Science Common Sense

1555 - What role do oceans and living organisms play in the evolution of the Earth's atmosphere?

Oceans and living organisms played a huge role in shaping the Earth's atmosphere.

About 3.5 billion years ago, the Earth's atmosphere had very little oxygen. But then tiny organisms like plants, algae, and phytoplankton started to grow in the oceans. These tiny organisms use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make their own food through a process called photosynthesis.

As they made food, they released oxygen into the air as a waste product. Over time, more and more oxygen was released, and it filled the atmosphere. This made it possible for other living things like animals to evolve and thrive.

Oceans also helped remove bad stuff from the atmosphere. They absorbed carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas that traps heat. This helped keep the Earth's temperature just right for life to grow and evolve.

So, the oceans and tiny living organisms worked together to create the perfect atmosphere for life on Earth to flourish.