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?)
During the spring and summer months, trees and plants in the Northern Hemisphere experience an increase in photosynthesis as they produce new leaves and undergo active growth. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight to produce glucose and oxygen. As plants photosynthesize, they consume carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, leading to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels. In the autumn, as leaves begin to fall and trees enter dormancy, photosynthesis rates decrease, resulting in lower consumption of carbon dioxide. This explains why carbon dioxide levels are at their lowest in October, after the peak of photosynthesis in the warmer months.
use simpler terms
In the spring and summer, plants and trees grow new leaves and take in carbon dioxide from the air to make food through a process called photosynthesis. This causes carbon dioxide levels to go down. In the autumn, as leaves fall and plants stop growing, they don't need as much carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, so the levels in the air go back up. That's why we see higher levels of carbon dioxide in the air in May and lower levels in October.
