15\nselect the correct answer.\nwhich of thes...
15\nselect the correct answer.\nwhich of these processes was able to occur in earths early lithosphere before living organisms existed?\na. corrosion of metals\nb. oxidation of minerals\nc. erosion of soil\nd. combustion of fuels
Answer
# Answer:
B. oxidation of minerals
# Explanation:
## Step1: Analyze option A
Metals need to be mined and processed by living - organisms, so corrosion of metals couldn't occur before life existed.
## Step2: Analyze option B
Oxidation of minerals can occur due to chemical reactions with oxygen in the atmosphere or water. Oxygen was present in Earth's early atmosphere in small amounts, and minerals could react with it without the presence of living organisms.
## Step3: Analyze option C
Soil is formed in part by the action of living organisms breaking down rocks and adding organic matter. Without living organisms, there was no soil to be eroded.
## Step4: Analyze option D
Combustion of fuels requires the presence of combustible materials like wood or fossil fuels which are related to living - organism activities (either current or past life for fossil fuels). So, it couldn't occur before living organisms existed.