The oldest sign of life

Scientists have recently found traces of bacteria of 3.5 billion years ago, in a layer of sedimentary rock in Australia. This is considered the sign of the oldest life on Earth.

According to the Telegraph, complex bacterial structures are found by scientists in sedimentary rock in Pilbara, an area in northwestern Australia. Professor David Wacey, a researcher at the University of Western Australia, said the samples collected between 3.4 and 3.43 billion years old could be a sign of the oldest surviving life. Earth.

Sedimentary rock samples contain bacterial structures dating to nearly 3.5 billion years old.(Photo: Natureworldnews)

When observing sedimentary rock samples with microscopes, the Australian and American team found the presence of bacteria in the form of carbon-rich material. However, they all underwent decay that is so strong that it cannot be observed in the form of cells.

Finding samples of sedimentary rock is considered a rare case because most of the old rock formations change over time, under the influence of external forces and other tectonic activities. Scientists theorize that the specimen was formed by the interaction of the bacterial membrane with the coastal sediments in that period.

According to Professor Nora Noffke of Old Dominion University, USA, the microbial structure of sedimentary rock samples can provide more information about the time life begins to develop on the planet as well as changes in the environment. for millions of years.