Precambrian Microfossils: Indicators of Early Life and Environments on the Earth

Precambrian biota, which primarily includes bacteria, prokaryotes, protists, algal-stromatolites, organic- walled microfossils (micro and macrofossils) and trace fossils, plays a significant role in understanding early life as well as their diversification on the Earth. In addition, they are also used in biostratigraphy, to understand the depositional environment, early biosphere, and atmosphere. A review of Precambrian biota, recovered from the Archean, and Proterozoic sedimentary rocks of India, reveals the presence of diverse assemblages of organic remains. These remains play a significant role in understanding Indian Precambrian biostratigraphy and early life.