Energy Flow Through Ecosystems

AP Biology· difficulty 3/5

CO2 Year Atmospheric CO2 (ppm)

The Keeling curve shows seasonal oscillations superimposed on a long-term increase. The seasonal saw-tooth is BEST explained by:

  • A

    Volcanic emissions

  • B

    Northern Hemisphere terrestrial photosynthesis cycling on annual scale

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  • C

    Ocean acidification

  • D

    Ice age cycles

Explanation

Most land plants are in the Northern Hemisphere; in NH summer, photosynthesis lowers CO2; in NH winter, respiration/decay raise it, producing the saw-tooth pattern.

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