Gunflintia is an extinct genus of cyanobacteria that once existed in what is now Canada and Australia. It was about five micrometres wide, and is known for being one of the first oxygen-producing cyanobacteria, which helped raise oxygen levels in the atmosphere, making Earth more habitable for other oxygen-using organisms. It is also one of the most common fossils in the Gunflint chert.[1]

Gunflintia
Temporal range: Proterozoic–Cambrian[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:
Phylum:
Genus:
Gunflintia
Species
  • Gunflintia barghoornii P.K.Maithy
  • Gunflintia magna P.K.Maithy

References

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  1. ^ a b Palmer, Douglas; et al. (2009). Prehistoric Life: The Definitive Visual History of Life on Earth (first American ed.). New York City: DK Publishing. p. 59. ISBN 978-0-7566-5573-0.