Organic compounds break down spontaneously in the presence of ____; hence, life probably never would have emerged if the ancient atmosphere had been the same as the present one.
A) carbon dioxide
B) hydrogen
C) oxygen
D) nitrogen
E) silica

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Oxygen is highly reactive and can break down organic compounds. The ancient atmosphere likely had little to no oxygen, allowing organic compounds to accumulate and life to emerge.

Organic Compounds Break Down Spontaneously in the Presence of ____;