Life 500 million years ago included jellyfish and the early ancestors of vertebrates. This period falls within the Palaeozoic Era, a time of significant evolutionary development.
Life Forms Existing Around 500 Million Years Ago
Based on the provided references, here's a summary of what was alive approximately 500 million years ago:
- Jellyfish: Evidence suggests that jellyfish have existed since at least 500 million years ago.
- Early Vertebrates: The first vertebrates with true bones (jawless fishes) appeared around 485 million years ago, suggesting that the evolutionary precursors to these vertebrates were likely present around 500 million years ago.
| Organism | Approximate Appearance (Ma) |
|---|---|
| Jellyfish | 500 |
| Jawless Fishes | 485 |
Additional Context
While the references provide specific examples, it's important to remember that this era was teeming with other forms of life as well. For example, the Cambrian explosion, which occurred shortly before this time, led to a rapid diversification of marine invertebrates. While not specifically mentioned in the given references, this forms an essential backdrop.
