth’s co₂ levels.
b. co₂ levels are unrelated to global warming on earth.
c. neither co₂ levels nor temperatures are changing on earth.
d. earth’s co₂ levels have increased at a quicker rate during the last 200 years.

Explanation:

• Option A: The graph shows changes over centuries (from 1000 to 2000 AD), not millions of years, so A is incorrect.
• Option B: Scientifically, \( \text{CO}_2 \) levels are related to global warming, and the graph doesn't support this unrelated claim, so B is wrong.
• Option C: The graph clearly shows \( \text{CO}_2 \) levels changing (especially a sharp increase near 2000), so C is incorrect.
• Option D: From the graph, before ~1800, \( \text{CO}_2 \) levels were relatively stable, but in the last 200 years (toward 2000), the rate of increase is much faster, so D matches the graph's data.

Answer:

D. Earth’s \( \text{CO}_2 \) levels have increased at a quicker rate during the last 200 years.