Question

What is the most likely effect a decrease of plant life in the biosphere would have on the atmosphere?

a.
A decrease in plant life would have no effect on the atmosphere.
b.
A decrease in plant life would cause carbon dioxide levels to increase and oxygen levels to decrease.
c.
A decrease in plant life would cause carbon dioxide levels to decrease and oxygen levels to increase.
d.
A decrease in plant life would cause an increase in all gases in the atmosphere.

Answer 1

The answer is B because without plants, the earth would have no natural way to recycle and generate oxygen and consume carbon dioxide

Answer 2

The answer is b. A decrease in plant life would cause carbon dioxide levels to increase and oxygen levels to decrease.

In the photosynthesis, plants take carbon dioxide and water and convert it into glucose and oxygen using the energy of sunlight. A decrease of plant life in the biosphere will increase a level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Fewer plants mean fewer photosynthesis processes, and, thus, decreased levels of oxygen in the atmosphere.