Module 5: Earths Processes

The Urey-Miller experiment (1953) simulated early Earth’s conditions by mixing water, methane, ammonia, and hydrogen with electrical sparks, resulting in the formation of amino acids, suggesting that life’s building blocks could arise from simple chemical reactions.

Layered structures formed by the activity of cyanobacteria, providing evidence of early life on Earth.

Organic compounds that combine to form proteins, essential for life.

Hypothesis suggesting that life exists throughout the universe, distributed by meteoroids, asteroids, and comets.

Biological process where organisms produce energy by using inorganic molecules instead of sunlight, often occurring in hydrothermal vents.

Cells without a nucleus, such as bacteria and archaea.

Cells with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, found in plants, animals, and fungi.

A fissure on the seafloor where heated water and minerals are expelled, supporting unique ecosystems through chemosynthesis.

Photosynthesis that does not produce oxygen, using molecules like hydrogen sulfide instead of water.

Photosynthesis that produces oxygen, typically carried out by cyanobacteria, algae, and plants.

Environments lacking oxygen, important in early Earth conditions.

Photosynthetic bacteria responsible for producing oxygen in Earth’s early atmosphere.

Layers of iron-rich rock that indicate early oxygen production and interaction with dissolved iron in oceans.

Early multicellular life forms that existed before the Cambrian explosion.

Rapid diversification of life approximately 541 million years ago, marking the appearance of most major animal groups.

Vertebrates with four limbs, including amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Large landmass formed by the convergence of multiple continents, like Pangaea.

Stable, ancient part of the continental lithosphere.

Evolutionary process where organisms diversify rapidly into new forms, often in response to environmental changes.

Preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms.

Fossilized remains of an organism’s body, such as bones or shells.

Fossilized evidence of an organism’s activity, like footprints or burrows.

Fossil formed when an organism leaves an impression in sediment that hardens into rock.

Fossil formed when a mould is filled with minerals or sediments that harden into the shape of the original organism.