Plankton key to origin of Earth's first breathable atmosphere
Monday, February 21, 2011 - 22:30
in Earth & Climate
Researchers studying the origin of Earth's first breathable atmosphere have zeroed in on the major role played by some very unassuming creatures: plankton. Scientists have now shown how plankton provided a critical link between the atmosphere and chemical isotopes stored in rocks 500 million years ago.