Acritarchs

Acritarchs are tiny, organic microfossils that typically range from one to several hundred micrometers in size. They are believed to be the remains of ancient single-celled organisms, possibly algae or other protozoans, and date back as far as the earliest fossil records, around 1.6 billion years ago. Acritarchs have unique, often intricate shapes and are found in sedimentary rocks worldwide. Their study helps scientists understand Earth’s early ecosystems, evolution, and environmental changes over geological time. Although their exact origins are uncertain, they provide valuable insights into the complexity of life and its development on our planet.