The Volcanoes That May Have Started Life on Earth

The nitrogen cycle is essential to life on Earth, but biological nitrogen must be fixed before it can be used. Scientists aren't sure how the first nitrogen became available... but it might have been volcanoes.

Hosted by: Niba @NotesbyNiba (she/her)
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[C_In_Outlaw]

“No lightning today? What’s the matter? Afraid I’ll redirect it?”

[jacklewis]

@SciShow I think you found your next primary host. Something about hanks voice and cadence is just right. She has it too. I want to learn more from her.

[Syco]

Sorry Hank but I've found a new favorite SciShow host

[babygorilla]

There's also a rare species of corn thats capable of nitrogen fixing. It has airal roots like most corn but this species has clear goo dripping from them. It turns out this goo is produced by the corn and houses bacteria that fixes nitrogen and drips down fertilizing the crop.

[bazpearce]

It's pretty clear by now that without volcanism, life would not be so diverse and stable as it is. Another box ticked for early Mars too.

[SkyHawk]

So basically: we knew Volcanic Soil was exceptionally good farmland already. But now we're learning that being enriched with all the less available critical elements from the mantle is only the start of why it's so ridiculously fertile.

[_andrewvia]

Niba is getting more comfortable in front of the camera. She's pretty awesome already. Thank you Niba!

[serraguden]

I think I'm starting to like this new video format. (You guys are awesome, thank you for another really cool video. )

[davidoliveira]

Teragrams is the same as the much more familiar Megatonnes.
You’re welcome 😉

[davidhand]

Two N _atoms, _ not two N molecules. I wouldn't call it 3 bonds, either; it's one triple bond, a little different.

[Billybingo]

Brilliant host! This might be the first Scishow episode you can watch on mute and still be engaged

[danielwatson]

This was really interesting to learn about and right on line with things I’ve recently been studying. Kudos to you and your team!

[chemicalbronchitis]

Excellent presentation and presenter! 👍🏼

[Spectacurl]

I really love the new set. Nice update

[kaiZkar]

Great host! I hope she will host again.

[tulsatrash]

I wish you guys had explained how the old volcanic eruptions generated so much more lightning than more modern ones.

[aalhard]

Your diction is flawless! Reminds me of Connie Chung!!

[SheppardTheElder]

How did nitrogen react with oxygen in earths early atmosphere when there wasn't any free oxygen at the time? I tried googling it but can't find anything definite other than there being a source of ammonia in the atmosphere too? If anyone can explain that'd be amazing <3

[berkeokur]

Türkiye mentioned lets goo. Jokes aside nice video

[seanpeacock]

What about that bay in Venezuela that is struck by lightning hundreds of times every day? What if in the past there were more places like that?