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While features of some ancient apparent stromatolites are suggestive of biological activity, others possess features that are more consistent with abiotic (non-biological) precipitation. [17] Finding reliable ways to distinguish between biologically formed and abiotic stromatolites is an active area of research in geology.
In moist conditions mats are usually held together by slimy substances secreted by the microorganisms. In many cases some of the bacteria form tangled webs of filaments which make the mat tougher. The best known physical forms are flat mats and stubby pillars called stromatolites, but there are also spherical forms.
Algal mats are one of many types of microbial mat that forms on the surface of water or rocks. They are typically composed of blue-green cyanobacteria and sediments. Formation occurs when alternating layers of blue-green bacteria and sediments are deposited or grow in place, creating dark-laminated layers. Stromatolites are prime examples of ...
The stromatolites found today are almost all carbonate rocks (made of limestone), but these structures are mostly composed of the minerals gypsum and halite (rock salt), Hynek said.
Collenia are stromatolites made up of convex layers flattened in the center, forming columnar colonies. The microorganisms involved were likely photosynthetic bacteria expiring oxygen. The microorganisms involved were likely photosynthetic bacteria expiring oxygen.
The age of Earth is about 4.54 billion years; [7] [33] [34] the earliest undisputed evidence of life on Earth dates from at least 3.5 billion years ago according to the stromatolite record. [35] Some computer models suggest life began as early as 4.5 billion years ago. [36] [37] The oldest evidence of life is indirect in the form of isotopic ...
"Spongiostromata" is an antiquated form taxon that refers primarily to fossil cyanobacteria. "Spongiostromate" is also used to describe stromatolites and oncolites that do not preserve clear tubules or other cellular microstructure.
Stromatolites – laminated microbialites (Precambrian silicified stromatolite, Strelley Pool Chert, (Pilbara Craton), W. Australia) Microbialite is a benthic sedimentary deposit made of carbonate mud (particle diameter less than 5 μm ) that is formed with the mediation of microbes .