A student is completing an experiment comparing plants in two areas. Both areas have the same type of plants with equal sunlight and equal available water. Area 1 has a high amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and area 2 has a low amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Question

2. How does the rate of photosynthesis in area 1 compare to the rate of photosynthesis in area 2?

(1 point)
Responses

The rate of photosynthesis decreases with an increase in carbon dioxide; therefore, area 1 will have a lower rate of photosynthesis compared to area 2.
The rate of photosynthesis decreases with an increase in carbon dioxide; therefore, area 1 will have a lower rate of photosynthesis compared to area 2.

The rate of photosynthesis increases with a decrease in carbon dioxide; therefore, area 1 will have a lower rate of photosynthesis compared to area 2.
The rate of photosynthesis increases with a decrease in carbon dioxide; therefore, area 1 will have a lower rate of photosynthesis compared to area 2.

The rate of photosynthesis increases with an increase in carbon dioxide; therefore, area 1 will have a higher rate of photosynthesis compared to area 2.
The rate of photosynthesis increases with an increase in carbon dioxide; therefore, area 1 will have a higher rate of photosynthesis compared to area 2.

The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has no affect on the rate of photosynthesis; therefore, area 1 and area 2 will have the same rate of photosynthesis.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

The rate of photosynthesis increases with an increase in carbon dioxide; therefore, area 1 will have a higher rate of photosynthesis compared to area 2.

This is because carbon dioxide is a key reactant in the process of photosynthesis, and higher levels of carbon dioxide can enhance the rate of photosynthesis, assuming other conditions such as light and water are favorable and adequate.