Life May Have Thrived on Earth 3.2 Billion Years Ago, Study Says

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Scientists have found evidence that life on earth may have blossomed 3.2 billion years ago, a challenge to the previous theory that the planet was a hostile climate until 2 billion years ago.

Researchers from the University of Washington studied ancient rocks and found indications that 3.2 billion years ago life was sucking an essential nutrient, nitrogen, out of the air and converting it into larger structures, according to a report published in the weekly journal Nature.

“Imagining that this really complicated process is so old, and has operated in the same way for 3.2 billion years, I think is fascinating,” lead author Eva Stüeken told UW Today.

Nitrogen is an essential ingredient for life, as everything from viruses and bacteria to complex organisms use the nutrient to build genes.

The process that makes nitrogen easier for organisms to use, called nitrogen fixation, did not emerge until 2 billion years ago. This led scientists to theorize that the earliest ecosystems were clinging on to an essentially uninhabitable planet, but the new study shows that may not be accurate.

“Our work shows that there was no nitrogen crisis on the early earth, and therefore it could have supported a fairly large and diverse biosphere,” said study co-author Roger Buick.

PHOTOS: This Astronaut's Images of Earth Look Like Beautiful Abstract Paintings

Harsh land. Windswept valleys in northern #Africa
"Harsh land. Windswept valleys in northern #Africa"—Alexander Gerst via Twitter on July 6, 2014Alexander Gerst—ESA
Land use in South Africa, you can see where water is.
"Land use in South Africa, you can see where water is."—Alexander Gerst via Twitter on July 9, 2014.Alexander Gerst—ESA
Irrigation in the #Sahara #Desert looks like a challenging task from up here... #BlueDot
"Irrigation in the #Sahara #Desert looks like a challenging task from up here... #BlueDot"—Alexander Gerst via Twitter on July 28, 2014Alexander Gerst—ESA
An open history book of our planet: the #Sahara Desert
"An open history book of our planet: the #Sahara Desert"—Alexander Gerst via Twitter on July 26, 2014Alexander Gerst—ESA
An open history book of our planet: the # Sahara Desert
"An open history book of our planet: the # Sahara Desert"—Alexander Gerst via Twitter on July 26, 2014Alexander Gerst—ESA/SIPA USA
Close-up of gigantic Salar of Uyuni in Bolivia. You can even see the salt fields and the 'Cactus Island'
"Close-up of gigantic Salar of Uyuni in Bolivia. You can even see the salt fields and the 'Cactus Island'."—Alexander Gerst via Twitter on July 15, 2014.Alexander Gerst—ESA
The #Moon was still behind the horizon. A #FataMorgana of atmospherical refraction #BlueDot
"The #Moon was still behind the horizon. A #FataMorgana of atmospherical refraction #BlueDot"—Alexander Gerst via Twitter on July 14, 2014Alexander Gerst—ESA/SIPA USA
When I took this photo, I was sure these are clouds. But now I'm not so sure... #BlueDot
"When I took this photo, I was sure these are clouds. But now I'm not so sure... #BlueDot"—Alexander Gerst via Twitter on July 7, 2014Alexander Gerst—ESA
Nasa: Astronaut Alexander Gerst pictures
"Probably a river in Kazakhstan or slightly west of it."—Alexander Gerst via Twitter on July 29, 2014Alexander Gerst—ESA/SIPA USA
An open history book of our planet: the #Sahara Desert
"An open history book of our planet: the #Sahara Desert"—Alexander Gerst via Twitter on July 26, 2014Alexander Gerst—ESA
Human-made fires in East Africa. Can you spot them?
"Human-made fires in East Africa. Can you spot them?"—Alexander Gerst via Twitter on July 9, 2014Alexander Gerst—ESA

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