NEW DELHI: A recent international study suggests that a “near-collapse” of Earth’s magnetic field over 500 million years ago may have contributed to the enhancement of biological life complexity and diversity.

The research posits that the earliest known complex multi-cellular animals, referred to as the Ediacaran fauna, experienced a significant diversification in complexity and type between 575 and 565 million years ago. This period coincides with a potential weakening or near-collapse of the Earth’s magnetic field.

While previous studies have linked the diversification of the Ediacaran fauna to an increase in oxygen levels in the atmosphere and oceans during the same period, the exact cause of this oxygen surge has remained unclear.

The findings of this study shed new light on the intricate relationship between Earth’s magnetic field fluctuations and the evolution of life on the planet. By exploring the potential impacts of geomagnetic variations on ancient ecosystems, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms driving biological innovation and diversity throughout Earth’s history.