Why is anaerobic fermentation the metabolic pathway for early forms of life and aerobic respiration for higher forms of life?
Why is anaerobic fermentation the metabolic pathway for early forms of life and aerobic respiration for higher forms of life?
Answer
Anaerobic fermentation was likely the primary pathway in early life forms due to the lack of oxygen in the primordial atmosphere. Aerobic respiration evolved later as oxygen became more abundant, allowing for more efficient ATP production and supporting more complex life forms.