What Role Do Microbes Play in the Increase of Atmospheric

question 40

Multiple Choice

What role do microbes play in the increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide seen in this graph?

• A) Microbial populations have been increasing since 1800, and this increase has led to increases in carbon dioxide levels.
• B) Microbes convert other elements in carbon dioxide and have caused increases in carbon dioxide levels.
• C) Microbial populations have been decreasing since 1800, and this decrease has led to increases in carbon dioxide levels.
• D) Microbes fix carbon dioxide and help limit increases of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

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Definitions:

Neutrophil

Type of white blood cell; small phagocytic white blood cell with a lobed nucleus and small granules in the cytoplasm.

Natural Killer Cells

A type of lymphocyte that plays a major role in the rejection of tumors and cells infected by viruses by directly killing them.

Eosinophils

A type of white blood cell that is involved in combating multicellular parasites and certain infections in vertebrates, also associated with allergic reactions.

Parasitic Worm Infection

An infestation by helminths, a type of parasitic worm, which can cause disease and malnutrition.