Flow Chart Of Evolution Of Life On Earth
Introduction
Evolution is a biological process that has taken place on Earth for billions of years. It is the process by which different species of organisms have developed and changed over time to adapt to their environment. The evolution of life on Earth is a fascinating subject that has captivated scientists and non-scientists alike for centuries.
Pre-Cambrian Era
The Pre-Cambrian Era is the period of time that predates the Cambrian Era, which began approximately 540 million years ago. During this era, the Earth was a very different place, with no complex life forms existing. Instead, the planet was populated by simple single-celled organisms, such as bacteria and archaea.
Cambrian Era
The Cambrian Era is when complex life forms first appeared on Earth. This period, which lasted from approximately 540 to 485 million years ago, saw the emergence of many new species, including trilobites, brachiopods, and primitive fish.
Ordovician Period
The Ordovician Period, which lasted from approximately 485 to 440 million years ago, saw the continued development of life on Earth. During this time, many new species emerged, including jawless fish and the first land plants.
Silurian Period
The Silurian Period, which lasted from approximately 440 to 415 million years ago, saw the emergence of many new species of fish, as well as the first insects and spiders.
Devonian Period
The Devonian Period, which lasted from approximately 415 to 360 million years ago, saw the emergence of many new species, including the first amphibians and reptiles.
Carboniferous Period
The Carboniferous Period, which lasted from approximately 360 to 286 million years ago, saw the emergence of many new species of plants, including the first seed-bearing plants. It was also during this time that the first amniotic eggs appeared, which allowed reptiles to lay their eggs on land.
Permian Period
The Permian Period, which lasted from approximately 286 to 252 million years ago, saw the emergence of many new species, including the first mammals and dinosaurs. It was also during this time that the largest mass extinction in Earth's history occurred, wiping out approximately 90% of all marine species and 70% of all land species.
Triassic Period
The Triassic Period, which lasted from approximately 252 to 201 million years ago, saw the emergence of many new species, including the first true dinosaurs, as well as the first mammals and birds.
Jurassic Period
The Jurassic Period, which lasted from approximately 201 to 145 million years ago, saw the emergence of many new species, including the first birds and the largest dinosaurs, such as the Brachiosaurus and the Diplodocus.
Cretaceous Period
The Cretaceous Period, which lasted from approximately 145 to 66 million years ago, saw the emergence of many new species, including the first flowering plants and the last of the non-avian dinosaurs.
Tertiary Period
The Tertiary Period, which lasted from approximately 66 to 2.6 million years ago, saw the emergence of many new species, including the first primates and the ancestors of modern mammals.
Quaternary Period
The Quaternary Period, which began approximately 2.6 million years ago and continues to the present day, has seen the emergence of many new species, including modern humans.
Conclusion
The evolution of life on Earth is an ongoing process that has taken place over billions of years. It is a fascinating subject that continues to captivate scientists and non-scientists alike. By studying the flow chart of evolution, we can gain a better understanding of the development of life on our planet.