Exploring the Development of Earth's Atmosphere

What is the most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere?

• Oxygen

• Argon

• Nitrogen

• Carbon Dioxide

Approximately what fraction of Earth's atmosphere is made up of oxygen?

• One-half

• One-third

• One-fifth

• One-tenth

Which of the following gases make up one percent or less of Earth's atmosphere? (Choose two)

• Argon

• Oxygen

• Krypton

• Nitrogen

How old is the Earth according to widely accepted scientific estimates?

• 3.5 billion years

• 6.5 billion years

• 5.5 billion years

• 4.5 billion years

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Why is it difficult to be certain about the steps in the development of Earth's atmosphere?

• Happened 4.5 billion years ago

• Insufficient technology

• No written records

• Lack of scientific interest

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-6

Which two planets are used to infer the initial composition of Earth's atmosphere?

• Mars and Jupiter

• Venus and Mars

• Jupiter and Saturn

• Mercury and Venus

What was the primary composition of Earth's early atmosphere?

• Helium and Hydrogen

• Methane and Ammonia

• Carbon Dioxide and Water Vapor

• Oxygen and Nitrogen

What major event caused the first significant change in Earth's atmosphere?

• Development of photosynthetic bacteria

• Arrival of asteroids

• Formation of volcanoes

• Formation of liquid water

What process did the first photosynthetic bacteria use to produce their own food?

• Respiration

• Chemosynthesis

• Fermentation

• Photosynthesis

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What was the main effect of photosynthetic bacteria on Earth's atmosphere?

• Decreased nitrogen

• Increased carbon dioxide

• Decreased water vapor

• Increased oxygen

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3