Increased global temperature has caused an extension in growing seasons. What would be most likely to cause this trend to cease?

The statement about loss of soil moisture because of heightened evaporation and lower regional precipitation highlights a critical factor that can disrupt the extended growing seasons associated with increased global temperatures. As global temperatures rise, evaporation rates also increase, leading to significant water loss from soils. If accompanying changes, such as lower regional precipitation, occur, the soil moisture that supports plant growth diminishes.

Soil moisture is essential for crops, as it affects their ability to take up nutrients and thrive. Without adequate moisture, even with a longer growing season, crops may struggle to grow efficiently, potentially leading to reduced yields or crop failures. This scenario illustrates how climate change can create conditions that ultimately limit the benefits of a longer growing season.

In contrast, options that reference an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide, improved crop varieties, or advancements in agricultural technology may provide means of enhancing crop resilience or productivity but do not directly address the fundamental issue of moisture availability that would cause the trend of extended growing seasons to cease. Thus, the loss of soil moisture due to climatic changes represents a critical limiting factor in sustaining agricultural productivity despite other potential benefits.