Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
What would most likely be the result if Earth's unique atmosphere did not exist?
A
Plants would photosynthesize more efficiently without atmospheric gases.
B
The diversity of life would increase because more energy from the Sun would reach the surface.
C
Oceans would become larger due to increased evaporation.
D
Life as we know it would not be able to survive due to lack of protection from harmful radiation and extreme temperatures.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the role of Earth's atmosphere in supporting life. Earth's atmosphere acts as a protective shield, filtering harmful solar radiation (such as ultraviolet rays) and maintaining a stable temperature range suitable for life.
Step 2: Consider the consequences of the absence of the atmosphere. Without the atmosphere, harmful radiation from the Sun would directly reach Earth's surface, causing damage to living organisms and making survival impossible.
Step 3: Analyze the role of the atmosphere in temperature regulation. The atmosphere helps trap heat through the greenhouse effect, preventing extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night. Without it, temperatures would be too extreme for life to thrive.
Step 4: Evaluate the impact on water and oceans. The atmosphere plays a role in regulating evaporation and precipitation cycles. Without it, water bodies like oceans would be severely affected, disrupting the hydrological cycle.
Step 5: Conclude that Earth's atmosphere is essential for life as we know it. It provides protection, temperature stability, and supports processes like photosynthesis and the water cycle, all of which are critical for sustaining diverse life forms.