Vertebrates originated about 525 million years ago during the Cambrian explosion, which saw rise in organism diversity. The earliest known vertebrate is believed to be Myllokunmingia. One of many early vertebrates are Haikouichthys ercaicunensis.

When did vertebrates evolve to land?

It's hard to overstate how much of a game-changer it was when vertebrates first rose up from the waters and moved onshore about 390 million years ago. That transition led to the rise of the dinosaurs and all the land animals that exist today.

When did vertebrate life begin?

530 million years ago. The first true vertebrate – an animal with a backbone – appears.