In a large-scale study comparing plant distributions in the western United States, researchers observed that over 70% of studies plant species shifted to different elevations over the past 100 years. Which of these could be an environmental factor that affected the shift in ecology for the plant species across different elevations? Select ALL that apply.

Question

In a large-scale study comparing plant distributions in the western United States, researchers observed that over 70% of studies plant species shifted to different elevations over the past 100 years. Which of these could be an environmental factor that affected the shift in ecology for the plant species across different elevations? Select ALL that apply.
Responses
A	Precipitation levels are higher at different elevations, providing more water as a reactant in photosynthesis.Precipitation levels are higher at different elevations, providing more water as a reactant in photosynthesis.
B	Light levels are increased at different elevations, allowing the plant to perform more photosynthesis for growth.Light levels are increased at different elevations, allowing the plant to perform more photosynthesis for growth.
C	Temperatures are more conducive for growth at different altitudes compared to other, colder altitudes and elevations.Temperatures are more conducive for growth at different altitudes compared to other, colder altitudes and elevations.
D	Carbon dioxide levels are higher at different elevations, allowing the plant to perform more photosynthesis for growth.Carbon dioxide levels are higher at different elevations, allowing the plant to perform more photosynthesis for growth.
E	Oxygen levels are higher at different elevations, requiring the plant to perform more cellular respiration, which competes with photosynthesis to affect plant growth.

GPT-4o mini · Answer

In the context of environmental factors that could have affected the shift in ecology for plant species across different elevations, the following responses are applicable:

A. Precipitation levels are higher at different elevations, providing more water as a reactant in photosynthesis. C. Temperatures are more conducive for growth at different altitudes compared to other, colder altitudes and elevations.

These factors are important as they directly influence the water availability and temperature conditions that affect plant growth and distribution.

Responses B and D are not accurate in the context of elevation shifts. While light availability can change with elevation, it generally decreases rather than increases. Also, carbon dioxide levels do not typically increase with elevation in a way that promotes more photosynthesis.

Response E is incorrect because oxygen levels are not higher at high elevations; in fact, oxygen levels decrease as altitude increases, potentially affecting plant respiration processes.

Thus, the correct choices indicating environmental factors that could lead to shifts in plant species distributions across elevations are A and C.