Why Did It Take So Long for Eukaryotes to Evolve

question 26

Multiple Choice

Why did it take so long for eukaryotes to evolve after photosynthetic prokaryotes began releasing O₂ into the atmosphere?

• A) O₂ moves slowly through larger cells, making it hard for them to gather O₂ ; thus, higher O₂ concentrations had to accumulate before eukaryotic cells could be efficiently supported.
• B) The ability to use O₂ had to evolve before cells could survive in an O₂ -rich atmosphere.
• C) The ability to break down the waste products of O₂ use had to evolve before cells could use it to create energy.
• D) Enough prokaryotes had to become extinct to provide eukaryotes with a niche to occupy before they could evolve.

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