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Scientists stunned by signs of ancient life in a place no one expected

Scientists discovered fossilized microbes in ancient Moroccan seabed rocks. These organisms formed wrinkle-like structures in deep-water sediments. The discovery suggests chemosynthetic microbial ecosystems were more widespread in dark, deep oceans than previously believed.

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New evidence identifies 180-million-year-old chemosynthetic microbes in deep-sea Moroccan sediments.

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  1. 180-Million-Year-Old Microbial Fossils Found in Morocco

    Scientists discovered fossilized microbes in ancient Moroccan seabed rocks. These organisms formed wrinkle-like structures in deep-water sediments. The discovery suggests chemosynthetic microbial ecosystems were more widespread in dark, deep oceans than previously believed.

    What's confirmed:

    • Researchers found 180-million-year-old fossilized microbes in Morocco.
    • The microbial structures formed in deep-water sediments at least 590 ft underwater.
    • The fossils exhibit wrinkle-like textures typically associated with sunlight-loving microbial mats in shallow waters.
    • Evidence indicates chemosynthetic microbes powered by chemical reactions created these mats in darkness.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The rock surfaces resembled elephant skin.
    • The discovery has implications for the oceans of Bali.
    confidence 90%