Cambrian stromatolitesThese lovely outcrops are found in the late-Cambrian aged Hoyt Formation of no

Cambrian stromatolitesThese lovely outcrops are found in the late-Cambrian aged Hoyt Formation of northern New York State near Saratoga Springs. They have been variably described as “Cabbage-head” stromatolites or “domal” stromatolites.Stromatolites are rocky fossils made out of alternating layers of sediment and cells/organic material that adheres the sediment in place. Much like the stromatolites found growing today near Australia’s Shark Bay (http://tmblr.co/Zyv2Js1OJ0j_4) , these grow out from the center, getting larger with each growth cycle.They are made of single-celled organisms that process sunlight for energy. Stromatolites are some of the most common fossils in ancient rocks, but after the diversification of complex, multicellular life in the Cambrian, number environments they could inhabit became restricted. They are found today in environments that are restricted, without many predatory species that would attack them as a food source. Since these stromatolites are in Cambrian aged rocks, it’s logical that they also formed in quiet, restricted waters without many predators of the sort that would have otherwise eaten them as they grew.-JBBImage credit: https://flic.kr/p/oSNRhNRead more:http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/geology/grocha/troy.htmhttp://on.fb.me/1LyXRBlhttp://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF03175647#page-1 -- source link

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