Question

why do scientists believe increased carbon dioxide levels have contributed to the rise in global temperatures over the past 100 years?
a. carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas.
b. partially visible, likely related to trees/food
c. carbon dioxide is produced by burning fossil fuels.
d. carbon dioxide is a natural component of the atmosphere.
reset terris melvin plummer, id****02 growth: science 6-8 tx.2021.1.1 question # 31

Explanation:

To determine why increased CO₂ contributes to global warming, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Greenhouse gases (like CO₂) trap heat in the atmosphere. This directly explains how more CO₂ leads to temperature rise.
• Option B: CO₂ used by trees for photosynthesis doesn't relate to global warming from increased CO₂.
• Option C: How CO₂ is produced (burning fossil fuels) doesn't explain why it causes warming.
• Option D: CO₂ being natural doesn't explain why increased levels warm the planet.

So, the correct reason is that CO₂ is a greenhouse gas.

Answer:

A. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas.