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Related Concept Videos

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Bacterial Phylum Verrucomicrobiota

The phylum Verrucomicrobiota comprises at least four characterized orders, with most species classified within the order Verrucomicrobiotales. Members of this phylum are either aerobic or facultatively aerobic, with the ability to ferment sugars. A notable exception is the genus Methylacidiphilum, which consists of aerobic methanotrophs. Additionally, some Verrucomicrobiota establish symbiotic relationships with protists. These bacteria are widely distributed across various environments,...
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Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced extracellular polysaccharide matrix attached to surfaces. These microbial consortia can include single or multiple species, providing enhanced survival benefits by forming organized, multilayered structures.The formation of biofilms occurs through four key stages: attachment, colonization, development, and dispersal.During attachment, free-swimming planktonic cells adhere to a surface, often facilitated by...
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A Biofilm Channel Origin for Vermiform Microstructure in Carbonate Microbialites.

Yadira Ibarra1, Pedro J Marenco2, Jakob P Centlivre3

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Vermiform microstructures in ancient microbialites are likely microbial, not sponge fossils. This finding suggests early animal origins may be younger than previously thought, impacting the fossil record.

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Area of Science:

  • Paleontology
  • Microbiology
  • Geology

Background:

  • Vermiform microstructures in ancient carbonate microbialites have been interpreted as nonspicular keratose demosponges.
  • This interpretation suggests an early origin for animals and sponges dating back to ~890 million years ago.
  • However, the sponge origin of these microstructures remains debated, with their formation being enigmatic.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the origin of vermiform microstructures found in ancient microbialites.
  • To compare fossilized microbialite textures with modern microbial biofilm structures.
  • To reassess the interpretation of vermiform microstructures in the context of early life and animal origins.

Main Methods:

  • Comparison of exceptionally preserved Upper Triassic microbialite textures with modern microbial biofilm channel networks.
  • Analysis of the size and geometry of fossilized and modern tubular fabrics.
  • Development of a taphonomic model for early biofilm lithification in supersaturated seawater.

Main Results:

  • Anastomosing channel networks similar in size and geometry to vermiform microstructures are produced by modern microbial biofilms without sponges.
  • This indicates that vermiform microstructures are not uniquely formed by sponges and are likely microbial in origin.
  • A taphonomic model was proposed for the preservation of delicate microbial textures through early biofilm lithification.

Conclusions:

  • The vermiform microstructure in ancient microbialites is likely of microbial origin, not from keratose demosponges.
  • This challenges the interpretation of these structures as extending the sponge fossil record and the origin of animals to ~890 Ma.
  • The study highlights the extensive fossil record of microbial biofilm channel networks and their preservation.