Earth's oxygen levels fluctuated significantly during the evolution of complex life
In short: Researchers reviewing Earth's middle history found that oxygen levels did not rise steadily. Instead, after an initial period of oxygen deficiency, levels remained relatively low for over a billion years before a major increase around 800 million years ago coincided with the rise of complex life.
By examining geochemical and paleontological records from 1.8 to 0.5 billion years ago, the study explores the interplay between biological evolution and Earth's surface environments. The authors note that while an oxygen rise around 800 million years ago aligns with major developments in complex life, it remains debated whether oxygen levels triggered these biological innovations or simply followed them.
Why it matters: Understanding how oxygen and life coevolved on Earth provides a template for searching for life on other planets.
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Sources
- Source: Research: Lyons et al. (2021). Oxygenation, Life, and the Planetary System during Earth's Middle History: An Overview. Astrobiology. · cc-by
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