How has Earth's atmosphere been influenced by the fact that, as part of the carbon cycle, some amount of organic carbon is stored in sedimentary rocks and is not immediately re-introduced back into the atmosphere?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The storing of organic carbon in sedimentary rocks allowed for oxygen to become a main component of Earth's atmosphere. This occurred because as organic carbon was removed from the atmosphere, photosynthesis was able to produce more oxygen, leading to the buildup of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere. This eventually led to the development of oxygen-breathing organisms.

How Has Earth's Atmosphere Been Influenced by the Fact That