What were the first plants on Earth and how have they changed to this day?

a The epic invasion of solid land by plantsfrom the distant past to the lush landscapes we know today… all in a world where life has emerged from a desolate environment, defying the odds of colonizing every corner of the planet.

From its humble beginnings in an inhospitable world to the formation of lush forests, we explore below How plants shaped the Earth's landscape It left a permanent mark on the history of life on this planet.

Early settlers

500 million years agoOur world was an inhospitable and desolate place, with oxygen levels below 6% and an atmosphere without ozone protection… Life on Earth seemed impossible.

What are cyanobacteria?
They are prokaryotic microbial organisms belonging to the Kingdom bacteria And carry out the process of photosynthesis. They are known for their unique ability to perform oxygenic photosynthesis, meaning they can convert solar energy into chemical energy using light, carbon dioxide and water, releasing oxygen as a byproduct.

but, In the shallow waters, life began to emerge. to Cyanobacteria They were the pioneers, closely followed by mosses, fungi and lichens, which began little by little It turned the gray landscape into a green blanket Hope.

Dryland challenge

The transition from aquatic life to terrestrial life was not easy. to Plants had to face enormous challengessince Water shortage Until needed Development of new reproductive mechanisms.

despite of, Over time, they developed ingenious modificationssuch as waxy skin to combat dryness and vascular tissue to transport nutrients.

Golden Age: Carboniferous Age

The peak of vegetation occurred during Carbonated, A time of plenty and abundance. Forests extend over vast areas of land and are controlled by them Giant trees and ferns.

witnessed this period Evolution of complex structureslike real wood and leaves, allowing plants to reach new heights and compete for sunlight.

However, the success did not last forever. About 300 million years ago, forests collapsed in a changing world. The climate became colder, drier and Many plant species have disappearedBut among the ruins of ancient forests Some plants have managed to survive and adapt To a new environment And ushering in a new era of plant dominance.

Now, how much vegetation does the Earth have?

Logically, quantifying the exact amount of plant mass on Earth is a difficult task due to the variability of ecosystems, the diversity of plant species, and the constant dynamics of growth, decomposition, and regeneration.

but, It is estimated that plant biomass ranges between 450 and 550 billion metric tons. This biomass includes trees, shrubs, grasses, herbaceous plants, mosses, algae, and other types of plants in a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.