which of the statements explains how an oxygen-rich atmosphere became possible on earth? photosynthetic organisms have existed on earth longer than heterotrophs. rates of carbon fixation and respiration are equal. rates of oxygen consumption are lower than rates of photosynthesis. the number of plants is greater than the number of animals.



Answer :

Rates of oxygen consumption were lower than rates of photosynthesis.

Rates of photosynthesis were higher than rates of oxygen consumption. Because there is more oxygen in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, photosynthesis happens more quickly than oxygen is used up.

The most advanced life on earth would have been green microbial slime without oxygen, according to research author David Catling. Fortunately, some bacteria were able to split water into hydrogen and oxygen in the early oceans. In fact, photosynthetic organisms still undergo this separation today. They use the sun's energy to split the molecules of water, using the hydrogen they release as a byproduct to make organic compounds like carbohydrates.

According to conventional thinking, enormous amounts of this hydrogen-rich organic waste eventually became buried under the ground, allowing oxygen to build up in the atmosphere.

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