- Fossil records showing an increase in abundance and diversity of photosynthetic bacteria during the period when oxygen levels in the sea started to rise
- Chemical analysis of ancient sediments and rocks indicating the presence of oxygen-releasing compounds produced by photosynthetic bacteria
- Geological evidence of the formation of iron-rich formations (such as banded iron formations) during periods of increased oxygen levels in the ocean, suggesting oxygen reacted with dissolved iron
- Isotopic analysis of ancient sediments and rocks indicating a shift in oxygen isotopes, which is consistent with the presence of oxygen-producing photosynthetic bacteria
What evidence is there that oxygen levels in the sea increased due to photosynthetic bacteria?(1 point)
Responses
global cooling
global cooling
rust deposits in the ancient ocean
rust deposits in the ancient ocean
rust deposits in today's ocean
rust deposits in today's ocean
3 answers
whats the actual answer
The actual answer is "rust deposits in the ancient ocean." Rust deposits, also known as banded iron formations, are evidence of a significant increase in oxygen levels in the ancient ocean. These deposits were formed when photosynthetic bacteria produced oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis, which then reacted with dissolved iron in the ocean to form iron oxide (rust). This occurrence is considered one of the key pieces of evidence for the oxygenation of Earth's atmosphere and oceans due to photosynthetic bacteria.