By Richard I. Gibson
The search for the oldest fossil is a moving target. In 2011, as we discuss in this podcast, the oldest microfossils were thought to be bacteria dating to about 3.4 billion years ago (see this link). UPDATE: In November 2013, fossils from the same area of Western Australia were identified and dated to about 3.5 billion years (see this report).
Even if both ages are correct, it's likely that the age of the "oldest fossil" will continue to change with new discoveries and new analysis.
Photo Credit: David Wacey, via Australian Geographic.
Listen to the Podcast:
The search for the oldest fossil is a moving target. In 2011, as we discuss in this podcast, the oldest microfossils were thought to be bacteria dating to about 3.4 billion years ago (see this link). UPDATE: In November 2013, fossils from the same area of Western Australia were identified and dated to about 3.5 billion years (see this report).Even if both ages are correct, it's likely that the age of the "oldest fossil" will continue to change with new discoveries and new analysis.
Photo Credit: David Wacey, via Australian Geographic.
Listen to the Podcast:
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