(C) BoingBoing
This story was originally published by BoingBoing and is unaltered.
 . . . . . . . . . .



Lake Clifton in Western Australia is home to living fossils called thrombolites [1]

[]

Date: 2025-11-12  

Today I learned about the wonder of thrombolites from Atlas Obscura. Thrombolites are ancient, living fossils. These fascinating rock-like structures are built by microscopic organisms, mainly cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae). These microbes trap sediment particles together to form solid, dome-shaped mounds over time. You can visit the Lake Clifton Thrombolites in Australia to see them up close.

From Atlas Obscura:

"The thrombolites in Lake Clifton are distinctive, manifesting as rounded domes emerging from the lake's shallow waters. Their presence echoes an ancient lineage, providing a living snapshot into the early chapters of Earth's biological history. These microbial communities, through their activity, contribute to the precipitation of calcium carbonate, giving rise to the layered structures visible in the thrombolites.

Conservation efforts are implemented to protect the fragile thrombolite ecosystem. Visitors are encouraged to follow designated paths and boardwalks, minimizing their impact on the environment while still having the opportunity to marvel at this extraordinary natural phenomenon. The thrombolites serve as a living testament to the resilience and adaptability of life, surviving and thriving in an ever-changing world."

[END]
---
[1] Url: https://boingboing.net/2025/11/12/lake-clifton-in-western-australia-is-home-to-living-fossils-called-thrombolites.html

Published and (C) by BoingBoing
Content appears here under this condition or license: Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0.

via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds:
gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/boingboing/