Algae have caused animals

The development of the plankton of lower plants, about 650 million years ago contributed to the formation of new ecosystems.

A group of scientists from the Australian national University found that green algae have led to the emergence of animals on Earth. The development of the plankton of lower plants, about 650 million years ago contributed to the formation of new ecosystems, which allowed more complex organisms, including humans, to evolve. Article researchers published in the journal Nature.

Biologists have analysed the chemical composition of ancient sedimentary rocks of the Proterozoic era (2500-542 million years ago). Scientists were able to identify biological molecules — steroids (derivatives of Sterna), which are a sign of the presence of eukaryotic life forms (animals, plants, fungi and protozoa). The age of these compounds was achieved 720-820 million years, and they were the only cholesterol that indicates the possible existence at that time (teniski period) red algae (Rhodophyta).

Teniski period ended cryogenesis glaciation, in which, according to the hypothesis of “Earth-snow”, the entire planet is completely ice covered. It was from 717 to 659 million years ago. The end of glaciation was accompanied by the appearance of green algae (Chlorophyta). This is indicated by the relative increase in the concentration of the other steroid — stigmastane. This corresponds to the results of other studies, according to which at that time was flourishing group prasinophyceae algae. Lower plants lived in fresh water, entered the ocean, where previously dominated only bacteria.

According to scientists, this transition gave me the opportunity to receive the animals. Seaweed enriched sea nutrients and created new ecological niches. They provide a more energy efficient transfer of energy from simple life forms to complex multicellular.

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