During the evolution of early life on Earth, increasing concentrations of oxygen in the atmosphere were advantageous to
A) prokaryotes containing chloroplasts.
B) prokaryotes containing mitochondria.
C) eukaryotes containing mitochondria.
D) eukaryotes containing chloroplasts.
E) both prokaryotes with chloroplasts and eukaryotes with chloroplasts.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Increasing concentrations of oxygen in the atmosphere allowed eukaryotes containing mitochondria to perform aerobic respiration, which is more efficient than anaerobic respiration. This allowed these organisms to generate more ATP and outcompete anaerobic prokaryotes.

During the Evolution of Early Life on Earth, Increasing Concentrations