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Geological History of Oxygen

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Image from the interactive

Topic

  • Earth Science
  • Earth History
  • Atmosphere

Resource Type

  • Interactive Media
  • Click & Learn

Level

High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Saved By
40 Users
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Description

This interactive module explores how the changes in oxygen levels throughout Earth’s history have impacted the planet’s environment and types of life.

Today, oxygen (O2) makes up about 21% of Earth’s atmosphere, but oxygen levels in both the atmosphere and ocean were much lower in Earth’s past. In this Click & Learn, students explore an interactive graph of atmospheric oxygen levels over the last 3.8 billion years, which covers three geologic eons: the Archean, the Proterozoic, and the Phanerozoic. The graph includes descriptions of the biological and geological factors that influenced oxygen levels in different time periods, and how life on Earth was affected.

Estimated Time

One to two 50-minute class periods.

Key Terms

aerobic respiration, anaerobic respiration, biodiversity, Carboniferous, cyanobacteria, eukaryote, Great Oxygenation Event (GOE), microorganism, photosynthesis, timeline

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Version History

Date Published 04.24.12

NGSS (2013)

HS-ESS2.D

AP Biology (2019)

ENE-1.H, ENE-1.N

IB Biology (2016)

2.8, 8.2

AP Environmental Science (2020)

Topic(s): 2.5, 4.4
Learning Objectives & Practices: ERT-2.G, ERT-4.D, SP1, SP2, SP5

IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)

2.5, 6.1

Vision and Change (2009)

CC5

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