Biodiversity on Earth Could be Influenced by Planet's Weak Magnetic Field Over 500 Million Years Ago [Study]

Biodiversity, also called biological diversity, pertains to the rich and complex variation of life on Earth, which is currently evident due to the myriad of species of flora (plants) and fauna (animals), in addition to microorganisms. Ranging from the smallest to largest living organisms, our planet is the only known place in the Solar System and the universe where life has evolved and thrived so far.

The exact origin of life on Earth has remained a mystery until now. However, it is clear that somewhere along the way, since our planet formed around 4.5 billion years ago, life eventually emerged and diversified, adding to the mystery. Yet, a recent study shows that biodiversity could have been influenced by Earth's weak magnetic field over 500 million years ago.

Biodiversity and Geomagnetic Field

The complexity of life on Earth has baffled the scientific community and even laypeople for decades since the popularization of the term biodiversity. The morphological and genetic differences of today's plants and animals, which include avians, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects are a testament to the unique explosion of life on the planet that occurred during ancient times.

There are multiple factors concerning the diversity of life, particularly the question as to why living organisms are different from each other. While evidence suggests that Earth's environment had a significant role to play, the exact mechanisms behind the diversification phenomenon remain theoretical until now. However, a new research paper may have finally found the answer.

In the study published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment on May 2, researchers found there had been a link between Earth's biodiversity and geomagnetic field at some point in time in the past. According to the research paper's findings, the temporary near-collapse of our planet's magnetic field between 591 and 565 million years ago allowed life to further flourish.

Weak Magnetic Field

For 26 million years during the said period, Earth's magnetic field entered an unusual state which coincided with the increase of oxygen concentrations in the atmosphere and the oceans. According to the authors of the study, the weakening of Earth's magnetic power allowed more hydrogen to escape from our planet into space. This event allowed the increase of oxygen globally, as mentioned earlier.

Compared to other variables such as chemicals, weather, and climate, the correlation between evolutionary biology and Earth's magnetic field has not been completely defined from previous scientific literature. However, the May 2024 study has strengthened this correlation, suggesting that Earth's temporary weak magnetic field supported the diversification of life on Earth.

This is not the first time that scientists established a relationship between the two variables. In a 2016 study published in the journal Geoscience Frontiers, researchers concluded our magnetic field helped life on Earth evolved. This was made possible as it helped keep the planet's atmosphere intact, with the latter serving as the main shield from space's ultraviolet radiation.