★ Origin and Evolution of Early Life on Earth: The Precambrian evolutionary history of life accounts for about six-sevenths of the whole history of life on earth. A series of “milestone” events in the evolution of life occurred during this period, including: the origin of life and the establishment of the original ecosystem at 4.6-35 billion years ago; the formation of the oxidized atmosphere and the emergence of eukaryotes at about 2.5 billion years ago; the origin and early radiation of multicellular animals and multicellular plants, the establishment and evolution of complex ecosystems during Mesoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic eras. Multi-disciplinary research aims at a holistic understanding of the times of their occurrence, environmental background, and the processes involved.
★ Origin, Radiation, Extinction, and Recovery of life at Critical Intervals in the Geological History: The patterns and environmental context of the origin, diversification, extinction, and recovery of major groups of organisms.
