3 ms·
I thought the Cambrian explosion was more closely related to the oxidization of the atmosphere by pond scum. Free oxygen becoming available in the atmosphere fo
by hoorayimhelping 6y ago
I thought the Cambrian explosion was more closely related to the oxidization of the atmosphere by pond scum. Free oxygen becoming available in the atmosphere for organisms to use allowed the formation of collagen and chitin, both of which are necessary to form the large structures complex life needs, and also allowed for more efficient breathing, which allowed for larger and more complex life.
- btilly 6y agoInteresting. The theory that I heard was that it was the end of "snowball earth" that drove it. But https://www.nature.com/news/what-sparked-the-cambrian-explosion-1.19379 https://www.nature.com/news/what-sparked-the-cambrian-explos... suggests that your version is better supported by current research.
- lopmotr 6y agoThat word oxidization or oxidation is really misleading! It's not that the atmosphere was oxidized but the opposite - CO2 was reduced to produce free oxygen molecules. I think it should be called "oxygenation" instead.