A plant biologist grows two species of plants under different climate conditions. Species A grows 15 cm per month under typical conditions, while Species B grows 20% faster under elevated CO2 levels. How much does Species B grow in 6 months?

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:22:39 +0000

How Climate Change Affects Plant Growth: A Study on Species A and Species B In the ongoing exploration of how environmental factors influence plant development, plant biologists have observed significant differences in growth rates between two species under varying climate conditions. Understanding these differences helps scientists predict how ecosystems might adapt to changing global climates. One recent study focused on two plant species: Species A and Species B. Under typical atmospheric conditions—defined as ambient CO₂ levels around 400 ppm—Species A demonstrates a consistent growth rate of 15 centimeters (15 cm) per month. This steady growth reflects the response of most plants to current environmental norms, where photosynthetic efficiency is balanced but not enhanced. However, when exposed to elevated CO₂ concentrations—mirroring projected future conditions—a marked improvement is seen with Species B. Elevated carbon dioxide levels stimulate photosynthesis and enhance growth, a phenomenon known as the CO₂ fertilization effect. In this experiment, Species B grew 20% faster than Species A under these enriched conditions.