Question

How would increased chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the atmosphere affect the growth of vegetation throughout the world?

A. Ultraviolet light will decrease on Earth’s surface. It will lower temperatures and increase plant populations.
B. Ultraviolet light will increase on Earth’s surface. It will raise temperatures and decrease plant populations.
C. Ultraviolet light will increase on Earth’s surface. It will raise temperatures and increase plant populations.
D. Ultraviolet light will decrease on Earth’s surface. It will lower temperatures and decrease plant populations.

Answer 1

Increased chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the atmosphere result in more ultraviolet light reaching the Earth's surface, raising temperatures and decreasing plant populations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The increased presence of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the atmosphere leads to the depletion of the ozone layer, which acts as a shield protecting Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When CFCs are broken down by UV radiation, they release chlorine atoms that catalyze the destruction of ozone molecules. With less ozone in the stratosphere, more UV radiation reaches the Earth's surface. This increase in UV exposure can have detrimental effects on vegetation growth, as it can damage plant DNA, reduce photosynthesis, and impair plant development and reproduction, ultimately leading to a potential decrease in plant populations. Therefore, the correct answer to how increased CFCs would affect vegetation growth is B: Ultraviolet light will increase on Earth's surface. It will raise temperatures and decrease plant populations.

Answer 2

Chlorofluorocarbons are a class of organic compounds that were used as propellants in the late 20th century. The problem with CFC's is that they attack the ozone layer, breaking it down. The weakened ozone layer is not able to stop UV light from reaching the earth, so the amount of UV light reaching the earth increases. This results in increased temperatures, and the death of vegetation.

Therefore, the answer is B.