Asked by
Sasha LuckyCharm
on Dec 09, 2024
Verified
The earliest signs of life 4.1 billion years ago exist in
A) fossilized bacterial mats called stromatolites.
B) isotopic signatures of zircons.
C) biomarkers from pigmented bacteria.
D) all of the above
Stromatolites
Layered structures formed by the accumulation of sedimentary grains bound by biofilms of microorganisms, particularly cyanobacteria, dating back to the Precambrian era.
Zircons
Mineral crystals that can contain radioactive elements used for radiometric dating, providing insight into Earth's geologic history.
Isotopic Signatures
The unique ratios of isotopes within substances that can reveal details about the origins and history of geological and biological materials.
- Grasp the historical sequence of evolution and discern the emergence of multiple life forms throughout the span of geological times.
- Master the practices and implications of radiometric dating and isotopic analysis in the context of paleontology.
Verified Answer
JA
Learning Objectives
- Grasp the historical sequence of evolution and discern the emergence of multiple life forms throughout the span of geological times.
- Master the practices and implications of radiometric dating and isotopic analysis in the context of paleontology.