Photosynthesis plays a significant role in the seasonal changes of carbon dioxide levels in the Northern Hemisphere. In spring, when leaves begin to grow, plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to produce oxygen and glucose through photosynthesis. This process decreases the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air, leading to the highest levels in May when many plants are actively photosynthesizing. By autumn, as leaves fall off trees and photosynthesis slows down, less carbon dioxide is absorbed, resulting in higher atmospheric carbon dioxide levels in October. Therefore, the growth and decay of foliage are closely tied to seasonal fluctuations in carbon dioxide concentration.
Climate scientists have observed seasonal changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration. In the Northern Hemisphere, they have measured the highest levels of carbon dioxide in the month of May. They have also measured the lowest levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide in the month of October. Hypothesize how photosynthesis can affect these changes. Consider the process of photosynthesis and its inputs and outputs. Explain your answer in four to five sentences. Please be simple, but coherent.
Things to keep in mind as you develop your hypothesis:
In the Northern Hemisphere, leaves appear on trees in the spring and fall from trees in the autumn.
Leaves are where photosynthesis occurs.
How does photosynthesis effect carbon dioxide?
1 answer