[Campbell Biology P.600] Which of the following biological innovations most directly capital... | Practice Question

Which of the following biological innovations most directly capitalized on the increased availability of free oxygen during the Oxygen Revolution?

  • A: The development of photosynthetic pigments in early algae.
  • B: The emergence of multicellularity, allowing for larger, more complex organisms.
  • C: The evolution of cellular respiration, enabling more efficient energy extraction from organic molecules.
  • D: The formation of the ozone layer, protecting life from harmful UV radiation.

Explanation

The Oxygen Revolution led to a dramatic increase in free oxygen, which was then utilized by organisms through cellular respiration to efficiently extract energy from organic molecules. This was a pivotal adaptation to the new oxygen-rich environment.