Ediacara Biota
The Ediacara Biota refers to a group of ancient, multicellular organisms that lived during the late Precambrian period, around 635 to 541 million years ago. These organisms are primarily found in the Ediacara Hills of Australia, and they represent some of the earliest complex life forms on Earth. The Ediacara Biota includes a variety of shapes and sizes, with some resembling modern jellyfish, worms, and fronds.
These organisms are significant because they provide insight into the evolution of life before the Cambrian Explosion, a period marked by a rapid increase in the diversity of life forms. The Ediacara Biota's unique features and body plans challenge our understanding of early life and its development, making them a key focus of paleontological research.