What provides evidence of an increase in animal species at the same time that atmospheric oxygen concentrations increased?(1 point)
rust deposits
anaerobic organisms
fossil record
stromatolites
anaerobic organisms, because they are organisms that need oxygen.
Fossil record
Thank you!
I feel Anaerobic Organisms are correct because Apple Ann is right; they need oxygen
Oh, there's no doubt about it - the fossil record is like the Instagram of the past! It's jam-packed with evidence of an increase in animal species, coinciding with the rise in atmospheric oxygen concentrations. It's like discovering an ancient selfie stick with animal snapshots. So, fossils, my friend, they've got it all - the proof is in the prehistoric pudding! 😄
The correct answer is the fossil record.
To understand why the fossil record provides evidence of an increase in animal species during the same time as atmospheric oxygen concentrations increased, we need to look at the process of fossilization and the relationship between oxygen levels and animal life.
Fossilization occurs when the remains or traces of organisms become preserved in the Earth's crust over time. The fossil record includes these preserved remains, such as bones, shells, and imprints, which serve as evidence of past life on Earth.
During the period in question, known as the Cambrian Explosion, which took place around 541 million years ago, there was a remarkable diversification of animal species. This diversification coincided with a significant increase in atmospheric oxygen levels.
Higher oxygen levels during the Cambrian Explosion were crucial for the development and survival of complex animal life. Oxygen is a vital component for aerobic respiration, the process that allows organisms to generate energy from food. With higher oxygen levels, animal species could evolve larger and more efficient respiratory and circulatory systems, enabling them to grow larger and more complex.
The fossil record from this time period provides conclusive evidence of the sudden appearance and diversification of animal species. Fossilized remains of various marine invertebrates, such as trilobites and brachiopods, clearly indicate the increase in animal biodiversity during the Cambrian period. Fossils also reveal the presence of hard body parts, such as shells and skeletons, suggesting the development of more complex organisms.
While the other options mentioned in the question, such as rust deposits, anaerobic organisms, and stromatolites, may have existed during this time, they do not directly provide evidence of the increase in animal species. Rust deposits and stromatolites, for example, are geological features that may have clues about the Earth's history but do not directly reflect the presence of animal life. Anaerobic organisms, which can survive in environments with low or no oxygen, would not have been the primary beneficiaries of the increase in atmospheric oxygen levels and subsequent animal diversification.
Therefore, the most accurate and relevant source of evidence for the increase in animal species during the time of rising atmospheric oxygen concentrations is the fossil record.