The research team discovered complex microbial communities in ecosystems dating back more than 3 billion years. Microorganisms are believed to be the oldest life forms on Earth, with evidence found in rocks that are 3.5 billion years old. These rocks contain geochemical and morphological markers, such as specific chemical compounds and structures left behind by these ancient organisms. However, it is still unclear when and where life arose on Earth and when these first microbial communities developed diversity.

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The evidence is scant and often controversial. Now researchers led by the University of Göttingen and Linnaeus University in Sweden have found important findings about the oldest forms of life. In rock samples from South Africa, they found evidence of an unprecedented diversity of carbon cycles involving different microorganisms, dating back approximately 3.42 billion years. This study shows that complex microbial communities already existed in ecosystems during the Paleoarchaean period. The results were published in the journal Precambrian Research.

Unraveling the Past: Advanced Research Methods Researchers analyzed well-preserved carbon particles (modified remains of living organisms) and corresponding rock layers from samples taken from the Barberton Greenstone Belt, a mountain range in South Africa whose rocks are among the oldest on Earth . Scientists combined macro and micro analyzes to clearly identify the original biological traces and separate them from later contamination.

They identified the geochemical “fingerprints” of a variety of microorganisms, including those that apparently use sunlight for energy, metabolize sulfate, and possibly produce methane. By combining geochemical data with rock texture results obtained from analysis of thin sections using a microscope, the researchers determined the relevant role of microorganisms in the carbon cycle of the ecosystem at that time.

Senior study author Dr. of Linnaeus University. “By detecting carbonaceous matter in primary pyrite crystals and analyzing carbon and sulfur isotopes in these materials, we were able to distinguish individual microbial metabolic processes,” explains Henrik Drake.

Lead author Dr. from the Center for Earth Sciences at the University of Göttingen. Manuel Reinhardt adds: “We did not expect to find traces of so many microbial metabolic processes. It was like looking for a needle in a haystack.” Study offers rare glimpse into Earth’s first ecosystems. “Our findings greatly improve the understanding of ancient microbial ecosystems and open new avenues for paleobiology research.”