Question

1. which statement best accounts for the relationship between the carbon dioxide and temperature change data shown by the graphs?

a. carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas.
b. carbon dioxide is not the only greenhouse gas.
c. temperature decreases usually occur when the carbon dioxide content of the atmosphere increases.
d. temperature changes and the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are unrelated.

Explanation:

The question asks for the statement that best explains the relationship between atmospheric carbon dioxide and temperature change. Option a only identifies CO₂ as a greenhouse gas but does not address the relationship. Option b notes there are other greenhouse gases, which is true but does not explain the CO₂-temperature link. Option d incorrectly claims they are unrelated, which contradicts climate data. Option c aligns with observed trends: when atmospheric CO₂ (a greenhouse gas that traps heat) increases, temperatures typically rise, matching the core relationship shown in climate graphs.

Answer:

c. Temperature decreases usually occur when the carbon dioxide content of the atmosphere increases.