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The Initiation of Biological Processes on Earth

Summary of Empirical Evidence

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Organic Geochemistry

Part of the book series: Topics in Geobiology ((TGBI,volume 11))

Abstract

With the terrestrial rock record constituting the only source of geological and paleontological information, empirical evidence as to the initiation of life processes on the ancient Earth necessarily cannot predate the appearance of the oldest sediments about 3.8 Gyr ago (1 Gyr = 109 yr). Accordingly, the beginnings of biology in the geologically undocumented “Hadean” era that preceded the onset of the sedimentary record are likely to remain shrouded in mystery. However, several lines of indirect and circumstantial evidence tend to constrain relevant speculations, permitting plausible inferences as to the sequence of events that led to the establishment of life on the surface of this planet.

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  1. Max-Planck-Institut für Chemie (Otto-Hahn-Institut), D-55020, Mainz, Germany

    Manfred Schidlowski

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  1. Manfred Schidlowski
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  1. School of Geology and Geophysics, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA

    Michael H. Engel

  2. Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

    Stephen A. Macko

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Schidlowski, M. (1993). The Initiation of Biological Processes on Earth. In: Engel, M.H., Macko, S.A. (eds) Organic Geochemistry. Topics in Geobiology, vol 11. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-2890-6_31

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-2890-6_31

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