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Morphological and ecological complexity in early eukaryotic ecosystems.

E J Javaux1, A H Knoll, M R Walter

  • 1Botanical Museum, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.

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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Early eukaryotes diversified much earlier than previously thought. Fossils from 1.5 billion years ago reveal complex microorganisms, indicating established cytoskeletal and ecological foundations for eukaryotic evolution.

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Area of Science:

  • Geology
  • Paleontology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Eukaryotic evolution and diversification are key to understanding early life on Earth.
  • Previous evidence for eukaryotic diversification was largely limited to younger geological periods.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the early evolutionary history and diversification of eukaryotes.
  • To establish the age of key eukaryotic evolutionary events using fossil evidence.

Main Methods:

  • Molecular phylogeny using small-subunit ribosomal RNA genes.
  • Biogeochemical analysis of ancient kerogens (2.7 billion years old) for steranes and carbon isotope depletion.
  • Microfossil analysis of early Mesoproterozoic shales (Roper Group, Australia).

Main Results:

  • Molecular data suggest a deep divergence between Eukarya and Archaea.
  • Biogeochemical signatures (steranes, 13C depletion) in ancient kerogens indicate an early split between these domains.
  • Fossils from nearly 1.5 billion years ago (early Mesoproterozoic) demonstrate established cytoskeletal and ecological traits in early eukaryotic microorganisms.

Conclusions:

  • Eukaryotes differentiated early in Earth's history, with evidence dating back at least 2.7 billion years.
  • The discovery in the Roper Group pushes back the timeline for eukaryotic morphological and ecological diversification significantly.
  • These findings highlight the ancient origins of complex life and its prerequisites.