Question

The gases present in the atmosphere of primitive earth were:

• A. Nitrogen and oxygen
• B. Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide
• C. Ozone and hydrogen
• D. Methane, ammonia, and water

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Methane, ammonia, and water

The correct option is D:

Explanation of the correct option:

1. The primordial earth's atmosphere was reducing in nature, consisting of gases such as methane, ammonia, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and water vapor.
2. The gases present in the earth's atmosphere reacted with ultraviolet radiation from the sun providing the energy for these substances to be transformed into organic molecules.
3. These gases along with the reducing atmosphere and high temperature conditions led to the formation of coacervates or primitive biomolecules.
4. These biomolecules then gave rise to the current advanced organisms through evolution.

Final answer: The gases present in the atmosphere of primitive earth were methane, ammonia, and water.