Questions and Answers
What is the main process that causes the average temperature on Earth to increase?
What is the primary function of the gases such as carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere?
What is the main contributor to global warming, according to most scientists?
What is released into the atmosphere when fossil fuels are burned?
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What is the term used to describe the process by which the atmosphere traps heat?
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What happens to the carbon dioxide when trees are removed from the forest at a rapid rate?
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What is the effect of global warming on some plants in the tundra?
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What is the impact of melting polar ice caps on polar bears?
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What is extinction?
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What happens to the habitat of the tundra plant when the weather gets warmer?
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Study Notes
What is Global Warming?
- Global warming is a process that causes the average temperature on Earth to increase or warm up.
How Does the Earth Stay Warm?
- The Earth is covered with an invisible blanket called the atmosphere.
- The atmosphere reflects some of the sun's heat away from Earth, while absorbing others.
- Gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) help keep the heat in the atmosphere through the greenhouse effect.
What Causes Global Warming?
- Most scientists believe that human activities are the main cause of global warming.
- Human activities that contribute to global warming include:
- Burning fossil fuels (e.g., in factories, cars) which releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
- Deforestation, which reduces the number of trees that absorb carbon dioxide.
How Does it Affect Plants and Animals?
- Increased temperatures cause some plants to struggle to survive, leading to changes in habitats.
- Some plants that are adapted to warmer weather take over habitats, threatening the survival of other plants and animals.
- The increase in heat is causing:
- Polar ice caps to melt, affecting polar bears' habitats and hunting abilities.
- Decrease in polar bear population, potentially leading to extinction.
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Description
Learn about global warming, its effects on the Earth's temperature, and its impact on polar bears and their habitats.