What was the main requirement for the development of life on Earth? Absence of free
oxygen
A marine scientist is studying the amount of dissolved oxygen in a particular area. They are
attempting to connect the data with the type of organisms found in that area. What kind of
marine scientist might they be classified as? Chemical oceanographer
What process accounts for the layers found in Earth? Density stratification
What had the most influence in irreversibly changing the Earth's atmosphere? Production of
oxygen from photosynthesis
How long did the process of density stratification of Earth last? 100 million years
What type of marine scientist studies the Earth's ocean, continents, and climate? Marine
geologist
What process involves the clumping of small particles into larger masses? Accretion
Although it currently does not have an ocean, ____ is thought to have had one in the distant
past. Mars
High levels of ____ could indicate life on other planets. free oxygen
What forms heavy elements such as gold, mercury, and uranium? A supernova
Which does not describe a law? A law explains observations.
, What is not a possible reason for temperature fluctuations on Earth and subsequently in the
ocean? Accretion
What could ultimately be linked to the lack of water on Mars? The large decrease in carbon
dioxide.
How long ago did the big bang catalyze the beginning of the universe? 13.7 billion years ago
The scientific method is characterized as: an orderly process in which theories are verified or
rejected.
The spinning of a shrinking nebula marks the transition protostar to a star. False
Despite a multitude of names given to describe portions
ocean, it is more accurate to call it a single dynamic world ocean. True
Amino acids, sugars, proteins, and nucleotides are considered the building blocks of life.
True
Scientists believe that some answers to proposed question will ultimately never be known.
False
The outermost gases of early Earth were initially destroyed by radiation from the sun, but the
underlying atmosphere remained intact. False
The expansion of the universe that began during the big bang event continues to this day.
True