Early autotrophs, such as cyanobacteria, played a crucial role in creating the oxygen-rich atmosphere we have today through the process of photosynthesis. These autotrophs were able to convert sunlight into energy and release oxygen as a byproduct. This oxygen was then used by other organisms for respiration, allowing them to survive and thrive in this new oxygen-rich environment.
For example, early animals like the first land-dwelling insects relied on the increase in atmospheric oxygen to evolve and develop more efficient respiratory systems. This allowed them to become more active and grow larger in size, ultimately leading to the diverse ecosystems we see on Earth today.
1. Oxygen was not always a common molecule in the atmosphere like it is today. Explain the relationships between early autotrophs and other organisms on this low-oxygen earth. Provide an example to support your answer. ( simple example and short explantion)
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