Asked by Arpit Bapna on Jul 17, 2024
Verified
Before photosynthesis evolved, ____ was a very small component of Earth's early atmosphere.
A) carbon dioxide
B) nitrogen
C) water
D) oxygen
E) argon
Photosynthesis
Metabolic pathway by which most autotrophs use sunlight to make sugars from carbon dioxide and water.
- Recognize the environmental context of metabolic processes, including early Earth's atmosphere and the evolution of aerobic life.
Verified Answer
PA
Peter AmbartJul 20, 2024
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
Oxygen was not present in significant amounts in Earth's early atmosphere before the evolution of photosynthesis, which is responsible for the production of oxygen as a byproduct. Thus, option D is the correct choice.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize the environmental context of metabolic processes, including early Earth's atmosphere and the evolution of aerobic life.