Early life from the proterozoic sedimentary basins of India

Abstract

The documented history of research on Proterozoic evidence of life in India is almost 200 years old. Although systematic study did not start before the middle of twentieth century, significant advancement has taken place in recent years in the application of sophisticated techniques involving stable isotopes and organic geochemical methods. The last two decades have revealed application of biomarker principles with greater analytical rigor that challenge the first evidence of eukaryotes via conventional paleontological means. Such research also underpins timing of oxygenation of the atmosphere, developing chemical profiles for reconstructing deep time biology providing means for applying such methods alongside traditional micropaleontology as established protocols. Further research, particularly related to biostratigraphy, chemostratigraphy and geochronology, helps in understanding the Proterozoic record of life in India with greater resolution. This chapter reviews the earliest fossil records in India with an emphasis on the Mesoproterozoic, Neoproterozoic and Ediacaran Period.