First Life explores how life evolved from its earliest beginnings in the Precambrian (4.6 billion – 539 million years ago) to the major diversification of complex life forms in the Cambrian Period (539 – 485 million years ago). Discover some of the oldest known fossils—including the earliest evidence of life in Alberta—as well as the amazing creatures of the Burgess Shale.
![First Life new exhibit](/sites/default/files/styles/max_730_x_400/public/images/exhibit/RTMP-First-life-web.jpg?itok=f2aFewbI)
Extraordinary Canadian fossils and captivating videos, illustrations, models, and hands-on interactive activities reveal the story of early life.
These models depict the creatures of the Burgess Shale at 12 times their actual size.