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Explore the fascinating geological history of viruses in this 1-hour 3-minute lecture from Seds Online. Delve into the intriguing questions surrounding viral preservation in the fossil record, their environmental roles, and their potential significance beyond being mere parasites. Discover how these microscopic entities, despite their invisibility to the naked eye, may have left their mark on Earth's geological past. Investigate the mechanisms behind viral fossilization and the extent of their geological timeline. Gain insights into the dual nature of viruses, examining both their disruptive effects on life as we know it and their potential beneficial roles in the environment. Uncover the new frontier in Earth Sciences that viruses in carbonate precipitation represent, challenging conventional perceptions and opening up exciting avenues for further research.