How did the production of oxygen by photosynthesis impact the development of the geosphere? (1 point)

Question

Responses

It caused water to become habitable for organisms that need oxygen.
It caused water to become habitable for organisms that need oxygen.

It reacted with iron in rocks to produce iron oxide.
It reacted with iron in rocks to produce iron oxide.

It increased the level of oxygen in the air.
It increased the level of oxygen in the air.

It caused the evolution of prokaryotes into eukaryotes.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

It reacted with iron in rocks to produce iron oxide.

The production of oxygen through photosynthesis led to the accumulation of oxygen in the environment, which reacted with dissolved iron in the oceans, resulting in the formation of iron oxide (rust). This process significantly impacted the geosphere and contributed to the Great Oxidation Event, which changed the Earth's atmosphere and enabled the evolution of aerobic life forms.