C
Scientists conjecture that certain microbes consume organic molecules in exposed shale and similar sediments. In so doing, the microbes remove oxygen from the atmosphere and generate carbon dioxide, a gas that, evidence indicates, promotes global warming. They also conjecture that these microbes reproduce more quickly at higher temperatures. The scientists' conjectures, if true, provide the most support for which one of the following statements?
A: Every organism that generates carbon dioxide reproduces more quickly at high temperatures.
B: The microbes' activity will soon diminish as the organic molecules in exposed sediments are depleted.
C: If global warming occurs, it will be exacerbated by the activity of the microbes.
D: The microbes do not remove any element other than oxygen from the atmosphere.