Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

24. History of Life on Earth

History of Life on Earth

General Biology

24. History of Life on Earth

History of Life on Earth

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1:52 minutes

Problem 4

Textbook Question

Ancient photosynthetic prokaryotes were very important in the history of life because they
a. Produced the oxygen in the atmosphere.
b. Are the oldest-known archaea.
c. Were the first multicellular organisms.
d. Showed that life could evolve around deep-sea vents.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the significance of ancient photosynthetic prokaryotes: These organisms were among the first to perform photosynthesis, a process that converts light energy into chemical energy and releases oxygen as a byproduct.

Recall the role of photosynthesis in Earth's history: Photosynthesis by ancient prokaryotes, such as cyanobacteria, led to the accumulation of oxygen in the atmosphere, a phenomenon known as the Great Oxygenation Event.

Eliminate incorrect options: Option b ('oldest-known archaea') is incorrect because photosynthetic prokaryotes like cyanobacteria are not archaea but bacteria. Option c ('first multicellular organisms') is incorrect because these prokaryotes are unicellular. Option d ('life evolving around deep-sea vents') is unrelated to photosynthesis.

Focus on the correct option: Option a ('produced the oxygen in the atmosphere') aligns with the historical importance of photosynthetic prokaryotes in oxygenating Earth's atmosphere.

Conclude the reasoning: Ancient photosynthetic prokaryotes were crucial for enabling aerobic life forms to evolve by increasing oxygen levels in the atmosphere, transforming Earth's environment.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process by which organisms, primarily plants and certain prokaryotes, convert light energy into chemical energy, using carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen. This process is crucial for life on Earth as it forms the base of the food chain and contributes to the oxygen content of the atmosphere.

Oxygen Production

Ancient photosynthetic prokaryotes, such as cyanobacteria, played a pivotal role in producing oxygen during the Great Oxygenation Event. This increase in atmospheric oxygen allowed for the evolution of aerobic organisms and significantly changed the planet's environment, making it more conducive to complex life forms.

Evolution of Life

The evolution of life on Earth is marked by significant milestones, including the emergence of prokaryotic life forms. These organisms laid the groundwork for more complex life through processes such as natural selection and genetic variation, ultimately leading to the diversity of life we see today.