<P> Stromatolites ( / stroʊˈmætəlaɪts , strə - / ) or stromatoliths ( from Greek στρῶμα strōma `` layer , stratum '' ( GEN στρώματος strōmatos ) , and λίθος lithos `` rock '' ) are layered mounds , columns , and sheet - like sedimentary rocks that were originally formed by the growth of layer upon layer of cyanobacteria , a single - celled photosynthesizing microbe . Fossilized stromatolites , some of which may date from 3.7 billion years ago , provide records of ancient life on Earth . Lichen stromatolites are a proposed mechanism of formation of some kinds of layered rock structure that are formed above water , where rock meets air , by repeated colonization of the rock by endolithic lichens . </P>
<P> Stromatolites ( / stroʊˈmætəlaɪts , strə - / ) or stromatoliths ( from Greek στρῶμα strōma `` layer , stratum '' ( GEN στρώματος strōmatos ) , and λίθος lithos `` rock '' ) are layered mounds , columns , and sheet - like sedimentary rocks that were originally formed by the growth of layer upon layer of cyanobacteria , a single - celled photosynthesizing microbe . Fossilized stromatolites , some of which may date from 3.7 billion years ago , provide records of ancient life on Earth . Lichen stromatolites are a proposed mechanism of formation of some kinds of layered rock structure that are formed above water , where rock meets air , by repeated colonization of the rock by endolithic lichens . </P>
stromatolites found in western australia are are produced by which organism
stromatolites found in western australia are are produced by which organism
cyanobacteria
cyanobacteria