Urey speculated that the early Earth's atmosphere contained which gas heavily?
Oxygen
Nitrogen
Ammonia
Carbon dioxide
Answer
Ammonia is believed to have been abundant in the early Earth's atmosphere due to its high concentration in comets and meteorites that impacted the planet during its formation. This gas played a crucial role in the synthesis of complex organic molecules, including amino acids, through processes such as the Miller-Urey experiment. These organic compounds are considered essential precursors to the origin of life on Earth.
Mastering the Elements: The Life and Work of Harold Urey
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