Earth had no oxygen in the beginning

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When Earth evolved, it did not have the life-supporting oxygen that we breathe today. Researchers have now identified the conditions on the planet before the evolution of oxygen by using rock fossils.

“Fossils are like time capsules, preserving life’s story in stone,” said Richard Fortey, a British palaeontologist, geologist, and writer.

“We have long been puzzled by the unusual nitrogen isotope values in these rocks. "Our new findings suggest a strong linkage to hydrothermal nutrient recycling, meaning that early life may in part have been fuelled by volcanic activity," Dr Eva Stueken from the University of St Andrews explained.