In the beginning, the Earth’s atmosphere was made up of only nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and some hydrogen. There was very little oxygen present, and it was produced by stromatolites- which are rocks formed by the growth of blue green algae- strewn in the sea. Whatever oxygen was present was quickly absorbed by rocks and minerals. Gradually however, excess oxygen began to accumulate in the atmosphere. This excess oxygen had a dramatic effect on the living cells present. It triggered the evolution of a higher form of life. These were nucleus-containing eukaryotic cells. Thus, the simple blue green algae that were the first form of life became stepping stones to higher life forms, thanks to rising oxygen levels in the atmosphere.
