Complex life on Earth may be much older than thought

A team of scientists has presented new evidence suggesting that complex life on Earth may have originated 1.5 billion years earlier than previously believed, potentially dating back to 2.1 billion years ago. This research, conducted in Gabon, indicates that environmental conditions suitable for animal life existed at that time, although these organisms were confined to an inland sea and eventually became extinct. The findings challenge the prevailing view that animal life began around 635 million years ago. The researchers analyzed sediment cores from the region, discovering nutrients like oxygen and phosphorus that could have supported life. Professor Ernest Chi Fru, part of the research team, posits that these early life forms may have resembled slime molds. However, some experts, including Professor Graham Shields, express skepticism, arguing that more evidence is needed to support the idea that these conditions could lead to the diversification of complex life. The study also revisits the Francevillian formation, previously thought to contain fossils of early life. The researchers suggest that volcanic activity from colliding continental plates created a nutrient-rich environment conducive to photosynthesis, which in turn increased oxygen levels and allowed for the development of primitive animal-like life forms. Despite the promising findings, the isolated nature of this environment may have contributed to the eventual extinction of these organisms due to a lack of new nutrients. The research is published in the journal Precambrian Research.