What Does Stromatolite Mean?

Stromatolites or stromatoliths are layered sedimentary formations that are created by photosynthetic cyanobacteria. These microorganisms produce adhesive compounds that cement sand and other rocky materials to form mineral “microbial mats”. In turn, these mats build up layer by layer, growing gradually over time.

What does the word stromatolite translate to?

Definition of stromatolite in the English dictionary

The definition of stromatolite in the dictionary is a rocky mass consisting of layers of calcareous material and sediment formed by the prolific growth of cyanobacteria: such structures date back to Precambrian times.

What is a stromatolite in biology?

Stromatolites – Greek for 'layered rock' – are microbial reefs created by cyanobacteria (formerly known as blue-green algae). ... Stromatolite deposits are formed by sediment trapping and binding, and/or by precipitation activities of the microbial communities (Awramik 1976).