Question

use the diagram to answer the question.
diagram showing carbon cycle with labels: carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, cellular respiration, combustion, photosynthesis, food, death and decomposition, fossil fuels
which statement best predicts the long-term effects of the increased combustion of fossil fuels?
partially visible options: it will cause levels of carbon dioxide to decrease in the atmosphere, resulting in increased rates of photosynthesis. it will cause levels of carbon dioxide to increase in the atmosphere, resulting in higher concentrations of the greenhouse gases that lea... (other options partially visible)

Explanation:

1. Analyze the carbon cycle diagram: Combustion of fossil fuels releases CO₂ into the atmosphere.
2. Evaluate each option:

• Option 1: Combustion adds CO₂, so levels don't decrease. Eliminate.
• Option 2: CO₂ increase from combustion, and plants use CO₂ in photosynthesis, so higher CO₂ can increase photosynthesis rates. This matches the cycle (fossil fuel combustion → more atmospheric CO₂ → more photosynthesis as plants use CO₂).
• Option 3: CO₂ is a greenhouse gas; combustion increases CO₂, not decrease. Eliminate.
• Option 4: Cellular respiration is by organisms, not directly caused by atmospheric CO₂ increase from fossil fuel combustion in the long - term prediction here. The main link from fossil fuel combustion is more CO₂ → impact on processes like photosynthesis or greenhouse effect. Eliminate.

Answer:

It will cause levels of carbon dioxide to increase in the atmosphere, resulting in increased rates of photosynthesis.