Continental Collision 2.1 Billion Years Ago May Have Sparked Early Complex Life

Researchers suggest that complex life may have begun evolving 2.1 billion years ago, much earlier than the previously estimated 635 million years. However, this claim is met with skepticism and calls for more evidence.

 Key Findings:

Ancient Life : The earliest known life forms, dating back 3.5 to 4 billion years, were simple microorganisms from Greenland, Canada, and Australia.
New Study : Published in *Precambrian Research*, this study documents underwater volcanic activity in the Francevillian Basin (now Gabon, Central Africa) around 2.1 billion years ago. This activity increased phosphorus and oxygen levels in the ocean, creating favorable conditions for complex life.
Research Insights : Ernest Chi Fru, a senior lecturer at Cardiff University, noted that this event predates the previously recognized biological evolution around 635 million years ago.

Geological Evidence:

Volcanic Activity : A collision between the Congo and São Francisco cratons triggered volcanic eruptions, isolating a nutrient-rich marine inland sea that fostered complex life.
Fossil Debate : Fossils from the Francevillian Basin, first identified in 2010, remain controversial. The new study supports their interpretation as evidence of early complex life.

 Skepticism and Further Research:

Scientific Debate : Some researchers, like Graham Shields of University College London, remain unconvinced that the nutrient increase alone could lead to complex life. Others, like doctoral student Elias Rugen, acknowledge the potential but emphasize the need for more evidence.

Conclusion:

This study introduces the idea that complex life may have had an early start 2.1 billion years ago due to volcanic activity creating favorable marine conditions, but further research is necessary to validate these findings.