7.3 Quiz: Measuring and Responding to Change

The graph shows the changes in global sea level from 1900 to 2010. How does the evidence provided by the graph support the claim that Earth's climate has gradually been warming?

• The rising sea level is a result of melting ice and the thermal expansion of water.

• The rising sea level is a result of an increasing rate of all processes of the water cycle.

• The change in sea level matches the change in atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide.

• The change in sea level is the cause of increased flooding in low-lying coastal lands.

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Scientists have been observing increasing levels of carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere. How are these increasing levels of greenhouse gases affecting Earth's climate?

• They are a direct and indirect cause of global warming, but not other climate changes.

• They are the direct cause of changes to precipitation patterns and storms, but not global warming.

• They are the direct cause of changes to precipitation patterns and storms, which is causing global warming.

• They are the direct cause of global warming, which is causing changes to precipitation patterns, storms, and other weather events.

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How are scientists who study Earth systems having a positive effect on the future of human society?

• by developing new technologies for obtaining nonrenewable resources, such as fossil fuels

• by predicting or forecasting future changes to Earth systems, based on present conditions and patterns

• by taking actions independently to alter Earth systems on a global scale

• by applying evidence and scientific reasoning to enact laws and policies

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Scientists claim that global climate change is threatening many species with extinction. Which statement provides the strongest evidence for this claim?

• As humans develop more land, natural habitats are lost or fragmented.

• In many species, life cycle events are adapted to occur with seasonal temperature changes.

• Species survive only in specific habitats, and cannot relocate when their environment changes.

• Species can tolerate variations in temperature, but not variations in precipitation, humidity, or other weather factors.

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A team of scientists is developing a computer model to predict the change in average global temperatures over the next 100 years. The model accounts for a wide variety of variables that could affect temperature during this time. Which variable would most likely affect the temperatures that the model predicts?

• global rates of photosynthesis

• global sea level

• changes in Earth's orbital path

• acidity of ocean water

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Jamal is reporting on changes to the jet stream and other global wind patterns. Are these changes related to global warming?

• No. Winds and wind patterns are unrelated to surface temperatures.

• No. The changing wind patterns are evidence of global cooling.

• Yes. The changes are caused by a constant increase in global temperatures across Earth.

• Yes. The changes are caused by a decreasing temperature difference between the poles and temperate regions.

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