Chapter 6 Test

Front

What happens to Earth's climate when the axial tilt changes from 24.5° to 22.1°?

Back

The Earth experiences cooler summers.

Front

What is the relationship between atmospheric CO2 levels and temperature?

Back

When atmospheric CO2 levels increase, the temperature also increases; when CO2 levels decrease, the temperature decreases; and when CO2 levels change, the temperature also changes. Thus, all of the above are true.

Front

How has Earth's temperature changed from Precambrian time to today?

Back

Earth's temperature has alternated between higher and lower temperatures.

Front

What climate proxy would be most helpful to investigate Earth's climate tens of millions of years ago?

Back

Fossils found in bedrock.

Front

What caused the advance and retreat of ice sheets during the Pleistocene?

Back

Milankovitch cycles and periodic changes in Earth’s orbit.

Front

Define Milankovitch cycles.

Back

Milankovitch cycles are periodic changes in Earth's orbit and axial tilt that affect climate over thousands of years.

Front

What are climate proxies?

Back

Climate proxies are natural recorders of climate variability, such as tree rings, ice cores, and sediment layers.

Front

How do tree rings indicate past climate conditions?

Back

Tree rings vary in width based on environmental conditions; wider rings indicate favorable growth years, while narrower rings suggest harsher conditions.

Front

What role do ice cores play in climate research?

Back

Ice cores trap air bubbles that contain ancient atmospheric gases, allowing scientists to study past climate conditions.

Front

What is the significance of studying fossils in bedrock for understanding past climates?

Back

Fossils provide evidence of the types of organisms that lived in certain climates, helping to reconstruct historical climate conditions.