According to new data and analysis, plant life began colonising land 500 million years ago, during the Cambrian Period.
Key Period of Plant Colonization
Recent studies, including the data mentioned, indicate a pivotal time in Earth's history when life transitioned from water to land. This significant evolutionary step for plants occurred approximately 500 million years ago.
- Timing: 500 million years ago
- Geological Period: Cambrian Period
- Concurrent Event: Around the same time as the emergence of the first land animals
This period marks the beginning of the significant diversification and spread of plant life beyond aquatic environments, fundamentally changing the Earth's terrestrial landscapes over millions of years.
Understanding Plant Family Evolution
The research providing this new data is also contributing to a deeper understanding of how the plant family initially evolved. By pinpointing the timing of land colonization, scientists can better trace the lineage and development of the vast array of plant species we see today.
