Tetrapods and the Invasion of Land

Abstract

The Devonian gives the first widespread evidence for nonmarine conditions and is remarkable for evidence of the colonization of land as well as freshwater rivers and lakes by both plants and fishes. It was a period that saw the extensive evolutionary radiation and proliferation of fishes in both fresh and marine waters, hence why it is popularly known as the “Age of Fishes.” These conditions were well represented on all the continents and are responsible for iconic images of murky swamp lands and a luxuriant flora of mosses and giant ferns among which lurked strange fish-like creatures, benignly unaware of their oddities.