Why is older climate data smoother when graphed than the present spikiness?
A) Climate was unusually steady millions of years ago.
B) Each data point represents less years in the older data.
C) Each data point represents more years in the older data.
D) Both A and C

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Older climate data is over a longer time period and therefore each data point represents more years, resulting in a smoother graph. Present spikiness is due to the shorter time periods between data points, making changes in climate more noticeable. Option A is incorrect because climate was not unusually steady millions of years ago, rather it has gone through periods of stability and change.

Why Is Older Climate Data Smoother When Graphed Than the Present