214 The Neoproterozoic Earth and Life Co-evolution, Part II

This session aims to enhance discussions and foster interdisciplinary collaborations to advance understanding of the Neoproterozoic Earth and life co-evolution. Contributions from paleontologists, geochemists, sedimentologists, Earth system modelers, and related fields are highly encouraged.

Tuesday, 21 October 2025
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
HBGCC, 304A

Interpreting the Precambrian Biomarker Record in the Light of Genomics: Updates and New Hypotheses

Paper number: 214-1
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 1:45 PM – 2:05 PM

Authors

Abstract

Sterane biomarkers serve as molecular fossils, which reveal a complex and changing pattern of life between 1.6 billion and 600 million years ago. While new research is clarifying the details of the sterane biomarker record, the biological sources of these biomarkers remain uncertain. This talk will explore what we know—and what we still don’t—about sterane biomarkers. I will present three case studies that leverage genetic analysis to refine our biomarker interpretations. The results indicate that the biomarker record is more complicated than originally hypothesized, yet the problem is tractable a coherent picture is emerging.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-412901

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