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Related Concept Videos

Speciation Rates01:07

Speciation Rates

Speciation can proceed at markedly different rates, and evolutionary biologists commonly describe these differences through the models of gradualism and punctuated equilibrium. Both patterns explain how new species arise, but they differ in the tempo and continuity of evolutionary change. In both cases, evolutionary change arises from heritable variation within populations, with natural selection often shaping traits that improve survival and reproduction under specific environmental conditions.
Conditions on Early Earth02:06

Conditions on Early Earth

Around 4 billion years ago, oceans began to condense on earth while volcanic eruptions released nitrogen, carbon dioxide, methane, ammonia, and hydrogen into the primordial atmosphere. However, organisms with the characteristics of life were not initially present on earth. Scientists have used experimentation to determine how organisms evolved that could grow, reproduce, and maintain an internal environment.
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What is Evolutionary History?

Scientists record evolutionary history by analyzing fossil, morphological, and genetic data. The fossil record documents the history of life on Earth and provides evidence for evolution. However, both fossil and living organisms offer evidence that outlines Earth’s evolutionary history.Phylogenetic trees illustrate the evolutionary relationships among these organisms. Scientists infer organisms’ common ancestry by evaluating shared morphological and genetic characteristics. Together, the fossil...
The Fossil Record02:56

The Fossil Record

The fossil record documents only a small fraction of all organisms that have ever inhabited Earth. Fossilization is a rare process, and most organisms never become fossils. Moreover, the fossil record only exhibits fossils that have been discovered. Nevertheless, sedimentary rock fossils of long-lived, abundant, hard-bodied organisms dominate the fossil record. These fossils offer valuable information, such as an organism's physical form, behavior, and age. Studying the fossil record helps...
Eukaryotic Evolution01:24

Eukaryotic Evolution

The endosymbiont theory is the most widely accepted theory of eukaryotic evolution; however, its progression is still somewhat debated. According to the nucleus-first hypothesis, the ancestral prokaryote first evolved a membrane to enclose DNA and form the nucleus. Conversely, the mitochondria-first hypothesis suggests that the nucleus was formed after endosymbiosis of mitochondria.
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Evolution of Microbial Genome01:08

Evolution of Microbial Genome

Microbial genome evolution is a highly dynamic process shaped by continual gene gain and loss across species and strains. This genomic flexibility allows microorganisms to adapt rapidly to environmental pressures and interactions with other organisms. Central to understanding this diversity is the distinction between the core and pan genomes.The core genome comprises the genes shared by all sampled strains of a species, representing essential functions needed for fundamental cellular processes.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Laboratory Simulation of an Iron(II)-rich Precambrian Marine Upwelling System to Explore the Growth of Photosynthetic Bacteria
09:45

Laboratory Simulation of an Iron(II)-rich Precambrian Marine Upwelling System to Explore the Growth of Photosynthetic Bacteria

Published on: July 24, 2016

Astronomically calibrating early Ediacaran evolution.

Tan Zhang1,2,3, Chao Ma4,5, Yifan Li6

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation & Institute of Sedimentary Geology, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China.

Nature Communications
|March 29, 2025
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

A new astrochronological framework for the early Ediacaran Period reveals rapid deglaciation and global synchronicity of environmental events. This enhances understanding of early life evolution and ecosystem complexity.

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Last Updated: Jun 5, 2026

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Adaptation at the Extremes of Life: Experimental Evolution with the Extremophile Archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius
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Adaptation at the Extremes of Life: Experimental Evolution with the Extremophile Archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius

Published on: June 14, 2024

Area of Science:

  • Paleoclimatology
  • Paleontology
  • Geochronology

Background:

  • Low-resolution chronostratigraphy of the early Ediacaran hinders understanding of environmental changes and evolutionary innovation.
  • Establishing precise timelines is crucial for linking geological events to biological evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish a high-resolution astrochronological framework for the early Ediacaran Period.
  • To precisely date key environmental and biotic events, including glaciations, carbon isotope excursions, and fossil assemblages.
  • To refine the age model for early Ediacaran biotic evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Astrochronology applied to key sections from South China.
  • Integration with multiple radioisotopic dates to anchor the timescale.
  • Correlation of dated events with global paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental markers.

Main Results:

  • A ~57.6-million-year high-resolution astrochronological framework for the early Ediacaran was established.
  • The Marinoan deglaciation in South China was rapid (10^6-10^7 years).
  • Global synchroneity of Marinoan deglaciation, Ediacaran Negative carbon isotope excursions 1 and 2 (EN1 and EN2), and key fossil assemblages was robustly demonstrated.

Conclusions:

  • The refined chronology provides a precise age model for early Ediacaran biotic evolution.
  • Ecosystems gradually increased in complexity over millions of years.
  • Rapid transitions to novel communities coincided with biogeochemical perturbations, despite stable global taxonomic diversity.