Question

Based on the data in the graph, how are cyanobacteria responsible for the rise in atmospheric oxygen? State your claim, then make sure to use evidence from biological processes and data from the graph to support your claim.

Answer 1

Cyanobacteria are microbes that live primarily in seawater. They are believed to have been the first organisms on Earth to perform oxygenic photosynthesis. In this process, they produce organic carbon, the building blocks of life's molecules, and release oxygen gas (O2).As oxygen photosynthesis starts,that's when the first O2 producing of cyanobacteria occurs.The graph reaches a peak at Cambrian explosion.

Answer 2

They perform photosynthesis, releasing oxygen into the atmosphere as a by-product.

Step-by-step explanation:

Around the time that cyanobacteria appear around 3.2 billion years ago, the oxygen levels rise sharply.

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic organisms. They possess the photosynthetic pigment chlorophyll, meaning they can trap light energy and use it to power chemical reactions to synthesise glucose. They convert carbon dioxide and water into sugar, releasing oxygen into the atmosphere as a byproduct. This causes oxygen levels to rise.