Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Phosphorus Discovery Rewrites Timeline of Complex Life's Evolution

4/21/2025

39 4

Summary

Story summary

Phosphorus played a pivotal role in the evolution of complex life on Earth, according to new research. About 2.1 billion years ago, volcanic eruptions in Gabon formed a nutrient-rich lagoon that nurtured larger organisms. This discovery reshapes our understanding of life's timeline, revealing that multicellular life may have emerged much earlier than previously believed.

1 of 1

Story summary

Phosphorus played a pivotal role in the evolution of complex life on Earth, according to new research. About 2.1 billion years ago, volcanic eruptions in Gabon formed a nutrient-rich lagoon that nurtured larger organisms. This discovery reshapes our understanding of life's timeline, revealing that multicellular life may have emerged much earlier than previously believed.