[pouslytut]

To quote one Australian scientist: “If it hadn’t been for this (global) ice-age, it would have been slime-world forever.”

Is this true? Do you have a reference for the quote or name for the scientist? Might be helpful to see more context with it. Thanks.

Actually, don't worry I've found it - comes from here and the scientist is Jim Gehling.

Gehring works on Edicarian biota, and emphasises the importance of new forms in this period for the importance of metazoan life relative to the later diversification in the Cambrian. See eg here.