How does photosynthesis affect the atmosphere?

How does photosynthesis affect the atmosphere?

• A. It adds carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
• B. It removes oxygen from the atmosphere.
• C. It adds oxygen to the atmosphere and removes carbon dioxide from the air.
• D. It has no effect on atmospheric gases.

Answer: (C)

Photosynthesis changes the gases in the air. Plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to make sugar for themselves, and in the process they release oxygen. Because carbon dioxide is taken in, the amount of CO2 in the air goes down, and because oxygen is released, the amount of O2 goes up. So photosynthesis adds oxygen to the atmosphere and removes carbon dioxide from the air. This helps living things breathe and also influences how much heat-trapping gas is in the air. It doesn’t add CO2 or remove oxygen.

Photosynthesis changes the gases in the air. Plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to make sugar for themselves, and in the process they release oxygen. Because carbon dioxide is taken in, the amount of CO2 in the air goes down, and because oxygen is released, the amount of O2 goes up. So photosynthesis adds oxygen to the atmosphere and removes carbon dioxide from the air. This helps living things breathe and also influences how much heat-trapping gas is in the air. It doesn’t add CO2 or remove oxygen.