The primary sources of oxygen in the Earth's atmosphere are plants and plant-like organisms through the process of photosynthesis.
Oxygen Production Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the major sources:
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Marine Plants and Plant-like Organisms: According to National Geographic: Approximately 70% of the oxygen in the atmosphere comes from marine plants and plant-like organisms. These ocean-dwelling organisms release molecular oxygen (O2) as a byproduct of photosynthesis, similar to land plants.
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Terrestrial Plants: Land-based plants, such as trees, grasses, and other vegetation, also contribute significantly to atmospheric oxygen through photosynthesis.
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Photosynthesis: This process uses sunlight to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) into glucose (sugar) for energy, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. The simplified equation for photosynthesis is:
6CO2 + 6H2O + Light Energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2
Where:
- CO2 = Carbon Dioxide
- H2O = Water
- C6H12O6 = Glucose (Sugar)
- O2 = Oxygen
Significance
The oxygen produced by these sources is essential for:
- Respiration: Oxygen is vital for the respiration of most living organisms, including animals and humans, to produce energy.
- The Ozone Layer: Oxygen also plays a role in forming the ozone layer in the stratosphere, which protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
