This ancient rock is changing our theory on the origin of life

The Earth is 4.6 billion years old,

but a human lifetime often lasts
for less than 100 years.

So why care about
the history of our planet

when the distant past seems
so inconsequential to everyday life?

You see, as far as we can tell,

Earth is the only planet
in our solar system

known to have sparked life,

and the only system able to provide
life support for human beings.

So why Earth?

We know Earth is unique
for having plate tectonics,

liquid water on its surface,
and an oxygen-rich atmosphere,

but this has not always been the case,

and we know this because ancient rocks

have recorded the pivotal moments
in Earth's planetary evolution.