Scientists have discovered microorganisms in ancient sediments in northern Greenland that “slept” for millions of years and came to life under favorable conditions. This discovery sheds light on past ecosystems and their relationship to modern climate change.
The researchers studied the Kap Köbenhavn geological formation, which is about two million years old. This period, known as the Pliocene and Early Pleistocene, is considered analogous to the possible future of the Earth under conditions of global warming. Scientists used eDNA (ancient DNA) analysis to reconstruct the ecosystem of that time.
Two groups of microorganisms were found in the sediments: those that died millions of years ago, and those that were dormant, waiting for suitable conditions to “awaken.” The latter were called “time travelers”. Prominent among them are methanogenic archaea, such as Methanoflorens, which absorb CO2 and produce methane.
“For the first time, we have been able to describe the archaea, bacteria and viruses that lived in marine sediments two million years ago. This discovery helps to understand how past ecosystems responded to climate change,” said lead author Elske Willerslev.
Scientists have concluded that ancient microorganisms such as Methanoflorens played a key role in the methane cycle. Their modern descendants, discovered in Arctic melt swamps, demonstrate amazing resilience. This study highlights the importance of studying ancient ecosystems for predicting the effects of global warming.
Source: naked-science.ru
Photo: Artist’s impression of Northern Greenland two million years ago / © Beth Zaiken/bethzaiken.com
