Chapter 24 - The History of Life on Earth - 24.3 - Major Events in the Evolution of Life Can Be Read in the Fossil Record - 24.3 Recap - Learning Outcomes - Page 525: 1

The increase of atmospheric oxygen allowed for the rise of aerobic respiration, which yielded far more energy than anaerobic respiration. This allowed organisms to develop at a higher rate, evolving larger body masses and allowing these organisms to spread across the earth. Large flying insects and large amphibians were among the animals that arose from the oxygenated atmosphere that would not survive in modern atmospheric compositions.

The increase of atmospheric oxygen allowed for the rise of aerobic respiration, which yielded far more energy than anaerobic respiration. This allowed organisms to develop at a higher rate, evolving larger body masses and allowing these organisms to spread across the earth. Large flying insects and large amphibians were among the animals that arose from the oxygenated atmosphere that would not survive in modern atmospheric compositions.