The Great Oxygenation Event also led to the almost mass extinction of anaerobic cyanobacteria which were in part responsible for the event. What other events were also likely affected or triggered?
Select all that apply.
Responses
Climatic conditions on Earth got warmer as oxygen is flammable.
There was an increase in organisms which could use oxygen.
The composition of oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere increased and stabilized.
The percentage of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increased.
- Climatic conditions on Earth got warmer as oxygen is flammable.
- There was an increase in organisms which could use oxygen.
- The composition of oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere increased and stabilized.
The correct answers are:
- There was an increase in organisms which could use oxygen.
- The composition of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere increased and stabilized.
- The percentage of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increased.
The Great Oxygenation Event resulted in the release of significant amounts of oxygen into the atmosphere, leading to changes in various aspects of Earth's environment. As oxygen levels increased, organisms that could utilize oxygen for various metabolic processes began to appear and thrive. This event also resulted in the composition of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere increasing and stabilizing at levels similar to what we see today. Additionally, the percentage of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere likely increased as a result of decreased levels of anaerobic cyanobacteria, which could have contributed to climate change and the warming of the Earth.