One of the most surprising facts about sharks is that they have existed for over 400 million years, which means they appeared before trees. Sharks evolved during the Devonian period, often referred to as the Age of Fish. During this time, the first species of sharks began to appear in the oceans, long before plants and trees began to populate the land. In contrast, the first trees evolved around 350 million years ago, making sharks older than trees by millions of years. This remarkable timeline shows how resilient and adaptable sharks have been throughout Earth’s history.

The Longevity of Sharks and Their Evolution

Sharks' longevity as a species is a testament to their evolutionary success. Over the centuries, sharks have adapted to various environmental changes, developing specialized features such as streamlined bodies and sharp teeth that make them one of the top predators in the ocean. Their ability to survive multiple mass extinction events further demonstrates the robustness of their design. On the other hand, trees have also evolved to become an essential part of Earth’s ecosystem, providing oxygen and shelter to countless species. However, the fact that sharks have survived for longer than trees highlights their incredible adaptability in an ever-changing world. Shutdown123