Final answer:
The relationship between Carbon Dioxide and Temperature is Correlative, demonstrating a positive correlation where rising levels of CO2 are associated with increases in global temperature. This correlation is significant in understanding climate change and its potential effects on animal populations and ecosystems.Correct answer is option D.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word that best describes the relationship between Carbon Dioxide and Temperature is Correlative (D). This is because direct evidence supports that as carbon dioxide levels rise, global temperatures tend to rise as well, indicating a positive correlation. With the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide increasing significantly since 1950, and parallel increases in global temperature, scientists have been working on understanding and explaining this correlation.
For instance, in Chapter 26, the interaction involving conditions of temperature and carbon dioxide is discussed in the context of photosynthesis and the different responses of C3 and C4 plants. The historical pattern of atmospheric carbon dioxide cycling between 180 ppm and 300 ppm also suggests a strong link to temperature changes over longer periods.
When predicting future scenarios based on this correlation, if carbon dioxide levels continue to rise, it is expected that global temperatures would also continue to increase. This in tune could potentially have an impact on animal populations due to changes in habitats and ecosystems resulting from climate change.