Chapter 24: Problem 5

Scientists think that terrestrial life probably originated in Earth's oceans, rather than on land, because (select all that apply a. all the chemical pieces were in the ocean. b. energy was available in the ocean. c. the earliest evidence for life on Earth is from fossils of ocean-dwelling organisms. d. the deepest parts of the ocean have hydrothermal vents.

Short Answer

Expert verified

All options (a, b, c, and d) apply.

Step by step solution

Analyze Option A

Consider the statement: 'All the chemical pieces were in the ocean.' Early Earth’s oceans contained many of the necessary organic molecules and chemicals needed for life to start, making this a valid reason.

Analyze Option B

Consider the statement: 'Energy was available in the ocean.' Oceans offered various energy sources, such as hydrothermal vents, which could facilitate the chemical reactions necessary for life.

Analyze Option C

Consider the statement: 'The earliest evidence for life on Earth is from fossils of ocean-dwelling organisms.' Fossil records indicate that the oldest known fossils are of ocean-dwelling microorganisms, supporting this reason.

Analyze Option D

Consider the statement: 'The deepest parts of the ocean have hydrothermal vents.' These vents emit heat and chemicals rich in energy, which could have contributed to the origination of life in the oceans.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of each option, all given reasons (a, b, c, and d) are valid for why scientists think terrestrial life probably originated in Earth's oceans.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

terrestrial life

Terrestrial life refers to all forms of life that exist on land. Scientists believe that these organisms evolved from ocean-dwelling ancestors. The early Earth was vastly different from what we see today, with widespread oceans and harsh land conditions. Life started in these oceans, where the necessary conditions and materials were present. Over time, some organisms adapted to survive on land, giving rise to terrestrial life. This long evolutionary process led to the diverse range of land-based creatures we have today.

Earth's oceans

Earth's oceans played a crucial role in the origin of life. They covered most of the planet's surface and contained water, which is essential for all known life forms. The oceans were rich in organic molecules, which are compounds containing carbon that form the basis of life.
Early Earth's oceans provided a stable environment for these molecules to interact and form complex structures. Additionally, the oceans offered protection from harmful solar radiation and extreme temperature fluctuations, creating a suitable cradle for the birth of life.

hydrothermal vents

Hydrothermal vents are unique geological features found on the ocean floor, particularly in the deepest parts of the oceans. They are formed by seawater interacting with magma beneath the Earth's crust. This interaction results in the release of heated, mineral-rich water through fissures in the oceanic crust.
The environment around hydrothermal vents is rich in energy, provided by the heat and minerals. These conditions are thought to have played a critical role in the origin of life, providing the energy and chemical building blocks needed for the formation of early organisms.

organic molecules

Organic molecules are compounds that contain carbon atoms and are fundamental to the structure and function of living organisms. In the context of the origin of life, these molecules include simple compounds like amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, and nucleotides, which form the basis of DNA and RNA.
Earth's early oceans were abundant in these organic molecules. Through various chemical reactions, potentially facilitated by hydrothermal vents, these molecules could have combined and evolved into more complex structures, eventually leading to the first living cells.

fossil records

Fossil records are crucial for understanding the history of life on Earth. They provide physical evidence of organisms that lived millions or even billions of years ago. The earliest fossils found are those of ocean-dwelling microorganisms, suggesting that life started in the oceans.
These microorganisms left behind signs of their existence in the form of stromatolites, which are layered structures created by microbial communities. The study of these ancient fossils helps scientists piece together the story of life's origins and its subsequent evolution on our planet.

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Short Answer

Step by step solution

Analyze Option A

Analyze Option B

Analyze Option C

Analyze Option D

Conclusion

Key Concepts

terrestrial life

Earth's oceans

hydrothermal vents

organic molecules

fossil records

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