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Early Precambrian oxygen: a case against photosynthesis

Nature volume 274, pages 657–661 (1978)Cite this article

Abstract

Recent biological–biochemical and geological–geochemical data are inconsistent with the currently accepted view that early Precambrian fossil microbiotas are evidence of oxygen-generating photosynthesis contributing free oxygen to early Precambrian environments. The alternative is atmospheric photodissociation, perhaps with cyclic or periodic instability.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Paleobiology, Smithsonian Institution Washington, D.C., 20560

    Kenneth M. Towe

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  1. Kenneth M. Towe
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Towe, K. Early Precambrian oxygen: a case against photosynthesis. Nature 274, 657–661 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1038/274657a0

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