Fossil Record
Stromatolites have been around for a long amount of time (around 3.5 billion years). They could not have come about before (during the Hadean) because Earth's environment was not suitable for life just yet. It wasn't until the Archean that microbiotic life emerged and in turn began the formation of stromatolites.
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Archean
The atmosphere lacked oxygen and the Sun was not as bright (only about 70% of what it is today). Microbiotic life began and eventually led to the formation of the first stromatolites. They were not very diverse at the time of the Archean, but their presence lets us know that photosynthesis was widespread as early as 3.5 BYA. This was the beginning of the stromatolite's rise of diversification.
The atmosphere lacked oxygen and the Sun was not as bright (only about 70% of what it is today). Microbiotic life began and eventually led to the formation of the first stromatolites. They were not very diverse at the time of the Archean, but their presence lets us know that photosynthesis was widespread as early as 3.5 BYA. This was the beginning of the stromatolite's rise of diversification.
Proterozoic
The separation of the continents of the super continent Rodinia created a perfect environment for the diversification of stromatolites. When these continents separated they made a lot of shallow marine environments between them. The shallow waters, more powerful sun, and thriving of cyanobacteria allowed stromatolites to reach their peak diversification.
Their morphology ranged from :
The separation of the continents of the super continent Rodinia created a perfect environment for the diversification of stromatolites. When these continents separated they made a lot of shallow marine environments between them. The shallow waters, more powerful sun, and thriving of cyanobacteria allowed stromatolites to reach their peak diversification.
Their morphology ranged from :
- Unbranching columns
- Conical structures
- Domes
- Spherical balls
- Planar
- Wavy structures
Phanerozoic
It was during this time that the stromatolites begin their decline.
How could this happen?
It was during this time that the stromatolites begin their decline.
How could this happen?