Tag: stromatolites
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How Microbial Fossils Illuminate Life’s Origins
Introduction: A Window into Earth’s Deep Past About 3.5 to 4 billion years ago, Earth was a starkly different place. The atmosphere lacked free oxygen, oceans were acidic and iron-rich, and volcanic activity shaped a volatile landscape. Yet, within this harsh world, microbial life not only persisted but also left behind some of the oldest…
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How Microbial Fossils Illuminate Life’s Origins in Earth’s Ancient Time
Setting the Stage: Earth’s Habitable Window in Deep Time More than 3.5 billion years ago, Earth was a world apart from today. The atmosphere lacked oxygen, oceans were acidic and iron-rich, and volcanic activity shaped a harsh, volatile landscape. Yet even in this extreme setting, life managed to emerge and leave traces that scientists can…