They identify the earliest traces of primitive life on Earth dated 3.4 billion years ago

Published:

16 July 2021 14:21 GMT

Microfossils have been found in South Africa and extend the boundaries of living environments on our planet and beyond, the authors of the discovery estimate.

Fossil remains are one of the first microbes on Earth in two thin layers extracted from a rock collected in South Africa. According to a study published in the journal Dating by the International Science Group Scientific advances, Which inhabited the oceans near geothermal sources about 3,420 million years ago.

The specimens were found in the Mahonjwa mountain range – also known as the Barburton Greenstone Belt – which contains some of the oldest and best preserved sedimentary rocks on the planet. Identified microfossils, which have a carbonized outer shell and a chemically different nucleus Corresponds to the cell walls Or the membranes surrounding its endothelium.

The lead author of the study, Associate Professor Barbara Cavalasi, found in these ancient layers “exceptionally well-preserved evidence of fossil microorganisms that seem to have multiplied on the walls. Pores created by hot water from water heating systems A few meters below sea level “.

This primitive habitat helps to conduct the heat of underwater volcanic activity in “some of the oldest microbial ecosystems on Earth.”Old example To date, we have discovered, “the scientist explains Release From the University of Bologna, this led to research.

Chemical analysis of the samples indicates the presence of two layers Most of the elements needed for life. There is also nickel, whose concentrations in organic compounds indicate how early metabolism may be and correspond to the levels of these metallic components. Modern microorganisms are called archaea, Lives in the absence of oxygen and They use methane For your metabolism.

Identifying these fossil microorganisms as prokaryotes, they probably do not have embryos, but they have been shown to be DNA in the cytoplasm. The leading researcher explained that despite the evidence that archeology can be fossilized, scientists have very few direct examples of this ability. South African discovery and analysis extends for the first time the fossil record of this class Life was an era that rarely arose On our planet.

Kevalassi finished, and so is he Similar scenarios On Mars, the study could have “implications for astronomical biology and the possibility of discovering extraterrestrial life.”

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