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Scientists are very concerned about the changes in concentration of carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere - AQA - GCSE Biology - Question 7 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 7
Scientists are very concerned about the changes in concentration of carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere. Figure 12 shows the concentration of carbon dioxide in... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Scientists are very concerned about the changes in concentration of carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere - AQA - GCSE Biology - Question 7 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe two patterns shown in Figure 12.
Answer
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Over the given period from 1988 to 2014, there is a noticeable overall increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide, rising from approximately 364 to 418 arbitrary units.
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The graph displays a pattern of peaks and troughs, where the concentration fluctuates over the years but shows a consistent upward trend. Each cycle represents a 1-year period, indicating regular annual variations.
Step 2
Step 3
Explain what effect the changing concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere could have on living organisms.
Answer
The increasing concentration of carbon dioxide can lead to global warming due to its greenhouse gas properties. This can result in higher temperatures, causing plants to engage in photosynthesis at a faster rate. While some plants may benefit, others may experience stress due to extreme weather changes, which can lead to decreased biodiversity. Furthermore, altered rainfall patterns can contribute to habitat loss, threatening various animal species. Thus, a rising carbon dioxide level can create imbalances in ecosystems, ultimately affecting the survival of living organisms.