How did Earth end up with a nitrogen/oxygen atmosphere instead of a carbon dioxide atmosphere like Mars?
From: Natica Robinson 8th Grade Charleston Middle School Charleston, IL ANSWER: Natica, the oxygen in our atmosphere was generated from plants early in the earth’s history. Recall that plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis.Nitrogen on earth is from volcanic eruptions however, the nitrogen in the soil is bound to compounds by nitrogen fixing bacteria. So life is important to creating our modern atmosphere that we depend on to survive. Dr. James W. Rice, Jr.
