An international group of scientists from Cardiff University has presented sensational data that can turn our understanding of the origins of a difficult life on Earth. Research, published in the prestigious journal Precambrian Research, assumes that multicellular organized ZMMs could exist 1.5 billion years earlier than it was still considered.
Key finds were made in ancient sea deposits of the Francoville pool in Gabon (Central Africa). These breeds, formed about 2.1 billion years ago, were formed as a result of a collision of two dokambrian continents – the Kratons of Congo and San Francisco, accompanied by intensive underwater volcanic activity.
The study emphasizes the critical role of phosphorus in the evolution of life, especially in the transition from simple unicellular organisms to more complex forms, such as animals and plants. The high concentration of phosphorus in the environment stimulated the photosynthetic activity of cyanobacteria, creating a nourishing ecosystem necessary for the development of complex life forms.
For a long time, the scientific community has been skeptical of the findings of fossils of large macroorganisms of this period. However, a new study proposes a believable explanation of their origin, indicating the possibility of developing complex life forms in a limited and isolated marine environment, which, nevertheless, could not spread on a global scale.
Scientists suggest a “two-stage” model of evolution of a complex life on Earth. According to this hypothesis, the first attempt to occur multicellular organisms was unsuccessful, and they died out, not being able to adapt to changing conditions. However, the second “attempt” led to the emergence of the incredible variety of animals that we observe today.
The study not only opens up new horizons in understanding the evolution of life but also proposes to reconsider the existing theories about the origin of complex organisms on our planet.