Bacteria are believed to have originated more than 3 billion years ago.
This makes them some of the earliest life forms on Earth. Their emergence significantly predates the evolution of animals, who appeared over 2 billion years later. Bacteria not only survived but thrived, fundamentally altering the Earth's environment and paving the way for more complex life forms to evolve. Their continuous presence and influence have shaped the biosphere in profound ways.
Bacteria's lasting impact underscores their role as foundational organisms in the history of life on our planet.
