How did oxygen begin to form in the Earth's atmosphere?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the origins of oxygen in the Earth's atmosphere and presents multiple-choice options regarding different processes that may have contributed to its formation.
Answer
Early microorganisms, specifically cyanobacteria, produced oxygen using photosynthesis.
The final answer is that early microorganisms, specifically cyanobacteria, produced oxygen using photosynthesis.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is that early microorganisms, specifically cyanobacteria, produced oxygen using photosynthesis.
More Information
Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, used sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide in a process called photosynthesis to release oxygen as a byproduct. This event, known as the Great Oxidation Event, led to the accumulation of free oxygen in the Earth's atmosphere about 2.5 billion years ago.
Tips
Common mistakes include assuming that oxygen always existed in Earth's atmosphere or was a result of non-biological processes. Understanding the role of photosynthetic organisms is crucial in grasping how oxygen began to form and accumulate.
Sources
- How did Earth's atmosphere get its oxygen? - Planetary Society - planetary.org
- The Origin of Oxygen in Earth's Atmosphere - Scientific American - scientificamerican.com
- The Great Oxidation Event: How Cyanobacteria Changed Life - ASM - asm.org
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