Life on Earth

Chapter 19
The History of Life on Earth
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Origins
  • Prebiotic evolution was controlled by the early atmosphere and climate.

    The First Life
  • Eukaryotes evolved membrane-enclosed organelles and a nucleus.

    Multicellularity

    Multicellular Life in the Sea
  • Multicellular plants evolved specialized structures that facilitated their invasion of diverse habitats.
  • Multicellular animals evolved specializations that allowed them to capture prey, feed, and escape more efficiently.

    The Invasion of the Land
  • Some plants evolved specialized structures that adapted them to life on dry land.
  • Some animals evolved specialized structures that adapted them to life on dry land.

    Human Evolution
  • Primate evolution has been linked to grasping hands, binocular vision, and a large Brain.
  • Hominids evolved from dryopithecine primates.
  • Australopithecines, the first true hominids, could stand and walk upright.
  • The evolution of human behavior is highly speculative.

    Evolutionary Connections: Why Do Humans Walk Upright?



  • PH Sower © 1997 by Prentice-Hall, Inc.
    Simon & Schuster/A Viacom Company
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