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9mo ago

Study Reveals Life on Earth Began 4.2 Billion Years Ago

New findings suggest the last universal common ancestor was more complex and emerged earlier than previously thought.

Image
Probabilistic estimates of metabolic networks from modern life that were present in LUCA. Image credit: Moody et al., doi: 10.1038/s41559-024-02461-1.

Overview

  • Researchers used genetic and fossil data to estimate LUCA's existence at 4.2 billion years ago.
  • LUCA was likely a complex organism with an early immune system, similar to modern prokaryotes.
  • The study indicates that early Earth's ecosystem was established rapidly after planetary formation.
  • LUCA's metabolic processes supported other microbial life, creating a recycling ecosystem.
  • The research provides insights into early Earth and suggests potential for life on other planets.