The structures belong to microfossils of Navifusa majensis, a presumed cyanobacteria found in northern Australia.
Thus, the ancient bacteria help scientists understand how one of the most fundamental life processes on Earth arose.
The teams research ispublishedtoday in Nature.
Stromatolites in Western Australia’s Shark Bay.Photo:Wikimedia Commons
Exactly when oxygenic photosynthesis evolved in cyanobacteria in relation to the Great Oxidation Event is unknown.
However, more fossils like the thylakoid-bearing N. majensis could provide some answers.
News from the future, delivered to your present.
Blue-green algae, which cause harmful algal blooms, are cyanobacteria.Photo: Justin Sullivan (Getty Images)
