Microfossils

Evidence in the microscopic

To date, no microfossils have been found in association with the ancient stromatolites of the 3.5 billion year old Pilbara. But it is not surprising - microbes do not have bony structures that are preserved. Instead there are shapes in rocks that suggest microfossils. In the early Archean these are controversial - see the Schopf Locality for more information.

Contents

Introduction

Context

• Planetary Science and Origins

Early Life

• Abby's Reef
  • Reef FAQ

Evidence

• Localities
  • Trendall Locality
  • Dresser Formation
  • Schopf Locality
  • Shark Bay
• Geology
  • Maps
  • Stratigraphy
  • Sedimentology
    • Normal marine environment
    • Hydrothermal vent systems
  • Geochemical evidence
    • Isotopic
    • Biomarkers
  • Stromatolites
  • Microfossils
  • Tree of Life
    • Archaea
    • Cyanobacteria
    • DNA
    • 16S rRNA

Acknowledgements