X-ray tomographic picture (false colors) of fossil thread-like red algae. (Image by Stefan Bengtson)
World’s oldest plant-like fossils, which the scientists believe are ancient red algae, were discovered in sedimentary rocks at Chitrakoot in central India. It’s difficult to ascertain that the fossils are, in fact, red algae, since there is no DNA material present, but researchers say the structure of the cells are consistent with this ancient plant species. If accurate, however, this discovery indicates that multicellular life may have emerged earlier than previously thought.
Authors:
Stefan Bengtson, Therese Sallstedt, Veneta Belivanova, Martin Whitehouse
Corresponding author:
Stefan Bengtson, Palaeozoology, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Email: stefan.bengtson@nrm.se
Original paper published in PLOS Biology on March 14, 2017.
