Before plants, the surface of the early Earth was barren rock. In these halls,
you can follow 410 million years of plant evolution, as plants developed new
reproductive strategies for dealing with the varied and often extreme conditions
on land. Early land plants reproduced by spores, like ferns do today. Then,
about 340 million years ago, these pioneers gave rise to seed-bearing plants.
Plant evolution took another leap 125 million years ago when flowering plants
appeared. Exquisitely preserved fossil flowers and leaves are on display. Also
on view is a re-creation of the plants and animals that lived 125 million years
ago on the future site of Washington, D.C.
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| Early Land Plant |
Fossil Seeds |
Fossil Flowers |
Fossil Flowers |
The Future Site of Washington, D.C. |
