Land plants began reshaping Earth 455 million years ago, scientists discover
Phys.org
February 25, 2026
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Land plants began significantly shaping Earth's environment much earlier than previously thought, according to groundbreaking research led by Prof. Zhao Mingyu from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The study, published in *Nature Ecology & Evolution*, reveals that early land plants may have started influencing terrestrial environments as far back as 455 million years ago. This discovery pushes back the timeline for when these primitive plant species began their transformative impact on Earth's surface systems.
The research team analyzed geological evidence to trace the earliest signs of plant colonization and its effects on soil formation, nutrient cycling, and atmospheric changes. By examining ancient rocks and minerals, they identified chemical and mineralogical shifts that indicate plant activity much earlier than what was previously believed. This suggests that land plants played a crucial role in altering Earth's ecosystems, potentially contributing to the development of more complex terrestrial habitats.
This finding is significant for understanding the co-evolution of life and environment on Earth. Land plants not only shaped the physical landscape but also had far-reaching effects on climate regulation, atmospheric composition, and the emergence of diverse ecosystems. Their influence likely paved the way for the expansion of other land organisms, including insects and vertebrates, fostering a more dynamic biosphere.
The study highlights how early life forms can have profound and long-lasting impacts on planetary systems. By pinpointing when these changes began
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/25/2026