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Multiple Choice
Which organisms were the first to release oxygen into the Earth's atmosphere?
A
Cyanobacteria
B
Green algae
C
Fungi
D
Protozoa
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the organisms listed in the problem: Cyanobacteria, Green algae, Fungi, and Protozoa.
Understand the role of each organism in the context of oxygen production. Cyanobacteria are known for their ability to perform photosynthesis and release oxygen as a byproduct.
Recognize that Cyanobacteria were among the earliest organisms to perform oxygenic photosynthesis, significantly contributing to the oxygenation of Earth's atmosphere.
Consider the timeline of Earth's history. Cyanobacteria appeared over 2.5 billion years ago, during the Great Oxygenation Event, which marked a significant increase in atmospheric oxygen.
Conclude that Cyanobacteria were the first organisms to release oxygen into the Earth's atmosphere, predating the evolution of Green algae, Fungi, and Protozoa.