Photosynthesis significantly influences seasonal variations in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels in the Northern Hemisphere. During spring and summer, as trees and vegetation develop fully leafed canopies, the rate of photosynthesis increases, allowing plants to absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This process decreases carbon dioxide concentrations, leading to the lowest levels typically observed in October, just before leaf drop. Conversely, in autumn, as leaves fall and photosynthesis declines, less carbon dioxide is absorbed, contributing to the higher concentrations measured in May. Thus, the seasonal growth cycle of leaves directly correlates with atmospheric carbon dioxide fluctuations.
Climate scientists have observed seasonal changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration. In the Northern Hemisphere, the highest levels of carbon dioxide are measured in May, while the lowest levels are observed in October.
Hypothesize how photosynthesis can affect these changes. Consider the process of photosynthesis and its inputs and outputs. Explain your answer in three to five sentences.
Things to keep in mind as you develop your hypothesis:
1. In the Northern Hemisphere, leaves appear on trees in the spring and fall from trees in the autumn.
2. Leaves are where photosynthesis occurs.
3. How does photosynthesis affect carbon dioxide?
3 answers
explain in simpler terms
In the Northern Hemisphere, the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere change with the seasons because of plants and trees. During spring and summer, when trees grow their leaves, they take in a lot of carbon dioxide from the air to make food through photosynthesis. This helps lower the carbon dioxide levels, which are usually at their lowest in October when the leaves begin to fall. In the fall, as leaves drop and photosynthesis slows down, less carbon dioxide is absorbed, leading to higher levels in May. So, the growth and loss of leaves each year are closely tied to changes in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.