Study shows ancient meteorite impact fueled early life on Earth
Summary: A recent study reveals that a massive meteorite impact over 3 billion years ago, larger than four Mount Everests, did not destroy early life on Earth but instead helped it thrive. The impact, known as S2, released essential nutrients that boosted bacterial populations.
Researchers found that the meteorite's collision caused a tsunami, which brought iron and phosphorus to shallow waters, enriching the environment. This led to a rapid recovery and expansion of single-celled organisms, previously limited by nutrient shortages.
The study challenges the belief that such impacts are solely destructive. It suggests that violent events can create opportunities for life to adapt and flourish, opening new avenues for research on early Earth and microbial responses to catastrophic events.
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