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 photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into oxygen and glucose through the process of photosynthesis. As leaves appear on trees in the spring, there is an increase in the amount of photosynthesis happening, leading to an uptake of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, resulting in a decrease in its concentration. In contrast, during autumn, leaves fall from trees, reducing photosynthesis activity and causing a decrease in carbon dioxide uptake, which leads to an increase in concentration. Therefore, the seasonal changes in carbon dioxide concentration are directly influenced by the levels of photosynthesis occurring in the Northern Hemisphere.
