Asked by Aryan Gupta on Sep 23, 2024
Verified
What best describes biologists' current hypothesis about the production of the Earth's atmospheric oxygen?
A) Photosynthesis by terrestrial plants produces atmospheric oxygen.
B) The breakdown of iron ore deposits produces atmospheric oxygen.
C) Photosynthesis by photosynthesizing bacteria produces atmospheric oxygen.
D) Chemosynthesis by aquatic plants produces atmospheric oxygen.
Atmospheric Oxygen
The oxygen gas (O2) present in the Earth's atmosphere, essential for the respiratory processes of most living organisms.
Photosynthesizing Bacteria
Microorganisms that convert light energy into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis.
Terrestrial Plants
Plants that grow on land, as opposed to aquatic (water-based) or epiphytic (growing on other plants) plants.
- Gain insight into the origins and relevance of Earth's initial atmosphere and its safeguarding strata.
Verified Answer
RV
Robert Vasquezabout 18 hours ago
Final Answer :
C
Explanation :
Biologists currently hypothesize that photosynthesis by photosynthesizing bacteria, specifically cyanobacteria, was the primary source of Earth's atmospheric oxygen. This process began around 2.4 billion years ago and continued for millions of years, gradually increasing the oxygen levels in the atmosphere.
Learning Objectives
- Gain insight into the origins and relevance of Earth's initial atmosphere and its safeguarding strata.
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