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Question: Explain how scientists conclude that ancient cyanobacteria produced oxygen.
Scientists can determine that ancient cyanobacteria produced oxygen by examining sediment core samples, which have been collected from the ocean floor and other locations around the world. These core samples contain ancient organic matter that can be analyzed to determine the ratio of oxygen isotopes in the ocean and atmosphere during different times in history. Oxygen isotopes like O2 and O18 are produced exclusively by photosynthetic organisms like cyanobacteria, so scientists can compare modern and ancient samples and track changes in the oxygen isotope levels over time. This data is used to reconstruct the history of oxygen production over time, and is usually accompanied by evidence from ancient rocks and fossils that demonstrate the presence of cyanobacteria in the ancient oceans.
Jan. 4, 2023, 3:10 p.m.
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