Could life have developed without oxygen?

Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (9th Edition)
9th Edition
ISBN:9780134746241
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Chapter1: The Study Of Minerals
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Could life have developed without oxygen? 

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The planet earth developed approximately 4.5 billion years ago, and life originated on the earth approximately 3.5 billion years ago. The life on the earth was discovered by the age of the oldest fossil found, which was 3.5 billion years ago.

Step 2

Life on earth includes animals, plants, and microorganisms which survive on oxygen consumption. The animals inhale oxygen for their normal functioning, and without oxygen, they cannot live. The oxygen inhaled by animals is provided by plants, and plants can produce oxygen when animals exhale carbon dioxide, which is consumed by plants for the processes like photosynthesis and respiration. The microorganisms are of two types, which can live with oxygen and without oxygen, also known as aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms, respectively. Therefore, oxygen is essential for the development and survival of life on earth.

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