The Physics of Cold Water May Have Jump-Started Complex Life

During the Snowball Earth period, when the planet was largely covered in ice, a new hypothesis suggests that the cold, viscous seawater may have played a crucial role in the evolution of multicellular life. Research led by paleobiologist Carl Simpson indicates that as seawater cools, it becomes thicker, making it difficult for single-celled organisms to navigate and feed. This increased viscosity could have pressured these organisms to adapt by forming larger groups, enhancing their ability to move and feed collectively. Experiments with green algae demonstrated that under conditions simulating high viscosity, these organisms began to form coordinated clusters, suggesting a potential pathway toward multicellularity. The findings propose that the challenges posed by the icy oceans may have inadvertently spurred evolutionary innovations, leading to the emergence of complex life forms. Although the research is still in the early stages and has not yet undergone peer review, it offers a novel perspective on the relationship between environmental conditions and biological evolution during a critical period in Earth's history.

- Cold, viscous seawater during Snowball Earth may have driven the evolution of multicellular life.

- Increased viscosity made it difficult for single-celled organisms to feed, potentially leading to the formation of larger groups.

- Experiments with green algae showed that they could form coordinated clusters in high-viscosity conditions.

- The research suggests that environmental challenges can spur evolutionary innovations.

- The findings are preliminary and await further validation through peer review.