The Search for Protolife

Mathematics – Logic

Scientific paper

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Scientific paper

Convincing evidence for the existence of extraterrestrial protolife has been found in the organic geochemistry and fossil contents of carbonaceous meteorites. The search for prebiological protolife in the early history of the Earth has so far been concentrated on the investigation of low-grade metamorphic areas characterized by greenstone belts. Despite some puzzling isotope data, it seems likely that life had already colonized the areas represented by these low-grade terrains. It is suggested that a more profitable search could be extended to high-grade metamorphic areas, which are likely to include older rocks. Even the oldest rocks known (ca. 4000 Ma B.P.), however, show evidence (in relics of banded iron formations, and in the presence of marble and disseminated graphite) of biological activity. It seems that carbon isotope ratios have so far provided the most powerful tool towards understanding this situation. Efforts should be directed towards identifying a period in Earth history which postdates the origin of life but antedates the origin of photosynthesis, but from present evidence it would seem that both events occurred before the formation of the oldest rocks known.

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