Question

use the model of earths systems (specifically the biosphere and atmosphere subsystems) below to predict what would happen to global atmospheric carbon dioxide if human activity, such as pollution, were to cause a mass die - off of plants. (sep: 2.3; dci: ps2.b.3)

• 1 point

atmospheric carbon dioxide will go down because there is more photosynthesis.
atmospheric carbon dioxide will go down because there is less photosynthesis.
atmospheric carbon dioxide will go up because there is more photosynthesis.
atmospheric carbon dioxide will go up because there is less photosynthesis.
there is no change in atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Explanation:

Step1: Understand photosynthesis and carbon dioxide

Plants use carbon dioxide in photosynthesis. If there is a mass die - off of plants, there will be fewer plants to take in carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.

Step2: Analyze the effect on atmospheric carbon dioxide

Since plants are not using as much carbon dioxide (because of the die - off), the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will increase. And with less photosynthesis (because there are fewer plants to perform it), the overall photosynthesis in the system will decrease.

Answer:

Atmospheric carbon dioxide will go up because there is less photosynthesis.