History of Life on Earth — Flashcards
NIOS · Class 10 · Science & Tech
38 flashcards for History of Life on Earth (NIOS Class 10 Science & Tech) to test yourself on key terms and facts.
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What is the age of the universe?
Answer
The universe formed probably 12 to 14 billion years ago because of a Big Bang and later expansion.
What is the age of our solar system?
Answer
Our solar system came into existence 5 to 7 GY ago. Here, GY means Giga Year, or one billion years.
What happened when Earth formed about 4.5 GY ago?
Answer
A major impact caused Earth to spin, made its axis tilt, and also led to the formation of the moon.
Why was primitive Earth not suitable for life?
Answer
Primitive Earth was extremely hot, had frequent meteorite bombardment, and its atmosphere had harmful gases with no oxygen. These conditions were not suitable for life.
Which gases formed the primitive atmosphere of Earth?
Answer
Methane, ammonia, and hydrogen cyanide formed the primitive atmosphere, along with minor gases like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. Oxygen was absent.
Why is oxygen important in Earth’s present atmosphere?
Answer
Oxygen is essential for nearly all living organisms. Primitive Earth did not have oxygen, so life could not begin in the same way it exists now.
How did the Oparin-Haldane theory explain the origin of life?
Answer
It explained that life began in shallow seas from organic compounds formed in a reducing atmosphere. These compounds collected in a primordial soup and later gave rise to life.
What is meant by primordial soup?
Answer
Primordial soup means a mixture of organic compounds in shallow seas that provided the basic materials for the first life forms.
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