What does the term "greenhouse gases" refer to?

The term "greenhouse gases" refers to gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, which is why option B is the correct answer. These gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor, among others. They play a crucial role in the greenhouse effect, a natural process that warms the Earth's surface. When solar radiation reaches the Earth, some of it is reflected back to space, while the rest is absorbed and re-radiated as infrared energy. Greenhouse gases absorb and re-emit this infrared radiation, effectively trapping heat in the atmosphere and helping to maintain the planet's temperature within a range that supports life.

This process is vital for keeping our climate stable. While some gases can have a cooling effect under certain conditions, the primary function of greenhouse gases is to retain heat, making them fundamental to understanding climate change. Other choices misrepresent the role and identity of greenhouse gases, such as suggesting they exclusively stem from biological processes or asserting that they have no impact on climate, which overlooks their significant influence on global temperatures and weather patterns.