These “Living Rocks” Are Living It Up

Rock-like structures called microbialites, formed by ancient microbe communities, are among Earth's oldest living organisms at 3.5 billion years old and helped create our oxygen-rich atmosphere. Recent research in South Africa discovered these "living rocks" grow remarkably fast in harsh coastal environments, absorbing up to 3 pounds of carbon dioxide per square foot annually—equivalent to three acres of forest per tennis court-sized area. The findings reveal these formations are thriving rather than nearly extinct, offering insights into carbon sequestration solutions.