Question

Based on your knowledge of CO₂ and its correlation with atmospheric temperature, how will the global temperature graph look?

1) The line in the temperature graph will run parallel to the line in the carbon dioxide graph.
2) The temperature graph will show a negative correlation between CO₂ percentage and air temperature.
3) The greatest change in temperature will be from the years 1700 to 1800.
4) The slope of the temperature graph will be lower than the slope of the carbon dioxide graph.
5) The temperature will remain relatively constant from the years 1900 to 1950.

Answer 1

The global temperature graph shows a positive correlation with CO₂ levels, with a clear upward trend since the 1950s. Prior to the late 1800s, Earth's temperature varied, but not with the greatest change from 1700 to 1800. Temperature did not remain constant from 1900 to 1950, as suggested by historical data.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the relationship between atmospheric CO₂ concentrations and global temperatures, we know that as CO₂ levels rise, so does the global temperature. Historical data indicate that before the late 1800s, Earth's temperature varied significantly. However, more recent analyses, especially from the 1950s onwards, show a clear upward trajectory in CO₂ levels, from about 280 ppm to over 390 ppm, coinciding with an approximate 1°C increase in temperature.

The correlation between CO₂ and temperature is not simple linear but rather complex due to the interactions with other greenhouse gases like water vapor. Still, the overall trend remains: higher CO₂ levels contribute to higher global temperatures. Hence, statements like 'The line in the temperature graph will run parallel to the line in the carbon dioxide graph' or 'The slope of the temperature graph will be lower than the slope of the carbon dioxide graph' potentially represent the long-term trend if no other factors were at play.

Regarding the specific historical period changes, the greatest change in temperature did not occur between 1700 to 1800, as the industrial revolution and significant emissions started after this period. Additionally, the statement 'The temperature will remain relatively constant from the years 1900 to 1950' is not supported by the data which indicate overall temperature increases during the 20th century.

Answer 2

The conclusion based on the correlation between CO2 and temperature is that global temperatures will rise as CO2 levels increase. Historical data indicate significant temperature changes post-1950, with models predicting further increases, which could impact animal populations.

4.The slope of the temperature graph will be lower than the slope of the carbon dioxide graph is the correct option.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the knowledge of CO₂ and its correlation with atmospheric temperature, it can be inferred that the global temperature graph will reflect this relationship whereby a rise in carbon dioxide will be accompanied by a rise in global temperature. Thus, the line in the temperature graph will not run parallel to the line in the carbon dioxide graph but instead will likely show an increasing trend as the concentration of CO₂ increases. This is supported by data provided which show an accelerating upward trend in CO₂ levels and a corresponding rise in global temperature of about 1°C. Therefore, the statements that are most inconsistent with the data provided include the temperature graph showing a negative correlation between CO₂ percentage and air temperature, and that the temperature will remain relatively constant from the years 1900 to 1950.

When examining the historical data and trends, it appears that the greatest changes in global temperature did not occur from the years 1700 to 1800, but more significant changes are observed in the post-industrial era, particularly after 1950. Mathematical models suggest a range of potential temperature increases, which means that the slope of the temperature graph could be high and in some model scenarios could even surpass the slope of the carbon dioxide graph due to feedback effects like increased water vapor in the atmosphere. The global warming effect is complicated and not linear with increases in CO₂ but is instead logarithmic. Furthermore, increasing global temperatures could have significant impacts on animal populations in the future due to habitat changes and other related environmental stressors.