Fossilized Stromatolites

Definition

Fossilized stromatolites are layered rock formations created by the growth of microorganisms, particularly cyanobacteria. They are some of the oldest known fossils on Earth, dating back over 3.5 billion years.

Analogy

Think of fossilized stromatolites like a history book written in stone. Just as each page in a book tells part of a story, each layer in these rock formations represents a period in Earth's early history when microscopic life forms were thriving.

Related terms

Cyanobacteria: These are photosynthetic bacteria that played an important role in creating Earth's oxygen-rich atmosphere.

Microfossils: These are tiny fossils usually requiring a microscope to see and often include the remains or traces of single-celled organisms like cyanobacteria.

Sedimentary Rock: This is rock formed from sediment, including small particles of rocks and minerals and organic material. Stromatolites form within this type of rock.