Where did all the different types of living things come from? Nobody knows for certain, but many scientists think that plants and animals have gradually developed, or ‘evolved’, over millions of years. As they have changed, they have become better adapted to survive.
For example, millions of years ago plants had no flowers. They relied solely on the wind and the rain to transport their pollen to other plants, so that new seeds could develop. But over time, plants developed simple flowers to attract insects. Insects accidently pick up sticky pollen as they feed on flower nectar, and carry it to nearby plants, helping the flowers to reproduce.
Human beings may have evolved from ape-like animals. These developed the ability to stand upright on just two feet, so that they could then use their hands for other things. Over millions of years they learnt how to use tools and developed these to become successful hunters.
Fossils are the remains of plants and animals that have been preserved in rock. They give us clues about the life of ancient living things. Scientists can work out the age of fossils by dating the rocks in which they are found.
Insect-pollinated plants tend to have fragrant, brightly coloured flowers to attract insects.