Early atmosphere contained methane and other hydrocarbons. They have b...
The primitive atmosphere of earth was reducing atmosphere that lack molecular oxygen but was rich in water vapour, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and hydrogen. Absence of oxygen and various high energy sources (UV rays, high temperature and lightening) allowed chemical reaction hydrogen and carbon to produce methane and other hydrocarbons. In absence of oxygen and presence of high temperature methane was present in unspoiled gaseous form and facilitated further chemical reactions to produce more complex protein structures. With origin of photoautotrophs, the organisms that use light as source of energy and carbon dioxide as chief carbon source, earth’s atmosphere II was replaced with atmosphere III. These photoautotrophs use water as electron donor during photophosphorylation that results in production of oxygen thereby adding oxygen to otherwise primitive reducing atmosphere. Photoautotrophs were the source of oxygen. Presence of molecular oxygen oxidized the reduced methane and other hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide.
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Early atmosphere contained methane and other hydrocarbons. They have b...
The correct answer is option 'C: Carbon dioxide'.
Explanation:
Early Earth's atmosphere is believed to have contained methane and other hydrocarbons. However, over time, these gases have been replaced by other components, and one of the major components that replaced them is carbon dioxide. Here's a detailed explanation of why carbon dioxide is the correct answer:
1. Early Earth's Atmosphere:
- The early atmosphere of Earth is thought to have been composed primarily of gases such as methane (CH4), ammonia (NH3), water vapor (H2O), and nitrogen (N2).
- Methane and other hydrocarbons were present due to geological processes and the lack of oxygen in the atmosphere.
2. Changes in the Atmosphere:
- Over time, several processes led to changes in the composition of Earth's atmosphere.
- The emergence of photosynthetic organisms, such as cyanobacteria, played a crucial role in altering the atmospheric composition.
- These organisms released oxygen (O2) as a byproduct of photosynthesis, leading to the gradual increase in oxygen levels in the atmosphere.
3. Replacement of Methane and Hydrocarbons:
- Oxygen reacts with methane and hydrocarbons, breaking them down and converting them into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).
- The increased presence of oxygen in the atmosphere resulted in the oxidation of methane and other hydrocarbons, leading to the release of carbon dioxide.
4. Dominance of Carbon Dioxide:
- Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, meaning it can trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to the greenhouse effect.
- As the levels of carbon dioxide increased in the atmosphere, it played a significant role in regulating the Earth's temperature and climate.
- Today, carbon dioxide is one of the major components of Earth's atmosphere, along with nitrogen and oxygen.
In conclusion, the early atmosphere of Earth contained methane and other hydrocarbons, but they have been replaced by carbon dioxide over time. This change in the atmospheric composition has had a significant impact on the Earth's climate and the evolution of life on the planet.
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