The correct chronological order of events from earliest to latest is:
- Photosynthesizing bacteria release oxygen into the sea
- Oxygen concentrations increase in the atmosphere
- Single-celled organisms increase atmospheric methane concentrations
- Many new animal species evolve
Thus, the first option reflects the correct order of events:
Photosynthesizing bacteria release oxygen into the sea → Oxygen concentrations increase in the atmosphere → Single-celled organisms increase atmospheric methane concentrations → Many new animal species evolve.