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The Earth underwent considerable changes that had important repercussions for the environment and life within it. One result of these changes was the melting of large glacial ice sheets producing sea level rise. The increased presence and diversity of land plants on the lower ground during this time likely contributed to the initial processes of soil formation. Many of these plants could have been mosses. As plants evolved and adapted to terrestrial environments, they played a crucial role in shaping the Earth's terrestrial surface and laying the foundation for more complex ecosystems and soil development in subsequent geological periods.
Roots
Roots
While they were still relatively simple compared to modern plants, the presence of more developed plants, including vascular plants, contributed to the evolution of soil. The development of plant roots and their interaction with the substrate played a crucial role in the initial stages of soil formation.
Plant roots release organic acids that facilitate the weathering of rocks, contributing to the formation of soil. The accumulation of organic matter from decaying plant material also played a role. The plants also helped stabilise soil, reducing erosion and promoting the accumulation of sediment.
Biofilms full of bacteria were spreading across the plains, where lichens and fungi were starting to grow.
By around 400mya the depth, extent and survival of mosses over these millions of years play a crucial part in soil evolution. They die leaving behind organic matter, which provides food for microbes and create the conditions for a host of small animals to libe in stable conditions. Some of the inhabitants (like tardigrades and rotifers) may have existed much the same in the same environment since that time. Others, like nematodes and small creatures provide nutrient cycling with a mixture of undigested organic matter and metabolic waste products. Small soil animal poo plays a vital role in soil formation.
Many creatures ran around and springtails could have been sprung to follow the raindrops and the smell of the earth we know today. They developed mechanisms to jump along the films, but also be able to jump back to safety. Their influence on soil formation was yet to come.
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