In an ambitious study, scientists from the Weizmann Institute of Science and Smith College attempted to determine the total number of cells that have existed on Earth throughout its history. The results of this project represent an impressive number with 39 zeros: a duodecillion cells.
Writes about this Live Science.
The question of the number of living organisms on the planet since the appearance of life remains relevant. Scientists, combining various research methods, drew on data from ancient sedimentary rocks. This allowed them to estimate the amount of primary production over the past 3.88 billion years.
The main contribution to primary production in different eras was made by various organisms; researchers emphasize the role of plants. However, past periods were characterized by different primary producers that did not use oxygenic photosynthesis.
According to the study, there are currently about 10 nonillion cells on Earth, and over the entire history of the planet, the number of cells has reached a duodecillion (with 39 zeros). However, the biosphere has a limited time, and within two billion years, it is predicted that the Earth will lose its biogeochemical defenses, leading to the end of life as we know it.
Research like this brings perspective to the time scale of life on Earth, highlighting both the amazing and limited nature of our planet.
Earlier, Cursor wrote that scientists have discovered new facts about the Moon.
