The Absence of ________ in the Primitive Atmosphere was Essential

Question

The absence of ________ in the primitive atmosphere was essential to the origin of life on Earth.
A)N2
B)CO2
C)CH4
D)O2

Accepted Answer

The absence of O₂ (oxygen) in the primitive atmosphere was essential because oxygen is highly reactive and would have prevented the formation of complex organic molecules necessary for the origin of life.