Biological Science
5th Edition
ISBN: 9780321743671
Author: Scott Freeman
Publisher: PEARSON
expand_more
expand_more
format_list_bulleted
Concept explainers
Textbook Question
Chapter 56, Problem 16TYPSS
During the Carboniferous period, rates of decomposition slowed even though plant growth was extensive (probably due to the formation of vast, oxygen-poor swamp habitats). As a result, large amounts of biomass accumulated in terrestrial environments (much of this biomass is now coal). The fossil record indicates that atmospheric oxygen increased, atmospheric carbon dioxide decreased, and global temperatures dropped. Explain why.
Expert Solution & Answer
Want to see the full answer?
Check out a sample textbook solutionStudents have asked these similar questions
Life originated from the earth’s inorganic atmosphere in the post, but this no longer happens today. Give two reasons?
Scientist have determined that the early Earth had no free oxygen anywhere. Briefly explain what evidence in
the rock layers that scientists found to prove when the early conditions on earth had free oxygen in the
atmosphere.
Cyanobacteria was responsible for the increase in oxygen levels billions of years ago. They play a decisive role in changing the earth’s environment.
Explain how are Cyanobacteria related in changing the early earth’s environment which later suitable for the development of other organisms.
Chapter 56 Solutions
Biological Science
Ch. 56 - Ture of false? An ecosystem comprises a community...Ch. 56 - Which of the following ecosystems would you expect...Ch. 56 - Which of the following is normally the...Ch. 56 - Prob. 3TYKCh. 56 - Devegetation has what effect on ecosystem...Ch. 56 - Prob. 4TYKCh. 56 - Prob. 7TYUCh. 56 - Explain why decomposition rates in a field in...Ch. 56 - Why are the open oceans nutrient poor? Why are...Ch. 56 - Prob. 8TYU
Knowledge Booster
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.Similar questions
- Around the time Eukaryotic Cells began to compartmentalize their reactions, and the chloroplast and mitochondria evolved, the atmosphere went through a shift in composition. A new deadly gas became more and more prominent, which likely caused a mass extinction for those organisms that couldn't adapt to its toxicity. The gas was: Nitrogen Sulfuric Acid Oxygen Methanearrow_forwardGeologic changes often accompany mass extinction of life forms. Why do you think this is true?arrow_forwardWe live in the Cenozoic era, and scientists know more about this era and the epochs it’s divided into than any other time period. Why is this? A. We know more about the Cenozoic era because this is the only era that has had a wide diversity of species living on Earth. B. We know more about the Cenozoic era because this is the most recent time period in the history of the Earth, and we have more information available to study. C. We know more about the Cenozoic era because the planet’s poles reversed magnetic fields at the beginning of this era. D. We know more about the Cenozoic era because fossils don’t exist to document previous eras.arrow_forward
- Why was it believed that life began in the seas and not in land or air? * Land and air were inhospitable places for life during the Hadean Eon. Land and air were inhospitable places for life during the Archean Eon. Land and air were inhospitable places for life during the Phanerozoic Eon. Land and air were inhospitable places for life during the Proterozoic Eon.arrow_forwardFigure 5 illustrates the distribution of fossils in undisturbed layers of silt at the bottom of the ocean. Which statement is true based on Figure 5? Figure 5 Ocean Layer A Layer B Layer Carrow_forwardThe oxygen revolution changed Earth’s environmentdramatically. Which of the following took advantage of thepresence of free oxygen in the oceans and atmosphere?(A) the evolution of cellular respiration, which used oxygen tohelp harvest energy from organic molecules(B) the persistence of some animal groups in anaerobichabitats(C) the evolution of photosynthetic pigments that protectedearly algae from the corrosive effects of oxygen(D) the evolution of chloroplasts after early protists incorporated photosynthetic cyanobacteriaarrow_forward
- How the evolution of oxygen was involved in the initial evolution of terrestrial life?arrow_forwardVolcanic ash can be used to date fossil finds because each time it is expelled by an eruption it has the same relative proportions of radioactive isotopes. True or Falsearrow_forwardThe Precambrian is characterized by several major evolutionary milestones. Which of the following is a significant event that occurred during this time? The diversification of flowering plants The first appearance of dinosaurs The first appearance of photosynthetic organisms A mass extinction caused by a meteorite impact.arrow_forward
- how are fossil fuels form from geographic processarrow_forwardThe reason we are able to fuel our cars and power our cities is due to the absence of certain organisms during the Carboniferous Period. Those organisms, that evolved later, are: O Wood eating animals, like herbavores Wood eating bacteria and fungi Wood eating birds like woodpeckers Wood eating termitesarrow_forwardA. How old is the Earth? B. How long did the longest eon (so far) last? C. How many years ago did the most recent epoch begin? D. How many mass extinction events has the Earth witnessed so far?arrow_forward
arrow_back_ios
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
arrow_forward_ios
Recommended textbooks for you
Fossil: The Language & History of Paleontology; Author: Alliterative;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9yNwRBlKtU;License: Standard youtube license