Complex animals evolved up to 10 million years earlier than previously thought, fossil discovery shows
A recent fossil discovery in northwestern Canada indicates that complex animals evolved up to 10 million years earlier than previously believed. The site contains over 100 fossils, including six taxa not previously found in North America, dating back 567 million years. This research provides new insights into the evolution of multicellular life during the Ediacaran period.
- ▪The fossil site in Canada suggests complex animals evolved earlier than previously thought.
- ▪More than 100 fossils were discovered, including six taxa never found in North America before.
- ▪The findings push back the origins of mobile animals by several million years.
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Planet Earth Evolution Complex animals evolved up to 10 million years earlier than previously thought, fossil discovery shows Trove of fossils discovered in Canada sheds light on "when life first became large, complex and unmistakenly animal." By Skyler Ware published 20 May 2026 in News When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. An illustration of a possible ancient ecosystem based on a new fossil site in Canada's Northwest Territories, inspired by the fossils recently found there.
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