Primordial Earth (IMAGE)

Michigan State University

Primordial Earth

Caption

Today’s plants and microbes use photosynthesis to create oxygen that’s used in many important biochemical reactions. But life on primordial Earth wasn’t as green as it is today, as shown in this artist’s conception. Without so much oxygen around, early life may have fueled similar reactions with nitric oxide and related nitrogen compounds instead, in ways illustrated by new research from MSU.

Credit

Credit: NASA

Usage Restrictions

No restrictions.

License

Public Domain

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.