Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

24. History of Life on Earth

History of Life on Earth

General Biology

24. History of Life on Earth

History of Life on Earth

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Multiple Choice

Which of the listed examples is a current hypothesis regarding the Cambrian explosion?

An increase in atmospheric CO₂ led to an explosion of plants and life-forms that fed on plants.

Increased numbers of predator species led to a dramatic decline in prey species.

A rise in atmospheric nitrogen led to success of large animals with higher metabolic rates.

All of the listed responses are correct.

Evolution of the Hox gene complex provided developmental flexibility.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the Cambrian explosion: The Cambrian explosion refers to a period approximately 541 million years ago when there was a rapid diversification of life forms on Earth, particularly the emergence of most major animal phyla.

Identify the role of the Hox gene complex: The Hox gene complex is a group of related genes that control the body plan of an embryo along the head-tail axis. These genes are crucial for determining the identity and arrangement of body segments.

Evaluate the hypothesis: The hypothesis that the evolution of the Hox gene complex provided developmental flexibility suggests that changes in these genes allowed for more complex body structures and diversity in organisms, contributing to the rapid diversification seen during the Cambrian explosion.

Compare with other hypotheses: The other options provided (increase in atmospheric CO2, increased predator species, rise in atmospheric nitrogen) do not directly relate to the genetic and developmental changes that could lead to the diversity of body plans seen in the Cambrian period.

Conclude the reasoning: The hypothesis regarding the evolution of the Hox gene complex is considered a current and plausible explanation for the Cambrian explosion because it directly addresses the genetic mechanisms that could lead to increased complexity and diversity in animal forms.