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Photosynthesis and earth's atmosphere; why it matters

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Discuss your understanding of how photosynthesis has made the earth's atmosphere unique in the solar system. What effects would decreasing levels of photosynthesis have on human society over time, and what could we do to stabilize photosynthesis over the long-term?

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Solution Summary

This solution explains how the earth's atmosphere was formed by photosynthesis, how it allowed life to thrive, and what would happen if levels of photosynthesis were to decrease; more specifically, this solution asks what effect would these changes would have on human society over time? Additionally, this solution includes one reference source for further research of this topic.

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I think the best way to start with this problem is to review what photosynthesis is/what it does. Plants have special structures in their cells, called chloroplasts, where photosynthesis takes place. Inside these chloroplasts the gas Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is converted into sugar and Oxygen (O2) is released as a by-product.

So, to review: Carbon dioxide in, Oxygen out.

Now what does that have to do with the earth's ...

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