To determine the correct chronological order of the events, we should look at the biological and ecological history involved. Here's the logical progression of the events:
- Single-celled organisms increase atmospheric methane concentrations - Early life forms, particularly anaerobic bacteria, were probably present before photosynthetic organisms and created methane.
- Photosynthesizing bacteria release oxygen into the sea - Next, photosynthetic bacteria (like cyanobacteria) started producing oxygen through photosynthesis.
- Oxygen concentrations increase in the atmosphere - Over time, as oxygen produced by photosynthetic bacteria accumulated, the atmospheric oxygen levels started to rise.
- Many new animal species evolve - Finally, with a suitable atmosphere and more complex life forms, many animal species began to evolve.
Given this reasoning, the correct chronological order is:
Single-celled organisms increase atmospheric methane concentrations. Photosynthesizing bacteria release oxygen into the sea. Oxygen concentrations increase in the atmosphere. Many new animal species evolve.
Thus, the correct response is: Single-celled organisms increase atmospheric methane concentrations. Photosynthesizing bacteria release oxygen into the sea. Oxygen concentrations increase in the atmosphere. Many new animal species evolve.