Earth’s First Complex Organisms May Hold Clues to Life Beyond Our Planet

Scientists are analyzing some of Earth’s oldest eukaryotic microfossils to trace the origins of complex life.

Rare, well-preserved ancient rocks from places like Svalbard and Australia may help pinpoint when eukaryotes first appeared.

The findings could fill major gaps in how cellular complexity evolved into multicellular life.

They also matter for astrobiology by improving how we search for life on Mars, Europa, and Enceladus.