Carbon found in 3.95bn-year-old rocks is remnant of ancient life – researchers
by Ian Sample Science editor from on (#33DH8)
Graphite particles suggest that the first organisms emerged on Earth more than 4bn years ago during one of the most violent periods in our planet's history
Life may have gained a foothold on Earth more than 4bn years ago, according to researchers who believe that fragments of carbon found in rocks in Canada are remnants of ancient organisms.
Researchers in Japan analysed graphite particles in rocks from the Saglek region of northern Labrador and found that they contained potential traces of life. In work last year, the team dated the band of rocks to 3.95bn years old.