Origin of Life on Earth Flashcard

Front

What is the second oldest layer in geological formations?

Back

Layer L

Front

What process do cyanobacteria use to add oxygen to the atmosphere?

Back

Photosynthesis

Front

Who proposed that early Earth conditions favored the synthesis of organic compounds?

Back

A. I. Oparin and J. B. S. Haldane

Front

What is the typical background extinction rate compared to the current rate?

Back

100 to 1,000 times lower

Front

How many times have Earth's landmasses formed a supercontinent since the origin of eukaryotes?

Back

Three times

Front

Define 'photosynthesis'.

Back

The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

Front

What is the significance of cyanobacteria in Earth's history?

Back

Cyanobacteria are significant for their role in oxygenating the atmosphere through photosynthesis.

Front

What is the concept of 'background extinction rate'?

Back

The normal rate of extinction of various species as a result of natural processes.

Front

Explain the term 'supercontinent'.

Back

A supercontinent is a large landmass that is composed of multiple continental plates.

Front

What are the main components of the primordial soup hypothesis?

Back

The hypothesis suggests that life began in a 'soup' of organic molecules under conditions present on early Earth.