To order the events chronologically from earliest to latest, we can analyze the process of Earth's early atmospheric evolution:
- Photosynthesizing bacteria release oxygen into the sea. - This is one of the earliest events that contributed to the increase in oxygen in Earth's atmosphere.
- Oxygen concentrations increase in the atmosphere. - As oxygen levels from photosynthesis in oceans rose, oxygen began to accumulate in the atmosphere.
- Single-celled organisms increase atmospheric methane concentrations. - This event doesn’t necessarily have to come before the oxygen increase, but it indicates a shift in atmospheric conditions.
- Many new animal species evolve. - Following the increase of oxygen in the atmosphere, it became possible for more complex life forms, including many new animal species, to evolve.
Considering this sequence, the correct chronological order of the events should be:
- 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.
Given the options, none seem to perfectly match this order. However, the following option closely resembles the correct chronological order:
Photosynthesizing bacteria release oxygen into the sea. Oxygen concentrations increase in the atmosphere. Many new animal species evolve. Single-celled organisms increase atmospheric methane concentrations.
While this does not place the last event correctly and includes "single-celled organisms" out of desired order, it is the most logical sequence based on the biological timeline you provided.
3 answers