June 2024 PMID 38924758

Physical constraints during Snowball Earth drive the evolution of multicellularity.

William W Crockett, Jack O Shaw, Carl Simpson, Christopher P Kempes

Mentions

136
Peak: 20 in Jul 2024
across 6 sources since Dec 2023

Extended reach

842,337
potential audience

Total likes

12,263

Video views

345,893

Mentions per month

Dec 2023 – May 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter68 posts
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  • Reddit2 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Numerous discussions highlight the article's key points, such as how physical constraints from the Snowball Earth period may have influenced the evolution of multicellularity. Phrases like 'mind-blowing' and terms like 'major discoveries' convey enthusiasm and curiosity, while others express critiques by joking about basic insights, using a tone that alternates between appreciation and skepticism. This mixed tone suggests an overall intrigue while simultaneously questioning the study's broader relevance.

AgreementModerate agreement

The majority of discussions express a positive tone towards the publication's findings, indicating a general consensus on its validity.

InterestHigh interest

There is a strong interest reflected in the posts as users share links and summaries of the article and related content.

EngagementHigh engagement

Many participants demonstrate deep engagement by analyzing the implications of the research and referencing their thoughts on its relevance, which shows more than just surface-level interest.

ImpactModerate impact

While many see the findings as significant, some posts exhibit skepticism about the broader implications, resulting in a moderate score.

Abstract in brief

  • The evolution of complex eukaryotic multicellularity occurred during the late Neoproterozoic era, coinciding with the Snowball Earth glaciations when ice covered much of the planet.
  • Environmental changes, such as drastic shifts in seawater temperature and light availability during this time, created selective pressures that affected different organisms based on their biological organization and size.
  • The study indicates that these pressures influenced multicellularity evolution differently in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, ultimately giving multicellular eukaryotes an advantage that led to the development of complex multicellular life forms.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
ゆきまさかずよし
@Kyukimasa · X

スノーボールアースの氷期が終わって(それまで酸素も栄養もなくて生物進化どころじゃなかった)海に融けた氷河とともに陸のミネラル流れ込んで生物進化が一気に進んだのだろうけど、氷期が明ける前から多細胞生物への道筋があったと考えるのは理屈あってる気が https://t.co/fp1EYet0VW

Jul 31, 2024 · 25 likes · 14 shares · 20,431 followers View post →
Astrobiology
@astrobiology · X

Physical Constraints During Snowball Earth Drive The Evolution Of Multicellularity https://t.co/GGjwPoV3M9 #Astrobiology #evolution #microbiology #climatechange https://t.co/651UrJ6d3u

Dec 11, 2023 · 13 likes · 8 shares · 35,738 followers View post →
Astrobiology
@astrobiology · X

Physical Constraints During Snowball Earth Drive The Evolution Of Multicellularity https://t.co/GGjwPoV3M9 #Astrobiology #evolution #microbiology #climatechange #AGU #AGU24 #AGU2024

Dec 12, 2024 · 11 likes · 7 shares · 35,738 followers View post →
Astrobiology
@astrobiology.bsky.social · Bluesky

Physical Constraints During Snowball Earth Drive The Evolution Of Multicellularity astrobiology.com/2023/12/phys... #Astrobiology #evolution #microbiology #climatechange

Dec 11, 2023 · 9 likes · 5 shares View post →
MU-Peter Shimon
@mu-peter.bsky.social · Bluesky

Physical constraints during Snowball Earth drive the evolution of multicellularity

Dec 28, 2023 · 7 likes · 3 shares View post →
Suvrat Kher
@rapiduplift · X

Read two interesting papers on Neoproterozoic ocean oxygenation and biotic evolution 1) https://t.co/56pxyefWd5 - ocean oxygenation inferred from sediment geochemistry 2) https://t.co/WhtoofK7Z1 - snowball earth physical constraints on evolution of multicellularity.

Jul 16, 2024 · 5 likes · 3,480 followers View post →

All mentions

Goldislops
@goldislops · X

Experiment Reveals Why Life Became Multicellular and It's Quite Surprising https://t.co/D7CCIaB0UA via @YouTube

May 26, 2025 · 1 like · 35 followers View post →
Dr. Nobody
@DrNobod62035670 · X

MULTICELLULAR MAGENTOTACTIC BACTERIA!! Kirschvink never mentioned these! https://t.co/ruUvRXciTI

Apr 27, 2025 · 1 like · 128 followers View post →
piccolo_sun
@SunPiccolo · X

https://t.co/WOiRWW0Yi2

Apr 27, 2025 · 34 followers View post →
John Stopman
@StopmanJohn · X

Mind-blowing Multicellular Bacteria Reveal How Life Became Complex https://t.co/OkkT1Rzjkd via @YouTube

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Jeffrey Manwell
@JeffManwell · X

https://t.co/PAmoRLEgcC

Apr 27, 2025 · 4,725 followers View post →
Clayton Bixby
@Clayton81346310 · X

Major Discoveries About Origins of Multicellular Life on Earth https://t.co/qIha3l65Zn via @YouTube

Apr 27, 2025 · 545 followers View post →
Dennis Koch
@DennisKoch10 · X

Major Discoveries About Origins of Multicellular Life on Earth Anton Petrov @WhatDaMath https://t.co/8PZHgOFy4F https://t.co/KJn2SwMIs9

Apr 27, 2025 · 8,880 followers View post →
modalsurrealist
@modalsurrealist · X

@JCVance3 @JohnAll50690792 @Galacton2 @gyrfalc63587709 @sarahsalviander https://t.co/IjJUYBG1xM

Apr 26, 2025 · 1 like · 1,787 followers View post →
Ⓥictor Faulkner
@lvictorfaulkner · X

Major Discoveries About Origins of Multicellular Life on Earth https://t.co/KS6qsbDWvG via @WhatDaMath

Apr 26, 2025 · 3,018 followers View post →
Jerald Palmer
@JeraldPalmer11 · X

https://t.co/cBb6O6h0fq

Apr 26, 2025 · 563 followers View post →
Peter England
@england_pe22422 · X

https://t.co/xRBtZNiD1p This guy explains why libertarians are actually bacteria. His words not mine

Apr 26, 2025 · 46 followers View post →
Peter England
@england_pe22422 · X

https://t.co/xRBtZNiD1p This guy explains why libertarians are actually bacteria. His words not mine @mic

Apr 26, 2025 · 46 followers View post →
purpleisforkingsredisforgoofsguessthatleavesmewith
@joeserd · X

Major Discoveries About Origins of Multicellular Life on Earth https://t.co/1KfCS0SFrD via @YouTube

Apr 26, 2025 · 93 followers View post →
Joseph Meagher
@Joseph_Meagher · X

https://t.co/qUgjKXbkFU

Apr 26, 2025 · 633 followers View post →
S.T.E.A.M PUNK MEDIA
@SteamPunk1111 · X

https://t.co/n0k5g1ZjOh

Apr 26, 2025 · 304 followers View post →
Matthew
@Matthew49200183 · X

wow. Major Discoveries About Origins of Multicellular Life on Earth https://t.co/2k40QvG2FK via @YouTube

Apr 26, 2025 · 4,626 followers View post →
✨Gabby✨
@GBsPlaceCom · X

Major Discoveries About Origins of Multicellular Life on Earth https://t.co/Nf3GPJG8gx via @YouTube

Apr 26, 2025 · 1 like · 1,042 followers View post →
HubBucket Inc | Space Exploration
@HubbucketInc · X

RT @astrobiology: Physical Constraints During Snowball Earth Drive The Evolution Of Multicellularity https://t.co/GGjwPoV3M9 #Astrobiology…

Dec 13, 2024 · 7 shares · 235 followers View post →
Astrobiology
@astrobiology · X

RT @astrobiology: Physical Constraints During Snowball Earth Drive The Evolution Of Multicellularity https://t.co/GGjwPoV3M9 #Astrobiology…

Dec 12, 2024 · 7 shares · 35,738 followers View post →
PRINCE INDRAJIT (LAW) ⚡️
@PRINCE_INDRAJIT · X

RT @astrobiology: Physical Constraints During Snowball Earth Drive The Evolution Of Multicellularity https://t.co/GGjwPoV3M9 #Astrobiology…

Dec 12, 2024 · 7 shares · 276 followers View post →
Gene J. Mikulka
@genejm29 · X

RT @astrobiology: Physical Constraints During Snowball Earth Drive The Evolution Of Multicellularity https://t.co/GGjwPoV3M9 #Astrobiology…

Dec 12, 2024 · 7 shares · 16,215 followers View post →
Claude Gillono
@sherman1959CG · X

RT @astrobiology: Physical Constraints During Snowball Earth Drive The Evolution Of Multicellularity https://t.co/GGjwPoV3M9 #Astrobiology…

Dec 12, 2024 · 7 shares · 166 followers View post →
Marlen Brant
@BrantMarlen · X

RT @astrobiology: Physical Constraints During Snowball Earth Drive The Evolution Of Multicellularity https://t.co/GGjwPoV3M9 #Astrobiology…

Dec 12, 2024 · 7 shares · 1,822 followers View post →
Astrobiology
@astrobiology · X

Physical Constraints During Snowball Earth Drive The Evolution Of Multicellularity https://t.co/GGjwPoV3M9 #Astrobiology #evolution #microbiology #climatechange #AGU #AGU24 #AGU2024

Dec 12, 2024 · 11 likes · 7 shares · 35,738 followers View post →
Art Sells
@ArtSells · X

https://t.co/hQYWtPnoiY

Oct 27, 2024 · 3,111 followers View post →
TommyKarate70
@TommyKarate70 · X

RT @the_KOPE: @TommyKarate70 Reality gets hard when you get into its capabilities to defy what we’ve previously observed scientifically. Li…

Oct 11, 2024 · 1 share · 2,274 followers View post →
the KOPE
@the_KOPE · X

@TommyKarate70 Reality gets hard when you get into its capabilities to defy what we’ve previously observed scientifically. Like I’m obsessed with dark oxygen. The way all of life on earth is carbon based and yet the deep sea species are carbon deficient by our standard https://t.co/jKi08gWReH

Oct 11, 2024 · 2 likes · 1 share · 238 followers View post →
Glenn Sandström
@eldmeister · X

New Dark Oxygen Discovery May Disturb You | Peter Schroedl https://t.co/GR9bPBwcCK via @YouTube

Oct 10, 2024 · 2,267 followers View post →
Piotr Turek
@rekurencja · X

Source: https://t.co/epYSfDtPD1

Oct 8, 2024 · 1,962 followers View post →
PRINCE INDRAJIT (LAW) ⚡️
@PRINCE_INDRAJIT · X

New Dark Oxygen Discovery May Disturb You ~ Peter Schroedl

Oct 3, 2024 · 276 followers View post →
John Stopman
@StopmanJohn · X

New Dark Oxygen Discovery May Disturb You | Peter Schroedl https://t.co/pM25eECnrU via @YouTube

Oct 3, 2024 · 139 followers View post →
Keith Louis Taylor
@DrKeithLTaylor · X

New Dark Oxygen Discovery May Disturb You | Peter Schroedl https://t.co/6cXD5EWD5Z via @YouTube

Oct 3, 2024 · 2 likes · 1,818 followers View post →
吉田
@yosidaamonn · X

RT @Kyukimasa: スノーボールアースの氷期が終わって(それまで酸素も栄養もなくて生物進化どころじゃなかった)海に融けた氷河とともに陸のミネラル流れ込んで生物進化が一気に進んだのだろうけど、氷期が明ける前から多細胞生物への道筋があったと考えるのは理屈あってる気が ht…

Jul 31, 2024 · 14 shares · 346 followers View post →
ササメユキ
@DokayukiS · X

RT @Kyukimasa: スノーボールアースの氷期が終わって(それまで酸素も栄養もなくて生物進化どころじゃなかった)海に融けた氷河とともに陸のミネラル流れ込んで生物進化が一気に進んだのだろうけど、氷期が明ける前から多細胞生物への道筋があったと考えるのは理屈あってる気が ht…

Jul 31, 2024 · 14 shares · 910 followers View post →
David Yoshimura
@mmticpolyalloy · X

RT @Kyukimasa: スノーボールアースの氷期が終わって(それまで酸素も栄養もなくて生物進化どころじゃなかった)海に融けた氷河とともに陸のミネラル流れ込んで生物進化が一気に進んだのだろうけど、氷期が明ける前から多細胞生物への道筋があったと考えるのは理屈あってる気が ht…

Jul 31, 2024 · 14 shares · 495 followers View post →
Yoshitugu Tuduki/都築良継
@TSMoon56 · X

RT @Kyukimasa: スノーボールアースの氷期が終わって(それまで酸素も栄養もなくて生物進化どころじゃなかった)海に融けた氷河とともに陸のミネラル流れ込んで生物進化が一気に進んだのだろうけど、氷期が明ける前から多細胞生物への道筋があったと考えるのは理屈あってる気が ht…

Jul 31, 2024 · 14 shares · 2,932 followers View post →
MN SZK
@seka47259170514 · X

RT @Kyukimasa: スノーボールアースの氷期が終わって(それまで酸素も栄養もなくて生物進化どころじゃなかった)海に融けた氷河とともに陸のミネラル流れ込んで生物進化が一気に進んだのだろうけど、氷期が明ける前から多細胞生物への道筋があったと考えるのは理屈あってる気が ht…

Jul 31, 2024 · 14 shares · 167 followers View post →
大芝鉄蔵
@Diesirae41 · X

RT @Kyukimasa: スノーボールアースの氷期が終わって(それまで酸素も栄養もなくて生物進化どころじゃなかった)海に融けた氷河とともに陸のミネラル流れ込んで生物進化が一気に進んだのだろうけど、氷期が明ける前から多細胞生物への道筋があったと考えるのは理屈あってる気が ht…

Jul 31, 2024 · 14 shares · 1,016 followers View post →
綾川小夜
@ayakawasaya · X

RT @Kyukimasa: スノーボールアースの氷期が終わって(それまで酸素も栄養もなくて生物進化どころじゃなかった)海に融けた氷河とともに陸のミネラル流れ込んで生物進化が一気に進んだのだろうけど、氷期が明ける前から多細胞生物への道筋があったと考えるのは理屈あってる気が ht…

Jul 31, 2024 · 14 shares · 360 followers View post →
SUDO
@sudo_simoigusa · X

RT @Kyukimasa: スノーボールアースの氷期が終わって(それまで酸素も栄養もなくて生物進化どころじゃなかった)海に融けた氷河とともに陸のミネラル流れ込んで生物進化が一気に進んだのだろうけど、氷期が明ける前から多細胞生物への道筋があったと考えるのは理屈あってる気が ht…

Jul 31, 2024 · 14 shares · 2,161 followers View post →
至
@itacccchi · X

RT @Kyukimasa: スノーボールアースの氷期が終わって(それまで酸素も栄養もなくて生物進化どころじゃなかった)海に融けた氷河とともに陸のミネラル流れ込んで生物進化が一気に進んだのだろうけど、氷期が明ける前から多細胞生物への道筋があったと考えるのは理屈あってる気が ht…

Jul 31, 2024 · 14 shares · 392 followers View post →
籠入猫
@trashcantiglets · X

RT @Kyukimasa: スノーボールアースの氷期が終わって(それまで酸素も栄養もなくて生物進化どころじゃなかった)海に融けた氷河とともに陸のミネラル流れ込んで生物進化が一気に進んだのだろうけど、氷期が明ける前から多細胞生物への道筋があったと考えるのは理屈あってる気が ht…

Jul 31, 2024 · 14 shares · 500 followers View post →
オパ ビニアmk2(`・ω・´
@osanshouo1115 · X

RT @Kyukimasa: スノーボールアースの氷期が終わって(それまで酸素も栄養もなくて生物進化どころじゃなかった)海に融けた氷河とともに陸のミネラル流れ込んで生物進化が一気に進んだのだろうけど、氷期が明ける前から多細胞生物への道筋があったと考えるのは理屈あってる気が ht…

Jul 31, 2024 · 14 shares · 1,623 followers View post →
ゆきまさかずよし
@Kyukimasa · X

スノーボールアースの氷期が終わって(それまで酸素も栄養もなくて生物進化どころじゃなかった)海に融けた氷河とともに陸のミネラル流れ込んで生物進化が一気に進んだのだろうけど、氷期が明ける前から多細胞生物への道筋があったと考えるのは理屈あってる気が https://t.co/fp1EYet0VW

Jul 31, 2024 · 25 likes · 14 shares · 20,431 followers View post →
annette hakiel
@AnnetteHakiel · X

https://t.co/VONBVg9Sfe they think a snowball earth led to multicellular organisms

Jul 27, 2024 · 584 followers View post →
Andy_Weeble_Weaver
@AndrewW66619812 · X

The paper in "Proceedings of the Royal Society B" the above "Quanta Magazine" article is based upon, & links to: “Physical constraints during Snowball Earth drive the evolution of multicellularity” 2/2 https://t.co/AquVYcOCZe

Jul 25, 2024 · 4,322 followers View post →
釜屋 憲彦
@kamaUmwelt · X

Physical constraints during Snowball Earth drive the evolution of multicellularity | Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences https://t.co/jZUU2yWZWJ

Jul 22, 2024 · 2 likes · 1,520 followers View post →
Suvrat Kher
@rapiduplift · X

Read two interesting papers on Neoproterozoic ocean oxygenation and biotic evolution 1) https://t.co/56pxyefWd5 - ocean oxygenation inferred from sediment geochemistry 2) https://t.co/WhtoofK7Z1 - snowball earth physical constraints on evolution of multicellularity.

Jul 16, 2024 · 5 likes · 3,480 followers View post →
Alejandro de Bucéfala ®
@Bucephalo · X

RT @CRCpaleos: ARTÍCULO REFERENCIA (acceso abierto) Physical constraints during Snowball Earth drive the evolution of multicellularity http…

Jul 3, 2024 · 1 share · 1,420 followers View post →
Paul Beckwith
@PaulHBeckwith · X

Snowball Earth… https://t.co/0SK5wqZnHt

Jul 2, 2024 · 29,500 followers View post →
CRCpaleos
@CRCpaleos · X

ARTÍCULO REFERENCIA (acceso abierto) Physical constraints during Snowball Earth drive the evolution of multicellularity https://t.co/51Ynu7YDAn vía @RSocPublishing

Jul 2, 2024 · 1 like · 1 share · 3,131 followers View post →
Royal Society Publishing
@RSocPublishing · X

Physical constraints during Snowball Earth drive the #evolution of multicellularity | https://t.co/xq1Udq2H8i #ProcB @simpson_carl @ChrisKempes https://t.co/aQ49WyxJTV

Jul 1, 2024 · 2 likes · 38,724 followers View post →
Royal Society Publishing
@RSocPublishing · X

Physical constraints during Snowball Earth drive the evolution of multicellularity #ProcB #OpenAccess https://t.co/48VsZ4Yu1d #Evolution #Ecosystems #EED2024 https://t.co/WqSAj0oCwC

Jun 28, 2024 · 1 like · 38,724 followers View post →
Ordo Fraterna Fibonacci
@OrdoFibonacci · X

Physical constraints during Snowball Earth drive the evolution of multicellularity The Royal Society Publishing https://t.co/9hsSoP1RaY

Jun 27, 2024 · 2,568 followers View post →
Tominaga K. (tomiken)
@pacyc1841 · X

» Physical constraints during Snowball Earth drive the evolution of multicellularity | Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences https://t.co/qEp0bYyi5D

Jun 27, 2024 · 860 followers View post →
Jente Ottenburghs | Avian Hybrids
@Jente_O · X

Physical constraints during Snowball Earth drive the evolution of multicellularity | Proceedings of the Royal Society B https://t.co/jvbD4uXkTX

Jun 27, 2024 · 2 likes · 4,052 followers View post →
Sergio González Mora
@PhylumBryozoa · X

Physical constraints during Snowball Earth drive the evolution of multicellularity | Proc. R. Soc. B. https://t.co/wgvJ750yYF

Jun 27, 2024 · 1 like · 987 followers View post →
William Peters MD
@wllm_ptrs · X

Physical constraints during Snowball Earth drive the evolution of multicellularity | Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences https://t.co/NxfQV2kVoc

Jun 26, 2024 · 1 like · 1,655 followers View post →
yvonne thompson
@sapphiredawn3 · X

Ok captain obvious can stop now.. https://t.co/CcmmjfDV7f

Jan 31, 2024 · 20 followers View post →
MU-Peter Shimon
@mu-peter.bsky.social · Bluesky

Physical constraints during Snowball Earth drive the evolution of multicellularity

Dec 28, 2023 · 7 likes · 3 shares View post →
OsirisRaptor
@Space3nthusiast · X

RT @astrobiology: Physical Constraints During Snowball Earth Drive The Evolution Of Multicellularity https://t.co/GGjwPoV3M9 #Astrobiology…

Dec 12, 2023 · 8 shares · 145 followers View post →
Astrobiology
@astrobiology · X

RT @astrobiology: Physical Constraints During Snowball Earth Drive The Evolution Of Multicellularity https://t.co/GGjwPoV3M9 #Astrobiology…

Dec 12, 2023 · 8 shares · 35,738 followers View post →
PRINCE INDRAJIT (LAW) ⚡️
@PRINCE_INDRAJIT · X

RT @astrobiology: Physical Constraints During Snowball Earth Drive The Evolution Of Multicellularity https://t.co/GGjwPoV3M9 #Astrobiology…

Dec 12, 2023 · 8 shares · 276 followers View post →
Charles Chatelin
@ChChatelin · X

RT @astrobiology: Physical Constraints During Snowball Earth Drive The Evolution Of Multicellularity https://t.co/GGjwPoV3M9 #Astrobiology…

Dec 11, 2023 · 8 shares · 90 followers View post →
NASA Watch
@NASAWatch · X

RT @astrobiology: Physical Constraints During Snowball Earth Drive The Evolution Of Multicellularity https://t.co/GGjwPoV3M9 #Astrobiology…

Dec 11, 2023 · 8 shares · 125,489 followers View post →
JB-AND
@JbJband09105007 · X

RT @astrobiology: Physical Constraints During Snowball Earth Drive The Evolution Of Multicellularity https://t.co/GGjwPoV3M9 #Astrobiology…

Dec 11, 2023 · 8 shares · 977 followers View post →
Astrobiology
@astrobiology · X

Physical Constraints During Snowball Earth Drive The Evolution Of Multicellularity https://t.co/GGjwPoV3M9 #Astrobiology #evolution #microbiology #climatechange https://t.co/651UrJ6d3u

Dec 11, 2023 · 13 likes · 8 shares · 35,738 followers View post →
Astrobiology
@astrobiology.bsky.social · Bluesky

Physical Constraints During Snowball Earth Drive The Evolution Of Multicellularity astrobiology.com/2023/12/phys... #Astrobiology #evolution #microbiology #climatechange

Dec 11, 2023 · 9 likes · 5 shares View post →
Peter Crockford
@Earth2Pete · X

RT @biorxiv_evobio: Physical constraints during Snowball Earth drive the evolution of multicellularity https://t.co/xdFwebtiHR #biorxiv_ev…

Dec 9, 2023 · 1 share · 1,168 followers View post →
bioRxiv Evolutionary Biology
@biorxiv-evobio.bsky.social · Bluesky

Physical constraints during Snowball Earth drive the evolution of multicellularity https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.12.07.570654v1

Dec 8, 2023 View post →
bioRxivpreprint
@biorxivpreprint.bsky.social · Bluesky

Physical constraints during Snowball Earth drive the evolution of multicellularity https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.12.07.570654v1

Dec 8, 2023 View post →
bioRxiv Evobio
@biorxiv_evobio · X

Physical constraints during Snowball Earth drive the evolution of multicellularity https://t.co/xdFwebtiHR #biorxiv_evobio

Dec 8, 2023 · 1 like · 1 share · 4,451 followers View post →