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. 2022 May 23;12:8631. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-12473-1

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© The Author(s) 2022, corrected publication 2023

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Ediacara-style experiments through time. (a,b) Plan-view photographs of a representative fossilization experiment conducted with Phymanthus, Anabaena, Fischerella, Spirogyra, and Vaucheria, taken at the start (0 h; a) and end (150 h; b) of the experiment (experiment 11, Table 1). (c–e) Cross-section photographs taken at distinct intervals throughout experiment 11, showing Phymanthus shortly following the start of the experiment (0 h; c); silica precipitates on the exterior of Phymanthus tentacles after 96 h (d); and silica precipitates associated with both Phymanthus and biofilms after 48 h (e). (f) SEM secondary electron image showing the presence of early-forming silica cements between sand grains after 72 h in experiment 11. (g) Plan view of an experiment with biofilms (experiment 10, Table 1) that, following degradation of organic matter, was characterized by molds of microbial filaments, associated with extensive (including inter-granular) silica precipitates.