3 – The evolution of life after the mass extinction
The fossils in Svalbard showcase various examples of evolution through natural selection. We can observe competition between species and the evolution of new species.
Learning outcomes
Evolution through natural selection
Evolutionary theory explains how life on Earth develops. Here, you’ll get a brief overview of how evolution occurs through natural selection.
Summary
Evolution of Life on Earth
What do we know about the evolution of life before the mass extinction 252 million years ago? The first life on Earth was single-celled organisms that arose in the ocean. Over billions of years, single-celled organisms have evolved into the diversity of species we have today.
Here is a timeline showing when some key forms of life appeared, based on fossil findings.