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Cyanobacteria is the most influential organism in the history of the planet. Nothing comes even close (arguably including humans). Nearly all of the energy proc
by H8crilA 7y ago
Cyanobacteria is the most influential organism in the history of the planet. Nothing comes even close (arguably including humans). Nearly all of the energy processed in living organisms can be traced back to cyanobacteria (either via photosynthesis, or via consuming products of photosynthesis, or products of consuming products of ...). This extends to modern human energy usage via fossil fuels.
- GuB-42 7y agoHumans make a big deal out of 0.01% CO2, a relatively inert gas. Cyanobacteria turned 20% of the atmosphere into very reactive O2. I like to point that out when people say that we are destroying our planet. Our planet will be fine with or without us, we are just hoping that it will be with us.
- Gravityloss 7y agoAnd cyanobacteria is a small deal compared to the formation of earth or supernovas. Which are absolutely nothing compared to the big bang or the heat death of the universe. Humans should definitely make a big deal about their own survival.
- carlmr 7y ago>Our planet will be fine with or without us, we are just hoping that it will be with us. I like that, however I think hoping and doing something about it are two different things.
- H8crilA 7y agoI think the point is: life as we know it will almost certainly outlive humans, by a lot. We're just hoping our ride will be somewhat lengthy.
- kevingadd 7y agoIt depends on how you define 'our planet' though, no? There are things you could do to this planet that would wipe out most forms of life on it and at present we've been seeing decreasing populations of insects, animal species, etc. The planet will certainly still be here but it's a pretty big bummer if we manage to knock out half the biological diversity or more on our way out. Without biological diversity and feedback loops our planet is just soil and water.