Geological and biological processes have been inherently linked throughout Earth’s history. This permanent interaction has been the driver for most key-developments in the history of life. Despite this meaning, however, the co-evolution of life and Earth during critical intervals is still only poorly constrained. This is partly due to the fact that research activities are commonly rather discipline- than problem-specific, making a holistic discussion of crucial developments complicated.

The research group “Early Life“ will provide a platform for the interdisciplinary discussion of any topic related to the co-evolution of life and Earth through time. Focus areas include the reconstruction of Hadean-Archean life processes, the Neoproterozoic-Cambrian diversification of complex life (metazoans, metaphytes), as well as critical intervals in the Phanerozoic (e.g. the Permian-Triassic boundary). Comments, suggestions and proposals for further topics are welcome at any time.

Anyone interested in joining the research committee „Early Life“ should contact Jan-Peter Duda and/or Joachim Reitner.