Ancient “living fossils” may reveal how complex life began
Researchers have discovered a new microbe within ancient stromatolites that may explain how complex life evolved from simple cells. By studying these 'living fossils,' scientists hope to confirm theories regarding the symbiotic relationship between archaea and bacteria that led to eukaryotic life.
Why it matters
This research addresses a fundamental mystery in evolutionary biology regarding the origins of complex life forms on Earth.
At first glance, stromatolites and their close relatives, microbial mats, can look like little more than dark, ancient rocks. In reality, they are densely packed, layered communities built by microbes.
Billions of years ago, before animals and plants existed, stromatolites helped release some of the earliest oxygen into Earth's atmosphere. Now, a study published in Current Biology suggests these unusual formations may also preserve clues to another major event in Earth's history: the emergence of complex life.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in