Question detail
Which process is primarily responsible for the increase of oxygen in the Earth's atmosphere?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
The composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere
Question
- A. Volcanic eruptions releasing gases.
- B. Photosynthesis by plants and algae.
- C. Respiration by animals.
- D. Decomposition of organic matter.
Answer
The correct option is Photosynthesis by plants and algae.. This answer is correct because it matches the approved learning objective to link the increase in atmospheric oxygen to the development of more complex life in the subtopic How oxygen increased.
Explanation
The correct option is Photosynthesis by plants and algae.. Photosynthesis by plants and algae. is correct because it directly supports the approved learning objective to link the increase in atmospheric oxygen to the development of more complex life. This belongs to the subtopic How oxygen increased within The composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere, so the explanation must stay tied to that curriculum context. The other options are incorrect because they either do not answer this learning objective, use a vague statement, or move away from How oxygen increased.
Common mistake
Linking Oxygen Increase to Life
Students often confuse the increase in atmospheric oxygen with the presence of life rather than understanding that the increase in oxygen levels was a result of photosynthetic organisms, which allowed for the development of more complex life.
To fix this, students should focus on the role of photosynthesis in producing oxygen and how this oxygen enabled the evolution of more complex organisms.
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