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When did Life Begin?

The fossil of the oldest organism was discovered in Western Australia.
About 0.1mm in size, it is dated at 3.5 billion years. The fossil is considered to be of an organism similar to bacteria. In what kind of environment did this organism live? The chert where this fossil was discovered was composed of fine sand. This was formed faraway from the land in the deep seabed. There was violent volcanic activity at the bottom of the sea 3.5 billion years ago. Chimney-like spouts discharged hydrothermal water. The water was over 200C and contained various substances. Bacteria lived by absorbing energy from the chemical substances in the hydrothermal water.
When and how the life began remains an unsolved mystery.

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