In the Northern Hemisphere, climate scientists observe seasonal changes in carbon dioxide concentration with the highest levels measured in May and the lowest levels measured in October. Hypothesize how photosynthesis can affect these changes. Explain your answer in three to five sentences. (Remember: 1. Leaves, in the Northern Hemisphere, appear on trees in the Spring and fall from trees in the Autumn. 2. Leaves are where photosynthesis occurs. 3. How does photosynthesis effect carbon dioxide?)(4 points)
During the spring in the Northern Hemisphere, trees start to grow new leaves, leading to an increase in the overall leaf area. This increased leaf area allows for more photosynthesis to occur, which results in a higher rate of carbon dioxide absorption from the atmosphere. Consequently, carbon dioxide levels decrease during this time. In the autumn, leaves start to fall from trees, reducing the overall leaf area available for photosynthesis. As a result, photosynthesis rates decrease and less carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere, leading to an increase in carbon dioxide levels. This seasonal variation in photosynthesis rates directly affects the changes in carbon dioxide concentration observed by climate scientists in the Northern Hemisphere.
Plants in different environments have challenges that only they have. For example, the growth of a plant in a rainforest (e.g., an orchid) might be more affected by different things than a plant in a desert (e.g., a succulent). In three to five sentences, compare environmental challenges that could affect the photosynthetic process of a rainforest plant versus a desert plant.(4 points)
A rainforest plant faces challenges such as competition for light, as the dense canopy limits the amount of sunlight reaching the lower layers, reducing the availability of energy for photosynthesis. These plants also have high humidity levels, which could lead to inefficient gas exchange and hinder the uptake of carbon dioxide. Additionally, the excess moisture in the rainforest can create a breeding ground for pests and diseases that can damage the plant and disrupt the photosynthetic process.
On the other hand, a desert plant faces different challenges. The limited availability of water is a major constraint for photosynthesis in desert plants. These plants have evolved adaptations such as having reduced leaves or needle-like structures to minimize water loss through transpiration. Desert plants also need to deal with extreme temperature fluctuations, high levels of solar radiation, and the risk of dehydration, which can damage their photosynthetic machinery. They may have specialized mechanisms like CAM photosynthesis to conserve water and carry out photosynthesis during cooler periods.
Overall, while both rainforest and desert plants undergo photosynthesis, the environmental challenges they face differ significantly. Rainforest plants face limitations due to light competition, excess humidity, and diseases, while desert plants have to cope with water scarcity, high temperatures, and arid conditions, each requiring specific adaptive strategies to maintain their photosynthetic processes.