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How a single-celled organism almost wiped out life on Earth - Anusuya Willis

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Exploring our Oceans

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There’s an organism that changed the world. It caused the first mass extinction in Earth’s history … and also paved the way for complex life. How? Anusuya Willis explains how cyanobacteria, simple organisms that don’t even have nuclei or any other organelles, wrote a pivotal chapter in the story of life on Earth.

Before cyanobacteria, oxygen on Earth was:

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About Exploring our Oceans

Exploring our Oceans offers insight into the scientific marvels of the marine world, and the part you can play in uncovering the ocean's mysteries and safeguarding its future. From biology to physics to engineering, understanding our oceans involves a multitude of scientific approaches. Dive into our curated videos and supporting lesson materials, and find out how you can be a part of it all.

Meet The Creators

  • Video created by TED-Ed
  • Lesson Plan created by Luka Seamus Wright

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