Tiny 1.7-billion-year-old fossils could reveal how complex life began

Tiny fossils dating back 1.7 billion years may provide clues as to how complex life began on Earth, according to a paleontologist from the University of Oxford in the UK. It is believed that the first eukaryotes, which contain a nucleus and specialized structures within their cells, appeared on the planet around that time. These organisms played a crucial role in setting the stage for complex life, as they eventually gave rise to plants, animals, and fungi.

To find the common ancestor shared by plants and animals, scientists must look back around 1.6 billion years ago. However, uncovering the earliest evidence of these ancient life forms is extremely difficult, as organisms older than 500 million years did not possess shells or skeletons that could fossilize. Instead, researchers must rely on rare environments capable of preserving fragile cells and soft tissues.

One promising region for finding these ancient microfossils is a roughly 100sq. km area near Svalbard, Norway, which was once covered by a shallow sea. Other important sites include Australia and deserts or Arctic landscapes, where ancient rocks remain exposed and accessible. Despite the challenges, scientists are making progress in understanding the history of early life on Earth, which could also help in the search for life elsewhere in the universe.