Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following organisms was the first to introduce oxygen into Earth's atmosphere?
A
Cyanobacteria
B
Fungi
C
Plants
D
Green algae
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the role of photosynthesis in oxygen production. Photosynthesis is the process by which certain organisms convert light energy into chemical energy, producing oxygen as a byproduct.
Identify the organisms capable of photosynthesis. These include cyanobacteria, plants, and green algae. Fungi do not perform photosynthesis and thus do not contribute to oxygen production.
Explore the historical timeline of Earth's atmosphere. Cyanobacteria are known to be among the earliest organisms capable of photosynthesis, dating back billions of years.
Recognize the significance of cyanobacteria in the Great Oxygenation Event. This event marked a significant increase in Earth's atmospheric oxygen, primarily due to the photosynthetic activity of cyanobacteria.
Conclude that cyanobacteria were the first organisms to introduce oxygen into Earth's atmosphere, predating plants and green algae.