Final answer:
The major source of oxygen on Earth is phytoplankton, which release over 50% of the oxygen produced on Earth through photosynthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major source of oxygen on Earth is phytoplankton. Phytoplankton release over 50% of the oxygen produced on Earth through photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis by bacteria, algae, plankton, and plants generates atmospheric oxygen, allowing humans and other oxygen-dependent organisms to survive. The free oxygen produced by photosynthesis began accumulating in our atmosphere about 2.4 billion years ago.
Therefore, option 2) ocean-based phytoplankton is the correct answer.