The Interdependence Of Humanity And Earth

Stromatolites (deposits built by colonies of cyanobacteria), are seen underwater at high tide in Shark Bay, Western Australia.

We owe our existence to little photosynthetic bacteria — but there is much more to this story, as life can only mutate and adapt when the planet offers the right conditions, says Marcelo Gleiser.

(Image credit: Auscape/UIG via Getty Images)