The evolution of vertebrates is understood through multiple lines of scientific evidence. Fossils provide direct records of past life, classification organizes organisms based on shared traits and ancestry, timelines place these developments within Earth’s history, and paleogenetics and ecology explain the biological and environmental mechanisms behind evolutionary change. 

In this site, there are many case studies I will discuss. Transitional fossils such as Tiktaalik provide direct evidence of how vertebrates evolved over time. 

Classification groups vertebrates by shared traits, revealing their evolutionary relationships and common ancestry.

The geologic timeline shows when major evolutionary changes occurred across millions of years and gives us a rough idea of ecosystems at the time.

Genetic and environmental factors explain how and why vertebrates evolved and adapted and also helps us better understand how to rebuild individual species and enviornments.

This project explores how vertebrates evolved and diversified over time using fossil evidence, classification, geologic context, and genetic and ecological analysis. Together, these approaches provide a complete understanding of one of the most important processes in the history of life.