EVOLUTION OF THE ATMOSPHERE
Respiration
the process by which oxygen combines with food to release energy and carbon dioxide
What force keeps our atmosphere from floating out into space? heat water gravity outgassing
gravity
meteorite
mass of stone or metal that has passed through the atmosphere and struck the earth's surface
meteroid
mass of stone or metal traveling through space
The earth has fewer meteorite impacts because_____. of the earth's atmosphere liquid water began to form the thicker atmosphere blocked the Sun's rays volcanic outgassing ceased
of the earth's atmosphere
Photosynthesis
process by which plants use chlorophyll and energy from sunlight to manufacture food from carbon dioxide
Select all of the answers that apply. The atmosphere has many roles, including: provides gases for respiration and photosynthesis provides food for life provides protection from UV radiation and meteorites provides a surface to build and live on stabilizes a habitable temperature
provides gases for respiration and photosynthesis provides protection from UV radiation and meteorites stabilizes a habitable temperature
cyanobacteria
single-celled photosynthetic bacteria
The first major source of oxygen gas was _____. volcanic outgassing meteorite impacts cyanobacteria banded iron formations
cyanobacteria
What would be the result if Earth's unique atmosphere did not exist? Earth's temperature would be more steady and habitable. We would receive less ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. We could expel a lot more toxic gases without any problem. Life would no longer be possible.
Life would no longer be possible.
Ozone
a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms; absorbs UV radiation
In the paleoatmosphere, the primary gases were _____. oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water vapor oxygen and water vapor carbon dioxide and oxygen
carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water vapor
Select all of the answers that apply. Which of the following factors caused the early atmosphere to become thicker? volcanic outgassing meteorite and comet impacts cyanobacteria banded iron formations
volcanic outgassing meteorite and comet impacts