Question

as climate change continues to occur at a greater magnitude in the 21st century, scientists predict that crop yield for corn, a major agricultural crop in the united states, will decrease by as much as 20%. which argument accurately supports the statement that corn production and yield will decrease due to climate change?
overall warmer temperatures will increase evaporation rates and could promote greater droughts in areas where farmland is a major land use.
overall cooler temperatures will reduce the root and leaf growth for crops, which will decrease the photosynthesis ability on the part of the plant.
overall warmer temperatures will extend the growing season for plants in the middle of the country where many of the crops are grown.
overall cooler temperatures will reduce the growth of the crops due to competition with other plant species in the area where they are being grown.

Explanation:

• Option 1: Warmer temperatures increase evaporation, leading to droughts. Droughts reduce water availability for corn, which is crucial for its growth and yield.
• Option 2: Climate change is associated with overall warming, not cooling. So this option is incorrect as it starts with a wrong premise about temperature change.
• Option 3: Warmer temperatures extending the growing season would likely be beneficial for crop yield (if other factors like water are available), not a reason for yield decrease.
• Option 4: Climate change is about warming trends. Also, cooler temperatures reducing crop growth due to competition is not a well - established direct link to the general statement about climate - change - induced corn yield decrease as presented in the question.

Answer:

A. Overall warmer temperatures will increase evaporation rates and could promote greater droughts in areas where farmland is a major land use.