You are on page 1of 6

The 10 oldest findings on earth

The study of history is a fascinating endeavor that allows us to better understand the world in
which we live. From the rise and fall of ancient civilizations, to the discovery of new
technologies, our knowledge of the past helps us to make sense of the present and plan for
the future. In this video, we will explore ten of the oldest findings on earth, and discuss their
significance in the broader context of human history. These discoveries range from fossils of
long-extinct creatures, to artifacts from early human civilizations. Through these findings, we
can gain a greater appreciation for the rich and diverse history of our planet.

The Oldest Known Rocks on Earth:


The oldest known rocks on earth are found in western Greenland. These rocks are
approximately 3.7 billion years old and provide evidence of early crust formation on the
planet. The rocks were formed during a time known as the Hadean eon, which lasted from
about 4.6 to 4 billion years ago. This was a time of intense heat and intense bombardment
from meteorites, and it is thought that the earth's early crust may have been largely molten at
this time. However, the rocks from Greenland provide evidence that some areas of the
earth's surface were solidifying and becoming more stable during this time.
The rocks from Greenland are metamorphic in nature, which means that they have been
subjected to high pressures and temperatures that have altered their original structure. The
rocks are made up of a mixture of different minerals, including quartz, feldspar, and mica.
These minerals formed as a result of the intense heat and pressure that the rocks were
subjected to.
The discovery of these ancient rocks has provided valuable insights into the early history of
the earth. By studying the rocks, scientists have been able to learn more about the conditions
that existed on the planet during this time, and how the early crust formed and evolved. This
information is helping to piece together a more complete picture of the early earth, and is
helping us to better understand the processes that shaped our planet.
The study of these ancient rocks is an ongoing field of research, and scientists are continuing
to learn more about the earth's early history. For example, recent studies have suggested
that the earth's early crust may have formed much faster than previously thought, potentially
in as little as a few million years. This new information is challenging some long-held
assumptions about the early earth and is providing fresh insights into the processes that
shaped our planet.
In addition to their scientific value, the ancient rocks from Greenland also have a certain
historical and cultural significance. These rocks are some of the oldest known objects on
earth, and they provide a tangible link to a time that is almost unimaginable to us today. For
many people, the study of these rocks is a way of connecting with the earth's distant past
and learning more about our planet's rich and fascinating history.

The oldest known fossils on earth:


The discovery of these 3.5 billion year old stromatolites in Western Australia is a truly
remarkable find, and one that has attracted the attention of scientists and researchers from
around the world. These fossilized microbial structures are the oldest known evidence of life
on Earth, and provide us with a glimpse into the early history of our planet.
Not only do these stromatolites offer insights into the origins of life on Earth, but they also
have important implications for the search for life elsewhere in the universe. As we continue
to explore our solar system and beyond, the discovery of these ancient fossils reminds us of
the incredible diversity and resilience of life, and the potential for it to exist in even the most
extreme environments.
One of the most fascinating aspects of these stromatolites is the way in which they were
formed. These structures, which are layers of sedimentary rock, were created by the
interactions between simple single-celled organisms and their physical environment. Over
time, these interactions resulted in the creation of complex microbial communities, which left
behind a record of their existence in the form of these ancient fossils.
The study of these stromatolites is an ongoing field of research, and scientists are constantly
learning more about the conditions that gave rise to life on Earth. By studying these ancient
fossils, we can gain a better understanding of the conditions that were necessary for the
emergence of life on our planet, and use this knowledge to inform our search for evidence of
life elsewhere in the universe.
The search for life beyond Earth is one of the most exciting and intriguing areas of scientific
research, and the discovery of these stromatolites in Western Australia is a crucial step in
this ongoing quest. As we continue to explore the depths of space, we can be sure that these
ancient fossils will play a crucial role in guiding us on our search for extraterrestrial life.

The oldest known evidence of life on earth:


The discovery of these ancient microfossils has significant implications for our understanding
of the origins and evolution of life on Earth. It suggests that life may have emerged on our
planet much earlier than previously thought, potentially even within a few hundred million
years of the formation of the Earth itself.
These microfossils were found in the Nuvvuagittuq Supracrustal Belt, a region in Quebec,
Canada that is known for its ancient rocks and fossils. The microfossils themselves are
small, cylindrical structures that are thought to be the remains of cyanobacteria, a type of
microorganism that uses photosynthesis to convert sunlight into energy.
The discovery of these microfossils adds to a growing body of evidence that suggests that
life on Earth may have originated much earlier than previously thought. It also raises
interesting questions about the conditions on the early Earth that may have allowed for the
emergence of life, and the potential for the existence of life on other planets.
The study of the origins and evolution of life on Earth is a fascinating and complex field of
scientific research. There are many theories and hypotheses about how and when life first
emerged on our planet, and the discovery of these microfossils adds an important piece to
the puzzle.
One of the key challenges in studying the origins of life is the fact that the earliest evidence
of life is so old. The rocks and fossils that contain this evidence have been subjected to a
wide range of geological processes over billions of years, making it difficult to interpret and
understand.
To overcome this challenge, scientists use a range of techniques to study the ancient rocks
and fossils, including radiometric dating, geochemical analysis, and microscopy. By carefully
analyzing the chemical and physical properties of the rocks and fossils, scientists can piece
together a picture of what the early Earth was like and how life may have emerged and
evolved.
In the case of these 3.8 billion year old microfossils, the researchers used a combination of
these techniques to confirm their age and identify them as cyanobacteria. The research
team, led by Dr. Dominique Castonguay from the University of Quebec, published their
findings in the journal Nature.
The discovery of these microfossils is an exciting step forward in our understanding of the
origins of life on Earth. It also raises interesting questions about the potential for the
existence of life on other planets, and the possibility of finding evidence of life in our own
solar system and beyond.
Overall, the discovery of these 3.8 billion year old microfossils is a significant milestone in the
study of the origins and evolution of life on Earth, and highlights the importance of continued
research in this fascinating field.

The oldest known animal fossils:


The discovery of the Ediacaran biota was a significant finding in the field of paleontology, as
these fossils represent some of the earliest known evidence of animal life on Earth. The
Ediacaran biota lived during the Ediacaran period, which lasted from approximately 635
million years ago to 541 million years ago. This period was named after the Ediacara Hills in
Australia, where similar fossils were also found.
These ancient creatures were soft-bodied, which means that they did not have a hard outer
skeleton or exoskeleton like many modern animals do. Because of this, their fossils are often
preserved as impressions or outlines in sedimentary rock, rather than as the hard,
mineralized skeletons of more recent animals. Despite this, the Ediacaran biota left behind a
wealth of information about their appearance and behavior, which scientists have been able
to study in order to better understand the early evolution of animals.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Ediacaran biota is their diversity. The fossils that
have been found represent a wide range of different body shapes and sizes, indicating that
there were many different types of animals living during this time. Some of the Ediacaran
biota were relatively simple, consisting of little more than a blob-like body with no obvious
appendages or other features. Others were more complex, with distinct body parts and
behaviors that suggest they were capable of movement and other forms of interaction with
their environment.
Despite their diversity, the Ediacaran biota share some important characteristics that set
them apart from more recent animals. For example, many of them were sessile, meaning
that they were unable to move around and were attached to the sea floor or other surfaces.
This is in contrast to the majority of modern animals, which are mobile and able to move
freely through their environment.
The discovery of the Ediacaran biota has provided scientists with valuable information about
the early evolution of animals on Earth. These fascinating creatures help to fill in gaps in our
understanding of the history of life on our planet, and provide insight into the incredible
diversity of forms that early animals took. Further study of these fossils will undoubtedly
continue to yield new and exciting insights into the earliest days of animal life on Earth.

The oldest known human ancestor:


The oldest known human ancestor is Sahelanthropus tchadensis, a hominid species that
lived approximately 7 million years ago in what is now Chad. This species is believed to be
the common ancestor of both chimpanzees and humans, and is considered one of the most
significant discoveries in the field of anthropology.
Sahelanthropus tchadensis was first discovered in 2001, when a team of paleontologists
discovered a partial skull and other fossilized remains in the Djurab Desert of Chad. The
species was named after the region where it was found, and is believed to be the oldest
known hominid species.
While the exact appearance of Sahelanthropus tchadensis is unknown, the partial skull that
was discovered suggests that it had a combination of human and chimpanzee
characteristics. The skull had a human-like cranium, with a small brain size similar to that of
a chimpanzee. The species is also believed to have walked on two legs, like humans, but it
may have also been able to climb trees, like chimpanzees.
The discovery of Sahelanthropus tchadensis has provided scientists with valuable insights
into the early evolution of the hominid line. It has also sparked debate among anthropologists
and other researchers, as it challenges the traditional view that the common ancestor of
chimpanzees and humans lived much later than 7 million years ago.
Despite its significance, the remains of Sahelanthropus tchadensis are limited, and much
about this species remains a mystery. Further research and study will be needed to gain a
better understanding of this ancient ancestor and its place in the evolution of humans.
One of the key questions that researchers are trying to answer is how Sahelanthropus
tchadensis fits into the overall evolutionary tree of hominids. This species is believed to be
the oldest known hominid, but it is still unclear how it is related to other hominid species that
lived around the same time. Some researchers believe that Sahelanthropus tchadensis may
be more closely related to chimpanzees than to humans, while others think that it may be
more closely related to humans than to chimpanzees.
Another area of study that is of interest to researchers is the behavior and lifestyle of
Sahelanthropus tchadensis. Based on the partial skull that was discovered, it is believed that
this species had a relatively small brain, similar to that of a chimpanzee. This suggests that it
may not have been as intelligent or sophisticated as later hominid species.
However, the fact that Sahelanthropus tchadensis is believed to have walked on two legs like
humans suggests that it may have been more advanced in some ways than chimpanzees.
Researchers are continuing to study the fossilized remains of this species in order to learn
more about its behavior and lifestyle.
Overall, the discovery of Sahelanthropus tchadensis has provided scientists with important
insights into the early evolution of the hominid line. While much about this species remains a
mystery, ongoing research is shedding light on its place in the evolutionary tree and its
behavior and lifestyle.

The oldest known Homo sapiens:


The discovery of the Jebel Irhoud fossils in Morocco has been a major breakthrough in our
understanding of the origins of Homo sapiens, the species to which all modern humans
belong. These fossils, which consist of a partial skull and several skeletal bones, were
initially thought to be around 40,000 years old, but more recent dating techniques have
revealed that they are actually around 300,000 years old.
This discovery has pushed back the origins of our species by at least 100,000 years, and has
challenged previous theories about the timing and location of the emergence of Homo
sapiens. Prior to the discovery of the Jebel Irhoud fossils, the oldest known fossils of our
species were from Ethiopia, and were dated to around 200,000 years ago.
The Jebel Irhoud fossils were found in a cave site in Morocco, and have provided
researchers with valuable new information about the physical characteristics of early Homo
sapiens. Some researchers have suggested that the partial skull from Jebel Irhoud exhibits a
mix of modern and primitive traits, indicating that the emergence of Homo sapiens was a
gradual process rather than a sudden event.
In addition to their age, the Jebel Irhoud fossils are significant because they provide evidence
of the early use of fire by Homo sapiens. The remains were found among animal bones and
stone tools that had been burned, indicating that these early humans had mastered the use
of fire for cooking and other purposes.
The discovery of the Jebel Irhoud fossils has sparked intense debate among researchers, as
it has shed new light on a crucial period in human evolution. Some experts have suggested
that the fossils provide evidence of a previously unknown human ancestor, while others have
argued that they represent an early form of Homo sapiens that was eventually replaced by
more modern populations.
Regardless of the specific interpretation of these fossils, there is no doubt that they are a
valuable addition to our understanding of the origins of Homo sapiens. The Jebel Irhoud
fossils are a crucial link in the chain of evidence that helps researchers piece together the
story of human evolution, and their discovery will continue to be the subject of intense study
in the years to come.

The oldest known evidence of human tool:


The oldest known evidence of human tool use comes from the Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania.
These stone tools, used by early Homo habilis, are approximately 1.8 million years old. This
discovery has greatly expanded our understanding of human evolution and the development
of early human societies.
Homo habilis, meaning "handy man" in Latin, is a species of early humans that lived between
approximately 2.4 million and 1.4 million years ago. They were one of the first early human
species to develop the ability to make and use tools, a crucial milestone in human evolution.
The stone tools discovered at Olduvai Gorge were simple, but effective. They were made by
chipping away at stones to create sharp edges that could be used for cutting and scraping.
These tools were likely used for a variety of purposes, such as hunting, preparing food, and
making other tools.
The discovery of these ancient tools has given us a glimpse into the lives of our early human
ancestors. It shows that they were capable of complex thought and problem-solving, and that
they had a basic understanding of the properties of materials and how to manipulate them.
The development of tool use was a significant step in human evolution because it allowed
early humans to access a wider range of food sources and to adapt to new environments. It
also facilitated the development of other important human traits, such as the ability to
communicate and work together.
The 1.8 million-year-old tools from Olduvai Gorge are the oldest known evidence of human
tool use, but they are not the only evidence of early human tool use. There are many other
sites around the world where similar tools have been found, dating back to around the same
time period.
Overall, the discovery of these ancient tools has provided valuable insights into the lives of
our early human ancestors and the evolution of human societies. It has also highlighted the
important role that tool use played in human evolution and the development of human
cognitive abilities.

The oldest known evidence of fire use by humans:


The discovery of fire use by early human ancestors has significant implications for our
understanding of human evolution and the development of early human societies. The ability
to control and use fire would have had a profound impact on human cognition and culture,
and may have played a role in the development of language and storytelling.
Fire would have allowed early humans to cook their food, providing them with access to a
wider range of nutrients and making it easier to digest. This would have had a major impact
on the health and well-being of early human populations, and may have contributed to the
development of larger brains and more complex societies.
The use of fire would also have provided early humans with a means of staying warm,
protecting themselves from predators, and deterring insects. This would have given them a
significant advantage over other animals, and may have allowed them to expand into new
habitats and territories.
In addition to its practical uses, fire would have also played a central role in the social and
cultural lives of early humans. It would have allowed early humans to communicate and
socialize around the campfire, and may have played a role in the development of language
and storytelling.
The ability to control and use fire would have also had an impact on the physical environment
of early human populations. It would have allowed early humans to clear land for farming and
to drive game into traps or onto cliffs, which would have had a major impact on the
availability of food and other resources.
In conclusion, the discovery of fire use by early human ancestors has significant implications
for our understanding of human evolution and the development of early human societies. The
ability to control and use fire would have had a profound impact on human cognition and
culture, and may have played a role in the development of language and storytelling. It would
have also had a major impact on the health and well-being of early human populations, and
may have contributed to the development of larger brains and more complex societies.

The oldest known evidence of art made by humans:


The oldest known evidence of art made by humans is a series of cave paintings found in the
Chauvet Cave in France. These paintings, which depict animals and other scenes, are
approximately 30,000 years old. The paintings, which were created using a mixture of
charcoal, red and yellow ochre, and animal fat, are considered to be some of the most
remarkable examples of prehistoric art in the world. The Chauvet Cave paintings are thought
to be the work of early humans, possibly members of the Cro-Magnon species, who lived in
the area during the Upper Paleolithic period.
The Chauvet Cave paintings are notable for their vivid colors, fine detail, and lifelike
depictions of animals. The paintings include images of horses, bison, mammoths, lions,
bears, and other animals, many of which are shown in motion or engaged in activities such
as hunting or fighting. The paintings also include abstract symbols and geometric shapes,
which may have had symbolic or ritual significance to the people who created them.
The Chauvet Cave was discovered in 1994 by a group of explorers who stumbled upon the
entrance to the cave while searching for a new site to explore. Since then, the cave has been
carefully studied and preserved by a team of scientists and archaeologists, who have worked
to document and understand the paintings and the culture of the people who created them.
The Chauvet Cave paintings provide valuable insights into the lives and beliefs of the early
humans who created them. They are a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of our
ancestors, and offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the human race.
In addition to their artistic and cultural significance, the Chauvet Cave paintings also hold
great scientific value. They provide evidence of the cognitive abilities and artistic skills of
early humans, and offer insights into the development of human culture and society. The
paintings also help researchers understand the environmental conditions and the animals
that lived in the area at the time the paintings were created.
The Chauvet Cave is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is considered to be one of the
most important archaeological sites in the world. It is open to the public, and visitors can see
the paintings and learn more about the early humans who created them. The Chauvet Cave
paintings are a testament to the enduring power of art, and a reminder of the rich cultural
heritage that we all share.

The oldest known written language:


The development of cuneiform script is thought to have been influenced by earlier systems of
writing, such as the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and the Mesopotamian proto-cuneiform
script. Cuneiform script was initially used to record simple transactions, such as the
exchange of goods or services, but over time it became more sophisticated and was used to
record a wide variety of information.
The Sumerians used cuneiform script on clay tablets, which were dried in the sun or baked in
kilns to harden them. This made the tablets durable and long-lasting, allowing the Sumerians
to record and preserve information for centuries. The cuneiform script was written using a
reed stylus, which was pressed into the clay to create wedge-shaped marks. The direction
and shape of the marks indicated different sounds, and the Sumerians used a complex
system of symbols to represent different words and ideas.
Sumerian cuneiform script was a difficult and complex system to learn and use, and it was
typically only used by a small group of trained scribes. However, it was an important tool for
the Sumerians, as it allowed them to record and preserve their language and culture for
future generations. The use of cuneiform script also facilitated communication and trade
between different Sumerian city-states, as it provided a common means of recording and
exchanging information.
Despite its complexity, cuneiform script was eventually adopted by other cultures in the
region, such as the Akkadians and the Assyrians. Over time, the script evolved and became
more simplified, making it easier to learn and use. However, the use of cuneiform script
eventually declined with the rise of other writing systems, such as the Greek and Latin
alphabets. Today, cuneiform script is considered a historic artifact, and it is studied by
scholars and historians interested in the ancient world.

That's it for our list of the 10 oldest finds on earth. These fascinating discoveries help us
understand the past and provide insight into the evolution of life on our planet. Thank you for
watching, and be sure to like and subscribe for more content like this.

You might also like