The Evolution of the Atmosphere Quiz
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5 questions, one answer each
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1. Which gas was NOT present in significant amounts in Earth's early atmosphere?
- A. Oxygen
- B. Carbon dioxide
- C. Water vapour
- D. Ammonia
2. What happened to water vapour in Earth's early atmosphere as the planet cooled?
- A. It converted into nitrogen
- B. It condensed to form the oceans
- C. It escaped into space
- D. It was consumed by photosynthesis
3. Which process was primarily responsible for removing carbon dioxide from Earth's early atmosphere?
- A. Volcanic eruptions releasing new gases
- B. Dissolution in oceans and incorporation into sedimentary rocks and fossil fuels
- C. Conversion of ammonia to nitrogen
- D. Reaction with oxygen in the upper atmosphere
4. Approximately what percentage of the current atmosphere is made up of nitrogen and oxygen combined?
- A. 79%
- B. 88%
- C. 99%
- D. 100%
5. Which statement best explains why atmospheric composition has remained broadly stable for the last 200 million years?
- A. Photosynthesis has stopped occurring on Earth
- B. The processes that change atmospheric composition, such as photosynthesis and fossilisation, are now in equilibrium
- C. Volcanic activity has ceased completely
- D. Oxygen production equals oxygen consumption, maintaining constant levels