This chapter discusses the history of life on Earth based on evidence from the fossil record. It covers how fossils are formed and dated, as well as how paleontologists interpret and classify fossils to understand past life forms and environments. The fossil record shows that life has changed over time, with more than 99% of all species becoming extinct. It also reveals patterns of evolution such as extinction events, adaptive radiation, convergent and coevolution. The chapter discusses theories of punctuated equilibrium and the role of developmental genes in transformations of body plans over long periods of evolutionary time.

1. Chapter 17 The History of Life

28. Cambrian Explosion

29. Ordovician

30. Silurian

31. Devonian

32. Carboniferous

33. Permian

34. Triassic

35. Jurassic

36. Cretaceous

37. Tertiary

38. Quaternary

53. Plants and Pollinators

54. Hammer Orchid

55. Bats vs. Moths An Evolutionary Arms Race

56. Rough Skinned Newt vs. Garter Snake