MIT study finds Earth’s first animals were likely ancient sea sponges

ScienceDaily
Feb 27, 2026, 9:45 am60 ptsTrending
Scientists at MIT have found compelling chemical evidence that Earth’s earliest animals were likely ancient sea sponges. Hidden inside rocks over 541 million years old are rare molecular “fingerprints” that match compounds made by modern demosponges. After testing rocks, living sponges, and lab-made…

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