What would be the expected effect on plants if the atmospheric CO₂ concentration was doubled?
A) All plants would have faster growth rates.
B) C₃ plants would have faster growth rates; C₄ plants would be minimally affected.
C) C₄ plants would have faster growth rates; C₃ plants would be minimally affected.
D) C₃ plants would have faster growth rates; C₄ plants would have slower growth rates.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

C₃ plants, which include most crop plants, would photosynthesize more efficiently as atmospheric CO₂ concentration increased. However, C₄ plants, such as corn and sugarcane, are already adapted to low levels of CO₂ and would have limited benefits from increased CO₂ concentration.

What Would Be the Expected Effect on Plants If the Atmospheric