An Age that almost prevented life to evolve on Earth

Traces of Evidence from Rocks

Somewhere in the Eastern coast of Canada, there were rocks that have been dated by radio-activity to just BEFORE the moment that life became very complex. So if we can understand the circumstances under which the rocks were formed, we may be able to get a clue as to why life suddenly became more complex. 

In the photo below fragments of red stone are embedded in the darker rock. They look out of place don't they?

In fact, they are. Geologists call them Drop Stones. They were transported here by Glaciers. As the Ice moved off the land, it floated out over the great sea in a great shelf that carries stones that it had gathered on the continents. Then when the ice eventually melted, the stones fell into the sediments on the sea floor.

A Very Long Time Ago... Life Started

3 Billion Years Ago

This was a very long time ago. Imagine going back in time before Hitler launched the First Missile, before DaVinci drew his first Masterpiece, in fact, let's skip further before Man even existed (Which was 2 Million Years ago BTW). Oh yeah, there were the Dinosaurs! Don't mind them they were here only 65 Million Years ago. I'm talking about a time when Charnia (500 Million Years ago) haven't even existed yet. 

Before all those, there were only simple microscopic single cells. They first appeared around 3 Billion BC where the Earth wasn't the same as what we know right now. In fact, they were the most advanced form of life on the planet. And that's way over half the entire history of life on earth.

The Charnia - Is it an Animal or a Plant?

Is it an animal or a plant?

This is a Fossil named Charnia. It was discovered in 1950's by an English Student (turned Geologist) named Roger Mason. It was named after Charnwood Forest where it was discovered.

But what is it? Is it an animal or plant? 

Because it came from such a remote period, the distinction between those two forms of life weren't clear. But one thing's for sure.... It most certainly was Alive.

The Most Controversial Forest on Earth

This man.... is Sir David Attenborough

He is one of the first Broadcasters in the world. He is also a naturalist. Most of his work revolves around discoveries on how life started on earth and almost everything we know about the animal kingdom. If you noticed his name has a "Sir" on it. This is because he is considered as one of Britain's National Treasures and is part of the 100 Great Britons. 

Behind him is the Charnwood Forest in Leicestershire, England. This controversial woodland produced one of the most compelling discoveries in the world. It sparked millions of questions as to how life began on earth.