Within each year, what is the pattern of change in CO2 concentration? Why might this pattern occur?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The pattern of change in CO2 concentration in a year shows fluctuation in the levels of carbon dioxide in Muana Loa. It has been rising continuously through the decades. It is due to the variation in the global release of CO2 in the atmosphere by plants because of seasonal variations.

Step by step solution

01

Step 1: CO2

Carbon dioxide is a colorless gas that has a density higher than dry air. It has one atom of carbon and two atoms of oxygen. It is naturally found in the atmosphere in trace amounts.It is increased in the atmosphere due to deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels.

02

Step 2: Greenhouse effect

The global temperature is rising due to the increase in the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. When solar radiations reach the earth, it is emitted from the earth having infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases such as CO2 absorb these radiations and increase the heat content of the earth by returning them to the earth.

03

Step 3: Variation in concentrations of CO2

Carbon dioxide levels continue to fluctuate in the atmosphere through photosynthesis and respiration in plants. Plants in springs and summers photosynthesize more due to the high temperature. They release it more in winter. During summers, more carbon accumulates in the forests and soil.

In half of the year, the levels of CO2 are rising, and in the other half, the levels are decreasing.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

EVOLUTION CONNECTION The fossil record indicates that there have been five mass extinction events in the past 500 million years (see Concept 25.4). Many ecologists think we are on the verge of entering a sixth mass extinction event. Briefly discuss the history of mass extinctions and the length of time it typically takes for species diversity to recover through the process of evolution. Explain why this should motivate us to slow the loss of biodiversity today.

In 2005, at least ten grizzly bears in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem were killed through contact with people. Most of these deaths resulted from three things: collisions with automobiles, hunters (of other animals) shooting when charged by a female grizzly bear with cubs nearby, and conservation managers killing bears that attacked livestock repeatedly. If you were a conservation manager, what steps might you take to minimize such encounters in Yellowstone?

Question: In what way do the membranes of a eukaryotic cell vary?

  1. Phospholipids are found only in certain membranes.
  2. Certain proteins are unique to each membrane.
  3. Only certain membranes of the cell are selectively permeable.

4. Only certain membranes are constructed from amphipathic molecules.

How can the addition of excess mineral nutrients to a lake threaten its fish population?

Of the following statements about protected areas that have been established to preserve biodiversity, which one is not correct?

(A) About 25% of Earth’s land area is now protected.

(B) National parks are one of many types of protected areas.

(C) Management of a protected area should be coordinated with management of the land surrounding the area.

(D) It is especially important to protect biodiversity hot spots.

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free