Half a billion years ago, the Grand Canyon was teeming with life. Recently unearthed fossils from the Cambrian period shed light on this key stage of evolution, when life became more complex. Researchers have found that the area we now call the Grand Canyon was an evolutionary “Goldilocks zone,” perfect for tiny organisms to experiment and thrive.
During the Cambrian period, around 500 million years ago, the area was closer to the equator and sat on a wider continental shelf, flooded with shallow seawater. This environment allowed sunlight to penetrate, sparking photosynthesis and releasing oxygen and nutrients. The fossil record shows high population densities of tiny animals, indicating a thriving ecosystem.
Dr. Giovanni Mussini, a doctoral student at the University of Cambridge, led an expedition along the Colorado River and through the Grand Canyon in 2023. He focused on the Cambrian period and found fossils in two rock samples, including fragments of mollusks, crustaceans, and even a new species of worm with hundreds of complex branching teeth.
The discovery sheds light on the Cambrian period, when evolution was beginning to ramp up, and life became more complex. Mussini’s findings suggest that this environment allowed for the rapid evolution of complexity, as there were plenty of resources available. The story is one of life begetting more life, with organisms adapting and evolving in response to their surroundings.
The discovery highlights the importance of exploring and preserving our natural heritage. As we continue to uncover new fossils and learn about the history of life on Earth, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between organisms and their environments.
Source: https://www.tucsonsentinel.com/local/report/072325_grand_canyon_life/half-billion-years-ago-grand-canyon-teemed-with-life