Throughout the semester, we have discussed many diverse examples of how chemistr

Question

Throughout the semester, we have discussed many diverse examples of how chemistry is absolutely essential for explaining the inner workings of the universe in general and our lives here on Earth in particular. We have also discussed the similarities among crucial geochemical, biogeochemical and biochemical systems that have provided fascinatingly compelling evidence about how life arose and has since evolved to remarkable complexity on this planet. As discussed in class many times now, one such line of chemical evidence relates to the chemistry of oceanic carbonates. Recalling our many riveting in-class discussions on this subject, explain in detail how the chemistry of ocean carbonates can tell us anything meaningful about the evolutionary path of our favorite organism, Homo sapiens sapiens.

Explanation / Answer

Answer.

The ratio of carbonates and hydrocarbonates in the ocean water determined the pH of water (carbonate buffer). The ocean carbonates are also involved into global carbonate cycle. The deposition of calcium carbonate as a sediment buffered water and regulated the concentration of carbon dioxide in atmosphere. The early atmosphere contained almost no oxygen and more than 50 % f the carbon dioxide. Oceans were partially responsible for the organic carbon burial and decreasing the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. It opened the opportunity for photosynthetic organisms to evolve and to form the favorable conditions for the Homo Sapiens evolution.

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