Ancient forests played a pivotal role in transforming Earth’s oceans. Recent research reveals that these prehistoric trees triggered a massive oxygen surge millions of years ago. This event flooded the deep seas with oxygen, creating new habitats and paving the way for an explosion of marine life.
The Oxygen Revolution in Earth’s History
Before this oxygenation, the deep ocean remained a barren place. Very few organisms could survive in the dark, lifeless depths. However, as forests spread across the land, their roots and leaves locked away carbon and produced vast amounts of oxygen. Eventually, this oxygen seeped into the oceans, transforming once-empty waters into thriving ecosystems.
The Impact on Marine Biodiversity
This ancient event unleashed a cascade of evolution. Fish, invertebrates, and other marine creatures flourished in the new, oxygen-rich environment. The seas teemed with life, giving rise to iconic prehistoric predators like Dunkleosteus and supporting the foundation for modern marine biodiversity. The deep ocean’s transformation stands as a testament to how life on land can dramatically reshape life in the sea.
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