Earth’s early life was terrible at sex, say scientists
Scientists from the University of Cambridge have discovered that early animal life during the Ediacaran period was limited by a lack of sexual reproduction. The study suggests that the absence of evolutionary pressure and competition kept these early organisms relatively unchanged for millions of years.
Why it matters
This research provides critical insight into the evolutionary history of life on Earth and explains the long periods of biological stagnation before the rapid diversification of species.
Earth’s first animals weren’t great at reproduction, scientists have revealed. In fact, they were so bad at it that life’s diversity was actually held back for millions of years. It was only when stress and competition led to the arrival of sexual reproduction that the pace of evolution increased.
The article is a straightforward report on a scientific study published in a peer-reviewed journal without political or social framing.
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