Which environmental change is a direct result of increased CO2 levels in the air?

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Prepare for the UCF BSC1005 Biological Principles Exam with our helpful quizzes. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions for effective studying. Familiarize yourself with exam content and format to ensure success!

Increased CO2 levels in the atmosphere are a significant driver of global warming, which refers to the rise in Earth's average surface temperature due to the greenhouse effect. Carbon dioxide is one of the key greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. As CO2 levels rise, they enhance the greenhouse effect, leading to an increase in temperatures. This temperature increase can cause various environmental impacts, including melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and changes in weather patterns.

Global warming is a well-documented and studied phenomenon linked to increased CO2 emissions, primarily from human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. As this warming occurs, it can further lead to other environmental changes, but the direct correlation between elevated CO2 levels and global warming is well established in climate science.