Evolution and Tree of Life

The 5 Classes of Vertebrates

The 5 Classes of Vertebrates

Grouping animals into classes of vertebrates allows us to categorize the incredible diversity on Earth and their evolutionary histories.

LUCA: Last Universal Common Ancestor

LUCA: Last Universal Common Ancestor

All living things originated from a common ancestor called the last universal common ancestor (LUCA). The origin of life existed before LUCA (3.5 – 4.1 bya)