Early Earth and Protocell Formation Quiz

A major event in Earth's history where a large proportion of species go extinct in a relatively short period.

The most severe extinction event in Earth's history, killing approximately 96% of marine species around 252 million years ago.

Mass extinction event that occurred approximately 66 million years ago, marking the end of the dinosaur era and allowing mammals to diversify.

A rapid increase in the diversity and number of species in a lineage after a mass extinction event.

The idea that human activities are accelerating species loss at an alarming rate, possibly leading to a sixth mass extinction event.

The early Earth atmosphere was very different from today's, filled with gases like methane, ammonia, and water vapor. This early atmosphere was rich in energy sources like lightning, volcanic eruptions, and UV radiation, which fueled chemical reactions.

The Miller-Urey experiment simulated the conditions of early Earth to test the hypothesis that organic molecules could have formed from non-living matter. It showed that amino acids could be created under those conditions, providing evidence for the abiotic synthesis theory.

Protocells are simple, membrane-bound structures that can carry out basic life functions like metabolism. They represent a crucial step in the evolution of life from non-living matter to living cells.

The RNA World Hypothesis proposes that RNA was the primary form of genetic material in early life. RNA molecules can store information and act as catalysts (ribozymes), making them capable of self-replication.

Stromatolites are layered rock structures formed by photosynthetic bacteria (cyanobacteria). They provide fossil evidence of life on Earth dating back ~3.5 billion years, indicating the early presence of photosynthetic organisms.

The Oxygen Revolution was a major event in Earth's history, marking a significant increase in atmospheric oxygen levels caused by the activity of photosynthetic bacteria. This change had dramatic effects on the evolution of life.

The Endosymbiont Theory explains the origin of eukaryotic cells, which have complex organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts. It proposes that these organelles were once free-living prokaryotes that were engulfed by other cells, forming a symbiotic relationship.

The Cambrian Explosion marks a period of rapid diversification in animal life, with most major animal groups appearing during this time (~535 million years ago). This sudden burst of evolution led to a dramatic increase in animal diversity.