The oldest respiratory footprint

Oxygen increased in the Earth's atmosphere about 2.320 million years ago, according to recent estimates by some geologists. These calculations have been made from the geological data collected in South Africa. In fact, atmospheric oxygen concentrations are reflected over time in the sulfur atoms of the pyrites collected there. Therefore, analyzing the pyrites have determined when oxygen increased in the atmosphere. This data can be considered as the first respiratory footprint of living beings.

Babesleak
Eusko Jaurlaritzako Industria, Merkataritza eta Turismo Saila