Lipid biomarkers for the reconstruction of deep-time environmental conditions

Lipids can survive long geological intervals within sediments and provide a unique tool that allows the reconstruction of past organismic diversity and environmental conditions. The lipids discussed in this review include all substances produced by organisms that are insoluble in water but extractable by organic solvents. Lipid biomarkers refer to both functionalized biolipids as well as their hydrocarbon derivatives in geological materials that...