Life first evolved in the oceans. Simple lifeforms, like bacteria and other microbes, have existed for billions of years. Complex life emerged about 600 million years ago. Ancestors of modern animals appeared during the Cambrian Explosion, around 540 million years ago. In its aftermath, marine animals diversified, giving rise to sponges, worms, shrimp-like forms, and fish-like creatures—our own ancestors.
Upon entering, you’ll see large ammonites with fascinating preservation. Under the balcony, Peabody research on fossilization and early life shows the oldest life on display in the gallery. The curved blue wall displays some treasures from the Peabody’s invertebrate fossil collections. You’ll see displays of ancient fish, echinoderms, and the Permian Extinction, which nearly destroyed all life on earth.
