Cynobacteria

At first glance this Colony of Rivularia bullata may seem like little seaweeds growing on the rock. However after doing some research we found out that they are actually cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae). Although Cyanobacteria blooms can be harmful and care should be taken whenever you see one or smell one. Not all Cyanobacteria are harmful. In fact, we wouldn’t be here without them.

Cyanobacteria apparently have the distinction of being the oldest known fossils, more than 3.5 million years old. And they still exist today in great numbers. Another interesting fact is that these ancient bacteria have been incredibly important in shaping the course of evolution throughout earth’s history. The oxygen atmosphere that we depend on was originally generated by various Cyanobacteria. They enabled the evolution of complex life on earth as we know it. They were the first ones to learn how to perform photosynthesis.

And here they are living on in Dorset. Tiny, ancient little jelly-like spheres.Always a wonder to learn more about the beings that exist around us.