The Ancient Microorganisms Photo by Lakshmiraman Oza from Pixabay Table of Contents I. The Ancient Microorganisms II. Significant contribution of Cyanobacteria to Agriculture Cyanobacteria, often referred to as blue-green algae, are a diverse group of photosynthetic bacteria that play a crucial role in the Earth's ecosystems. These microorganisms are among the oldest known life forms, with a lineage dating back over 3 billion years. What sets cyanobacteria apart is their ability to perform oxygenic photosynthesis, a process that produces oxygen as a byproduct. This played a pivotal role in shaping the Earth's atmosphere and paving the way for aerobic life forms. Cyanobacteria are found in various environments, from freshwater lakes and oceans to terrestrial habitats. Their distinctive blue-green pigments, particularly chlorophyll-a, give them their characteristic color. Some species have evolved to form symbiotic relationships with plants, contributing to nitrogen fixation