5.1 Quiz: History of Life on Earth

Cyanobacteria changed the early Earth's atmosphere by giving off...

• carbon dioxide

• ammonia

• hydrogen

• oxygen

Answer explanation

Cyanobacteria, through photosynthesis, produced oxygen as a byproduct, significantly altering the Earth's atmosphere and enabling the evolution of aerobic life forms. Thus, the correct answer is oxygen.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-7

Eukaryotes may have descended from...

• eubacteria

• archaebacteria

• cyanobacteria

• none of the above

Answer explanation

Eukaryotes are believed to have evolved from archaebacteria, which share a closer evolutionary relationship with them than eubacteria or cyanobacteria. This connection is supported by genetic and biochemical evidence.

This absorbs ultraviolet radiation

Answer explanation

Ozone is a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms and is known for its ability to absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, protecting living organisms from harmful effects.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-3

Determining the age of a rock by comparing relative proportions of its radioactive isotopes is called...

• radioactive decay

• radiometric dating

• isotope dating

• half lives

Answer explanation

Determining the age of a rock by comparing the relative proportions of its radioactive isotopes is known as radiometric dating. This method utilizes the decay of isotopes to estimate the age of geological materials.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Protists were the first organisms to exhibit cell specialization, which was only possible when they...

• grew large enough

• became eukaryotic

• evolved into fungi, plants, and animals

• became multicellular

Answer explanation

Protists became multicellular, allowing for cell specialization. This development enabled different cells to perform specific functions, which is essential for complex life forms.

Tags

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Organisms were able to live safely on dry land after...

• cyanobacteria made oxygen, and ozone began to form

• the fifth mass extinction

• continental drift stopped

• archaebacteria made oxygen, and ozone began to form

Answer explanation

Organisms could live on dry land after cyanobacteria produced oxygen, leading to the formation of ozone. This ozone layer protected life from harmful UV radiation, making terrestrial habitats viable.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Insects probably owe their successful number and diversity to the evolution of...

• legs

• wings

• vision

• flowers

Answer explanation

Insects' evolution of wings allowed for flight, enabling them to escape predators, find food, and colonize diverse habitats. This adaptability significantly contributed to their vast number and diversity compared to other groups.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

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Each of Earth's great mass extinctions have been followed by...

• the destruction of Earth's ecosystems

• a burst of evolution

• geological and weather changes

• overpopulation of bacteria

Answer explanation

Each mass extinction event leads to a burst of evolution, as surviving species adapt and diversify to fill the ecological niches left vacant, resulting in increased biodiversity over time.

Tags

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The first animals to live successfully on land were...

• amphibians

• reptiles

• arthropods

• flying insects

Answer explanation

Arthropods, such as insects and spiders, were the first animals to adapt to terrestrial life, successfully colonizing land before amphibians and reptiles evolved.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-4

The Earth is ___ billion years old.

Answer explanation

The Earth is approximately 4.6 billion years old, making 4.6 the correct answer. This age is based on scientific estimates from radiometric age dating of the oldest rocks and meteorites.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-6