Devonian Period
419-359 million years ago
About this Period
Age of Fishes and first forests
Detailed Overview
Known as the "Age of Fishes," the Devonian period saw a major diversification of fish, including the rise of sharks and both ray-finned and lobe-finned fish. This period marked the evolution of the first four-legged vertebrates (tetrapods) and the development of the first forests and complex land plants. These forests created new habitats and began significantly altering Earth's atmosphere. The period ended with a major extinction event that particularly affected marine life.
