Tiny Ooids Rewrite the Story of Earth's Evolution
A recent scientific discovery is reshaping our understanding of Earth's ancient oceans and the evolution of life. Tiny mineral formations known as ooids, occurring in layers of iron oxide, have revealed lower than anticipated levels of organic carbon in oceans dating back 1,000 to 541 million years ago. This finding could upend established theories connecting past carbon levels and oxygenation to the rise of complex life forms. The discovery challenges crucial scientific narratives on Earth's climatic and biological history.