Earth’s First Start To Life
August 31st 2011 11:20
Category: Cosmic Objects
Ancient 3.4 billion-year-old microfossil shown in 3D Picture: AFP David Wacey and Derek Gertsmann.
The first definitive evidence that primordial life may have started in a remote area of Australia.
Microscopic samples taken in Western Australia show microfossil dating back some 3.4 billion years.
The bacteria was found embedded between quartz sand grains in prehistoric sedimentary rocks located in Strelley Pool near Port Hedland. Australia is one of the oldest land masses formed on Earth.
The relative age of the sample can be accurately tested as the rocks were formed within two
definitive separate time periods showing alternative lava flows due to
ancient volcanic processes.
The fossils are in pristine condition very well preserved. The samples show
cell-like structures that are uniform and precise, all structures appear to
be of a similar size.
This is the first time that real solid evidence that bacteria at this time some 3.4 billion years
ago were living without the need of oxygen.
Sulphur bacteria are very common in our current time frame.
This particular bacteria can be found in ditches, soil, hot springs, hydrothermal vents.
This type of bacteria can be found just about anywhere, even in places that have very little oxygen provided they can feed on organic matter.
The samples found so far in Western Australia have passed the passed the crucial testing.
The biological bacteria found in these samples have not occurred via the usual process of mineralisation.
These finds have proved encouraging it shows the other possible implications for looking for life on other planets. It may come to pass that similar fossils may be found on other planets in our Solar System or beyond. It has implications that may prove that we are not alone in the universe.
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