The first thing that was needed on the primitive earth for life to begin wasGroup of answer choicesoxygenorganic moleculescool temperaturessunlightmetabolism
Question
The first thing that was needed on the primitive earth for life to begin was
- oxygen
- organic molecules
- cool temperatures
- sunlight
- metabolism
Solution
The first thing that was needed on the primitive earth for life to begin was organic molecules. Here's why:
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Organic molecules are the building blocks of life. They contain carbon and hydrogen atoms, and often include nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and other elements. These molecules form the basis of cells and other structures in living organisms.
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Before life could begin, these molecules needed to form and accumulate. This likely happened in the oceans, where simple molecules could have reacted with each other to form more complex ones. This process is known as chemical evolution.
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Once enough organic molecules were present, they could have begun to assemble into larger structures, like the first cells. This would have marked the beginning of biological evolution and life as we know it.
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While other factors like sunlight, cool temperatures, and metabolism are important for life, they would have come into play later. For example, metabolism (the set of chemical reactions that sustain life) couldn't have started until the first cells formed.
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Oxygen, interestingly, was not present in large amounts on the early earth and is not necessary for the formation of organic molecules. In fact, oxygen can be reactive and break down organic molecules, so it's likely that life began in an environment with little to no oxygen.
Similar Questions
The first thing that was needed on the primitive earth for life to begin wasGroup of answer choicesoxygenorganic moleculescool temperaturessunlightmetabolism
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Earth's earliest atmosphere largely consisted of A- Oxygen B- methane and ammonia C- carbon monoxide D- none of the above
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