Period: PrecambrianAge: 2.4 billion yearsRegion:USA This 2.4-billion-year Precambrian fossil stromatolite possesses striking colors and patterns. This species’ red color, known as Tiger iron, is the result of jasper and black hematite (mineral iron). The contrasting bands of color form a striking pattern. It is generally used in jewelry and for decoration. Tiger iron essentially consists of silicon dioxide and is colored by iron oxide. 10Cyanobacteria’s moving mechanism involves highly detailed and unique processes.In the daytime, cyanobacteria remain close to the surface for photosynthesis, and at night they sink to the bottom to gather nutrients. They use gas vacuoles (empty spaces) to do this and constantly change their locations in the water.In contrast to other bacteria, cyanobacteria employ a slow glide in order to move; but since they have no whips, the mechanisms by which these organisms move is still not fully understood.Complex proteins play a role in the slow, gliding motion that enables the cells to change location, but the structure of the “engine” and how the chemical compounds work is still a mystery. Nonetheless this mechanism has remained unchanged for billions of years, and has never altered.
