Exploring Earth's Early Atmosphere

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Which molecules were used in Dr. Miller's experiment to simulate the composition of the atmosphere on early Earth?

Methane, ammonia, and oxygen gas

Methane, ammonia, and hydrogen gas (correct)

Methane, ammonia, and carbon dioxide

Methane, ammonia, and water vapor

What did Dr. Miller's experiment simulate to imitate lightning?

Ultraviolet light

Water vapor

Electric spark (correct)

Heat from the sun

What did the colors of the mixture in Dr. Miller's experiment indicate?

The presence of nitrogen atoms

The presence of organic molecules (correct)

The presence of oxygen atoms

The presence of carbon atoms

What did Dr. Miller's experiment produce in primitive Earth's ocean?

Organic molecules Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the electrodes attached to the glass ball in Dr. Miller's experiment?

To create electric sparks Signup and view all the answers

What did Dr. Miller find captured in the trap in his experiment?

Organic molecules Signup and view all the answers

What did the mixture in Dr. Miller's experiment turn into by the end of the first day?

A pink color Signup and view all the answers

What did the simulated ocean water in Dr. Miller's experiment get heated up by?

Heat from the sun Signup and view all the answers

What did Dr. Miller's experiment simulate to imitate the composition of the atmosphere on early Earth?

Gases Signup and view all the answers

What are the organic molecules produced in Dr. Miller's experiment sometimes referred to as?

Prebiotic soup Signup and view all the answers

The laboratory experiment conducted by Stanley Miller aimed to simulate

The conditions of Earth's early atmosphere and oceans Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the apparatus used in the laboratory experiment?

It was simple but had profound implications for the formation of life on Earth Signup and view all the answers

According to the fossil record, when did scientists determine that life forms existed on Earth?

3.5 billion years ago Signup and view all the answers

What were the early life forms on Earth?

Primitive bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What are hydrothermal vents?

Hot springs on the ocean floor Signup and view all the answers

What did scientists want to determine about the origin of primitive bacteria?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Who conducted the laboratory experiment in 1952?

Stanley Miller Signup and view all the answers

What were the simple molecules used in the laboratory experiment?

Methane, ammonia, hydrogen, and water Signup and view all the answers

What did the laboratory experiment simulate?

The conditions of Earth's early atmosphere and oceans Signup and view all the answers

When was the photograph of Dr. Miller taken?

1999 Signup and view all the answers